arroyo monthly may 2010

MAY 2010MAMAAYY 202020100

F I N E L I V I N G I N T H E G R E A T E R P A S A D E N A A R E A

GIMGIMMESHELTERTHE LOW-DOWN ON AREA REAL ESTATE

10 TIPS FOR HOME BUYERS

JOURNEY TO THECENTER OF THE CITY

HISTORIC HOMES’ FIRM FOUNDATION

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6 ~ MAY 2010 ~ ARROYO

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ARROYO ~ MAY 2010 ~ 7ABOUT THE COVER: Casa de los Robles photo by Susanne Hayek

ARROYOM O N T H L YVOLUME 6 ~ NUMBER 5

REAL ESTATE ISSUE11 WHAT YOU GET FOR…

From $500,000 to $15 million, a sampling of residential offerings in the Pasadena area–By B.J. Lorenzo

16 THE VALUE OF VINTAGEThe Pasadena area’s architecturally significant properties have fended off theworst of the housing slump. –By Noela Hueso

20 10 TIPS FOR LANDING THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMSYou think you’re the only one looking for bargains these days? Think again.–By Brigham Yen

23 CITY CENTERPasadena’s urban core is hotter than ever for home buyers.–By Brigham Yen

BOOKS40 HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

Novelist Michelle Huneven finds her muse in and around her native Altadena. –By Scarlet Cheng

DEPARTMENTS9 FESTIVITIES Elizabeth House, LA Opera, Native Voices at the Autry

45 THE LIST South Pasadena Music and Art Walk, the Griffith Observatoryturns 75, Ferraris come to town and more

47 KITCHEN CONFESSIONS Do food service workers a favor and cook your own Mother’s Day Brunch.

11


IT’S HARD TO REMEMBER ANOTHER TIME WHEN REAL

estate was as compelling a topic of news and conversation

as it is right now. Of course, that’s only one of many ripples

left behind by the tsunami in the housing market caused by

Wall Street’s subprime mortgage fiasco.

But fear not—there’s some good news for Arroyoland beyond the fact that what

goes down must come up. The Pasadena area, rich with historic, architecturally

significant homes, has been less buffeted by the ill winds of the housing industry than

other regions, as Noela Hueso discovered in her story about vintage homes. After all,

they’re not making any more new old houses. Hueso offers advice to such fortunate

property owners on how to maximize the market value of their distinctive residences.

Pasadena Realtor and real estate blogger Brigham Yen looks toward the future in

his piece on the revival of the urban core. With the rise of 20 mixed-use development

projects here and the prospect of still more, Yen sees a burgeoning community of

Pasadenans who walk (yes, walk!) to shops, restaurants, public transportation and into

the city’s heart. Yen also offers up some of his Pasadena real estate expertise in 10 tips

for home buyers competing in this busy market.

So what’s out there, you ask? A little voyeurism never hurt anybody. B.J. Lorenzo

opens the doors to some metro Pasadena homes on the market, ranging in price from

$500,000 to $15 million. You might want to get your checkbooks ready.

On a different note, Scarlet Cheng talks to one of the area’s most honored

contemporary novelists, Michelle Huneven, whose latest book, Blame, has garnered a

bouquet of acclaim.

— Irene Lacher

ARROYO MONTHLYAltadena, Arcadia, Eagle Rock, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, Sierra Madre, Pasadena, San Marino and South Pasadena

EDITOR IN CHIEF Irene Lacher

PRODUCTION MANAGER Yvonne Guerrero

ART DIRECTOR Joel Vendette

JUNIOR DESIGNER Eisen Nepomuceno

WEB DESIGNER Carla Marroquin

COPY EDITOR John Seeley

CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Bilderback, Michael Burr, Michael Cervin, Scarlet Cheng, André Coleman, Mandalit del Barco, Patt Diroll, Gary Dretzka, Jenn Garbee, Lynne Heffley, Katie Klapper, Ilsa Setziol, Kirk Silsbee, John Sollenberger, Nancy Spiller, Bradley Tuck

PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Buzzerio, Teri Lyn Fisher, Gabriel Goldberg, C.M. Hardt, Melissa Valladares

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Dina Stegon

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Fred Bankston, Dana Bonner, Carolyn Johansen, Leslie Lamm, Alison Standish

ADVERTISING DESIGNER Carla Marroquin

VP OF FINANCE Michael Nagami

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker

BUSINESS MANAGER Angela Wang

ACCOUNTING Alysia Chavez, Monica MacCree

OFFICE ASSISTANT Emma Rodriguez Luna

PUBLISHER Jon Guynn

CONTACT US

[email protected]

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FAX(626) 795-0149MAILING ADDRESS50 S. De Lacey Ave., Ste. 200,Pasadena, CA 91105

ArroyoMonthly.com

©2010 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

EDITOR’SNOTE

Charming English Home

in Estate area of

San MarinoOffered at $2,350,000Offered at $2,350,000

Charming English Home

in Estate area of

San Marino

710 CHAUCER RD. Charming English style home with warmth and character offer-

ing 3 bedrooms, an office/den and 3 baths in a bright, cheerful

setting. The floor plan of this home is perfect for hosting an inti-

mate gathering or entertaining a large festive event beginning

with the gracious entry way and seamlessly flowing into the for-

mal living room, dining room and family room. The elegant

kitchen features vaulted ceilings, breakfast bar, granite counter

tops, and a spacious eating area. The home is set on a large half

acre lot and showcases a covered patio, pool, spa, large grass area,

and beautiful vistas of the mountains.

John & Tammy Fredrickson

TheGroup™

Moving You Forward Step By Step

459 E. Colorado Blvd. | Pasadena 91101 | 626-797-5134

Elizabeth House supporters raised

more than $100,000 for Pasadena’s

shelter for homeless pregnant

women and their children at its

annual benefit dinner March 20 at

Pasadena’s University Club. Evening

co-chairs were Rosalie Halverson,

Maritza Smith and Mary Sue

Scheidler. Radio talk-show host

Hugh Hewitt gave the evening’s

address and L.A. Dodgers announcer

Eric Smith served as emcee.

FESTIVITIES

Jean Scott, Herbie Barnes, DarrellDennis and Randy Reinholtz

1. The Sparagna Family

2. Anita and Don Haggstrom

L.A. Opera unveiled Götterdämmerung, the final chapter of its auda-

cious production of Richard Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle, on April 3.

Conducted by James Conlon and starring John Treleaven as

Siegfried and Linda Watson as Brünnhilde, the opera showcased the

avant-garde creations of Director Achim Freyer and his costume-

designer daughter, Amanda Freyer. The Freyers’ bold and colorful

vision elicited a rare reaction at the genteel Dorothy Chandler

Pavilion—loud boos along with rousing applause. Clearly relishing the

controversy, Achim Freyer smiled broadly, bowed deeply and cele-

brated at the after-party with General Director Plácido Domingo,

board President Carol Henry and Vice Chairman Warner Henry (both

of Pasadena), Stephen Fry and Michael and Pat York.

1

2

1

2 3 4 5

ARROYO ~ MAY 2010 ~ 9

1. Michael and Pat York

2. John Treleaven

3. Achim Freyer and Carol Henry

4. Linda Watson, Stephen Fry and Treleaven

5. Plácido Domingo, Amanda Freyer and Achim Freyer

BACKGROUND: Watson as Brünnhilde

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Native American actors and leaders from around the country helped

Native Voices at the Autry celebrate its 10th anniversary March 13 at

a party after the West Coast premiere of Darrell Dennis’ one-man

show, Tales of an Urban Indian. Native Voices Managing Director David

Burton thanked the couple steering the company—Founder/Producing

Artistic Director Randy Reinholtz and Founder/Producing Executive

Director Jean Scott—for “bringing dignity to Native voices.” Native

Voices is the Autry National Center of the American West’s resident

theater company and the country’s only Equity theater exclusively

devoted to mounting new works by Native American playwrights with

Native actors.

You can get more space for the money, but it would be hard to get as much charm as you’ll find in this rejuvenated 1923 hacienda in Glendale,listed at $487,000. The two-bedroom, one-bath home, just south of the 134 freeway, looked pretty glum when Realtor-developer FrankVerdugo bought it in 2009. He says he liked the location and the bones of the old place—its high ceilings, arches, airy open spaces andabundance of light. So he gutted the interior, put in new electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, insulation, hardwood floors, roof,fencing and landscaping. He tore out a storage room to create a breakfast nook and opened the kitchen so it flows into the diningroom. In other words, he did everything most owners of old homes would like to do but don’t have the energy or funds to take on.

The result is a 1,200-square-foot space with Spanish architectural vibes and up-to-date stainless steel appliances and customoak cabinets in the kitchen. There’s a bonus room that can double as a third bedroom, playroom or office and a backyard bigenough for swings and barbecues. It may be pricier than some other houses of equal size in the area, but that’s because this is a1920s residence that’s tricked out for 2010. It’s a trade-off that will appeal to some buyers who look both ways before they cross thestreet—to the past and the future.


WHAT YOU GET FOR$500 THOUSAND

WHAT YOU GET FOR$500 THOUSAND

REALESTATE

what you get for…ARROYOLAND OFFERS A BANQUET OF DIVERSE HOME STYLES. ONE CAN LIVE IN CRAFTSMAN SPLENDOR, EITHER IN A COZY BUNGA-LOW OR A RAMBLING MANSION. ONE CAN ELECT A NEIGHBORHOOD OF FLAT ROLLING LAWNS OR AN EDGY VIEW OF THE RUGGED,ROCKY ARROYO. SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVALS MIX WITH FRENCH, ENGLISH AND ITALIANATE VILLAS; SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE CO-EXISTS WITH ITS EUROPEAN-INFLUENCED PREDECESSORS.

SO HERE, IF YOU’RE LUCKY, YOU CAN FIND A GRAND PLACE TO HANG YOUR BASEBALL CAP. WE BRING YOU A LOOK AT JUST AFEW OF THE HOMES AVAILABLE. AS A WISE MAN ONCE SAID, “BUY REAL ESTATE. NO ONE WILL EVER MAKE MORE LAND.”

BY B.J. LORENZO


REALESTATE

It’s edgy, artsy, comfy, historic. And totally updated. The Alson Clark Studioand Residence, listed at $1.25 million, is a rare combination: two architec-turally significant and totally independent structures that can function asone—both in a compound slung out over the Arroyo with panoramic viewsof the Rose Bowl and beyond.

The smaller Colonial Revival structure was designed by architectReginald Johnson in the 1920s for plein air painter Alson Clark. Clark trav-eled and painted around the world until he settled in Pasadena, where hedid most of his important work. Thirty years after the senior Clark movedinto the studio, his architect son, Alson Jr., designed what became the mainbuilding on his father’s lot. It’s a midcentury modernist home with strikingspider legs, an open floorplan, glass walls and extensive use of redwood,poured concrete and copper.

Film director Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300) bought the property in2007. He restored and renovated both buildings, while preserving theirarchitectural integrity. The clubby studio, with all sorts of added built-ins,has a living area, screening room and master bed and bath. The airy mainhouse, with two bedrooms and bath suites, has all the amenities you’dexpect and one you wouldn’t: a saltwater pool that flows from the masterbath to the great outdoors.

John J. Matthes of Crosby Doe Associates has the listing.

WHAT YOU GET FOR

$1 MILLION

WHAT YOU GET FOR

$1 MILLION

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Not just a house, but an entire com-pound—two homes with two sepa-rate addresses, plus a carriage house,all designed by the eminent architectRoland Coate, who created some ofSouthern California’s great residences.This particular estate, listed at $8.9 mil-lion and built in 1936 on four acres inPasadena’s San Rafael section, is landscaped withrolling lawns, stately oaks and gardens (plus a fruit orchard) that sur-round the homes, pool, pool house and tennis court.

The 14,000-square-foot main house has three levels: A dramaticentry hall leads to spacious living, dining and garden rooms. A wing offof the dining room contains the kitchen, butler’s pantry, a large familyroom with massive fireplace and a two-story high, wood-paneled librarythat can house more than 4,000 books .

Upstairs, the master bedroom suite and four additional bedroomswith baths comprise the sleeping quarters. For exercise and entertain-ment, hit the lower level where you’ll find a home theater, exercise rooms,a second family room, a billiard arcade and more.

