July 2019

FINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREA

July 2019

The Great

Outdoors

PLANET-FRIENDLY GRILLING

With Veggie Sauces and Marinades

BACKYARD GLAMPING

Rev Up Your Summer Parties

CALIFORNIA CACTUS CENTER

A Family Affair for Nearly

Half a Century

OUTDOOR FITNESS

Work Out in the Stadium

Of Champions

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arroyo

VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 07 | JULY 2019

15

PHOTOS: (top)Courtesy of WonderTent Parties; (bottom right) Brenda Rees

10 32

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

10 THE BEEFLESS SUMMER

Save the planet and your taste buds by grilling veggies and topping

them with dressings and marinades.

—By LESLIE BILDERBACK

15 GO GLAMPING, BACKYARD-STYLE

With a little (or a lot) of help, your summer party can be the talk of the town.

—By BRENDA REES

29 OUTDOOR FITNESS

Stadium Fitness promises to train you “where legends have played.”

—By NOELA HUESO

32 A FAMILY AFFAIR

The California Cactus Center nurtures botanical wonders and familial

bonds.

—By BRENDA REES

DEPARTMENTS

09 FESTIVITIES The Blue Ribbon lunches, Indecent opens, LACO

celebrates

27 ARROYO HOME SALES INDEX

37 KITCHEN CONFESSIONS Mixology Month

38 ARROYO COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH The Ginny Hendricks

39 THE LIST AmericaFest toasts July 4th, the Cal Phil celebrates Bastille Day and

more

07.19 ARROYO | 5

EDITOR’S NOTE

Sumer is icumen in, as my high school

music class used to sing many moons

ago. I have a lot more summers

under my belt than winters, ever since

trudging through Boston blizzards in

college and ice storms in Kansas City

where I worked on a local newspaper.

Actually, landlocked Kansas City

is the extreme weather champ, in my

experience: it’s both the coldest and

the hottest place I’ve ever lived.

Of course, there are other contenders

for sweltering summers,

including humid New York City and

Miami, where I also worked as a

reporter. I remember an early lesson in not being penny wise and pound

foolish when I neglected to buy a car with air-conditioning. Sometimes

I’d be sopping wet when I showed up for assignments.

SoCal summers may be much drier, but they carry their own hazards

— including deadly wildfi res — that are intensifying due to climate

change. But the ability to spend many summer days outdoors in comfort

is still a thing here, especially with our cooler desert nights. So this issue

celebrates the season of life en plein air, with suggestions for outdoor

fi tness, food, gardening and great parties.

The intrepid Noela Hueso scampered up and down the Rose Bowl’s

77 steps — four times — to sample the supercharged workouts offered by

Stadium Fitness at the legendary venue. Kitchen Confessions columnist

Leslie Bilderback explains why you should consider grilling vegetables

rather than the traditional red meat and tempts you with recipes for

delicious sauces and marinades. Brenda Rees visits East Pasadena’s

California Cactus Center, where one family has excelled in propagating

and selling rare and common cacti and succulents for 47 years.

And don’t miss Brenda’s story about a new entertaining trend —

backyard glamping (a.k.a. luxury camping). You’d be surprised how

much tents, pillows, movie screens, chandeliers and/or other accoutrements

can raise the fun factor of your outdoor parties this summer.

—Irene Lacher

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Irene Lacher

ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Richard Garcia

PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Yumi Kanegawa

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Bettijane Levine

COPY EDITOR John Seeley

CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Bilderback, Léon Bing,

Martin Booe, Michael Cervin, Scarlet Cheng,

Richard Cunningham, Tommy Ewasko, Noela

Hueso, Kathleen Kelleher, Frier McCollister, Brenda

Rees, Jordan Riefe, Ilsa Setziol, John Sollenberger,

Nancy Spiller

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Lisa Chase,

Rick Federman, Javier Sanchez

ADVERTORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Bruce Haring

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker

PAYROLL Linda Lam

ACCOUNTING Perla Castillo, Quinton Wright

OFFICE MANAGER Ann Turrietta

PUBLISHER Dina Stegon

arroyo

FINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREA

SOUTHLAND PUBLISHING

V.P. OF OPERATIONS David Comden

PRESIDENT Bruce Bolkin

CONTACT US

ADVERTISING

dinas@pasadenaweekly.com

EDITORIAL

editor@arroyomonthly.com

PHONE

(626) 584-1500

FAX

(626) 795-0149

MAILING ADDRESS

50 S. De Lacey Ave., Ste. 200,

Pasadena, CA 91105

ArroyoMonthly.com

©2019 Southland Publishing, Inc.

All rights reserved.

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FESTIVITIES

FESTIVITIES

Jill Baldauf and Terri Kohl

Scott Harrison with Carol and Warner Henry and Anne-Marie and Leslie Lassiter

PHOTOS: © Luque Photograph (The Blue Ribbon); JBen Gibbs (LACO Concert Gala); Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging (Indecent)

Terri Kohl

Jackie Rosenberg, Jill Baldauf, Diane Morton and Terri Kohl

Nearly 140 Blue Ribbon members welcomed incoming President

Terri Kohl, a noted Pasadena philanthropist, at the Dorothy

Chandler Pavilion on May 22. “Terri is passionate about the

performing arts and making a difference and will guide The Blue

Ribbon into the future,” outgoing President Jill Baldauf told the

preeminent women’s support group for The Music Center at its

Jane Kaczmarek

annual general meeting and luncheon. The Blue Ribbon also

named arts advocate Diane Morton its 2019 Woman of the

Year; the longtime Blue Ribbon member has donated millions

to the Music Center, including a $1.25 million legacy gift to The

Blue Ribbon’s Children’s Festival Endowment, which she made

with her son, James Gelb…George Takei, Justin Kirk and

Richard Schiff were among the many actors who joined Pulitzer

Prize–winning playwright Paula Vogel and Tony Award–winning

Director Rebecca Taichman at the June 9 opening of their

play, Indecent, at the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown L.A. The

play, about a scandalous Yiddish theater production a century

ago, brought the audience to its feet and runs through July 7…

On May 2, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra moved to a sleek

new location — the InterContinental Hotel in downtown L.A. — for

its annual gala, co-chaired by Pasadena’s Carol Henry and

Anne-Marie Spataru. The ensemble welcomed Music Director

Designate Jaime Martin, who conducted a performance of de

Falla’s “El amor brujo” with Sierra Madre mezzo-soprano Suzanna

Guzmán, and honored acclaimed concertmaster Margaret

Batjer, who performed two Bach concertos against a backdrop

of city lights.

Margaret Batjer and Cho-Liang Lin

Jaime Martin, Laureate Jeffrey Kahane and Martha Kahane

George Takei Justin Kirk Richard Schiff Paula Vogel and Rebecca Taichman

07.19 | ARROYO | 9

THE BEEFLESS

SUMMER

Save the planet and your taste buds by grilling veggies

and topping them with dressings and marinades.

BY LESLIE BILDERBACK

It’s officially summer, which in Southern California (and

most of America) means outdoor

activities. The beach, the park, thepublic pool and, of course, the backyard. This

is the season when entertaining officially moves outside.

But lately, especially here in California, summer outdoor activities have

faced a number of obstacles. Though we’ve had a record wet spring, I am

bracing for a repeat of last year’s extreme heat, which drove me back inside

more than once. A sky full of smoke from wild fires, which experts warn will

become the new normal, also kept me in. And all that rainwater has produced

an unusually large crop of mosquitos, which made hanging outside in the cool

dusk — prime BBQ hours — miserable and hazardous. But even if none of those

elements keep you inside this summer, these environmental changes are going to

force us to reevaluate our idea of summer fun.There is no doubt that climate change has

altered our environment. That I can see it in my lifetime is upsetting enough. What lies

in store for my progeny is what keeps me up at night. Sure, your canvas tote bag and solarpowered

phone charger are totally helping. But if you really want to make an impact, there

is one significant thing you can do right now.

Stop eating beef.

By now, everyone is aware that factory farming is killing the planet. Numerous studies,

international political movements and films have been highlighting the dangers

for over a decade. (The 2008 film Food Inc. changed the way I sourced product at work.)

There have been moderate attempts to offer planet-friendly alternatives to the masses,

such as cage-free eggs and grass-fed meat. Chefs are creating plant-based menus, and the

faux “Impossible Burger” is available from the best white-tableclothed joint to Burger

King. But we still drool at the first whiff of charring meat. I’m fairly convinced that the

Char Boy burger joint in my neighborhood doesn’t need to vent its grill smoke onto the

street — but doing so is advertising genius.

What will it take to get Americans to lay off cows? Perhaps the best incentive is fear of

planetary extinction.

–continued on page 12

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–continued from page 10

While the “they’re coming for our hamburgers” rhetoric has been used as fodder

for the anti–Green New Deal faction (the deal that, by the way, mentions nothing

about beef), it is true that switching to a plant-focused diet is the single biggest thing

we can do to lower greenhouse-gas emissions. In fact, of the four most important

changes humans can make — eat plants, limit air travel, go car-free and have smaller

families — giving up meat will have the largest impact, and it is the only one I am

readily able to do. (Reminder — broccoli is cheaper than a Tesla.)

A recent National Academy of Sciences study on the environmental impact of

animal foods looked at five of the most consumed animal products — beef, dairy,

pork, poultry and eggs. It makes perfect sense that beef, the largest of the factoryfarmed

animals, is 10 times more damaging to the planet than other animal foods we

consume. Beef production is responsible for 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

Cutting out red meat would do more for the planet than abandoning cars. It would

also be easier and faster. (Which is a relief, because I love driving my manual transmission

way more than I love beef.)

Although total livestock is the largest land user worldwide, the beef production

uses 28 times more land, and 11 times more water, than each of the other four animal

products. This means that you don’t even need to go as far as veganism to make an

impact. Although, when compared to plant food production, beef uses 160 times

more land, and creates 11 times the emissions. And because we live in a droughtfamiliar

part of the country, you might find it interesting that one pound of beef

requires 2,400 gallons of water, while one pound of wheat uses a mere 25 gallons. So,

yeah, thanks for putting that brick in your toilet tank and turning off the faucet while

you brush, but how ’bout you lay off the carne asada this weekend? It will save more

water than a year of skipped showers.

I know. It’s grilling season. And grilling is as ’Merican as hamburger. And while I

am encouraging you to lay off meat completely, I will settle for a temporary abstention

from beef. To facilitate this, I am offering some suggestions for beef-free grilling

that will not only make your smoke-choked, mosquito-infested barbeque a success,

they will also help stem the tide of global warming.