The carriage house, above the four-car garage, features a living room,bedroom, full bath and kitchen, which make it ideal for guests or a personalassistant. The smaller Colonial Revival house, with two bedrooms andbaths and its own garage, is located at the northern end of the grounds.

Although Roland Coate (1890-1958) is not a household name, he isconsidered one of the region’s finest architects. He and his wife settled inthe Linda Vista area of Pasadena, where he designed homes for L.A.’s elite,such as producer David O. Selznick (Gone With the Wind). Coate wasnamed one of the state’s 12 top architects (along with Frank Gehry, CraigEllwood and John Lautner) in the exhibition that celebrated the openingof the Pacific Design Center in 1976.

The listing agents are John and Tammy Fredrickson of Sotheby’sInternational Realty in Pasadena.

WHAT YOU GET FOR

$9 MILLION

WHAT YOU GET FOR

$9 MILLION


REALESTATE

What you get is Casa de los Robles—the San Marino equivalent of your ownprivate resort. In the heart of the estate district, near Lacy Park and theHuntington Library, this architectural standout listed at $15.8 million wasnamed House of the Oaks for the more than 70 oak trees that dot the two-acreproperty. The price is ample, but so are the perks of owning this bucolic estate.It’s secluded and totally private, yet central. It has Old World charm, yet it alsohas every update and amenity any techno-tycoon might wish for.

The home was built in 1927 by architect Henry Palmer Sabin (1892-1956) forhis own family, and he spared no expense in making it comfortable, elegant andintimate—outfitting it with multiple fireplaces, window seats, burnished-woodbeams and barrel ceilings and artfully handcrafted ironwork, woodwork and tiles.

The current occupant—only the fourth owner—bought the house in 1999and traced its architectural history at the U.C. Santa Barbara Museum of Art,where Sabin’s papers are preserved. (Sabin also designed the EarhartLaboratory at Caltech and the Pasadena Hall of Justice.) There he found thearchitect’s plans to enlarge the house by adding a third level.

The owner embarked on a six-year plan to restore, update and enhance thehouse while retaining its architectural integrity. Sabin’s original homestead,about 5,000 square feet, now has 11,000 square feet. There are eight bedroomsand 12 baths as well as a wine room, theater, tennis court, bocce ball court,subterranean parking for a dozen cars, elevator and grounds with multi-tieredgardens that might rival those of the nearby Huntington and Arboretum.

“The addition is seamless. You cannot tell where the old house ends andthe new house begins,” says Realtor Sarah Rogers of Coldwell Banker, who addsshe usually needs two hours to show the place. “People seem to want to lingerand absorb the beauty of the house and the extraordinary grounds.” AM

WHAT YOU GET FOR$15 MILLION

WHAT YOU GET FOR$15 MILLION

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REALESTATE

(This page and opposite)Shabby Chic: Views of an elegant fixer onNorth Los Robles Avenue

AFTER A SIX-WEEK SEARCH, REAL ESTATE ATTORNEYSTEPHEN SELICE AND HIS FIANCÉE DONNA MASSETTIRECENTLY PURCHASED THEIR CENTURY-OLD, FIVE-BEDROOMSOUTH PASADENA CRAFTSMAN HOME FOR $1.3 MILLION.WHILE THEY WERE OPEN TO A VARIETY OF ARCHITECTURALSTYLES, SELICE, A 36-YEAR RESIDENT OF SOUTH PASADENAAND CHAIR OF THE SOUTH PASADENA PLANNINGCOMMISSION, SAYS THEY WERE VERY SPECIFIC ABOUTWANTING A HOUSE WITH CHARACTER—AND SPACE.

“We needed space to accommodate three of my four sons and room for an officeand a decent-sized kitchen because we both like to cook,” he says. “We knew we weregoing to have to spend $850,000 to $1.3 million to get something that size that was indecent condition.”

The couple loved the quality of the home’s construction materials and its classicfloorplan, which includes upstairs bedrooms, an entry flanked by a parlor and diningroom, a butler’s pantry and a bonus first-floor room that will serve as an office. Theyalso appreciated that very little had to be done to the home before moving in.Eventually, they’ll update the kitchen, in a way that maintains the home’s vintage style.“It’s important to keep the integrity of its heritage,” Selice says.

Business litigation attorney Melissa Jackson agrees. The first-time homebuyer, whorecently moved into her three-bedroom 1923 Colonial home in SouthPasadena—paying $40,000 above the $765,000 asking price—intends to “keepeverything that’s original and bring what’s not back to the style of the periodin which it was built.”

Tales of woe in the current real estate market have made headlines formonths. but there’s good news for Pasadena and its surrounding communi-ties: With their rich heritage of historic and architecturally significant proper-ties, they’ve been less affected by the mortgage meltdown, experts say. Whileit’s true that sales may be a bit slower and prices have dipped for homes acrossthe board, they have dipped less for properties that boast a famous architect—names such as Wallace Neff, Myron Hunt and the brothers Charles SumnerGreene and Henry Mather Greene come to mind—or that are true to the archi-tectural styles, such as Craftsman and Spanish Revival, that have become syn-

—CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

THE PASADENA AREA’S RICH HERITAGE OF ARCHITECTURALLY SIGNIFICANT PROPERTIES HAS KEPT THE WORST OF THE CURRENT HOUSING SLUMP AT BAY.

BY NOELA HUESO



onymous with Pasadena andits environs.

“Older houses have gonedown [in price] with the rest ofthe market,” says ColdwellBanker’s Steve Haussler, a 26-year veteran of the Pasadena-area real estate scene. “Whathave gone down less are houseswith historic quality and authen-ticity. A beautiful or unusualCraftsman bungalow will get apremium when it’s marketed cor-rectly that its neighbor of identicalsize and age won’t.”

As a rule, houses with vintageor even historic cachet “don’t slip as much as ‘plain Jane’ houses and they recov-er faster,” Haussler continues. “They’re the leading indicators. In the last reces-sion in the ’90s, the really great houses set the prices that followed for the rest ofthe market the following year.”

Not surprisingly, Pasadena’s well-heeled communities— Arroyo/Grande,Linda Vista, San Rafael, the Langham, Huntington Hotel area, Caltech, MadisonHeights—and neighbors South Pasadena, San Marino and La Cañada Flintridgehave been least affected by the crisis. However, very high-end homes-–thoseover $3 million—have taken a hit.

“A lot of houses in this price range aren’t selling—and they would have soldeasily five years ago,” says Sotheby International Realty’s Georges Rouveyrol. “Ifyou bought your house in 2005 or 2006 and are trying to get the same amount ofmoney now that you bought it for then, it’s going to be a little difficult.

“People need more cash to buy homes these days,” he continues. “Not longago, you could put 10 percent down toward a home purchase. Now, especially inthe higher-end market, you have to put down 25 percent and prove that youhave assets to qualify for a jumbo loan. The qualification process is much harderthan it used to be.”

According to Haussler, though prices have gone down, they’re still higherthan they were 10 years ago, and signs indicate that the market is slowly begin-ning to stabilize. “Right now, we’re back to 2004 pricing—in some neighbor-hoods 2003 pricing,” he says.

Price stabilization is, of course, happy news for owners of vintage homeswho are thinking of selling their properties. But to get top dol-lar, experts say, there are certain things to keep in mind:“Protecting the architectural integrity of a house maintainsand even improves its value,” says Pasadena HeritageExecutive Director Sue Mossman. “Hardwood floors andfireplaces and lots of original windows are precious com-modities that really define a house.”

Mossman says that replacing old windows with“energy-efficient” dual-pane windows is a popular trend,but their installation, which typically means incorporat-ing windows that are out of character with the rest ofthe house, can negatively impact the selling price.“People think they’re providing a lot of energy effi-ciency, but in truth, old windows are integral to thehistoric value of the house,” she says.

“One of the biggest problems I come across with a buyerwho wants a historic house is that it doesn’t have its originalwindows,” agrees Haussler. “How the window is made is oneof the telltale signs of a home’s age. If you’ve got a historichouse and you put in windows that are outside the stylerange of that house, it’s quite jarring to see.”

That alone could be reason enough for a prospectivebuyer to bypass a property in favor of another with archi-tectural integrity more or less intact, although many buy-ers are drawn to vintage houses precisely because theywant to restore or update them.

Still, historic treasures that are well maintainedremain the Holy Grail for a lot of buyers. Private investi-gator Mark Stocks should know. The regal 1907 Arts andCrafts house on North Los Robles Avenue in Pasadena

that has been in his family for more than 100 years and was his childhoodhome has been on the market for 15 months, along with two adjacent homes.The three buildings (a main house, adjoining bungalow and the most unusualaddition: a stand-alone ballroom built by Stocks’ socialite uncle who owned theproperty in the ’20s) are in need of a lot of work—everything from new roofs toelectrical wiring to plumbing.

Beyond maintaining the ballroom, “No one in my family was really into bigchanges, remodeling kitchens or anything,” Stocks says of the home, which passedfrom his uncle to his dad to his mom. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it was kind oftheir attitude.” First listed at $999,000, the price has since dropped to $859,000.

There has been interest, says Coldwell Banker listing Realtor Jan Thornton,from “artsy types” who see the potential in the properties, with their built-in cab-inetry, hardwood floors and original light fixtures. “I had an artist looking at thatback studio,” she says. “I had a dress designer who thought it would be perfect.”Recognizing the possibilities, local nonprofits and schools have also madeinquiries. But, Thornton says, “Then they get the contractors over there forestimates and they say it will cost between $200,000 and$500,000 to restore all three buildings.

“The goodnews is thatthey’re old andhaven’t beentouched. But the bad news is they’re old and haven’t been touched.” AM

REALESTATE

—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

(This page)

The Holy Grail:

A well-maintained

South Pasadena Craftsman

sold for $1.3 million.

Starts at 5:30 pm


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REALESTATE

TIPS FOR LANDINGTHE HOME OFYOUR DREAMSYOU THINK YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE LOOKING FOR BARGAINS IN THE CURRENT HOUSING SLUMP? THINK AGAIN.

BY BRIGHAM YEN

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, EVEN DURING THIS DOWN TIME IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET, THERE ARE STILLPLENTY OF HOME BUYERS OUT THERE. FROM THE FIRST-TIME BUYER TO THE SEASONED REAL ESTATEINVESTOR, THE GLUT OF FORECLOSURES AND SHORT SALES HAVE ATTRACTED EAGER SHOPPERS SEARCHINGFOR THE BEST BARGAINS WHILE ALSO TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE FEDERAL TAX INCENTIVES THAT EXPIRED ATTHE END OF APRIL. BUT AS I OFTEN TELL MY CLIENTS WHO EXPECT TO FIND THAT PERFECT PROPERTY IN AGREAT LOCATION PRICED BELOW MARKET, THERE ARE 5,000 OTHER PEOPLE LOOKING FOR THE SAME THING.

SO HERE ARE 10 TIPS TO HELP YOU SEAL A GREAT DEAL ON YOUR NEXT HOME:

Brigham Yen is a Realtor with Century 21 Golden Realty

and blogger (http://brighamyen.wordpress.com) specializing

in Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles real estate.


Write down a list of your mostimportant criteria and stick to them.There are indecisive buyers, and there are really indeci-sive buyers. Write down what you really need to have ina home—and what you would like to have in a home.The things you really need (e.g., close to mass transit,three bedrooms, etc.) should stay relatively consistent.And things you want (e.g., a galley kitchen, vaulted ceil-ings, etc.) should be icing on the cake.

Be vigilant. Because many of us are not clairvoy-ant, we have little idea which homeswill be coming on the market. Newhomes are listed every week. Haveyour agent check for the newest list-ings. You never know if the next onemight be the one you’ve been look-ing for.

Have realistic expectations. In a desirable neighborhood, you will not be the only oneinterested in a new listing if the price is below market value.Be prepared for bidding wars.

Expect the unexpected.From unpaid HOA dues to mold infestations,expect the road to have a few bumps along the way.Don’t be discouraged.

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Don’t judge a book by its cover.Sometimes a home may be justwhat you’re looking for, but youjust don’t know it. It may be cov-ered in filth, have a questionablepaint scheme or room layouts thatjust don’t make sense. If otherimportant qualities of the home aremet, many buyers with a visionturn to remodeling with greatresults. Some buyers may qualify foran FHA 203(k) loan, which allowsthem to finance up to $35,000 inupgrades before they move in aspart of their mortgage.

Remember, cash is king.Sellers will usually accept cash offers over anyothers because it cuts the escrow process inhalf. Escrow can close in less than 30 days, andit reduces the risk for the seller that the buyermay not be able to secure a loan.

10

Be patient. Waiting for a short sale to beapproved can take weeks, if notmonths. Also, strict lenders comb-ing over every financial detail aretaking longer to approve loans, andescrows are taking longer to close asa result. Expect escrows to take upto 45 days instead of yesterday’s 30.

Find an agent familiar withthe area you’re targeting.Working with an agent familiarwith the housing stock is a greatway to save time.

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Get to know your distressed properties.Learn the difference between an REO (Real Estate Owned) and a short sale. Thereare plenty of resources online to help youunderstand common real estate jargon.

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Get pre-approved by a reputable lender.You can’t submit an offer withoutone, and you’ll get a good idea ofhow much you can spend. Goneare the days of verbal offers andno docs.

1


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BATTERED BY THE POST-WAR FLIGHT TO THE SUBURBS. WHERE TIFFANY & CO. AND THE GAP NOW REIGN,

PAWN SHOPS AND DIVE BARS WERE THE NORM. THEN IN THE 1990s, PASADENA BECAME ONE OF THE

FIRST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES TO REVITALIZE ITS URBAN CORE BY REINTRODUCING “MIXED-

USE LIVING”–HOUSING ABOVE COMMERCIAL RETAIL SPACES. —CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

PASADENA’S URBAN CORE IS HOTTER THAN EVER FOR HOME BUYERS WHO WANT TO INVEST IN THE FUTURE.

BY BRIGHAM YEN


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Pedestrians thrive in compact built environments serviced by mass transit.

Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue circa 1890


These days, mixed-use development is hotter than ever, setting a chic new urbanstandard in real estate marketing. Fueling the trend has been the 2003 opening of the Gold Line, which has made Pasadena one of the county’s few major commercialhubs to be connected by light rail service to downtown Los Angeles. As downtownPasadena evolves into a residential hot spot––competing for attention with the single-family homes that used to consume real estate listings––it’s transforming theway many Pasadenans live. The area now contains more than 20 mixed-use projects,notably including the Raymond Renaissance, Paseo Colorado, Trio and Prado onLake. Their appeal? Walking distance to shops, restaurants and mass transit.

Those perks of urban life are particularly appealing to people already used tothem, like recent transplants from New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Portland.Residents of the latter two cities have been able to leave their cars home and hopstreetcars, an option the City of Pasadena is considering as well. It’s currently toomuch of a hike for most Pasadenans to walk from district to district, and a streetcar,possibly along Green Street, is envisioned as an easy way to move people around sothey can get the most out of the vibrant urban center. A proposal, currently in thefeasibility study phase, is afoot that would tie together the four districts that makeup downtown Pasadena (Old Pasadena, Civic Center/Mid-Town, the PlayhouseDistrict and South Lake Avenue). The study, led by the Berkeley-based consultinggroup Strategic Economics, is scheduled for completion this month.

Connected neighborhoods––the glue that binds districts together––isanother encouraging trend. The Westgate project, under construction on thesouth end of Old Pasadena, is transforming two large city blocks with crum-bling warehouses and other commercial buildings into a planned residentialneighborhood. It’s part of a large multi-phase development that will introducemore than 800 units of housing along with paseos, a park and commercial retailspace. The new neighborhood will join seamlessly with Old Pasadena and fur-ther expand the “sphere of walkability.”

All the talk about walking isn't just quixotic rhetoric. As gas prices continueto rise and commutes lengthen, people are more receptive than ever to living inurban centers close to work and mass transit. And that makes city living a goodinvestment. In fact, according to Joe Cortright, the president of Impresa, Inc., aPortland, Oregon–based consulting firm, “More than just a pleasant amenity,the walkability of cities translates directly into increases in home values. Homeslocated in more walkable neighborhoods—those with a mix of common dailyshopping and social destinations within a short distance—command a pricepremium over otherwise similar homes in less walkable areas. Houses withabove-average levels of walkability command a premium of about $4,000 to$34,000 over houses with just average levels of walkability in the typical metro-politan areas studied.”

And then there are the intangible pleasures of urban living. As Pasadena-born real estate agent Steve Reagan put it: “There are so many hidden treasuresin Pasadena. I discovered all these incredible restaurants and love the rich histo-ry that is still intact in this city. By walking the neighborhoods, you feel like youcan really live here.” AM


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SECURE, FULFILLED, HAPPY AND PRODUCTIVE.—CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

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Therefore your home should be built with skilland care. You don’t have to pick up hammer andsaw in your own hands to ensure that the housewill last forever and reflect the radiance of youand your family — but you’ll have to make someeffort and secure the right resources to find theprofessionals, in particular the building contrac-tor, who can manifest your vision of beauty andsecurity under one roof.

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some aspect of the construction progress. Thebuilder worthy of your homebuilding or remod-eling project should provide and coordinate theservices of the best craftspeople, designers,and specialists.

“It’s collaborative by nature,” explainsMark Houston, of his eponymous Design/Buildcompany, which includes a global team of pro-fessionals. “I work with trades people, crafts-men, draftsmen and -women. We trust andrespect each other’s ideas about how to make abuilding successful. It took years to find the rightpeople to work with, who can share a vision. We


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all have opinions but we share a mutual desire toproduce a quality product. We take great pride inour successful relationships.”

Your builder should supply skilled crafts-people and laborers who can address allaspects of your project. Mark Snashall, ownerand general contractor with ChelseaConstruction established his business in 1996after 25 years in the field, which included train-ing and apprenticeship with the city and guildsof the London Institute. He understands thediverse nature of the construction process, andhis firm takes a full-service and multi-facetedapproach to building projects.

Chelsea Construction offers, for example,design, planning, architectural drawings andengineering to clients. They routinely partner withrecommended vendors who specialize in every-thing from windows and doors to granite and tile-work, flooring, cabinetry, hardware, plumbingfixtures, electricity, framing and foundations andappliance installation. As the manager of yourbuilding project, a full-service staff like MarkSnashall’s Chelsea Construction would provide: • estimation of cost and schedule• licensed and insured subcontractors• inspections• weekly project meetings• daily client communication via email or phone.

Beyond orchestrating the execution oftasks, a good builder should be able to adviseclients about materials, costs, and techniques,offering creative and time-sensitive solutions toyour construction challenges.



“I WORK WITH TRADESPEOPLE, CRAFTSMEN,DRAFTSMEN AND -WOMEN. WE TRUSTAND RESPECT EACHOTHER’S IDEASABOUT HOW TO MAKEA BUILDING SUCCESS-FUL. IT TOOK YEARSTO FIND THE RIGHTPEOPLE TO WORKWITH, WHO CANSHARE A VISION.”

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BEST BUILDERS BRING FRESH EXPERTISE TO THE TRADITIONAL TABLE:In addition to wielding tack hammers and tapemeasures and coordinating the efforts of a stellarteam of tradesmen and women, your buildershould provide you with invaluable informationabout building codes, ordinances and regulations.

“Often homeowners may not know all theterminology,” says Jeff Nott of Nott & Associates,a father-and-son-led design/build company.“Someone who’s less experienced in the fieldmay not recognize lot coverage ratios, hillsideordinances and fire codes, the requirements forhistoric districts and landmark homes.”

While an ambitious and confident home-owner may file for a permit as “Owner/Builder”on a renovation project, he or she may want toconsider the age-old and adaptable adage: hewho acts as his own attorney (or editor, coun-selor, homebuilder, etc.) has a fool for a client.

Jeff Nott has witnessed the challenges ofowner/builder attempts to renovate a home. “Alot of times a contractor is called in when thewife has had enough,” Nott says.

An experienced builder should demon-strate a sturdy grasp of all regulations that per-tain to your specific property in your particularcity, county, state and neighborhood.

“Every city has certain building hours, forexample,” Jeff Nott explains. “And there’salways a concern for dust and other environ-mental contagions, like asbestos. Painting has



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become a big issue recently. This year the AirQuality Management District (AQMD) has estab-lished new regulations” regarding paint use andstripping, particularly on interior or exterior paintused before 1978.

If an individual homeowner attempts tomake revisions to an existing home, create anextension or build a new home on an open lot ofland, he or she must research regulations meticu-lously and submit suitable plans to the city. If ahome is built or renovated in disregard of safety,historic or aesthetic regulations, then the home-owner will find him/herself out of compliance with

specifications. And, if that homeowner is you, youmight also discover that you’re living in an unsafe,malfunctioning environment. And your neighborsmight not like you very much if you screw up thehistorical integrity of the neighborhood.

“Research, patience, and meticulousattention to detail: these are the elements nec-essary for authentic restoration of historichomes,” according to the design/build firmHartmanBaldwin, which has renovated manyhistoric homes in the San Gabriel Valley. “Ourpassion for preserving architectural heritage haswon us awards and a reputation for being the


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go-to…firm for re-creating classic structuresthat retain their original essence and charm.”

BUILDING A MODERN,SUSTAINABLE WORLDMany homeowners want to create a more eco-friendly and technologically advanced environ-ment in their homes. Residents who live in older,character homes, may experience some stressor conflicts over this process. But homebuilders can offer options that address both thepractical and aesthetic aspirations of residentswho want to incorporate progressive elementsinto their homes.

“In modern homes the technology andgreen aspects of a home can be expressedquite openly because that feature is part of thevernacular of the genre,” says Mark Houston.“In period-style or character homes, new tech-nologies can be introduced subtly and con-cealed in those homes in order to maintain theintegrity of the style.”

According to Houston, the magic lies inthe proper balance of materials, technology andstyle. “Glaze, insulation, thermal mass materials,concrete floors and passive solar heating andcooling units are all reasonable means toachieve an environmentally friendly, historicallysignificant home.”

HartmanBaldwin also pursues a commit-ment to sustainable building and emerging tech-nologies. “At its best, ‘green’ building is a wholesystem that results in durable, comfortable andbeautiful homes that are energy efficient andenvironmentally responsible. And being green is

easier than you think — with the added benefitsof reducing long-term maintenance costs andutility ills, as well as increasing property values.”

FINDING THE BEST BUILDERFOR YOUR PROJECT OR HOMEDesign/Build companies have proliferated overthe last decade. They offer a smart package of(what else?) design and construction servicesthat effectively move a project from concept tocompletion through a tight, well-coordinatedand sympathetic team of professionals.However, independent builders and generalcontractors have traditionally developed theirown teams of skilled professionals who can alsowork symbiotically to achieve the outcome ofyour dreams. The best way to secure the rightbuilder/contractor for your project is to askquestions. Talk to former clients. Evaluate priorwork completed by the builder. Assure yourselfof his/her credentials, particularly licensing andgood standing in the community. Inquire aboutthe builder’s routine (how many projects doeshe/she take on at a given time? How doeshe/she oversee subcontractors, etc.). Mostimportantly — know what you want. Then findthe person or team or company with whom youcan communicate your desires, and who willmake them manifest in your home. ■

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ARCHITECTS

HARTMANBALDWINA 0% error margin on a guaranteed budget? We do it.HartmanBaldwin is a fully integrated architecture and construc-tion company specializing in custom homes, restoration andremodeling for every budget. We are an award winning, full-serv-ice firm that merges artistic innovation with superior technicalexpertise. Invite us in; we can change how you live. Call (626)486-0510 to schedule your complimentary design consultationwith one of our architects and let’s create something beautifultogether. To view samples of our work and learn more about ourwide range of services visit HartmanBaldwin.com.

JAMES COANE & ASSOCIATESSince 1994, James V. Coane, has specialized in: custom residences,estates, historic renovations and expansions, residential and apart-ment interiors, multi-family residential, corporate interiors, retail andsmall commercial building design. American Institute of Architectsaward winners, and named Best Architect by Pasadena Weekly,their projects have been in Architectural Digest and other magazinesand used as locations for filming and fashion shoots. Well-versed inhistorical and modern architecture and design and known for atten-tion to detail on all projects. Visit jvca.com or call (626) 584-6922.