My biggest peeve regarding vegetarianism is the compulsion many feel to make

it seem like meat. Plants taste good as they are, and to disguise them does Mother

Nature a disservice. Literally anything can be grilled, and everything is improved

with the taste of the grill. Vegetable grilling is not rocket science, and there are a

plethora of ideas in cookbooks and on the Internet for you to sift through. I have

rounded up some of my favorites, with the caveat that you can easily create your

own versions. I routinely grill all kinds of vegetables in the summer — not just the

standard Portobello mushrooms and corn (which are perfect and delicious). Try

quartered cauliflower, skewered Brussels sprouts, sliced winter squash, asparagus

spears (place them perpendicular to the grill slats!), whole cherry tomatoes, hearts of

romaine or radicchio and avocados (halved and pitted with skin on). Once the veggies

are charred, they can be tossed with a dressing, chopped and stuffed into flatbread or

sandwiched between buns.

Giving up meat altogether would be the ideal. But asking 400 million people to

go meatless without some sort of immediate incentive (because it’s obvious that saving

the planet is not enough of a motivator) is going to be challenging. What I will

ask, though, is for you to give up red meat, at least a couple days a week. By doing

this, you can still significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

GRILLED VEGETABLE DRESSINGS

AND MARINADES

All of these marinades are prepared by simply mixing all the ingredients together and

macerating with your chosen vegetables for about 1 hour before grilling. When the

veggies hit the grill, cook them until they are marked and a little charred. No need to

check internal temperatures! Times will vary depending on the vegetables, but nothing

will take longer than five to 10 minutes. You can grill veggies individually, lock

them into a grilling basket or thread them on skewers. It’s easier, healthier and more

conscience-soothing than a steak ever was.

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Indian Curried Yogurt Marinade

Try this with quartered red onion, cauliflower, halved new potatoes, green beans and

pumpkin. It’s great for chicken too. Scoop it up with some garlic naan.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups plain yogurt

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 to 3 tablespoons grated ginger

Middle-Eastern Pomegranate Marinade

Try this with halved parsnips, turnips, carrots, romaine hearts or summer squash.

Not bad with lamb either. Serve with some grilled pita and fresh hummus.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup plain yogurt

1 cup pomegranate juice

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

Grated zest of 1 lemon

1 chopped shallot

Thai Green Curry Marinade

Try this with red or yellow bell peppers, zucchini, whole green onions, new potatoes,

sweet potatoes, asparagus and wedged green or Savoy cabbage. Toss them into a dish

of noodles or over a bowl of rice. It’s also great for shrimp.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup coconut milk

Grated zest and juice of 1 lime

2 tablespoons coconut or canola oil

1 tablespoon grated ginger

Provençal Marinade

Perfect for zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggplant, fennel and artichokes. Chop

them and layer onto a grilled flatbread, then top with goat cheese for a decadent summer

pizza.

INGREDIENTS

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

¼ cup red wine vinegar

½ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

3 tablespoons tandoori or garam masala

spice blend

¼ cup coconut or canola oil

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of sea salt

1 teaspoon ground cumin

¼ cup fi nely chopped cilantro

2 to 4 tablespoons green curry paste

1 tablespoon prepared pesto

1 tablespoon herbes de Provence (or

½ tablespoon each of thyme, oregano,

rosemary, lavender)

Soy Balsamic Marinade

Use this for summer squash, eggplant, whole baby bok choy, green onions, broccoli

and carrots. It’s also perfect for your favorite firm fish filet. Finish with fresh chopped

cilantro and black sesame seeds.

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Sesame Peanut Marinade

Try with bok choy, cauliflower, whole small or halved large carrots, parsnips, zucchini,

sweet potatoes and even pineapple wheels. Terrific on pork too.

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup peanut butter

¼ cup rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons sesame oil

Spicy Marinade for Tropical Fruit

Try this marinade for mango, pineapple, kiwi and bananas, firm melons and cucumbers.

Then serve the finished fruits over cool sorbet with a coconut macaroon.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup maple syrup

Grated zest and juice of 1 lime

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Honey Port Marinade for...

Try this with whole figs, peaches, plums, pears and, when the season arrives in the

fall, persimmons. Spoon over vanilla ice cream, or into a crispy meringue cup.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Port wine

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons peanut oil

1 tablespoon honey

1 to 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce or

Sriracha

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon cayenne

Grated zest and juice of 1 orange

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

½ teaspoon ground cardamom

07.19 | ARROYO | 13

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GO GLAMPING, BACKYARD-STYLE

With a little (or a lot) of help, your summer party can be the talk of the town.

BY BRENDA REES

PHOTOS: Courtesy of WonderTent Parties

The staycation phenomenon spotlighted the pleasures of hanging out inside your home,

offering you a chance to relax and unwind in the comfort of your own recliner or bed,

where you can get lost in an assortment of Netflix-binging options. And a new trend

aims to reintroduce you to your patio, porch, deck and backyard in ways you didn’t think

possible.

Now glamping, or luxurious camping — combining a nature experience with lavish furnishings

— is hitting closer to home. Backyard barbecues are becoming more extravagant,

baby showers more memorable. Birthday sleepovers are celebrated with enchanted flair, and

simple family gatherings are benefiting from greater creativity.

Backyard glamping is officially a thing. Just scan Pinterest and see the thousands of images

folks are posting of their elaborate thematic setups, their clever use of lighting draped

inside and outside of canvas tents that are artfully decorated with throw pillows, Moroccan

rugs and hanging chandeliers. Kids’ sleepover parties are enhanced with Martha Stewart–

inspired crafts, tasteful design elements encircling the “campfire” (a.k.a. fire pit) and giant

outdoor versions of Jenga and Connect Four.

If these extras sound exhausting for the time-crunched host and hostess, don’t worry.

A handful of companies are making it easier for clients to throw a backyard glamping

experience, because organizing a gathering — no matter how big or small — comes with its

own set of stresses. Hosts work with designers to tailor the events (such as bridal showers,

graduations, book-club meetings or girls’ night-outs) to be as elaborate or simple as needed.

On the day of the event, all the necessary gear and accessories will be delivered and often

set up for you. After the shindig, crews pack everything up so there’s no post-party hassle

and cleanup.

“We started thinking we would focus on children, but we learned quickly that adults

want these kinds of experiences as much as kids do,” says Trish Healy, founder of Studio

City–based WonderTent Parties, launched in 2017. Originally from Australia, Healy said

the idea for the company was sparked by a request from 13-year-old Celia, a child she and

her husband were fostering at the time. Celia’s Christmas wish list included a sleepover,

something she had yet to experience. This simple request turned into not just an unforgettable

event for Celia (who’s now officially adopted by the couple) but a business opportunity

for Healy, who decided to elevate the humble slumber party into a memory-making event.

And who can blame parents when they see kids having fun with their friends in a

relatively nondigital manner? In addition to tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and lanterns,

parties can include a karaoke machine, popcorn cart, dress-up clothes and more. Adults,

says Healy, have options to kick it up a notch with five-star experiences that have included

gourmet dining on low tables, wine or tequila tastings, massage tables, sushi sampling, a

Tiki bar, tarot card readings and more.

Of course, low-key requests are also popular. Healy once organized a Father’s Day

backyard glamping party for a few families that involved a dinner, a movie and tents. “The

families brought the dads’ favorite recliners outside for them to watch the movie,” she says,

explaining that clients often personalize their parties with items they already own. “Backyard

glamping is all about creating a shared experience with others.”


07.19 | ARROYO | 15


Another company that serendipitously fell into serving backyard glampers is Los

Angeles–based Joymode, which has been offering camping bundles for folks wanting to

camp — without the ruggedness and/or the gear hassle — at such far-flung destinations as

Joshua Tree and the Pacific Coast. Joymode drops off all the gear for you at the campsite

(yes, you have to set it up yourself) and picks it up afterward. In addition to warm canvas

tents, they supply rugs, air mattresses, sturdy camp chairs and other accoutrements to

make your campsite the envy of the others.

Realizing that a campsite can be a close as a client’s own backyard, Joymode started

offering home glamping bundles which can, according to Molly Schmidt, the company’s

head of merchandise, “take an ordinary weekend or sleepover party and turn it into a

magical event because you are outdoors. You can do all the traditional camping things —

roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, snuggle in your sleeping bags — but you’re not far

from home. It’s the ultimate in low-tech comfort.”

Camping gear is bulky and often needed only sporadically, so renting from a company

that will supply and sanitize everything is a popular choice, says Schmidt. If a person has

never set up a tent before, detailed but simple instructions are included for novices. Rental

products are intensely curated so folks will experience the crème de la crème of blenders,

projection screens, Go-Pro cameras, even TheraGun professional massagers. “This is a way

for many of our clients to get access to these items and test them out,” says Schmidt. Clients

often suggest items for the company to carry; a big request lately is baby gear available

for traveling parents who don’t want to lug all the extras with them. Likewise, Healy has

had clients who have fallen in love with certain items (usually cushions and tableware along

with kids’ products) and want to purchase them outright. “That’s another area we never

thought about before,” she says.

But cool accessories aside, the experience is what really matters. When her preschool

daughter’s annual camping trip to Big Pines was rained out earlier this year, Mary Everard

of West Los Angeles canceled her Joymode gear delivery but decided to rent a backyard

tent package that included a projector and screen for Disney movies. “It was really fun, we

made a weekend of it,” she says, explaining that she wanted her two older children (ages 3

and 5) to have good memories of these “little things that are out of the ordinary that they

did with their family when they were young.”

At its core, backyard glamping is about human connection, explains Healy. “We

are living in an age when people are a little removed from each other, even with social

media,” she says. “This is about bringing friends and family together in a loving home

environment where you can create amazing experiences. It’s a natural extension of the

comfort and warmth of your home — and how wonderful that you want to share that with

friends and others around you.” ||||

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SHOULD YOU BACKYARD GLAMP?

Hosting an event in your own backyard has pros and cons, says Kelsey Sheofsky, the

founder of Shelter Co., a luxury pop-up camping and outdoor-events supplier based in

Northern California. In addition to managing large events, Sheofsky has overseen numerous

backyard kid’s parties, bar mitzvahs and 50th birthdays as well as large weddings and

other formal events.

Smaller events are easier to plan, and “when you are in your backyard, you are on familiar

ground,” she adds. Crowd control is not the only issue with large events. “There are lots

of considerations and costs, especially things you might not automatically think about, like

landscape lighting, parking and how a septic system will hold up,” she says.