MARK HOUSTON ASSOCIATES, INC. Mark Houston Associates Inc. provides residential planning anddesign services in San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, LosAngeles and surrounding areas. With Mark Houston AssociatesInc. you are an integral part of the design process. We work withyou to create a residential environment that expresses your per-sonality, values and vision. This collaboration begins with dis-cerning your needs and flows through to the completion ofconstruction. Call (626) 357-7858

MACMAR, INC.From architecture to engineering, they’ve got you covered.Residential and commercial services range from tenant improve-ment work to remodeling and everything in between. Call (818)566-8302 today for an appointment or visit macmarinc.com

MARBLE ARCHITECTURESince 2001, Tom Marble has worked with clients to complete avariety of projects, including the renovation of a Queen AnneVictorian, the revitalization of a neighborhood retail center and therecasting of a bland ‘60s office building as Hollywood Regency.His goal is to negotiate the territory between people and place,creating an environment that reflects the uniqueness of both. Hisown home was featured in a recent issue of the Los AngelesTimes Magazine. Visit tommarble.com

STEPHEN NUETZEL ARCHITECTS“I believe that architecture should be of its time and place; sim-ple, tactile materials used in a manner that honestly expressestheir inherent structural qualities, allowing the work to reveal itsfull potential. Architectural design should respond to all that a sitehas to offer, in a way that is at once beautiful and pragmatic, tai-lored to its user’s sensibilities and needs. Precise craftsmanshipand honest structural expression are the soul of good architec-ture.” Call (323) 254-3262 or visit nuetzelarchitect.com

BUILDERS & REMODELERS

CHELSEA CONSTRUCTIONMany homeowners now choose to upgrade current living space,rather than rebuilding the entire structure. Whether it’s akitchen/bath or complete remodel, we pride ourselves on classicdesign, maintaining the individual style of the house. Customerswork closely with owner Mark Snashall, assuring their desiredfeatures and look are achieved, while he helps direct choicestoward quality results, reflective of his finish carpentry training,

commitment to quality, fine European craftsmanship and atten-tion to detail. (818) 949-4595.

GREEN/SOLAR

PHAT ENERGYWe are more than a solar company, we are a new energy compa-ny. If you are like most of our customers, you are facing increas-ing challenges with the current energy infrastructure. That’s whywe are interested in 4 principal issues: power generation at theplace of use (“distributed power”), energy efficiency, transporta-tion fueling (electric vehicles), and energy storage. Our team ismotivated to make a difference in your life! 866-797-PHAT (7428)

INTERIOR DESIGN

ASIDThe ASID Pasadena Chapter (American Society of InteriorDesigners) is hard at work planning upcoming events. Our AnnualDesigner Parking Lot Sale scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd in theparking lot of Cisco Furniture on Arroyo Parkway will be a fun dayfor the public to buy bargains. Look for more detailed information onthese events and others on the chapter website: ASIDPasadena.org

CYNTHIA BENNETT Cynthia Bennett & Associates has been a celebrated design andbuild firm for almost 30 years. They specialize in innovativekitchen and bath design, general construction, historical renova-tion, project management and interior design. With all areas ofresidential design and construction being taken care of byCynthia Bennett and Associates, Inc., each detail will be thoughtof and coordinated. Call for a consultation at (626) 799-9701.

DAY OF DESIGN WITH TERRI JULIODay of Design with Terri Julio — Imagine the opportunity to con-sult with a professional designer for an entire day. Now you canfor a fixed flat fee. Let Terri’s expertise be the first thing you callupon when considering any project. It is a worthwhile investmentand a good dose of prevention considering valuable dollars andtime can be lost when improvements go awry. Call (626) 447-5370 or visit terrijulio.com.

ELLEN BAUM DESIGNInterior Designer, Ellen Baum, helps clients create spaces that aretruly theirs. She brings 36 years experience into each project. Herability to transform unworkable spaces into functional, practicaland beautiful living and working environments is amazing. Shereally listens to her clients’ ideas and requirements and incorpo-rates those along with their favorite pieces into a new, freshdesign plan. She has been published in numerous publicationsand appeared in two HGTV “Designer’s Challenge” episodes.

HDA INTERIORSYour home should be more than just a place to hang your hat. Itshould be a perfect place where vivid dreams and cherishedhopes surround you. It should exude panache, glamour andinspire you to live your most extraordinary life. HDA’s portfolioincludes stellar Spanish bungalows, ultra-modern estates andeverything in between. Contact HDA Interiors today and let ushelp you create a space that truly is a reflection of you. Call (626)584-0742 or visit hdesignassociates.com.

INTERIOR SPACES

CAROUSEL FLOORS This family-owned, 38-year-old company provides a superbselection along with remarkable service. For hardwood, selectfrom all the top names, including Appalachian Hardwood Floors,pre-finished or finished by expert craftsman. For linoleum,Marmoleum is a natural, eco-friendly, stylish flooring with multiplepatterns. Carousel is a Mohawk Color Center, carrying Fabrica,Karastan, Masland and Schumacher to name a few. Free con-sultations; designers welcome. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

HOME DESIGNDIRECTORY OF SERVICES

ARROYO




through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.; or by appointment. 676 E.Green St., Pasadena. Call (626) 795-8085.

FLOORGATE, INC.Floorgate offers premium hardwood flooring designed to keep upwith your family’s lifestyle. We offer the largest selection of colors andstyles in wood flooring, hardwoods, laminate, carpet and tile, withvirtually care-free finishes and our assurance of quality. Hardwoodfloors are incredibly beautiful, highly durable and extremely afford-able. And they’re always natural and safe for the environment. Weinstall over 50,000 square feet of flooring every week! 3350 N. SanFernando Road, Los Angeles; call (323) 478-2000.

KITCHEN TUNE-UPKitchen Tune-Up is one-stop shopping if you’re looking tochange your kitchen. A Tune-Up is a process in which existingwood cabinets are made to look as close to new as possible. Weoffer refacing, custom cabinets, bathroom vanities as well ashome entertainment centers and closets. We can add pulloutdrawers, spice cabinets, even that island you’ve been dreamingabout. We are Steve and Megan Morelock. Please call for a com-plimentary consultation at (626) 533-4402.

MARBLE AND STONELIFEOur skilled staff is ready to evaluate and address all of your stoneand concrete related needs — floor leveling, scratch and stainremoval, crack repair, grout restoration, polishing, sealing, andcolor enhancing. We offer concrete polishing, acid stain and pol-ishing, acid stain and sealing, and have extensive experiencewith all types of natural and man-made stone: marble, granite,terrazzo, travertine, limestone, onyx, sandstone, concrete,Mexican tiles, agglomerate, slate, terra cotta, flagstone, brown-stone, brick, ceramic and more. Call (877) 773-5820.

MAUDE WOODSStepping into Maude Woods: Artful Living, shoppers may feelthey’ve entered someone’s beautiful home. Owner Carrie Davichmixes new upscale furnishings with vintage and renovated sec-ond-hand treasures. Within this “home” shoppers can find aunique hostess gift for $25, a $5,000 table and a variety of beau-tiful items in between. 55 E. Holly St., Pasadena. Call (626) 577-3400 or visit maudewoods.com

MODERN LIGHTINGModern Lighting has been serving Southern California’s lightingneeds since 1946. With all types of fixtures in every price range,you’ll find what you want. If not, we do custom design. We havestocks of light bulbs to compliment your fixture and we continu-ally watch the marketplace for the best buys. Our staff hasdecades of lighting experience.. Feel free to contact us if ourservice is what you are looking for: call (626) 286-3262.

PADUA DESIGNDolores Kroop has worked as a designer for over 20 years. Shebrings to her work a background in art and design, with experi-ences and exposures garnered through years of growing upabroad in South America, Europe and the Middle East. Ms.Kroop’s work has appeared on HGTV, in Elle, Pasadena show-cases, the Assistance League Design House and Schiffer Books’“Designer Showcase: Interior Design at its Best.” 2650 MissionSt., San Marino. Call (626) 441-5061.

THE SOFA COMPANYSince 1998, The Sofa Company has been making the process ofpurchasing a sofa fun, fast, and simple. Along with the motto“you design it, we build it” comes the promise to make theprocess of buying a sofa enjoyable. With a new showroom at 100W. Green St., The Sofa Company now delivers the largest selec-tion of custom styles, sizes, fabrics, legs, sofa beds and more toOld Town Pasadena. Call (888) 778-7632 x412.

MORTGAGE LENDERS

WELLS FARGOThe Patsy Grant Team at Wells Fargo Home Financing meetsyour needs. Because your home is one of your biggest invest-ments, it’s important to ensure that your mortgage fits you. Thisis our specialty — helping you find mortgage solutions that meetyour current situation while complementing your long-term finan-cial goals. We will help you determine what mortgage optionswork for you, guide you through the loan process and answeryour questions. Patsy: (626) 577-3721; Jim: (626) 577-3703

OUTDOOR LIVING

GARDEN VIEW LANDSCAPESpecializing in landscaping, nurseries and pools, Garden ViewInc. can take you from a design idea to a finished, detail-orientedgarden. Garden View & their clientele are recipients of 60 awardsfrom the California Landscape Contractors Association. Theintent of the company is to provide high-quality interrelated out-door services. The synergy between having their own design-er/project managers, in-house crews, their own large nursery,and being a licensed pool builder provides for efficiency, com-petitive pricing, quality and schedule control. Call (626) 303-4043.

GAROCCO POOLSPlan for your new pool or pool remodel. The time is now to startthe process of building your new pool. Your family and friends willthank you at the beginning of the summer as you start to enjoythe beautiful new addition to your home and yard. Garocco, Inc.is well known for their outstanding pool design and construction.656 E. Green St., Pasadena. Call now to set up an appointmentfor a design consultation: (626) 359-5050 or visit garocco.com

MOTHER MAGNOLIAA private residential landscape design and construction firmoperating here since 1999, Mother Magnolia’s passion is creat-ing an outdoor space for you to enjoy. Your outdoor spaceshould be your refuge, a place with power to rejuvenate. Ourreliable and dedicated in-house designers, experiencedmasons, irrigation specialists, and landscape technicians willmake your landscape vision a reality. Or, if you have a designprepared, we will provide construction bids. Fully bonded andinsured, 3-time winner of HGTV’s “Landscaper’s Challenge,”and a member of the California Landscape Contractors’Association, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau. Call(626) 296-2617, or visit mothermagnolia.com.

TEAK WAREHOUSEToday’s hottest outdoor trend is the outdoor living room ... afavorite for hotels & resorts for years and now available for resi-dential settings. Why go to an expensive resort for the weekendwhen you can turn your back yard into one? Invest in somethingthat will bring comfort and style for the long run! Teak Warehouseboasts over 16 varied collections of deep seating, offering teakand wicker at the best prices in California. 133 E. Maple Ave.,Monrovia. Call (626) 305-8325 or visit teakwarehouse.com

REAL ESTATE

LIN VLACICH-SOTHEBY’S Lin Vlacich of Sotheby’s, a 25-year veteran in the real estateprofession, is known for her reputation and success as a leaderin the San Gabriel Valley brokerage community, as well as forhigh professional ethics, superior negotiating skills, innovativemarketing plans and extensive knowledge of real estate sales.Committed to excellence in representing buyers and sellersthroughout Pasadena, San Marino, South Pasadena and thesurrounding communities. Call (626) 688-6464 or (626) 396-3975 or email [email protected] ■


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home is where the art isAWARD-WINNING NOVELIST MICHELLE HUNEVEN FINDS HER MUSE IN AND AROUND HER NATIVE ALTADENA.

BY SCARLET CHENG “WHEN MY FATHER WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD,” SAYS

NOVELIST MICHELLE HUNEVEN, “HE RAN AWAY FROM

HOME, AND HE SPENT THE NIGHT ON THIS PROPERTY.

IT WAS THE EAST INDIAN GARDENS THEN. LATER HE

RECOGNIZED THESE VERY OLD EUCALYPTUS TREES,

HE JUST RECOGNIZED THE PLACE.”We’re sitting in the backyard of Huneven’s house in Altadena, looking up

at two gigantic eucalyptus trees that stand along the back edge of the lot.