For overnight events, there is always a fear that guests won’t enjoy the experience.

“People are always concerned, saying that ‘My family doesn’t camp!’ They don’t like being

outdoors” says Sheofsky. “But 100 percent of the time, we get people telling us that they

have had the best sleep in years in our tents. So warm and cozy. Don’t be afraid if you think

you don’t have an outdoor crowd — they will really enjoy themselves.”

Thinking about a summer backyard glamping event? Designers and party-planners say

to let your own creativity be your guide, especially when you want to keep the budget low

but fun factor high. Keep the audience in mind, whether it’s adolescent girls, middle-school

boys, members of your book club or out-of-town family members.

In general, look around your closets and garage for items that can — with a few glam

touches — be repurposed outside. Maybe a trip to local thrift stores, Ikea, Cost Plus,

Costco and Target is in order. Remember, style and substance along with unusual activities

can transform a simple gathering into the Best Summer Party Ever.

HERE ARE SUGGESTIONS TO GET YOUR

GLAMPING STARTED:

1) It’s glamping, so you’ve got to have a tent or a tent-like enclosure to define a

party-mood space. You can dust off that extra-large tent that’s been in your garage for

years, or assemble a series of pop-up canopies decorated with fabric swaths to create

a breezy gazebo structure. There’s always the “tie a rope between tall trees and create

tipi-like structures” approach as well. Depending on your gathering, you may want

just one main party space or a series of rooms. Will there be a food tent? Lounge tent?

Movie tent? Sleeping tent? Even for the budget-minded, this is one item you may want

to rent since it’s the main piece of infrastructure. You might want to think beyond

traditional canvas tents; consider inflatable bubble tents, which are all the rage in the

eco-glamping community. Based in Arizona, Bubble Huts (bubblehuts.com) offers a

selection of see-through structures so you can feel like you are outside...even when you

are technically inside.

2) Furnishings: From mud-cloth to frills, from velvety to plush — pillows of all

sizes and shapes will make your backyard event even glampier. Woven rugs add earthy

textures to the landscape. Colorful rugs beckon guests to sit, stretch out and relax

among friends. Low tables encourage lounging.

3) Eating spaces can be tricky. How formal or casual is the event? Simple dishware

can be easier to clean up. Will there be a sit-down area or buffet line? Maybe food will

be sprinkled throughout various tables and tents? Prepare food in advance so you’re

not stuck behind a grill the entire party. Finger foods are perfect. Of course, what’s a

camping dessert without the obligatory s’mores? Use dark chocolate, trendy flavored

marshmallows and toast over your fire pit.

4) Lighting: The event will probably incorporate dusk and nighttime — it’s camping!

Light up the Tiki torches and string twinkly white lights around the landscape.

Strategically position camping lanterns to set the mood. Opt for flameless candles.

Solar-powered wine-bottle lights cast a rosy golden glow after the sun goes down.

Create a kaleidoscope of color with Bliss Lights laser projections (blisslights.com),

which fling a whirl of rainbow colors onto trees, fences and outdoor walls.

5) Forgo the candles and bug spray, and glam up your insect deterrent. The Mosquito

Repellent DecoShield Lantern (decoshield.com) uses pleasant-smelling all-natural

essential oils and repels mosquitos and biting flies within a 300-square-foot space.

It’s encased in a stylish cover and also serves as a lantern, casting a soft glow.

6) The details: As with all creative endeavors, the devil is in the details. Arrange

cut flowers in mason jars. Incorporate antique sculptures and colorful swaths of flowy

scarves and other materials, lacy hangings and art weavings. Possibilities are endless.

7) But in the end, it’s the shared activities that will make your party. Have friends

bring over their guitars, ukuleles, bongos and keyboards for an impromptu jam session.

If it’s warm, splurge on a three-person adult-size inflatable pool (from Target)

and take turns. Oversized Jenga and Connect Four seem more fun outdoors. But

hands down, watching a movie on a large outdoor screen — maybe a GPX projection

screen — while you are snuggled up in a sleeping bag with your kids or cozying up

to your sweetie could be the ultimate in backyard glamping. Now, the big decision:

Which movie will you watch?

— B.R.

07.19 | ARROYO | 17

ARROYO

HOME & DESIGN

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

SURROUND YOUR

POOL WITH

FUN ADD-ONS

Innovative decking, swim-up

bars and giant slides are the

hot new trends for Southern

California pools

By Bruce Haring

18 | ARROYO | 07.19

continued on page 21

PHOTO: Courtesy of GARDEN VIEW LANDSCAPE, NURSERY & POOLS

07.19 | ARROYO | 19

20 | ARROYO | 07.19

—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

continued from page 18

Southern California is known as the land of swimming pools. Given our

temperate climate and the recreation and relaxation possibilities afforded

by having access to a pool, many homeowners wouldn’t consider their life

complete without one.

But a pool is really just a hole in the ground filled with water. What really

makes them come alive are the accessories that you bring to it, including

decking, waterfalls, slides, pool bars and other add-ons. These truly make the

space exciting, and appealing added components round out the backyard

swimming pool experience.

US consumers are expected to spend $1.1 billion on their swimming pools in

2019, according to research firm IBISworld, a number that is expected to increase

year over year. That means the pool is increasingly the center of home social

life, and given the trend toward integrating indoor and outdoor spaces in home

design, it only figures to keep growing.

Here are some of the hotter trends in Southern California pool design and

accessories.

*** Giant slides: Sure, that 1950s small slide with skinny legs is still around in

some dated homes. But the really fun pools are featuring large slides that would

be right at home in a commercial water park, multiplying the fun and offering

new thrills to your guests. Carrying names like the Adrenaline, the G-Force, and

the Helix-2, these slides offer twists and turns on slides that can measure 20 feet

in vertical height. In many pools, large slides have replaced old-fashioned diving

boards as the center of attention.

*** Because the diving board is largely becoming a relic, so, too, are deep

ends of the pool being eliminated. A new trend is building a pool that’s about

four-feet to six-feet in depth, with some offering a one-foot-deep children’s

area. These are known as sports pools, and are popular with families that like to

get everyone into the water. The smaller depth has an added bonus: because

the water volume is less, it’s less expensive to heat and treat the water, and

installation costs are lower.

*** Part of the fun of socializing around a pool is enjoying some great food

and drink. Some pool owners are borrowing a concept from major resorts and

installing built-in bars in their pools, allowing people to swim up and enjoy a

beverage without leaving the cool waters.

*** Pool decking is becoming more than just a concrete rim around the

water. Decking featuring porcelain tile, a flooring product that can resemble

natural wood, stone or other materials, is popular, and gives the pool area a

contemporary feel. Also rising in stature is the concept of a beach entry, where a

slope allows you to gradually descend into the water, much as you would enter

the ocean from a beach. This touch can be incorporated into your surrounding

areas to create a beautiful landscape. Some decking areas are also featuring

slip-resistant stone epoxy, which lessens the slippery surface that concrete poses

when it gets wet. It’s available in various colors that can compliment the rest of

your design scheme.

*** Another trend in accessories is energy efficient pumps. Large cartridge

pool filters can lessen the need for costly cleanings. Similarly, pool heaters are

becoming more energy efficient, with solar options available for sustainable


07.19 | ARROYO | 21

22 | ARROYO | 07.19

07.19 | ARROYO | 23

24 | ARROYO | 07.19

—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—


pool warmth. Pool covers can also help keep the water warm and limit water

evaporation.

*** Most cities require you to install a fence around your pool for safety

reasons. But it doesn’t have to present a grim, rigid barrier. Glass fences or mesh

netting pool fences are rising in popularity, presenting a design aesthetic that

provides a unique touch. Just make sure what you propose passes muster with

the town officials before spending.

*** Lighting schemes are also becoming popular add-ons. Advanced LED

lights can change the color of the pool and allows you to keep an eye on all

areas of the water during evening swims.

PHOTO: Courtesy of GARDEN VIEW LANDSCAPE, NURSERY & POOLS

LOCAL TRENDS IN POOLS

Mark Meahl is the president of Garden View Landscape, Nursery & Pools,

a Monrovia-based and family-run business that’s been serving Southern

California’s swimming needs since 1978. The company just won the best Water

Feature installation in California from the California Landscape Contractors

Association for a project in Sierra Madre with a real rock grotto in a pool. They

also won the best Landscape renovation in California for another project in Sierra

Madre that had a Japanese garden theme with a pool and pergola.

Meahl says new pool installs and remodels are adding artistic and special

features that make the pool a greater part of outdoor living. “We generally

are placing the outdoor living room close to the pool, so that it becomes a

part of the social hub, along with a beautiful place to enjoy this great Southern

California weather,” Meahl says.

If you have a dream pool, the first step is to talk to an expert to determine

the viability of your vision and establish the budget. “I will come out to the house,

show a computerized portfolio while keeping notes on the clients tastes, style,

scope and budget,” Meahl says. “We will discuss style, theory and how art

applies to the design. We will have a discussion on a budget and break that

down into manageable pieces and discuss how to move forward.”

One trend Meahl has seen in Southern California is the ADU (Additional

Dwelling Units). Planning boards are being encouraged to innovate to help with

the regional housing shortage. ”In many cases, the rules have been relaxed and

these units can be also used as pool houses,” Meahl says. Besides building pools

and outdoor gardens, we are general contractors who employ carpenters and

can build all types of outdoor construction.”

Now, the all-important question: What’s a decent-sized budget? Although

there are plenty of projects below or above, Meahl says his average project is

between $100,000 to $200,000. But, he notes, “Investing in quality does not have

to break the bank. Poor quality is never a good investment for the long term.”

Which, when added together with the hours of enjoyment a pool will bring

friends and family, is a pretty good return on investment.

07.19 | ARROYO | 25

26 | ARROYO | 07.19

arroyo

HOME SALES ABOVE $1,100,000

~HOME SALES INDEX~

HOME SALES

-0.62%

AVG. PRICE/SQ. FT.

-0.06%

may

2018

972

HOMES

SOLD

may

2019

365

HOMES

SOLD

RECENT HOME CLOSINGS IN THE PASADENA WEEKLY FOOTPRINT

source: CalREsource

ADDRESS CLOSE DATE PRICE BDRMS. SQ. FT. YR. BUILT PREV. PRICE PREV. SOLD

ALHAMBRA

102 South Curtis Ave. 5/31/19 $1,120,000 5 2,179 1920 $813,000 4/5/06

10 North Primrose Ave. 5/28/19 $1,100,000 8 4,874 1926

ALTADENA

1560 Homewood Dr. 5/7/19 $2,895,000 4 4,922 1932

2709 Visscher Place 5/31/19 $1,985,000 5 4,204 1915

1374 Hull Lane 5/9/19 $1,566,500 4 2,611 1931 $1,417,500 2/9/15

838 West Heritage Oak Court 5/13/19 $1,475,000 5 3,886 1998 $732,000 1/10/02

1333 Pleasantridge Dr. 5/1/19 $1,400,000 5 5,672 1992

2140 Grand Oaks Ave. 5/28/19 $1,400,000 4 1,717 1948 $1,060,000 2/4/17

1221 New York Dr. 5/30/19 $1,400,000 3 2,355 1922

1163 Beverly Way 5/17/19 $1,340,000 6 2,248 1924 $740,000 2/2/12

1712 Midwick Dr. 5/14/19 $1,240,000 2 1,785 1950 $895,000 10/3/18

2011 Mar Vista Ave. 5/7/19 $1,189,000 5 3,719 1916

ARCADIA

960 Singing Wood Dr. 5/30/19 $3,000,000 3 2,605 1953

400 East Rodell Place 5/31/19 $2,780,000 $1,300,000 1/3/14

1230 Ramona Rd. 5/17/19 $2,530,000 4 3,264 1962

2018 South 6th Ave. 5/8/19 $2,200,000 5 5,500 1994 $900,000 1/25/99

1334 Oaklawn Rd. 5/9/19 $2,200,000 3 2,770 1953

1004 Mayfl ower Ave. 5/24/19 $2,180,000 $960,000 11/24/14

230 California St. 5/24/19 $1,650,000 3 1,850 1937 $1,180,000 4/3/15

1727 Highland Oaks Dr. 5/30/19 $1,508,000 3 3,049 1953

338 East Haven Ave. 5/14/19 $1,370,000 4 3,052 1995 $668,000 5/27/03

2566 Loganrita Ave. 5/29/19 $1,200,000 4 2,993 1948

1727 El Vista Circle 5/20/19 $1,190,000 3 1,645 1950

147 Alice St. 5/16/19 $1,110,000 3 1,797 1947 $640,000 12/16/08

E AGLE ROCK

2130 Hill Dr. 5/31/19 $1,492,000 2 2022 1921 $265,000 1/1/86

5329 Mount Royal Dr. 5/28/19 $1,434,000 3 2828 1930 $265,000 6/1/86

4834 Ray Court 5/7/19 $1,350,000 3 1,708 1947 $917,000 7/27/16

1547 Wildwood Dr. 5/15/19 $1,239,000 4 2,304 1965

1323 Brampton Rd. 5/22/19 $1,140,000 3 1760 1948 $769,000 4/23/18

GLENDALE

1407 West Kenneth Rd. 5/24/19 $6,000,000 5,696 1927 $3,375,000 9/13/13

1411 West Kenneth Rd. 5/24/19 $6,000,000 6,424 1927 $3,375,000 9/13/13

3429 Rosemary Ave. 5/30/19 $1,375,000 4 2,456 1927 $280,000 4/28/98

921 Calle Simpatico 5/30/19 $1,320,000 4 2,618 1990 $1,300,000 10/23/17

1810 Bel Aire Dr. 5/17/19 $1,220,000 6 2,626 1926 $375,000 4/2/98

1710 West Kenneth Rd. 5/24/19 $1,220,000 3 2,011 1930 $694,000 6/11/14

3381 Oakmont View Dr. 5/31/19 $1,218,000 5 4,176 1981 $1,202,000 5/24/05

1546 Grandview Ave. 5/16/19 $1,212,000 3 1,604 1946 $450,000 6/20/01

2333 Del Mar Rd. 5/29/19 $1,135,000 4 2814 1948 $528,000 3/7/11

1844 Fern Lane 5/1/19 $1,130,000 4 2,120 1958 $875,000 3/8/05

LA CAÑADA

4321 Chula Senda Lane 5/15/19 $7,750,000 5 9,669 2006 $6,900,000 8/25/14

1222 Green Lane 5/24/19 $3,450,000 4 3,090 1957 $1,875,000 4/7/15

5111 Alta Canyada Rd. 5/31/19 $3,000,000 3 4,582 1949

4616 El Camino Corto 5/30/19 $2,710,000 5 4,845 2006 $2,480,000 5/21/14

2021 Tondolea Lane 5/15/19 $2,655,000 4 4,175 2005 $1,815,000 3/2/09

4735 La Canada Blvd. 5/7/19 $2,570,000 4 3,014 1952 $2,375,000 4/5/16

4358 Beulah Dr. 5/2/19 $2,500,000 5 2,602 1950 $2,669,500 4/19/16

3747 Chevy Chase Dr. 5/3/19 $2,500,000 5 5,712 1954 $1,200,000 8/1/89

4368 Bel Aire Dr. 5/3/19 $2,480,000 4 3,189 2002 $1,705,000 9/21/06

1239 Lanterman Lane 5/14/19 $2,195,000 4 3,168 1960 $1,950,000 5/22/15

816 Chehalem Rd. 5/24/19 $2,150,000 3 1,810 1952 $1,160,000 4/21/15

1219 Olive Lane 5/8/19 $2,020,000 4 2,673 1962 $1,638,000 8/22/13

1628 Leycross Dr. 5/17/19 $2,000,000 4 3,140 1948 $1,190,000 9/19/07

4361 Bel Aire Dr. 5/1/19 $1,925,000 4 2,231 1938 $820,000 11/22/13

1932 Tondolea Lane 5/17/19 $1,925,000 4 2,987 1940

2102 Bristow Dr. 5/31/19 $1,438,000 4 2,213 1961

2322 Conle Way 5/16/19 $1,421,000 4 2,032 1969

4628 El Camino Corto 5/16/19 $1,300,000 2 2,527 1947

4551 Viro Rd. 5/23/19 $1,215,000 3 1,555 1946

4618 Lasheart Dr. 5/31/19 $1,100,000 3 2,074 1950

ALHAMBRA MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 23 37

Median Price $735,000 $670,000

Median Sq. Ft. 1552 1360

ALTADENA MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 24 40

Median Price $832,500 $805,250


ARCADIA MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 23 31

Median Price $1,158,000 $950,000


EAGLE ROCK MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 11 15

Median Price $769,500 $990,000


GLENDALE MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 86 44

Median Price $742,500 $712,500


LA CAÑADA MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 22 24

Median Price $1,655,000 $2,010,000


PASADENA MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 104 136

Median Price $860,000 $862,500


SAN MARINO MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 4 14

Median Price $1,955,000 $2,806,250


SIERRA MADRE MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 14 10

Median Price $1,135,000 $980,000


SOUTH PASADENA MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 12 14

Median Price $1,037,000 $1,470,500


TOTAL MAY’18 MAY’19

Homes Sold 972 365

Avg Price/Sq. Ft. $570 $605 –continued on page 28

The Arroyo Home Sales Index is calculated from residential home sales in Pasadena and the surrounding communities of South Pasadena, San Marino, La Canada Flintridge, Eagle Rock, Glendale (including Montrose), Altadena, Sierra

Madre, Arcadia and Alhambra. Individual home sales data provided by CalREsource. Arroyo Home Sales Index © Arroyo 2019 . Complete home sales listings appear each week in Pasadena Weekly.