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Huneven, 56, was born and raised in this town, then spent 30 years away––firstat college, then living in Pasadena, the Sierras and Los Angeles. In 2001 shebought the single-story house with the sprawling lot we are strolling aroundnow, the site of her father’s childhood misadventure. She returned with sometrepidation. “I thought I was going to be swept by melancholy moving back,”she recalls. “Both sets of grandparents lived in Altadena, my mother lived here.But instead I just really feel whole. I love being here.”

And why not? It’s a beautiful spring afternoon, slightly cool, flowers are inbloom and there are oranges and lemons in her trees. Huneven is an easy con-versationalist and a natural storyteller. Every question uncovers a story.

Her third novel, Blame, has been nominated for a National Book CriticsCircle Award and Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Set in Altadena, Pasadena andLa Cañada Flintridge, it’s the compelling tale of Patsy MacLemoore, a beautifulyoung history professor with a bad drinking problem. For years she haslaughed off her irresponsibility and recklessness. Then one day she wakes up injail, accused of running over a mother and daughter in her driveway. Rackedwith guilt, she goes to prison, learns to do what she’s told and eventually joinsAlcoholics Anonymous. And that’s just the first third of the book. How Patsyslowly reenters regular life––aided by her pal Brice and his new boyfriend,Gilles; her therapist, Silver; and her eventual husband, Cal––and learns to be

good takes up the rest of the book. “But isn’t there a higher, truer self, a self that’s free of addiction and obses-

sion, that knows what’s best for you?” Silver asks her in a session one day. “Andisn’t that why you come here? To find and nourish that authentic, unenslavedself?” Patsy says no, that hadn’t occurred to her. What she wants to know, shesays, is “how to live to with guilt.” Ultimately, Patsy does come around to explor-ing what’s best for her, but in the meantime it’s fascinating and satisfying to seea person wrestle with––and try to right––the consequences of her wrongdoing.

Blame has garnered widespread praise. Maria Russo wrote in the New YorkTimes Book Review that the novel “is firmly rooted in the moral ambiguities ofaddiction and recovery, probing responsibility, guilt and exoneration with aphilosophical elegance. Huneven’s prose moves like a hummingbird, in smallbursts that are improbably fast and graceful.” The New Yorker praised Huneven’sprose as “flawless, with especially arresting descriptions of the SouthernCalifornia landscape, and her strong but fragile heroine is mercilessly honest.”

Huneven has had literary ambitions since childhood. “I remember veryclearly being in my bedroom and thinking I want to be a writer,” she says. “Iwas 8 or 9 and thinking I can’t be a writer because I’m not a man.” Nobodytold her she couldn’t; she just thought it was impossible from what she sawaround her.

When did she get over that obstacle?“How thoroughly does one get over it?” she replies. “Male dominance in

literature is still alive and well.” Still, she began reading more womenauthors––not least of whom was Jane Austen––and saw that she could be onetoo. After attending a series of colleges, she ended up at the prestigious IowaWriters’ Workshop in 1976 and got her MFA there.

For a while, she made her living as a restaurant critic and food writer forthe LA Weekly and the Los Angeles Times. She was good at it, winning a JamesBeard Award, and restaurant reviews left her enough energy to do what sheconsidered her serious writing. In 1997, Huneven’s first novel, Round Rock, waspublished; in it, a lawyer ruins his life through drink, then tries to redeem him-self by establishing a recovery center for alcoholics. Six years later she came outwith Jamesland, about three people whose lives intertwine in Los Feliz. Herefforts earned her a General Electric Foundation Award for Younger Writersand a Whiting Writers’ Award for Fiction.

Huneven’s latest novel was prompted by two ideas. “I wanted to writeabout someone who had lived a good life, then had reason to question the veryprinciples of that good life,” she says of Blame. Then there was a real-life storyshe had heard from an acquaintance. “He was a terrible blackout drinker, andat one point he was arrested for murdering his ex-wife. He’d assumed he’d

done it; he couldn’tremember. But despitehimself he had an iron-clad alibi, and the chargeswere dropped. What aclose call that was. He dideventually stop drinking.”

Alcoholism is a sub-ject the author returns toagain and again; she is,she acknowledges, arecovered alcoholic. Many of the main charac-ters in Blame bondthrough regular atten-dance at AA meetings,and Cal prides himself onhelping other recoveringalcoholics, even lettingthem use his home as ahalfway house. Hunevenbelieves that AA “isdesigned to make a personaware that there are thesedeep forces that can takethem over, like addiction.”

She’s already at work on her next novel, which she writes in her office, aone-room building in the corner of the lot. Nearby are elevated garden boxesin which she grows lettuces and gigantic spring onions. Her terrier trotsaround while we talk, and every so often her gray parrot lets out a squawkfrom her cage.

“I’m a really chauvinist Altadenan; I’m a West Altadenan,” she says withsome pride. “It’s one of the truly integrated communities here. It’s been thatway ever since I grew up. Interracial marriages, gay-friendly...My parents werevery progressive. It’s a place to live out one’s principles.” AM

“BUT ISN’T THERE AHIGHER, TRUER SELF, A SELF THAT’S FREE OF ADDICTION ANDOBSESSION, THATKNOWS WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU?”

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A HIGHLY SELECTIVE PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS

COMPILED BY JOHN SOLLENBERGER

THE LIST

MUSIC AND ART REIGN IN SOUTH PASADENAMay 1 — The South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and theSouth Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory present thesecond annual South Pasadena Eclectic Music and Art Walkfrom 2 to 10 p.m. along Mission Street between Fair Oaks andGrand avenues. Dozens of performers will fill six stages (five forfree) in the historic downtown district. Two food, wine and beergardens will offer refreshments. Six art studios will be open to

the public, and special exhibitions will be presented by businesses including Zinnia, Sew JowStitch Lounge, Mission Yoga, Biologica and others. Local merchants will also host openhouses along the route. Anchoring the event will be the Eclectic Stage at the South PasadenaMusic Center and Conservatory, 1509 Mission St., featuring David Lindley, The NervisBrothers, Double Naught Spy Car, Wahid and Moira Smiley & Voco. All-day admission to theEclectic Stage costs $20 (acts are subject to change without notice); tickets are availableonline. The other stages feature music, from rock to jazz. A free Artmobile shuttle loops to thevarious galleries, departing from the Gold Line Mission Station, 913 Meridian Ave. Call the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce at (626) 441-2339 or visit southpasadena.net.

OFF TO THE RACES FOR HABITATMay 1 — San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity is off to the races on Kentucky Derby Dayat Santa Anita Park with a fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. at the track’s Club Court. Theevent includes a no-host bar, buffet lunch, silent and live auctions, a pianist, a jazz band,handicapper, jockey ambassadors and a viewing of the Kentucky Derby. Tickets cost $90per person. Santa Anita Park is located at 285 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia. For reservations, call (626)387-6899 or email [email protected].

HORSE FIESTA RAISES FUNDS TO FIGHT CANCERMay 6 through 9 — The annual Fiesta of the Spanish Horse at the Los Angeles EquestrianCenter in Burbank, benefiting cancer research, features a multi-breed horse show all four daysand a Fiesta Spectacular Saturday, May 8. Saturday’s festivities feature a multicultural,Broadway-style equestrian and musical experience with Latin and Mariachi music, Flamencoand folkloric dancing, food, raffles and more. The horse show starts at 8 a.m. Thursday throughSunday and admission is free. Gates open Saturday at 3 p.m. and the Spectacular begins at 6 p.m. Tickets for the Saturday event cost $35 for a reserved box seat, $20 for adult generaladmission and $15 for seniors 65 and older and children ages 4 to 12. The Los Angeles Equestrian Center is located at 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank. Call (818) 842-8444 or visit fiestaspanishhorse.com.

CHAP-A-RET HONORS SEN. KENNEDYMay 7 — The Community Health Alliance of Pasadena (CHAP)presents its annual gala fundraiser, “Chap-A-Ret,” from 6:30 to10:30 p.m. at the Shakespeare Club in Pasadena. U.S. Rep.Patrick Kennedy has been invited to accept an award on behalfof his father, the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, for his efforts toexpand access to health care nationwide. The evening includeslive entertainment, food, a silent auction and more. Tickets cost$150; VIP tickets, $200; patron tickets, $1,000.

The Shakespeare Club is located at 171 S. Grand Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 993-1221 or visit acteva.com/go/chap.

ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES IN LA CAÑADAMay 7 — The La Cañada High School 7/8 PTA Home Tour hosts open houses at four resi-dences from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. From 4 to 8 p.m., docents lead home tours while LCHS stu-dent groups perform music and complementary wine and appetizers are served at one resi-

dence. Tickets benefiting the La Cañada 7th and 8th grade PTA cost $40 in advance, $45the day of the tour at Descanso Gardens. Call (818) 790-0419 or visit albrookstickets.com or lchs78.org/hometour.html for information.

CELEBRATING MOM AT DESCANSOMay 8 and 9 — Descanso Gardens and Patina Catering offer a Mother’s Day Brunch buffetwith seatings at 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. both days. The cost is $50, $42 formembers and $17 for children ages 4 to 10. Children 3 and under are admitted free.Reservations are required, and cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance toavoid a 50 percent charge. Call Patina at (818) 790-3663 for reservations. Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. Call (818) 949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org.

A WOMAN OF INDEPENDENT MEANSMay 8 and 9 — The California Performing Arts Centre, the non-profit company based at South Pasadena’s Fremont CentreTheatre, brings back its production of A Woman of IndependentMeans for two Mother’s Day weekend performances. ElizabethForsythe Hailey adapted the play from her best-selling novelexploring what it was like to be an adventurous woman in thefirst 70 years of the 20th century. Lissa Layng stars.Performances start at 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, pre-

ceded by a 2 p.m. Mother’s Day tea. Tickets cost $35.The Fremont Centre Theatre is located at 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. Call (866)811-4111 or visit fremontcentretheatre.com.

PACIFIC ASIA MUSEUM LAUNCHES FUSION FRIDAYSMay 14 — The museum kicks off “Fusion Fridays,” a mélange of art, music, dance perform-ances, bites from gourmet food vendors and conversation with the museum’s curators andeducators. At the inaugural event, starting at 7:30 p.m., celebrate the cultures of Pakistanand India with two exhibitions, Beyond the Page: The Miniature as Attitude in ContemporaryArt from Pakistan and Indian Miniature Paintings and Drawings. The event includes aBhangra DJ music and dance performance, a miniature art project and mehndi, the SouthAsian art of applying henna as a temporary skin decoration. Galleries will be open until 10 p.m. Admission costs $10 (free for members). The Pacific Asia Museum is located at 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 449-2742 or visit pacificasiamuseum.org.

THE GRIFFITH OBSERVATORYCELEBRATES 75

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May 15 — The Friends of the Observatory present “Cosmic Conjunction 2010:Diamond Nights * Northern Lights,” celebrating the Griffith Observatory’s 75thanniversary, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Observatory in Griffith Park. The eventincludes the premieres of Light of the Valkyries, a planetarium show featuring musicby Richard Wagner and live narration by surprise celebrity guests. “DiamondNights” also ushers in the Observatory’s participation in LA Opera’s Ring FestivalL.A., joining more than 100 Los Angeles–area cultural and educational institutionscelebrating Wagner’s Ring Cycle. Tickets cost $250 or $500 per person; sponsor-ships range from $5,000 to $50,000. The Griffith Observatory is located at 2800 E. Observatory Rd., in Griffith Park. For ticketsand sponsorship information, call (213) 473-0807 or email [email protected]. For other event information, visit friendsoftheobservatory.org.



GOLFING FOR A GOOD CAUSEMay 14 — Pasadena’s Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services presents its“Shot-at-a-Million” golf event to raise funds for helping abused and neglected young-sters. The event, at Angeles National Golf Club in Sunland, offers five ways to partici-pate: Play golf in the all-day Golf-a-Thon or play the 9-Hole Team Challenge in the afternoon ($500 per two-person team); attend the 19th Hole After-Party from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. for $50 per person, emceed by KISS-FM traffic reporter Commander ChuckStreet; buy a $50 raffle ticket for a chance to win a new 2010 BMW Mini Cooper;become a sponsor; or support a golfer, with a per-hole-played donation or flat donationamount. Competitors have a chance to win $1 million with a hole-in-one. The Golf-a-Thon starts at 7 a.m. and golfers play at their own pace. The 9-Hole Team Challengeruns from 3 to 5:30 p.m.Call (626) 395-7100, ext. 2516, or visit hathaway-sycamores.org.