07.19 ARROYO | 27



PASADENA

870 South San Rafael Ave. 5/29/19 $7,053,500 7 5744 1923 $3,400,000 9/9/10

380 South Arroyo Blvd. 5/24/19 $4,255,000 5 5091 1919 $3,597,500 7/12/18

1155 Lida St. 5/29/19 $4,125,000 3 3835 1921 $2,925,000 8/9/17

1570 San Pasqual St. 5/30/19 $3,487,000 5 4878 1926 $3,200,000 7/5/18

1906 Country Lane 5/22/19 $3,218,000 4 6670 2010

1490 El Mirador Dr. 5/20/19 $3,105,000 4 3990 1963 $3,050,000 11/16/17

1812 Linda Vista Ave. 5/24/19 $2,926,000 5 5055 1933

1059 Laguna Rd. 5/7/19 $2,800,000 3 3952 2012 $2,280,000 4/23/13

333 South San Rafael Ave. 5/2/19 $2,700,000 2 1903 1949 $1,750,000 6/4/13

1261 Afton St. 5/10/19 $2,675,000 2 2140 1953 $1,500,000 3/26/18

251 South Orange Grove Blvd. #10 5/20/19 $2,673,000 3 3092 1980 $1,350,000 1/19/05

615 West California Blvd. 5/29/19 $2,535,000 5 3576 1910 $950,000 7/8/98

885 Linda Vista Ave. 5/21/19 $2,500,000 4 3162 1938

487 West California Blvd. 5/15/19 $2,420,000 4 3,664 1910 $2,286,000 10/3/16

1339 Linda Vista Ave. 5/7/19 $2,250,000 3 2906 1993 $2,200,000 5/12/15

2103 San Pasqual St. 5/16/19 $2,098,000 5 3,154 1927 $425,000 3/1/87

3416 Avondale Rd. 5/15/19 $2,050,000 4 3,575 2008 $1,885,000 2/8/19

1717 Linda Vista Ave. 5/16/19 $1,950,000 4 3,187 1954 $1,860,000 4/14/05

201 Glen Summer Rd. 5/29/19 $1,950,000 4 2837 1936 $1,175,000 4/11/13

817 South El Molino Ave. 5/1/19 $1,900,000 5 3269 1913

831 South El Molino Ave. 5/15/19 $1,893,000 5 3,337 1915

233 North Grand Ave. #2 5/15/19 $1,870,000 3 2,559 1990 $1,350,000 9/19/13

741 South Madison Ave. 5/10/19 $1,800,000 6 4846 1904

1640 Knollwood Dr. 5/21/19 $1,775,000 5 3348 1955

330 San Miguel Rd. 5/8/19 $1,700,000 3 1572 1949

268 South Orange Grove Blvd. 5/9/19 $1,700,000 5 4482 1892 $1,215,000 9/19/13

626 Bellefontaine St. 5/15/19 $1,695,000 5 2,183 1904 $1,400,000 1/24/07

2047 North Raymond Ave. 5/2/19 $1,650,000 8 5216 1931 $818,000 4/5/04

3340 Calvert Rd. 5/30/19 $1,640,000 3 2940 1953 $432,500 11/5/98

150 Linda Vista Ave. 5/29/19 $1,590,000 3 2394 1959 $1,400,000 6/10/15

3600 Landfair Rd. 5/17/19 $1,585,000 4 2,121 1951 $1,100,000 4/9/18

3000 Clarmeya Lane 5/14/19 $1,524,000 4 2,435 1952 $1,305,000 9/7/05

670 South Oak Knoll Ave. 5/7/19 $1,520,000 4 2277 1994 $1,018,000 8/2/12

1058 Linda Vista Ave. 5/10/19 $1,460,000 3 2016 1965 $1,500,000 7/12/17

2082 Lambert Dr. 5/22/19 $1,432,000 3 3073 1924 $1,200,000 5/20/17

1848 Kinneloa Canyon Rd. 5/29/19 $1,380,000 4 4109 2004 $770,000 5/28/10

3540 Grayburn Rd. 5/21/19 $1,320,000 3 1931 1940 $900,000 7/12/05

67 North Meridith Ave. 5/31/19 $1,288,000 7 3702 1923

1000 North Madison Ave. #A 5/29/19 $1,275,000 5 1837 1914 $918,000 1/7/15

755 North Chester Ave. 5/6/19 $1,240,000 3 1104 1921 $561,000 8/23/16

1321 Ontario Ave. 5/14/19 $1,230,000 3 1,650 1939 $364,540 3/1/92

1679 Rose Villa St. 5/31/19 $1,200,000 3 2240 1921

238 South Arroyo Parkway #412 5/16/19 $1,199,000 3 1,920 2008 $755,000 8/25/09


PASADENA

640 Westbridge Place 5/6/19 $1,180,000 3 1591 1954

1895 Brigden Rd. 5/15/19 $1,160,000 3 1,983 1925 $1,045,000 5/10/16

550 Eaton Dr. 5/24/19 $1,160,000 2 1449 1948 $852,000 11/13/17

3171 East Villa Knolls Dr. 5/24/19 $1,150,000 3 2424 1966

136 North Bonnie Ave. 5/31/19 $1,132,000 2 2185 1911 $140,000 3/1/86

3825 Landfair Rd. 5/16/19 $1,128,000 4 1,989 1950

845 Adelaide Dr. 5/24/19 $1,125,000 3 1798 1934 $962,000 2/17/15

1160 Valley View Ave. 5/17/19 $1,050,000 3 1,669 1951 $732,000 8/28/09

3952 East California Blvd. 5/31/19 $1,043,500 3 2155 1950

201 North Grand Ave. #12 5/14/19 $1,025,000 3 1,824 1979 $832,000 11/30/10

2337 Loma Vista St. 5/3/19 $1,015,000 3 1614 1937 $825,000 2/15/07

245 South Bonnie Ave. #D 5/22/19 $1,010,000 2 1276 1921 $600,000 8/31/18

SAN MARINO

1450 Old Mill Rd. 5/13/19 $5,689,000 6 7,048 2015 $6,080,000 11/23/15

1606 Virginia Rd. 5/31/19 $4,200,000 4 4165 1932 $2,000,000 4/18/03

1660 Oak Grove Ave. 5/16/19 $3,900,000 5 3,508 1926 $3,900,000 6/7/18

2900 Sheffi eld Rd. 5/1/19 $3,120,000 2 1599 1947 $1,100,000 4/25/17

1316 Westhaven Rd. 5/8/19 $3,055,000 4 3049 1937

1527 Cambridge Rd. 5/2/19 $2,998,000 5 2484 1946

1435 Bellwood Rd. 5/7/19 $2,980,000 4 3015 2015 $1,660,000 6/29/15

1840 Carlisle Dr. 5/29/19 $2,632,500 4 3028 1937 $1,300,000 4/5/12

2784 Fleur Dr. 5/20/19 $2,250,000 4 3007 1927 $2,383,000 6/10/15

2759 Doresta Rd. 5/23/19 $1,780,000 4 1841 1928 $685,000 6/24/99

1872 Alpine Dr. 5/10/19 $1,700,000 4 2470 1937

2395 Roanoke Rd. 5/14/19 $1,682,000 3 2,078 1947

1965 South El Molino Ave. 5/22/19 $1,580,000 3 2075 1924 $455,000 3/1/00

1620 Rubio Dr. 5/2/19 $1,330,000 2 1510 1950

SIERRA MADRE

427 West Montecito Ave. 5/13/19 $2,550,000 2 2,668 2005 $340,000 7/17/02

491 West Montecito Ave. 5/9/19 $1,486,000 3 1310 1908

521 East Orange Grove Ave. 5/8/19 $1,350,000 3 2337 1948 $1,190,500 7/23/15

776 Valle Vista Dr. 5/23/19 $1,350,000 5 2853 1965

SOUTH PASADENA

1950 Mill Rd. 5/3/19 $2,650,000 5 2520 1948

5016 Harriman Ave. 5/31/19 $1,950,000 2 1057 1952 $433,500 12/12/03

1912 Alpha St. 5/29/19 $1,859,000 4 2675 1976

648 Arroyo Dr. 5/2/19 $1,710,000 5 2578 1948 $880,000 8/13/04

835 Milan Ave. 5/1/19 $1,678,000 3 2123 1914

1115 Maple St. 5/23/19 $1,649,000 3 2220 1922 $1,050,000 7/27/18

220 Camino Del Sol 5/24/19 $1,525,000 3 1812 1965 $1,285,000 10/3/14

1137 Fairview Ave. 5/10/19 $1,416,000 4 1658 1908 $350,000 6/1/90

2042 Pine St. 5/23/19 $1,400,000 3 1658 1921 $789,000 9/28/05

850 Lyndon St. 5/28/19 $1,330,000 3 1648 1938 $815,000 10/28/09

337 Pasadena Ave. 5/2/19 $1,300,000 3 1792 1923 $790,000 8/13/15

727 Meridian Ave. #V 5/30/19 $1,125,000 3 1831 2005 $905,000 12/9/15

28 | ARROYO | 07.19

OUTDOOR

FITNESS

Stadium Fitness promises to train you

“where legends have played.”

BY NOELA HUESO

PHOTO: Courtesy of Stadium Fitness

It’s 5:55 a.m. on an overcast Friday in late May and I’m standing outside

the entrance of the venerable Rose Bowl stadium in the Arroyo Seco.

Looking around, I notice that the crowds of recreational runners and

bikers so common on the weekends are nowhere to be found. It’s still and

quiet. I turn back toward the stadium and think about its history: how

it has been home to 105 New Year’s Day post-season collegiate football

contests; how A-list musical acts, from Journey and Depeche Mode in

the ’80s to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé in recent years, have performed

here. I think of all the events I’ve personally attended: AmericaFest, the

Independence Day fireworks extravaganza, UCLA football games, the

longstanding annual Turkey Tussle game between Pasadena and Muir high

schools, end-of-year American Youth Soccer Organization presentations,

Billy Graham’s last Southern California crusade, in 2004. But this

morning, I’m not here as a spectator. I’m here as a participant in what can

only be considered an exceptional workout opportunity: In five minutes, I

will be inside the Rose Bowl, running 77 stairs to the top of the stadium

alongside other early risers who have made their way here for a 6 a.m.

workout.

I like the idea of exercising outside again, especially now that the days

are warmer and longer. Running on the three-mile loop that surrounds the

Rose Bowl used to be part of my regular routine, but lately my workouts

— primarily weights and fitness classes — have been inside the gym. As I

wait for the stadium gate to be unlocked, I’m not 100 percent sure what I’ll

be doing this morning besides scaling the stairs. But I’m excited; I love new

athletic challenges. Who will be in this early–morning session, I wonder.

Marathon runners? Elite athletes? I soon find out that it’s a lot of regular

folk who are just interested in staying healthy in a very cool setting.

David Liston, the founder and co-owner of Stadium Fitness, has a

unique arrangement with the Rose Bowl Operating Company that has

allowed him to bring health and wellness to the community, as well as the

bowl’s own employees, since 2009. He greets me warmly at the gate and

tells me to head into the stadium. If you’ve never done it, I recommend

walking into a completely empty Rose Bowl. It’s a bit of a cinematic moment,

heading through the dark tunnel and emerging into the early morning

light (even on this gray day) to be greeted by the historic green field

that has seen so many contests and the nearly 91,000 seats that surround it.

“You should see it when it’s clear and the sun is just coming up,” he tells me.

There are about 16 of us this morning and we come in a wide range of

ages. Liston is particularly proud of Bernie, 75, the group’s senior member,

who has been maintaining her fitness by working out in the stadium three

times a week for years.

Before I even begin, Liston asks me what kind of physical activity I

already do, gauging my fitness level. I tell him about my gym repertoire and

about the triathlons and half-marathons I’ve done in the past. Confident


07.19 | ARROYO | 29


that I can handle a lap around the perimeter of the field, he sends me off with the other

folks doing the same. Liston doesn’t lead a class in the traditional sense; rather, he works out

each of his clients according to their ability, giving what he calls “individual workouts in a

group setting.”

When I return, warmed up and eager for the next challenge, he asks me if I’m ready

for some stairs. I nod enthusiastically. My next assignment is to run — four times and row

by row — up the 77 steps that lead to the top of the stadium and back down again. In a

race with myself, I bound up the stairs, making great progress…until I reach the 65th step.

That’s when my legs start burning from the exertion, slowing me down to a walk-run pace.

It’s not enough to make me stop, though. I make it to the top, feeling triumphant, before

heading down for round two. By the time I reach the bottom, my legs have recovered

enough for me to begin sprinting up the next row. Each time, I slow at stair 65. But I make

it, and I feel good.

It turns out that Stadium Fitness workouts aren’t just about running. For the next hour,

I alternate between stair sets and other moves that target my arms, legs and core: lunges,

bicep curls, triceps dips and pushups. After each exercise, Liston checks in with me: “How

do you feel?” “How are the legs?” “Ready to run the stairs again?”

Liston began his career as a seventh-grade social studies teacher in his native Massachusetts

before arriving in Pasadena in 1996 to work with his brother, who was already involved

in fitness. It’s easy to see that he still loves teaching. During the course of the hour, Liston

connects with all his clients, not just me. He remembers each one’s workout goals, ailments

and what’s going on in their lives. “I try to ‘touch’ everyone three times an hour. I can have

multiple conversations going on at the same time. My wife says I would be a good air-traffic

controller,” he says with a laugh.

Although we’re not down on the field today — the South Korean boy band BTS recently

performed and, as a result, new sod has been laid — Liston says that about 75 percent of

the time his groups are down there running sprints and “doing a lot of fun group exercise

stuff” such as partner and running exercises, relay races and agility training. Stadium Fitness

participants work out in the locker room on occasion, particularly in the winter. “If it’s

39 degrees [outside] everyone is like, ‘Can we please start inside?’” he says. They also stay

inside when it rains.

Kids as young as 11 have worked out with Stadium Fitness — Liston accepts youth

based on their maturity level — but the youngest average about 12 or 13, he says. Particularly

in the summer, “we encourage people to bring their kids to the 8:30 a.m. class,” he

says. The 6 a.m. class I am sampling is for people, like me, who have to go to work.

The hour goes by quickly and, when it’s over, I ask Liston what makes his workouts so

popular. “For most people, exercise has to be fun for them to do it on a regular basis,” he

says. “Eighty percent of exercise is getting to the place to do the exercise. It’s easier to let

someone tell you what to do.”

STADIUM FITNESS

(626) 232-6900 • stadiumfi tness.com

Classes are ongoing and meet Mondays at 6 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.;

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6

and 8:30 a.m.;

Single class $25/Student $18

10-Class Pack ($22/class): $220

24-Class Pack ($16.63/class): $399

1-month unlimited: $150

Other pricing available

PHOTOS: (left) Courtesy of Stadium Fitness, (right) Noela Hueso

30 | ARROYO | 07.19

PHOTO: Noela Hueso

Boot Camp Pasadena’s Stephen Cooper

BOOT CAMP PASADENA

A couple of days before I ran the stairs with Stadium Fitness, I sampled a 5:45 a.m.

class with Boot Camp Pasadena, another early-morning group-exercise business that has

been putting people through their paces for a decade.

Founder Stephen Cooper, a personal trainer with nearly 30 years of experience, leads all

the early-morning and early-evening (6 p.m.) classes, which take place Monday, Wednesday

and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday near the Pasadena-Altadena border. (Contact

him for details.) Despite what the name implies, there’s no military-style training at Boot

Camp Pasadena. You won’t find Cooper wearing camouflage or barking instructions. His

approach is decidedly low-key and he considers his clients friends, not soldiers. “I don’t

think instructors have to yell to be effective,” he says.

Cooper touts BCP as a toning and fat-burning program. There’s no running of stairs,

just some sprints, along with targeted muscle work using TRX suspension training, medicine

balls, kettle bells and boxing, among other things. “People love the stress release of

boxing,” Cooper says, “and some people have a lot of stress!”

His clients, who are primarily in their 30s to 50s, come to Boot Camp Pasadena not

only because they want accountability in their workouts and wouldn’t necessarily exercise

on their own but because it’s a friendly environment where people of different fitness levels

can work out together. There’s no competition among the participants; in fact, they encourage

one another. “They like being in the group because there’s camaraderie,” he says.

Cooper wants his clients to make their workouts a regular part of their lives, and a

number of them have been with him almost from the beginning. “I can tell when it clicks

with people; for a while they’re hoping that some kind of fad diet is going to help them lose

the weight or change them dramatically,” he says. “It takes them a while to realize, ‘Okay,

this is a serious commitment, it’s a habit; once they realize that, they’re calmer and they see

the payoff.”

Like Stadium Fitness’ Liston, Cooper prides himself on knowing his clients’ needs. It’s

that personal touch, he says, that keeps bringing people back.

— N.H.

BOOT CAMP PASADENA

(626) 509-9958 • bootcamppasadena.com

Classes are ongoing and meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays and

Thursdays:

Mornings: 5:45 to 6:30

Evenings: 6 to 6:45

One-time rate: $18–$20 per class

Monthly rates: $135–$175

07.19 | ARROYO | 31

Sisters Thongthiraj: (from left) Sue, Malinee and Arree

32 | ARROYO | 07.19

A FAMILY

AFFAIR

The California Cactus Center nurtures the

botanical wonders of cacti and succulents

along with familial bonds.

BY BRENDA REES

When the six Thongthiraj children were growing up in Pasadena in the 1970s, going

to Disneyland was the high point of their summer break. But before the daughters

could get into the car for a pricey day with Mickey and Minnie, they were told they

needed to contribute to the family business. “Our father insisted that in order for us to go, we

needed to propagate 1,000 flats of plants,” Arree recalls of her childhood with a laugh. “And

we always managed to do that before the summer ended. He was very smart that way. That

project certainly kept us busy and out of trouble.”

Indeed, keeping busy has long been a family affair at the California Cactus Center, which

has been at its original East Pasadena home since it opened in 1976 with a simple setup — just

a couple of benches, a gravel floor and a modest selection of home-propagated plants. Today,

five of six daughters are actively involved in the day-to-day workings at the nursery known

internationally for all things cacti and succulents. With 23 additional acres of propagation

facilities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, the center specializes in rare and hard-tofind

plants with specimens from all over the world.

Away from the buzz of busy Rosemead Boulevard, a steady stream of customers wanders

among rows of sculptural exotic plants that are often weird, fuzzy, prickly, knobby and mesmerizing.

The center was a natural offshoot of the beloved hobby of Arree’s father, Zhalermwudh,

who, along with wife Maleenee, immigrated from Thailand in the 1950s. He had fallen

under the spell of desert cacti and succulents in his adopted country so he started to investigate

species, perfect propagation techniques and learn everything he could about these plants —

long before the Internet made such research easy.


PHOTO: Courtesy of Brenda Rees

07.19 | ARROYO | 33


Albuca spiralis

34 | ARROYO | 07.19

Malinee and Zhalermwudh Thongthiraj

Euphorbia lactea variegata

In the 1960s, Zhalermwudh dove deep into his botanical fascination while working

as an X-ray technician at Huntington Hospital. Back then, IVs came in plastic bottles,

not bags, and Arree recalls her father recycling numerous IV bottles at home. “He’d cut

the corners off the bottoms and make tiny little pots,” she says. Through trial and error,

he developed his own soil recipe — the same popular mixture the nursery sells today.

Growing up, the sisters carefully studied how their father made cuttings from the

plants he bought, positioned them in the tiny plastic IV pots and tended them as they

grew and flourished. Plants took over the backyard where the Thongthiraj sisters received

their horticultural education — despite the occasional poke, scrape and scratch.

The rest of the family caught Zhalermwudh’s cacti and succulent bug, taking frequent

trips to local deserts where they expanded their knowledge by seeing these plants in

their native habitat. “The Huntington Garden was also our playground,” adds Arree.

“We went there practically every weekend, spending hours in their desert garden.”

While Zhalermwudh taught his girls about plant names, propagation techniques

and plant care, mother Maleenee “taught us how to pot and arrange them,” says Arree,

who continues in that artistic vein, offering design services for customers who want to

integrate these drought-tolerant plants into their yards and homes or businesses. “I do a

lot of on-spot design, especially for people who have just purchased a house,” she says.

Indeed, the demand for California Cactus Center plants is impressive. You’ll find

them at numerous L.A. Department of Water and Power stations, a SoCal Google

campus, Huntington Gardens, UC Riverside, Claremont College and even Disneyland.

Celebrity clients include Martha Stewart, Paul Weller, Diane Keaton, Barbra Streisand

and James Brolin, to name just a few.

Yet for some clients, unconvinced at first, Arree needs to nurture their appreciation

of cacti. (“People think they are just thorny, but that’s not true.”) She explains why they

have become prized garden additions: “They really appreciate that they are low maintenance

and can look good all year round. Plus they want the most they can get out

of their money; they want longevity, which these plants offer,” she says. “Rather than

spending weekly or biweekly on flowers, they know they can get a cactus or succulent

and it will last — you don’t have to replace it all the time.”

With a degree in art, Arree encourages clients to consider cacti and succulents as

an art form on their own, especially when appropriately paired with others in tasteful

containers. “The plant is the art piece and the pot is the frame,” she says, adding that as

the plant grows, its changes can be a form of “performance art. No plant is ever going to

stay the same size, right?”

There are rows of artful displays of well-curated plants with delightful shapes and

textures in stylish bowls and dishes; no wonder these mini-gardens are in high demand

as wedding centerpieces, party favors or gifts for birthdays, showers and other celebrations.

There is also a selection of local pottery, including a series crafted by a NASA

scientist who embeds fossil prints on the sides of his amber-and-rust-colored creations.

As she leads a visitor on a tour, Arree points out selections that are rare and impressive,

including two that are more than 100 years old: a Pachypodium succulentum from

South Africa and a desert rose (Adenium obesum) sporting gorgeous pink blooms. There

are frilly-shaped crested euphorbias (created by a mutation) and the sea urchin–shaped

Euphorbia obesa, commonly known as the baseball cactus (which is special to the family

PHOTOS: (Second from top) Courtesy of Calfonia Cactus Center; (plants and soil) Brenda Rees

Lithops (living stones)

PHOTO: Brenda Rees

since it was one of the first specimens in Zhalermwudh’s collection).

This slow-growing cactus with no needles requires a delicate procedure to fertilize

the female flowers in order to produce seeds — a task the Thongthiraj girls learned

at an early age. Arree would use a horsehair brush to gather the pollen on the male

flowers and gently deposit the powdery substance onto the female flowers. “We made

cones out of window screen material and placed them on top of the female flowers in

the summertime,” she says. When the heat caused the seed pods to finally burst open,

she adds, there was a “popcorn-like noise all over the place. It was pretty fun and very

neat.”

These days, Arree’s sister Sue handles propagation duties at the nursery. She’s often

behind her work table, prepping containers, observing the progress on certain youngsters

and carefully extracting and cultivating small offspring. Cuttings are the easiest

way to propagate; seeds can take up to two years to germinate.

Sue’s hands hold the descendants of her father’s collection. Many plants at the center

can be directly traced back to the Thongthiraj home, whether they were propagated

via seed dispersal or cuttings. “My father had a personal goal of propagating a million

golden barrels from seed,” she says, as she shows a selection of tiny seeds collected

from the cactus flowers of Echinocactus grusonii.

Zhalermwudh did not achieve that benchmark during his lifetime; Arree and Sue

roughly calculate that he got to about 500,000 before he passed away in 1998. (You

can see 550 of Zhalermwudh’s golden barrel descendants at the Getty Center.)

While friction is common in any family business, Arree and her siblings have

managed to keep drama down while improving on and expanding their father’s dream.