SPRING ARTS AND CRAFTS BLING IN GLENDALEMay 15 — The Red Rabbit Arts and Craft Market comes to the Glendale Civic Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 75 craftspeople will be on hand to sell handmadejewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles and more. The family-friendly event also offers hands-on craft projects for all ages. Free goody bags are available to the first 50 visitors.Admission is free.

The Glendale Civic Auditorium is located at 1401 N. Verdugo Rd., Glendale. Call (818) 243-7326 or visit redrabbitworkshop.com.

FERRARIS RULE OLD PASADENAMay 16 — From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., more than 150 vintageand contemporary Ferraris line Colorado Boulevard in OldPasadena for “Concorso Ferrari.” Cars made in 1999 andearlier are eligible for awards presented in 10 classes.Newer Ferraris will also be on display. To enter, call (714) 630-9202. To become a sponsor, call (818)706-3814. For information, call (818) 971-3300, ext. 2311, orvisit fca-sw.org.

THREE PRODUCTIONS CLOSE AT ANWMay 21, 22 and 23 — A Noise Within wraps three productionsthis month: Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, directedby Michael Murray; Irish playwright John Millington Synge’sromantic comedy The Playboy of the Western World, directedby A Noise Within Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director GeoffElliott; and the American classic Awake and Sing by CliffordOdets, directed by Andrew Traister. Much Ado closes at 8 p.m.May 21; Playboy wraps at 8 p.m. May 22 and Awake and Sing

finishes its run at 7 p.m. May 23. Tickets cost $40 to $44.A Noise Within is located at 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call (818) 240-0910 or visitanoisewithin.org.

AN ARTS AND CRAFTS MAVERICK AT THE HUNTINGTONMay 22 — The Artistic Furniture of Charles Rohlfs is the first major exhibition of work by the Arts and Crafts maverick, opening May 22 and continuing through Sept. 6 at theHuntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. Rohlfs was a leader in thecountry’s early exploration of modernist furniture design, along with Frank Lloyd Wrightand Gustav Stickley. Rohlfs’ eclectic work combined influences of Scottish and EnglishArts and Crafts, French Art Nouveau and East Asian and Near Eastern furniture. Theexhibition includes 44 examples of his furniture and decorative objects, including itemsmade for his own home and major commissioned and production pieces. Masterpiecesin the collection were culled from 10 museums and several private collections. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens is located at 1151 Oxford Rd.,San Marino. Call (626) 405-2100 or visit huntington.org.

VINTAGE DOLLS AT HERITAGE SQUAREThrough May 23 — More than 40 Victorian-era dolls from around the world will be show-cased in A Child’s Friend: A Look at Vintage Dolls 1840-1920 at Heritage Square Museum innortheastern Los Angeles. Highlights include an American-made 1840s-vintage China doll;an 1880s-era, 26-inch doll from the N.B. Japan Company; and Acme dolls of the 1920s.Interesting details include metal heads, fur eyebrows, glass eyes and celluloid bodies. Thedisplay is in the museum’s Mt. Pleasant Home. Exhibit entrance is included in the museumadmission fee of $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children ages 5 to 12. The Heritage Square Museum is located at 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles. Call (323) 225-2700 or visit heritagesquare.org. AM


A HIGHLY SELECTIVE PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS

THE LIST

LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALEPERFORMS AMERICANA

May 23 — The Los Angeles Master Choraleends its season with an Americana program at 7 p.m. at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The performance includes spirituals by composerMoses Hogan and classics such as Shenandoahand Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair.Music Director Grant Gershon conducts. Tickets cost $19 to $124. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is located at 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Call (213) 972-7282 or visit lamc.org.

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Thank goodness it’s Mother’s Day, because I was

almost out of macaroni picture frames, bean

mosaics, handprint plaques and ballpoint-pen-

plastic-flowers-growing-out-of-soup-can pots.

I cherish all that stuff, although it is currently being

cherished in four 35-gallon Rubbermaid tubs

stacked in the garage behind the camping gear.Most holidays are associated with great home-cooked meals, like turkey on

Thanksgiving, corned beef and cabbage on Saint Patrick’s Day or cake on your

birthday. But on Mother’s Day, Americans gather at restaurants en masse to partake

in the country’s favorite hybrid meal—brunch. (Why we haven’t similarly embraced

linner or lupper is another mystery for the ages.) The American Mother’s Day Brunch

has become a rite of passage for both families and food service professionals.

When I was a kid, Mother’s Day meant a trip to the now defunct Velvet Turtle in

celebration of my grandmother. She was the oldest mother in the family, and therefore

the universally beloved matriarch (on this one day at least). The Velvet Turtle was not a

rock super-group made up of has-been musicians, but a bastion of pepper steak and

lobster tails, where the middle class swarmed in the ’70s for “gourmet” food. (A term

as dated as a Gunne Sax and Famolares.) When I was 10 years old, reservations were

required at The Turtle, but in the mid-’80s the company was acquired in a hostile

takeover by Marriott, America decided it preferred surf and turf with a bloomin’ onion

and an Aussie accent and The Turtle went belly-up.

It’s a sad story, but sadder still is the abandoned Velvet Turtle on the edge of

Chinatown in Los Angeles, wrapped in chain-link fencing, its parking lot cracked and

sprouting mustard weeds. As if going out of business wasn’t bad enough, the sign is

still hanging there as a constant reminder of failure.

But when I see that Turtle sign I think of Mother’s Day and my grandpa’s olive

green ’72 Mercury Marquis sedan. He would float it up to The Turtle’s entrance and

unload grandma in style. With gloves in hand and a corsage pinned to her shoulder,

she entered the doors of The Velvet Turtle like Elizabeth Taylor entering Chasen’s.

Keeping in mind that grandma and grandpa typically dined on grilled cheese and

Campbell’s tomato soup on TV trays in front of The Lawrence Welk Show, it’s

amazing how easily she fell into Liz mode. The Turtle staff could instantly sense her

pseudo-supercilious vibe and were on their toes, making sure her water glass was

full, her coffee piping hot and her steaks a perfect shade of overcooked gray. She

was always a persnickety woman (to say the least), but on this one day every year,

we all pretended not to mind.

On these occasions, my attention would be totally focused on the buffet. It was a

thing of wonder and beauty to a 10-year-old—mountains of strawberries, piles of

shrimp, as many muffins, bagels and French croissants as I could eat and a huge

roast beef, carved by a real chef under a heat lamp. (Of course, now I realize that that

guy wasn’t a real chef at all. Real chefs don’t carve under a heat lamp for eight hours

in the middle of the day. We hire lackeys to do that.)

It was at a Mother’s Day Brunch that I discovered an amazing dish called Eggs

Benedict. An English muffin (from England, Europe!) was topped with ham (which the

Canadians call bacon…weird) and a pristine poached egg. Then everything was

enveloped in a magical, mystical, tongue-coating sauce called Hollandaise. This

sauce was so over-the-top decadent that grandma would give me a hard time for

ordering it, as if I was somehow not worthy of its lusciousness (“You ordered what?”).

The pièce de résistance was a thin slice of black olive perched on top. Served in

pairs, the final presentation was a little mammo-rific, but my 10-year-old brain didn’t

work that way yet. According to several turn-of-the-century cookbooks, the original

garnish was shaved truffle and not strange olive nipples.

I would, at this point, like to take a minute and reprimand the first cook who tried

to pass off canned black olives for truffles. You, sir, are an embarrassment to the pro-

fession. Next, I say “shame” to all the customers who ate the olive and didn’t notice

KITCHENCONFESSIONS

The MotherSauce OH, BROTHER. DO FOOD SERVICE WORKERS A FAVOR AND COOK YOUR OWN MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH.

BY LESLIE BILDERBACK | PHOTOS BY TERI LYN FISHER



we give moms enough adulation as it is? I don’t know a single mom who is not firmly

in charge of her minions, with total control of their schedule, the menu, the car keys,

the checkbook and the power to affect the mood of a houseful of people with a single

look. The world bends to a mother’s will on a daily basis. You need a celebration on

top of all that?

And besides, the whole thing has the faint aroma of obligation. Don’t waste your

allowance on designer hand lotion for me, kids. Just get your homework done on

time, dress out for PE, empty your pockets before you toss your jeans in the hamper

and give me a kiss when I ask. (I mean every time I ask…even in front of your friends.

What? You don’t think their moms kiss them? You want to pretend I’m not your moth-

er? Who am I then? Some middle-aged stranger who gave you a lift?)

Also, don’t roll your eyes when I make a joke. That would be the best Mother’s

Day gift ever.

Leslie Bilderback is a certified master chef and baker, a cookbook author and a

former executive chef of Pasadena’s School of Culinary Arts. A South Pasadena

resident, Bilderback teaches her techniques online at culinarymasterclass.com.

AM

PERFECT HOLLANDAISE SAUCEHollandaise is considered, in classic cuisine, one of the five mother sauces (the list also includes saucesbéchamel, espagnole, velouté and tomato), not because it is served on Mother’s Day but because, like allmother sauces, it is the base from which dozens of other sauces are created.

Like all great dishes, the origin of Eggs Benedict is hotly contested. Sometime in the 1880s or ’90s,Mrs. Le Grande Benedict, or Mr. Lemuel Benedict, or Commodore E.C. Benedict, dined at the WaldorfAstoria, or Delmonico’s, or on a yacht. He or she requested the dish either as a hangover cure orbecause they were bored with the usual fare, and the creation ended up on the menu. To make your own,layer a toasted English muffin with Canadian bacon, a poached egg and Hollandaise. Or turn it into EggsSardou by layering an artichoke heart with anchovies, creamed spinach, a poached egg and Hollandaise.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD1. Melt butter slowly, then set aside to cool. Do not stir butter. Let the solids sink to the bottom, and

skim the foam off the top. The pure butter fat in the center (called clarified butter) is what you willuse for this recipe.

2. Fill the lower portion of a double boiler* with water and bring to a simmer. In the upper portion,before setting it over heat, combine egg yolks, lemon juice and water. Whip vigorously until thecolor begins to lighten, 1 to 2 minutes. Set over the simmering water and continue whisking untilthe eggs become thick and creamy. Never stop whisking while heating, or the mixture will congealinto scrambled eggs (for which there is no quick fix).

3. Remove the thickened yolks from the heat, and while whisking, start drizzling the clarified butterinto the yolks very slowly. It should take about 3 minutes to incorporate all the butter. (Place thebowl on a wet towel to keep it from spinning as you whisk with one hand and drizzle with theother.) Finish with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

* Create your own double boiler by placing a stainless or ceramic bowl on top of a saucepan. Whenthe bowl is resting on the pan, there should be enough room for a couple of inches of water andan inch of air between the water and the bottom of the bowl.

1¼ pounds (5 sticks) unsalted butter 6 egg yolks2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons cold waterA pinch each of kosher salt and white pepper

or care that it wasn’t a truffle. If you had been on the ball, we’d all be hip deep in truf-

fles today. Boo on you, dead, apathetic Eggs-Benedict-eaters of yore.

For restaurant people, Mother’s Day is a mixed blessing. If you are a skilled wait-

er, there is mega-tip potential. But for the rest of the staff, Mother’s Day Brunch is just

a big pain in the butter. Most parties are big, which means bigger orders and split

checks. There are often rugrats, and the adults are getting drunk on free champagne,

which unfortunately doesn’t increase the final bill. And more often than not there are

persnickety grandmothers with persnickety tastes. It’s enough to send any well-

meaning food service worker over the edge. (To this day, my recurring anxiety dream

involves waiting tables at a Mother’s Day Brunch. In this dream, there is a table that I

have forgotten about, and the customer turns out to be my high school algebra

teacher, who reminds me that I am having a test after my shift, which I didn’t study

for. Also, I am naked.)

These days, I can do without the entire scene. Mother’s Day ranks up there with

Valentine’s Day on my list of superfluous Hallmark holidays. I am sure I will receive

backlash from readers (what else is new?), but I think Mother’s Day is a crock. Don’t


KITCHENCONFESSIONS

TASTET H E F L A V O R S O F A R R O Y O

CHOZA MAMA96 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena(626) 432-4692chozamama.com

CUISINEChoza Mama offers the very best of Peruvian Cuisine witha menu full of passion and flavor, made of the freshestseafood and produce combined with the highest qualitymeats available.