Malinee Romero captains the center’s popular video channel, posting short tutorial

videos on all aspects of care of cacti and succulents along with design tips. Sister Molly

oversees the business side; and even Took Took, an English professor at Pasadena City

College, rolls up her sleeves at the center during school breaks. Along with the oldest

sister, Smanjai, the siblings all care for their 87-year-old mother.

To keep the business as a family endeavor, 10-year-old Evanlee, Arree’s nephew

and the sisters’ only offspring, has been coming to the nursery to learn the secrets of

succulents and cacti. “We’d like very much to continue as a family business, so we

are in the process of grooming him,” says Arree with a sparkle in her eye. Like the

generation before him, the youngster is learning the art of propagation (mainly from

his Aunt Sue) along with all the other horticultural complexities. Fortunately for him,

he won’t be required to propagate 1,000 flats as his aunties had to do.

Arree says her father’s presence is still felt every day as she walks past the giant

tree aloe from South Africa (Aloe bainseii) that graces the outside of the business along

with a Bombax ellipticum, better known as a shaving brush tree. “This is the largest

aloe tree you’ll ever see,” she says of the center’s stately unofficial landmark — originally

planted by her father. “He wanted to make sure we would be always be taken

care of; that’s why he created this business for us.” ||||

California Cactus Center is located at 216 Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena. Hours are

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday.

Call (626) 795-2788 or visit cactuscenter.com.

07.19 | ARROYO | 35

36 | ARROYO | 07.19

KITCHEN

CONFESSIONS

Mixology Month

REV UP YOUR SUMMER COCKTAILS WITH THE FRESHEST MIXERS.

BY LESLIE BILDERBACK

These past six months of examining the National Day Calendar have made me realize that,

for certain causes, certain awarenesses, the calendar is a brilliant way to get the word out

and expand their reach. For instance, July 1 is National Postal Worker Day, and I think

we can all agree that it’s nice to honor these dedicated workers. However, the calendar is also

clearly a place for loonies. Do the nudists of America really expect us all to strip on July 14 for

National Nude Day? (Probably not coincidentally, it is the same day as National Tape Measure

Day… I do not make this stuff up.) Some of these days have clearly been created by certain

groups just to show off how smart they are. I had to look up the meaning of National Yellow Pig

Day (July 17), which has something to do with calculus and the number 17. (Even after I looked

it up I’m still not sure what that’s about.) And I’m betting not many of you know who Edmund

Clerihew Bentley is, yet July 10 is National Clerihew Day, during which you are urged to write

a Clerihew –- a very specifically formatted biographical poem. It has four rhyming couplets (aa/

bb), must use a person’s name in the first line, must say something about that person and must

be humorous. Let try it, shall we?

Leslie Bilderback writes

And sometimes picks fights

Occasionally about food

Or whatever her mood

Okay, well, that was fun, and now I can see why they made it a National Day.

Although July is the season for grilling and patriotism, there are relatively few such days

in this month’s National Day Calendar. There is, however, a lot of booze. So much booze, in

fact, that it’s doubtful anything will get done this month. Stay hydrated, everyone, because we

have Anisette Day (July 2), Piña Colada Day (July 10), Mojito Day (July 11), Grand Marnier

Day (July 14), Daiquiri Day (July 19), Wine and Cheese Day ( July 25) and Scotch Day (July

27). All these boozy days are certainly a clever way for companies to boost sales, though I am

a bit worried that national productivity may find itself in a slump as a result. Nevertheless, I

have pledged to celebrate the National Calendar this year so, in response, I am offering some

homemade cocktail elements for your summer soirées.

Cocktail mixing has taken on a new life in recent years. In fact, bartenders have taken to

calling themselves mixologists to emphasize new creative aspects of this vocation that have

evolved. No longer is it simply the martini and gin and tonic. In finer restaurants, cocktails

— and the unfortunately named “mocktails,” without alcohol — are being paired, as wine has

traditionally been, with each course. Unique mixers, fancifully decorated rims, clever garnishes

and artfully molded ice cubes are all a part of the cocktail arsenal now. So, to ensure you don’t

look like a rookie this summer, I offer not drink recipes, but homemade cocktail ingredients that

will boost your cocktail game.

The easiest cocktail mixer to make is simple syrup, which is nothing but equal parts sugar

and water. (Combine them and bring the liquid to a boil until the sugar dissolves. That’s

it.) Simple syrup is the reason why drinks taste better at the bar than in your kitchen. It has

long been a component of cocktails, making its way into such classics as the old-fashioned,

the whiskey sour, the daiquiri, the julep — and many more. But today, the best mixologists

are infusing simple syrup with flavors, opening up infinite cocktail possibilities. I love

flavored syrups because, not only do they make interesting cocktails possible, they make great

homemade sodas. Just combine with soda water and ice for a refreshing offering your guests will

really appreciate. (FYI — designated drivers are really sick of Diet Coke.) I’m giving you below

not only my favorite summer soda syrup — strawberry rhubarb — but also lots of variations for

you to try.

The second cocktailing recipe is for homemade bitters. Bitters are another classic bar

ingredient, comprised of alcohol flavored with botanical aromatics and herbs. It is designed to

bring balance to your cocktail. The bitterness, which varies by brand, enhances the other flavors

of the drink and helps align the ingredients, much the way salt and acid work in cooking. There

are many bitters on the market, and most keep their ingredient list secret. But homemade

bitters are easy to make and, like simple syrup, can be concocted to suit your personal bitter

preferences.


07.19 | ARROYO | 37


Both of these recipes are just examples. There are hundreds of variations to be made of and I

encourage you to experiment. With these in your pantry, your summer barbecue will be the talk

of the town.

Syrup and bitters from scratch

Whip yourself up a big batch

With these in your bar

I declare you a star ||||

Strawberry--Rhubarb Syrup

If you have trouble laying your hands on rhubarb, replace it with a full 2 pounds of

strawberries, or substitute another tart ingredient, such as raspberry or cranberry.

In addition, you can use this same basic recipe with any number of fruit, fruit-and

spice or fruit-and-herb combinations. Use your imagination, and get creative.

You’ll find some variation ideas after the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound strawberries, washed, hulled and

quartered

1 pound rhubarb, washed and cut into halfinch

pieces

1 cup white sugar

½ cup brown sugar

2 cups water

Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon sea salt

METHOD

1. Combine all ingredients in a large, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring,

then reduce to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit has

softened to the point of mush. It should take about 20 to 30 minutes.

2. Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, and line it with cheesecloth.

Pour the fruit purée into the strainer and let it sit and drain slowly. For clear

syrup, it is best not to force or press the purée free of liquid; let gravity do it for

you. After an hour, if it appears there is still liquid suspended within the pulp,

squeeze it gently. Transfer the clear syrup into sterilized jars or bottles, and

store in the refrigerator. Syrups should last you through the summer. For longer

storage, pack in plastic containers and freeze for up to a year. (Defrost slowly

in the refrigerator for best results.)

Here are some of my favorite fruit syrup variations. You may need to adjust

the amount of sugar, depending on the ripeness of the fruit: plum--sage,

peach--basil, cherry--vanilla, mango--lime, papaya--lemongrass, pineapple-

-black pepper. Once you start syrup–making, it won’t be long before you

come up with your own signature syrup.

Homemade Bitters

This is a basic bitter, close in form to Angostura. But Angostura uses ingredients

such as cinchona bark and gentian root — not something you can pick up at

Ralphs. Here I use accessible ingredients, but the end result is equally effective.

If you catch the bitters bug after this, the more exotic elements can be ordered

online.

INGREDIENTS

Dried peel of 1 orange (remove with a potato

peeler, and set in the sun for a day, or

place in a dehydrator or very low-temp

oven for an hour or so, until stiff and

shriveled)

2 to 3 pieces dried apple or apple skin

6 to 8 pieces dried cherry

1 cinnamon stick, crushed

2 whole cloves

3 to 4 allspice berries, crushed

3 to 4 juniper berries, crushed

3 to 4 coffee beans

2 to 3 cardamom pods, crushed

1 teaspoon cacao nibs, crushed

½ teaspoon coriander seed, crushed

¼ vanilla bean, scraped

1 quart neutral alcohol, grain alcohol or

vodka (Rye or bourbon can also be used,

but will impart their fl avors to the fi nished

product.)

2 to 4 tablespoons simple syrup

METHOD

1. Combine all ingredients except alcohol and simple syrup in a large, sterilized

canning jar. Cover the ingredients with the alcohol, then cover with the

top and place in a cool, dark space for 2 weeks. Shake the jar once a day to

help distribute the infusion.

2. After 2 weeks, strain out the contents of the jar, and combine the infused

liquid with simple syrup to taste. (The sugar is not to sweeten as much as it is

to neutralize the bitterness.)

3. Return to a sterilized jar, and set aside again for another week. At this point

the bitters can be used, bottled and shared.

INGREDIENTS

THE GINNY

HENDRICKS

STORY AND PHOTO BY MICHAEL CERVIN

Granville opened on Lake Avenue in Pasadena earlier this year, its fifth

location in Greater Los Angeles. But what sets this branch apart is

its second-story open-air seating offering views of the San Gabriel

Mountains. This is a must stop for the adventurous aficionado, with 30 cocktails

on the menu. That includes Granville’s signature cocktail, the Ginny Hendrix, on

the menu since 2012.

“Pasadena is a more sophisticated crowd,” says food and beverage manager

Marc Dix, noting that more locals are staying close to home in the hunt for

quality cocktails rather than hiking to downtown L.A. “And gin is the hot

category right now,” Dix adds. So the Ginny Hendricks is a great bet. It impresses

with its layered flavors and juxtaposition of sweet, heat and earthiness. The gin’s

mild botanicals are noticeable as is the subtle fire from the jalapeño, balanced by

the sweetness from the puréed fruit. While this can work with a variety of foods,

try it with Granville’s New York strip steak or Thai ginger salad. ||||

1 ounce fresh cucumber purée

1 ounce fresh strawberry purée

6 mint leaves, sliced thin

THE GINNY HENDRICKS

1 ounce Monin Chipotle Pineapple Syrup

2 ounces Hendrick’s Gin

METHOD

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, then add crushed ice, cover and shake

vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with jalapeño slices.

38 | ARROYO | 07.19

THE LIST

COMPILED BY JOHN SOLLENBERGER

Descanso Jams

— Jazz, World

Music and Stone

Fruit

All events are included

in Descanso

admission of $9, $6 for students and seniors

and $4 for children 5 to 12; free for

visitors 4 and younger, unless otherwise

noted. Concerts run from 6 to 7 p.m.