DINERS’ FAVORITES1. Lomo Saltado ($14)2. Shrimp and Scallop Linguine with Riccoto sauce ($16)3. Ceviche de Pescado ($13)

VIBEA fine dining location with soft lighting that accents mod-ern Indian art work and stones that represent an advancedancient coulture. The mood is set by dark wood tables,candlelight and soft live Latin music.

PRICE$$$$$

THE SCARLET TEA ROOM18 W. Green St., Pasadena(626) 577-0051scarlettearoom.com

CUISINEThe signature “Scarlet Tea Ceremony” reinvents the tradi-tional afternoon tea with a five-course tea service perfect-ly designed for one person, providing a multitude of exotictea choices, almond champagne and fine wines.

DINERS’ FAVORITES1. Tuscan chicken ($19.95)2. Four Seasons ($15.95)3. Glazed crab-stuffed salmon ($28)

VIBEA full service restaurant offering an elegant setting to enjoya spectacular High Tea and fine dining experience.Exquisite dinners and evening teas are now servedTuesday through Saturday, featuring live music Thursdays,Fridays & Saturdays)

PRICE$$$$$

3 DRUNKEN GOATS2256 Honolulu Avenue, Montrose(818) 249-99503drunkengoats.com

CUISINE3 Drunken Goats (3DG) is a Spanish themed restaurant witha strong specialization towards Spanish tapas! 3DG offersa wide array of rich, flavorful & eclectic plates and dishesthat are guaranteed to satisfy every realm of ones palate!

DINERS’ FAVORITES1. Bacon wrapped dates with chorizo ($9)2. Piquillo peppers stuffed with idiazabal cheese ($9)3. Grilled flatbread with mushrooms & three cheeses ($11)

VIBERich dark burgundy interior, antique iron lamps hang fromthe high ceiling and 1920’s bank styled lights illuminate thebar. A boutique wine & gourmet food store inside 3DG hasthe most unique products! Voted Best Wine Selection inFoothills ’05 – ’07!

PRICE$$$$$

Fusion Food’s Gold Standard – Italian/AmericanNIKKI C’S BRINGS BOTH WORLDS TO TABLE IN STYLEBY DAN O’HERON

This restaurant burnishes a glowing reputation for fine Italian food like delectably creamyrisotto Siena or keenly stratified lasagne al forno while guaranteeing great American steaks,whether medium, rare or perfectly well-done.

To satisfy your beefy dinner preferences, the filet mignon is prepared either crusted witharomatic bleu cheese, puddled in classic bearnaise or lobster creme, or just sizzling in itsown gorgeous juices without any help? It’s a legend.

But it may be another story if you’re sitting at the chic cocktail bar. So close to SantaAnita Race Track, you might be in the company of several thoroughbred owners and train-ers, or players who make the bar stool a listening post for hot tips.

Some are sipping a moderately priced house wine — though big spenders may be fin-ishing off a $72 bottle of Conn Creek Meritage — others are chugging a Bud Lite or aPyramid Hefenweizen, and still others are marveling over the taste of “watermelontini.”

The bar is buzzing with conversation: Horse racing is a serious business. Suddenly, witha whiff of delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen, thetalk stops: It’s time to eat. The professionals turn backthe clock to those times when most children wantthings — NOW!

The show stopper might be a steak or uncommontacos – either the filet mignon ($17) or the short rib taco

packed with fontina, one of Italy’s great cheeses, and avocado, caramelized onion andcilantro, plus chips and salsa ($16). Or famous fin and feather dishes like broiled, wildAtlantic salmon ($21), more pink and succulent than other varieties — or a chicken Marsala($18), sauteed in Italy’s most famous fortified wine.

Lunch features sandwiches from $8 to $13, and weekend-only breakfasts range from$6 to $15, all Italian/American. The best of both worlds. ■

NIKKI C’S470 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena(626) 792-7437Nikkics.com

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ARROYO ~ MAY 2010 ~ 49| ADVERTISEMENT |AVERAGE PRICE PER ENTREE: $ (UP TO $10) | $$ ($11–15) | $$$ ($16-25) | $$$$ ($25+)

TASTE


Timeless Twohey’s celebrates 66th year LANDMARK KEEPS DOOR OPEN FOR GREAT AMERICAN COMFORT FOODBY DAN O’HERON

In 1943, when Route 66 was the Mother Road to California for midwest migrants, Twohey’sopened off an old two-lane highway and grew to become a landmark feast in comfort foodfor weary travelers in their worn-out cars. Today, though the highway has long been bypassedby the interstate, Twohey’s remains retro and very active, and, quite coincidentally, is cele-brating its 66th anniversary.

Birthday specials for May and June include an “early bird” (Mon.-Fri., 3 to 5 p.m.) offer of$9.95 three-course dinners including New York steak, grilled salmon, chicken teriyaki andspaghetti. At this price — with no stint in Twohey quality and portion generosity — the “earlybird” dinner should become the most popular meal in town, except among those who make3 to 5 their siesta hour.

In addition, each May and June all guests will receive a “bounce-back” coupon book, enti-tling them to either a 10, 25 or 100 percent discount on a subsequent visit.

Today’s regular menu includes almost every comfort food you can name – includingfamous onion rings, steaks, ribs and chops — and many delicious items you may have for-gotten, like meat loaf or liver and onions.

At Twohey’s ’43 opening, the classic “Stinko-burger”cost 40 cents; today it’s $6.50 with trimmings. Yet nowthe quarter-pound Angus beef burger is still the same —burger, onion, pickle, bun — and still a bargain. Beforehamburger flavor was overcome with sloppings ofThousand Island, mayo and tasteless tomato, this sim-

pler fare was (and is) the way a burger was meant to taste.Ice cream still tastes as fresh and delicious as it did when kids fetched rock salt, turned

the crank on a bucket and licked their fingers. Where else can friends share a wide, deep-bodied “banana split royal” tureen of sliced bananas plumped with three huge scoops of theirfavorite ice creams — then puffed with whipped cream and pebbled with almonds for only$6.95. It’s a “pretty please” with three cherries on top. ■

COLOMBO’S STEAKHOUSE AND JAZZ CLUB1833 Colorado Boulevard, Eagle Rock(323) 254-9138

CUISINEColombo’s Italian Steakhouse has been serving authenticItalian family recipes since 1954 using only the highestquality fresh ingredients in all their dishes. Serving break-fast, lunch and dinner.

DINERS’ FAVORITES1. Ribeye steak ($21) 2. Chicken Parmesan w/spaghetti marinara ($17.95) 3. Sam’s charbroiled meatball steak ($14.95)

VIBESoft lighting, intimate plush booth seating and Free livemusic every night featuring local jazz performers. Full barwith big screen televisions.

PRICE$$$$$

THE MELTING POT RESTAURANT88 W. Colorado Blvd., 2nd Floor, Old Pasadena(626) 792-1941meltingpot.com/Pasadena

CUISINEFondue becomes a memorable four-course dining experi-ence. Dip into something different and discover all theingredients for a unique dining experience — private tables,attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners.

DINERS’ FAVORITES1. Big Night Out ($44-49 per person)2. Cheese Fondues ($16)3. Chocolate Fondues ($16)

VIBEGet ready for fondue paradise. You’ll think you’ve diedand had gone to heaven! Beautiful, romantic locationoverlooking historic Colorado Blvd. in Old Pasadena.

PRICE$$$$$

DEREK’S BISTRO181 East Glenarm Street, Pasadena(626) 799-5252dereks.com

CUISINEDerek’s is a casually elegant restaurant, intimate andattentive, renowned for superb California Contemporarycuisine. The restaurant’s a-la carte menu offers a widevariety of dishes prepared in the tradition of classic Frenchcooking. Chef Paul's tasting menu available upon request.

DINERS’ FAVORITES1. Rack of New Zealand Lamb, Peppered Gnocchi & Port

Reduction ($38)2. Atlantic Salmon en Croute ($33)3. Beef Wellington ($38)

VIBEIntimate setting perfect for those special occasions. Themain dining room is lined by their impressive wine cellarand if you enjoy dining outdoors, the covered patio is sur-rounded by bougainvillea, hanging lanterns & candle light.

PRICE$$$$$

TWOHEY’S1224 N. Atlantic Blvd., Alhambra(626) 284-7387twoheys.com

AVERAGE PRICE PER ENTREE: $ (UP TO $10) | $$ ($11–15) | $$$ ($16-25) | $$$$ ($25+)


NEW MOON RESTAURANT & BAR2138 Verdugo Blvd., Montrose (818) 249.4393newmoonrestaurants.com

CUISINENew Moon's contemporary take on classic Chinese cui-sine is a happy balance of traditional Asian flavors andfresh ingredients that have been re-imagined for contem-porary tastes. Impressive wine list and a full bar.

DINERS’ FAVORITES1. Chloe Shrimp ($14.95)2. Filet of Sole in a Black Bean Sauce ($13.50)3. New Moon's Dragon Beef ($12.95)

VIBECasual, yet sophisticated atmosphere and attentive serv-ice has gained Zagat-rated New Moon a dedicated follow-ing. The newly opened bar has already proved a popularspot with special happy hour drink prices and menu.

PRICE$$$$$

MALAGUETA BAR & GRILL43 E. Colorado Blvd., Old Pasadena(626) 564-8696malaguetarestaurant.com

CUISINEExceptionally flavorful South American fare featuring dish-es from Brazil, Columbia, Peru and Cuba. Our originalwood-fired pizzas are fantastic.

DINERS’ FAVORITES1. Bife Buenos Aires ($17)2. Rib Eye Acebolado ($20)3. Braised Lamb Shank ($18)

VIBEIntimate feel with color paintings on wall. Visible wood-firegrill at back of restaurant. Beautiful chandeliers in frontwindows…

PRICE$$$$$

CLEARMAN’S NORTH WOODS INN7247 Rosemead Blvd., San Gabriel(626) 286-8284. clearmansrestaurants.com

CUISINEFrom juicy hamburgers to tender filet mignon to freshseafood, fans get all the fixin’s: enormous baked potatoes,signature cheese bread, tangy red cabbage slaw andcreamy blue-cheese green salad.

DINERS’ FAVORITES1. Cheesebread Sliders ($7.95)2. Fried Chicken Dinner ($19.95)3. Australian Rock Lobster Tail

& Filet Mignon Supreme ($49.95)

VIBEGenerations of Southern Californians have headed to thissnowcapped dining destination for its hunting lodgeambiance, sawdust on the floor and lumberjack-sizedportions of fun and food.

PRICE$$-$$$$$

Tied to Past, Tea is the Order of the DayFOUR SEASONS TEA ROOM BRINGS VICTORIAN ERA BACK TO LIFE BY DAN O’HERON

It may be an informal afternoon tea but if you come in wearing gown, gloves and a floppy hat,no will bother to ask you for an autograph.

Unless it’s a special event, like a bridal shower, most people come as they are to enjoy atea room rich with allusion to an auspicious occasion: An epochal return to 19th-centuryVictorian life and customs.

Whether you’re sipping tea with an invited friend, mate, child, parent, co-worker or boss,the tea service here is so elegant that it becomes a subtle salute to those you wish to honor.To enhance the experience, servers reflect the social deportment of a nobler time, and theyalways pour your tea.

The bungalow cottage is up to the mark with status symbols that every home in QueenVictoria ’s time required to be “properly finished”: hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windowstreated with linens, wall sconces, Crown British molding and spotless tablecloths with strictlymeasured overhang.

In the “afternoon tea”– four basic servings rangingfrom $17.50 to $22 – there are 50 types of leaves, fresh-filled in handmade tea bags. Sandwiches, chosen toenhance the flavor and aroma of tea and not ruin theappetite for dinner, aren’t sticky and don’t crumble.Among other treats, classic egg-washed Englishscones come with fabulous Devonshire cream and jam.

Here special events of wit and whimsy often take thestage – just as they once did when Queen Victoria got off her throne. They include fantasy,music and murder mystery. In a opening act of Mystery Theater, if you spot a rolling pin on thewall, you’ll just know that before the scene ends — in unspeakably amusing Victorian villainy— it will have been used to bonk a hapless husband on the head. ■

FOUR SEASONSTEA ROOM75 N. Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre(626) 355-00454seasonstearoom.com

AVERAGE PRICE PER ENTREE: $ (UP TO $10) | $$ ($11–15) | $$$ ($16-25) | $$$$ ($25+)

T H E F L A V O R S O F A R R O Y O

“AS ONE DOOR CLOSES, SO OPENS ANOTHER” IS ONEOF MY ENGLISH MOTHER’S FAVORITE HOMESPUN SAY-INGS. AND AS THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE SITS DIMMEDAND SILENT, ACROSS ITS COURTYARD CHEF ONILCHIBÁS IS ENTERTAINING PEOPLE IN A DIFFERENT WAY.SINCE HE STARTED ELEMENTS CATERING, AND THENELEMENTS CAFÉ ON FAIR OAKS IN 2005, CHIBÁS HASBEEN A CONSISTENT PERFORMER ON PASADENA’SCULINARY STAGE. HIS CATERING COMPANY AND CAFÉHAVE EARNED A REPUTATION FOR TURNING OUT MOD-ERN HEALTHY FARE ROOTED IN THE CLASSICS, WITHSOME WELL THOUGHT OUT, BUT NOT OVERLY FUSSY,TWEAKS. A BLT AT THE CAFÉ, FOR INSTANCE, COMESWITH TOMATO AND FENNEL JAM. IT’S IMAGINATIVETWISTS LIKE THIS THAT SEPARATE THE STARS FROMTHE PLAYERS IN THE WORLD OF COOKING.

In picking a location next to one of the country’s loveliest theaters, Chibás

was probably hoping to put butts on seats from the pre- and post-theater crowds.

With the sad demise of the Playhouse, that’s no longer happening. Still, I think he

won’t have to worry. Elements Kitchen, which opened in January, deserves an

audience of its own. Pasadena is fortunate to have a vibrant and eclectic culinary

scene, with some genuine destination restaurants. Now it has a new one.

While Elements Café’s seating is almost all outdoors under sunny yellow

umbrellas––perfect for a lunch and brunch joint, the Kitchen has a lofty, spacious

dining room, with vaulted ceilings and flattering lighting. The gleaming open

kitchen lets you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the crew, without being subjected

to clatter. And Chibás can usually be seen flitting from table to table, making sure

everything is fine, sharing a cooking tip and talking about the art on the walls.

The art on the plates merits a few words too. As a concept, it’s simple enough.

A concise menu is arranged around “elemental” ingredients: tomatoes, cod, mus-

sels and oysters, for example. The dish revolves around that element. Some ele-

ments carry only a couple of dishes, and others, three or four. These are further

divided into small plates and large plates, a printed olive branch on the page serving

as the marker of that division. It sounds complicated but isn’t when you have it in

front of you, and what it allows for is a great deal of fun and flexibility. Small plates

can be easily shared or may also function perfectly well as sides, like the Farmers

Market Salad. What they all have in common is Chibás’ knack of marrying great

ingredients that work well together, with a star ingredient to carry the dish.

Steak and Eggs turns out to be grilled rare tuna steak with Masago caviar

and a little spinach blini. The bubbles of mild caviar are a perfect counterpoint to

the delicate tuna, while the blini holds it all together. Marinated Flank Steak and

Kimchi Tacos come with a Sambal aioli and pickled ginger. They’re savory, tangy

and pungent in a good way. If a taco truck were turning this out, I’d be stalking it

like an undercover health inspector. A larger plate, the Seared Black Cod Filet &

Chorizo Pipérade, was a favorite of mine—juicy fish that flakes under the fork, a

spiced relish, a clam nage and fava beans. That’s a large plate I won’t be willing to

share in future. What I will share is this––encore! AM

DINING

The Elements of TasteNEXT DOOR TO THE SHUTTERED PASADENA PLAYHOUSE, ELEMENTS KITCHEN ISSERVING UP A MENU OF IMAGINATIVE DISHES ORGANIZED ALONG SURPRISING LINESBY BRADLEY TUCK

Breakfastat Tiffanys

SearedTenderloin

Elements Kitchen37 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena(626) 440-0044

Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5 to 10 p.m.Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5 to 11 p.m.Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m.Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m.Bar service: Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to midnightClosed Monday

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ART,ANTIQUES&JEWELRYArnold’s Fine JewelryArnold’s Fine Jewelry is celebrating 120 years of serving Pasadena area families. Fromstunning engagement rings, engraved sterling baby gifts, watches for grads to spectacularevening baubles, Arnold’s is a destination for those seeking the very finest. Bruce Arnold’spersonal joy is to suggest designs that respectfully restyle your cherished heirlooms. Third-generation jeweler Arnold invites you to bring jewelry for repair or cleaning. Professionalism,trust and friendliness are why Arnold’s will be the choice for generations to come. 350 S.Lake Ave., suite 110, Pasadena. Call (626) 795-8647 or visit arnoldsfinejewelry.com

Canada JewelryFamily-owned and –operated, with over 28 years of experience in design and manufactureof fine jewelry. Our knowledgeable staff will offer you the best service to create your specialoccasion jewelry. Come in and see our exquisite array of diamonds, gold, and silver jewel-ry. We also carry a large selection of writing instruments, watches, and gifts. We are anauthorized dealer of Citizen and Lladro. Visit us at 965 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada-Flintridge.Call (818) 952-2021 or visit canadajlry.com.

Fancy That!Fancy That! is the place to find that “perfect gift.” Spring marks the beginning of weddingseason, school graduations and the culmination of religious education and training. Addbirthdays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and you’ll soon discover firsthand why FancyThat! is the place “For Gifts You Love To Give.” And our signature gift wrap is always com-plimentary! 2575 Mission St., San Marino.Call (626) 403-2577 or visit fancythat.us.com.

John Moran AuctioneersA full-service auction house for over 40 years, John Moran Auctioneers is internationally rec-ognized as a leader in sales of exceptional antiques, fine art, jewelry and eclectic estateitems. In addition to monthly Estate Auctions, Moran’s conducts tri-annual California andAmerican Art auctions featuring top 19th and 20th century Impressionist and Westernartists. Clients value Moran’s for expertise and dedication to top-quality personalized serv-ice. For information about consigning, purchasing at auction, estate services, appraisals,and free walk-in Valuation Days, please call (626) 793-1833 or visit johnmoran.com. ■


THEGREATESCAPE

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HEALTH & BEAUTYDr. Marilyn Mehlmauer Having smooth, youthful skin is the first step to feeling great about your appearance.Dr. Marilyn Mehlmauer offers a wide variety of solutions for any problem areas on yourface. Whether you have lines, wrinkles or acne, we have a remedy to restore the elas-ticity and refine the appearance of your skin. Visit us and explore our facial rejuvenationtreatment options. Call and schedule your consultation today,(626) 585-9474.

Pasadena Weight Loss ClinicA Shocking Discovery: Losing weight quickly by going against conventional “wisdom”! APasadena doctor helps his overweight patients eat more and exercise less to lose weight!This program simply activates built-in mechanisms your body already has that cause the fastweight loss. Simple as that. Your first step is a FREE in-depth consultation with Dr. Matar todetermine eligibility for the program. “Dr. Matar's knowledge is the ‘missing link’ that I waslooking for,” says Linda Gray, award-winning actress. “I know what it takes for my body toperform at its optimal potential. Implementing Dr. Matar's recommendations into my life hashelped me achieve that goal,” says Dwight Hicks, two-time Super Bowl champion, SanFrancisco 49ers. Contact Dr. Matar at (626) 844-4686 or at ditchyourdiet.com.

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Voted Best Dermatologist • Pasadena Weekly 2009Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology

SURGICAL SERVICES:

LIPOSUCTION

NECK REJUVENATION

EYELID SURGERY

QUICK LIFTS

CO2 RESURFACING

SERVICES:

ADULT & PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY

SKIN CANCER DETECTION & TREATMENT

ACNE TREATMENTS

BOTOX / DYSPORT

JUVEDERM, RESTYLANE, SCULPTRA

AFFIRM LASER / THERMAGE(SKIN TIGHTENING)

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

LASER FOR RED & BROWN SPOTS

PIXEL LASER (FOR FINE LINES & WRINKLES)

Contact the office for a consultation. All procedures are done on-site.

10 CONGRESS ST., STE. 320 | PASADENA, CA 91105626-585-9474 | www.mehlmauer.com

SPECIALS• Fraxel or Affirm Laser $850 (full face)

• Pixel Laser $900

• Buy 2 ml’s of Restylane andget 1ml free (While Supplies last)

• Sculptra $750 per treatment

Expires 6/1/2010

Effective, ClinicallyProven Treatments for:- Fibromyalgia- Back and Neck Pain- Joint and Muscle Pain- Headaches- Injuries- Anxiety- Stress- Depression- Insomnia- PMS- Menopause- and IBS

Why Suffer?GET RELIEFNOW!

Scott White, M.S. L.Ac.ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBAL FORMULAS

House Calls AvailableMOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED200 E. Del Mar Blvd., Suite 208, PasadenaCall or Text 626-372-3505 or VisitScottWhiteAcupuncture.com

THEPERFECTSUMMER



Dr. Ray Raven, M.D.Dr. Raven studied medicine and orthopaedic surgery at top-ranked University ofCalifornia San Francisco. He completed his fellowship in Manhattan, where he mas-tered state-of-the-art techniques in trauma, reconstructive and pediatric surgery of theupper extremity. Dr. Raven adheres to the strict principles of "evidence-based medi-cine” and always maximizes conservative treatment before considering surgery. Aboard-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Raven is also one of the few certified handsurgeons in the greater Los Angeles area. Call (818) 841-3936 or see rayravenmd.com.

Dr. RuizDr. Ruiz was named one of the top 100 U.S. clinicians in continued education by IT, aleading dental journal, and is highly respected amongst his peers as one of the top cli-nicians and educators in cosmetic dentistry. He is currently an instructor at USC and acourse director for the Esthetic Continuum. Dr. Ruiz’s makeovers have been featuredon ABC, NBC, Telemundo and Univision. Dr. Ruiz offers the latest in treatment, veneers,lumineers and bonding to achieve consistently great results. Call (818) 558-4332.


CONCIERGE MEDICINE

Christine K. Won, M.D.Internal MedicineConcierge Practice offers:

Same Day or Next Day appointmentExtended, unhurried office visits | On-Time Appointments

Comprehensive Annual Screening Exams | Ability To Communicate Via Email Physician Availability 24/7 cell & pager

Tired of waiting tosee your doctor?

950 S. Arroyo Parkway, Third Floor Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 793-8455 | www.wonmd.com

Scott White Acupuncture & Herbal FormulasPeople ask me — Why acupuncture and herbs? The answer is it works! Oriental med-icine is the oldest, professional, continually practiced, literate medicine in the world.This medical system’s written literature stretches back almost 2,500 years. The WorldHealth Organization, The American Medical Association, as well as many others, haveacknowledged its benefits. If you have any questions about what oriental medicine cando for you, please call me for a free phone consultation at (626) 372-3505 or visit scot-twhiteacupuncture.com.

Christine Won, M.D.What is Concierge Medicine? It’s a type of practice that allows you to spend 30 minutesfor office visits (rather than 8 minutes in a traditional practice). You’ll be treated like a per-son instead of a number. We’ll focus on preventive care to maintain your good healththrough a comprehensive annual physical that includes extensive blood tests, EKG,metabolic test and much more. Call us for info and how to join at (626) 793-8455. ■


HEALTH & BEAUTY—CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57

6/15/10

Evaluation.

Since 1978

Lic # 413300

Garden ViewLandscape, Nursery & Pools

Winner of 66 Awards from CaliforniaLandscape Contractors Association

Including:Best Design/Build in StateBest Residential in State

Lush drought tolerant landscape & irrigation using 50% less water

626-303-4043 • www.garden-view.com114 E. Railroad Ave, Monrovia CA

Complete Outdoor Design & Construction • Consistent Quality & ReliabilityNew & Remodeled Swimming Pools • Large In-House Crews

Wholesale/Retail Nursery • Very Competitive Pricing • Landscape Maintenance

Complete Outdoor Design & Construction • Consistent Quality & ReliabilityNew & Remodeled Swimming Pools • Large In-House Crews

Wholesale/Retail Nursery • Very Competitive Pricing • Landscape Maintenance

arroyo monthly may 2010

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