Music on the Main Jazz Concerts

July 4 — Lao Tizer

July 11 — Abe Lagrimas, Jr.

July 18 — Molly Miller

July 25 — Dayren Santamaria

World Rhythms World Music Series

July 2 — California Feetwarmers

July 9 — Boogaloo Assassins (above)

July 16 — Briseyda Zárate

July 23 — Dance India

July 13 — Urban Forager author Elisa

Callow leads a cooking class on stonefruit

and strawberry jam from 10 a.m. to

12:30 p.m. in the Boddy House kitchen.

Cost is $50 ($40 for members). A tasting

and book signing follow the class, starting

at 2 p.m. Advance registration is

required.

July 15 — The Shine a Light exhibition

by artist Carole Kim, Descanso’s fi rst

artist-in-residence, includes digital metal

prints, micro video projections, window

treatments and a multimedia installation,

on view through Oct. 27 in the Sturt

Haaga Gallery.

July 25 — A photography book by

former L.A. County District Attorney Gil

Garcetti, Protea: The Magic and the

Mystery, goes on display from 10 a.m. to

4 p.m. July 25 to 28. Garcetti and writer

Larry Livingston will sign their book from

1 to 2 p.m. July 28.

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso

Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. Call (818)

949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org.

A Grand Fourth

Downtown

July 4 — Grand Park

and the Music Center

in downtown L.A. host

a free family-friendly July 4th celebration,

with a rooftop fi reworks show atop the

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, a 75-foot

Ferris wheel, picnicking, music and

dancing, from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Music on

two stages includes headliner Boogaloo

ROSE BOWL HOSTS

AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY PARTY

July 4 — Once again, Rose Bowl Stadium is home to Americafest, a family-friendly

event celebrating the Fourth and climaxing with a big fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Parking lots open at noon, and the Family Fun Zone opens at 2 p.m. Stadium doors

open at 5:30 p.m., followed by performances of various types at 7 p.m. General

admission tickets are $15 and reserved seating is $30; children 5 and under are

admitted free. Field viewing experience tickets are $100.

Rose Bowl Stadium is located at 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena.

Call (800) 745-3000 or visit rosebowlstadium.com.

Assassins, along with The Delirians, Earth

Arrow, Victoria La Mala, South Soul Spinners,

Blaq Pages and Foreigner, as well

as deejays.

Events take place between Los Angeles

Street and Grand Avenue and Temple

and Third streets. Visit musiccenter.org.

All About Anime

at L.A. Convention

Center

July 4 through 7 —

The Anime Expo celebrates

anime, manga and Japanese

pop culture from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. each

night at the L.A. Convention Center.

Activities include previews of the newest

anime TV shows and fi lm productions, table-top

and videogaming, cutting-edge

fashion, exhibits from anime production

companies and manga comic companies,

licensed goods, a kids’ zone and

live concerts. It is hosted by the nonprofi t

Society for the Promotion of Japanese

Anime. Tickets cost $20 to $100.

The L.A. Convention Center is located

at 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Visit

anime-expo.org/register.

Muse/Ique Goes

to the Movies at

the Huntington

July 6 — The Muse/

Ique orchestra

launches its summer

series at the Huntington Library, Art

Collections and Botanical Gardens with

“Moving/Pictures,” a concert of fi lm

scores “that have moved our country.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the performance

starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50

to $130.

Call (626) 539-7085 or visit muse-ique.

com/museiquessummer.

Shakespeare in

the Park

July 6 through Aug. 18

— The annual Sierra

Madre Shakespeare

Festival presents free, family-friendly

weekend performances of Much Ado

about Nothing by professional actors at

7:30 p.m. in Sierra Madre Memorial Park.

Guests may bring blankets, lawn chairs

and picnics. Performance dates are July

6, 13, 19, 20 and 27 and August 2, 4, 10,

17 and 18.

Sierra Madre Memorial Park is located at

222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.

Visit sierrashakes.com.

Pasadena

Heritage Walking

Tours

Historic preservation

group Pasadena Heritage

hosts two walking tours this month:

July 6 — The Old Pasadena Historic

District, formerly drab and rundown,

has gone through incredible revitalization

over the past 30 years. It was

nearly destroyed but now stands as a

top dining and entertainment destination,

offering a fi ne example of urban

revitalization. Guests can tour the district

from 9 to 11:15 a.m. Tickets are $20 ($18

for members).

July 13 — A walking tour of the Governor

Markham Landmark District, one of

Pasadena’s oldest neighborhoods, runs

from 9 to 11:15 a.m. Ninety-four percent

of the residences in the long-debated

710 Freeway extension route were built

between 1891 and 1933. Tickets are $20

($18 for members). Meeting location is

provided with ticket purchase.

Call (626) 441-6333 or visit pasadenaheritage.org.

Pops Rhapsody at Arboretum

July 13 — The Pasadena Pops 2019

Sierra Summer Series at the L.A. County


07.19 | ARROYO | 39

THE LIST

CONCERTS UNDER

THE DOME

July 7 — The Mt. Wilson Observatory hosts two Sunday afternoon concerts inside

the dome housing the 100-inch Hooker Telescope. This month’s “Voices in the

Dome,” performed at 3 and 5 p.m., features sopranos Hila Pittman, Sangeeta

Kaur, flutist Sara Andon, violinist Reina Inui, harpist Jacqueline Marshall and

guitarist Shea Welsh. The program includes works by Danaë Vlasse, Todd Mason,

Bruce Babcock, Mark McEnroe and Anthony Constantino. Tickets are $50, and

must be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit the Mt. Wilson Institute.

The Mt. Wilson Observatory is located on Mt. Wilson Rd., La Cañada Flintridge. Visit

mtwilson.edu/concerts.


Arboretum and Botanic Garden presents

“Rhapsody in Blue,” featuring the music

of the Gershwin era and the Jazz Age,

with songs by George and Ira Gershwin,

Duke Ellington and Harold Arlen,

including “I Got Rhythm,” “An American

in Paris,” “Stormy Weather,” “Rhapsody

in Blue” and others. Gates open at 5:30

p.m. for picnicking, and the concert

starts at 7:30 p.m. Michael Feinstein

conducts the orchestra and featured

performers LaChanze, Tony Yazbeck and

Frederick Hodges. Tickets are $10 to $95.

The L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic

Garden is located at 301 N. Baldwin

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

pasadenasymphony-pops.org.

Improv and

Indian Music at

Norton Simon

Activities are

included in Norton

Simon Museum admission of $15 and $12

for seniors 62 and up; free for students

and visitors 18 and younger.

July 13 — A concert, “Freedom in

the Moment,” features bassist Marlon

Martinez (above) and the Jazz Marlonius

Quartet in an evening of original compositions

and jazz classics from the 1950s

to the 1970s. Martinez and his band

explore freedom of expression through

improvisation, from 6 to 7 p.m.


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THE LIST


July 19 — The exhibition Air Land Sea:

A Lithographic Suite by William Crutchfi

eld opens, offering a rare look at the

artist's works printed at the Tamarind

Lithographic Workshop in 1970. Featuring

trains, ships and airplanes, all portrayed

as overbuilt, fantastical models of modernity,

it runs through Nov. 4.

July 20 — “Ragas and Rhythmic Patterns

— An Exploration,” a concert drawing

on classical Indian music, features the

husband-and-wife team of Kamaljeet

Ahluwalia on santoor and Jas Ahluwalia

playing the tabla. Their innovative approach

simultaneously explores ragas

and intricate rhythmic patterns. The

concert, from 6 to 7 p.m., offers a 21stcentury

perspective on the emotional

themes in ragamala paintings.

The Norton Simon Museum is located at

411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Call

(626) 449-6840 or visit nortonsimon.org.

Cal Phil Concerts

Reach from Paris

to Planets

Concert talks with

Maestro Victor

Vener start at 1 p.m.

and concerts start at 2 p.m. Tickets are

$37.50 to $140:

July 14 — The California Philharmonic

summer concert series at Walt Disney

Concert Hall, led by Maestro Vener,

continues with “Bastille Day” with the

Cal Phil Chorale. The program includes

excerpts from Les Misérables by Claude-

Michel Schönberg, Symphonie Fantastique

by Berlioz and Camille Saint-Saëns’

“Organ” Symphony. Featured performers

are Philip Smith, Anne Martinez and

Randal Keith.

July 28 — “Space: A Giant Leap”

features music from fi lm hits including

Apollo 13, Star Wars and Star Trek, plus

“Mars and Jupiter” by Gustav Holst and

Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, “Titan.”

Walt Disney Concert Hall is located at

111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. Call (323) 850-

2000 or visit calphil.com.

Woman of the

Year Performs in

San Gabriel

July 14 — Genredefying

violinist and

12-language soprano Maki Mae (left)

performs on her “Woman of the Year”

tour around Southern California. July’s

performance takes place at 3:30 p.m.

in Cleaver Hall of Church of Our Saviour,

San Gabriel, with proceeds benefi ting

the Asian Youth Center. Her diverse

repertoire ranges from “The Phantom

of the Opera” to selections by Queen.

Mae was recently selected as this year’s

California State Senate Woman of the

Year. Tickets are $20 for students, $40 VIP.

Cleaver Hall is located at 535 W. Roses

Rd., San Gabriel. Call (626) 941-6418 or

visit makimae.com.

Summer Nights

Roar at the

LA Zoo

July 19 — The L.A.

Zoo Roaring Summer

Nights program offers fun activities for

adults 21 and older, including live music,

deejays, pop-up zoo talks by resident

experts, food trucks and full bars. This

month’s event features live music by

’80s tribute band Fast Times, plus Deejay

Severe, Deejay Johnny Hawkes and

Chulita Vinyl Club. Admission is $21 ($16

for members).

The L.A. Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Dr.,

Griffi th Park. Call (323) 644-4200 or visit

lazoo.org.

Playhouse Offers

Shakespearean

Acting Course

July 22 through Aug.

2 — The Pasadena

Playhouse teams with the London

Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for

a two-week summer acting intensive.

The practical, fast-paced program is

designed for students desiring more

confidence in performing classical work

from Shakespeare’s Elizabethan and

Jacobean periods. It combines scene

study with technical classes in movement

and voice, leading to an understanding

of the challenges of working with

classical texts. The course is open to

those 18 and older with some acting

experience. Tuition may be paid in full

or in installments, and the playhouse will

offer a limited number of scholarships.

The Pasadena Playhouse is located at

39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Call (626)

356-7529 or visit pasadenaplayhouse.org.

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July 2019

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