arroyo monthly april 2013

FINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREAAPRIL 2013

MOURNING OR MENTAL ILLNESS?

The Debate OverTroubles of the Elderly

MARK GERAGOSDefends the Defense

PLUS:SUMMER

CAMP GUIDE

WALKING THE WALKOldsters Hit the Road

LEEZA:SENIORS’ CAREGIVERS

NEED CARE TOO

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ABOUT THE COVER: Photo by Ron Derhacopian

40 6213

arroyoVOLUME 9 | NUMBER 4 | APRIL 2013

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SAVVY AGING 13 WALK THIS WAY

Walking brings seniors health, wealth and companionship.—By Brenda Rees

19 CARE FOR THE CAREGIVERS TV host Leeza Gibbons founded a center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center to help relatives helping seniors with disabilities.—By Rebecca Kuzins

24 GERAGOS FOR THE DEFENSEIn a new book, celebrity attorney Mark Geragos argues that defenselawyers get no respect in this country.—By Bettijane Levine

51 A MENTAL DISORDER OR JUST REAL LIFE FOR THE ELDERLY?Aging specialists clash over newly designated mental disorders of the elderly in the new D.S.M.-5.—By Kathleen Kelleher

DEPARTMENTS11 FESTIVITIES Hillsides' Centennial Gala, The Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer's

Monte Carlo Night

27 ARROYO HOME SALES INDEX

41 SUMMER CAMP PREVIEW

56 KITCHEN CONFESSIONS Avoiding gluten, the latest bête noire of the bakery,has downsides.

59 WINING AND DINING The Blind Donkey serves up an eclectic menu of 60craft whiskeys.

62 THE LIST The Marriage of Figaro updated, the 2013 Conference on Aging,Victorian Enchantment at Heritage Square and more

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Irene Lacher

ART DIRECTOR Kent Bancroft

JUNIOR DESIGNER Carla Cortez

PRODUCTION Richard Garcia, Rochelle Bassarear

COPY EDITOR John Seeley

CONTRIBUTORS Leslie Bilderback, Michael Cervin, ScarletCheng, Mandalit del Barco, Lynne Heffley, Noela Hueso, Carole Jacobs, Kathy Kelleher, Carl Kozlowski, RebeccaKuzins, Bettijane Levine, Elizabeth McMillian, Brenda Rees,John Sollenberger,Nancy Spiller, Bradley Tuck

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Dina Stegon

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brenda Clarke, Joseluis Correa,Leslie Lamm

ADVERTORIAL CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Joanna DehnBeresford

ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Richard Garcia, Rochelle Bassarear

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Andrea Baker

PAYROLL Linda Lam

ACCOUNTING Alysia Chavez, Monica MacCree

OFFICE ASSISTANT Ann Weathersbee

PUBLISHER Jon Guynn

SOUTHLAND PUBLISHING

V.P. OF FINANCE Michael NagamiV.P. OF OPERATIONS David ComdenPRESIDENT Bruce Bolkin

CONTACT US

[email protected]

[email protected]

PHONE(626) 584-1500

FAX(626) 795-0149

MAILING ADDRESS50 S. De Lacey Ave., Ste. 200, Pasadena, CA 91105

ArroyoMonthly.com

©2013 Southland Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

OKAY, EVERYBODY, APRIL 3 IS NATIONAL

Walking Day, so get out of your cars and

start moving. That’s good advice for people

of every age, and it’s especially important

for seniors, who can attain the benefits of

aerobic exercise with minimal risk of injury.

What’s the potential payoff? How about

weight loss, heart health, even lowering the

risk of Alzheimer’s? Brenda Rees put on her

own walking shoes to keep pace with Pasadena’s peppy seniors, who told her

about their health coups as they walked around the Rose Bowl, the Arroyo Seco

and their own neighborhoods. In this issue, she offers advice on choosing shoes

and getting started on a program. So no more excuses!

Ways of managing health care for the elderly are still evolving. And as

Kathleen Kelleher discovered, geriatric specialists are debating what consti-

tutes mental illness and what are simply the inevitable burdens of old age.

That’s one of the questions already brewing controversy in advance of the

May release of the updated psychiatric bible, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic

and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). But one thing is certain,

Kelleher found — change is gonna come.

Of course, the challenges of aging are not borne by the elderly alone. Their

boomer caregivers often struggle with the job of tending to frail parents while

maintaining their own lives. Their ranks include TV host Leeza Gibbons, who

launched a support program for caregivers, dubbed Leeza’s Care Connection,

at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. Rebecca Kuzins, who ex-

plored the facility for her story, knows the territory well —she’s one of 65 million

Americans who’ve taken on this taxing but important role.

On another front, Bettijane Levine talks to celebrity lawyer and La Cañada

Flintridge resident Mark Geragos about his provocative new book with co-

author Pat Harris — Mistrial: An Inside Look at How the Justice System Works...And

Sometimes Doesn’t. Despite the media swarm around big trials, which often play

out in your living room, his sometimes blistering critique may surprise you.

—Irene Lacher

arroyoFINE LIVING IN THE GREATER PASADENA AREA

EDITOR’S NOTE

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Greiman with her work

Mayor Bill Bogaard, Betty McWilliamsand Donald P. Schweitzer

“Elvis” and Heidi Bitterman

Hillsides CEO Joe Costawith Paul Rusnak

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Colleen Williams and Susan Pinsky

Donna and Henri Ford

Jean Smart with Hillsides CEO Joe Costa

Ruth Herrera, Rachel Bhagat, Keith Pauland Tina Paul

Judge Victor Person, Donald Schweitzer and Frances Young

Maria and Donald P. Schweitzer, Betty McWilliams and Kayla Horacek

Fritz Coleman with Miss California USA 2013 Mabelyn Capeluj

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Elizabeth Rusnak Arizmendiand Marcus Allen

Dr. Drew and Susan Pinsky with Michael Catherwood and Bianca Kajlich

If Hillsides' Centennial Gala is any indication, the economy must be on the rebound,

because the children's charity raised $655,000 that evening, far more than it had pre-

viously. Some 600 supporters celebrated Hillsides' 100th anniversary on Feb. 23 at an

awards dinner with a winter wonderland theme at The Langham Huntington,

Pasadena. Event chair Elizabeth Rusnak Arizmendi presided over the benefit, which

honored TV personality and addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky, NBC4 weatherman

Fritz Coleman, actress Jean Smart, comedian George Lopez, football hall-of-famer

Marcus Allen and Paul Rusnak, chairman/CEO of Rusnak Auto Group... The Law Of-

fices of Donald P. Schweitzer also celebrated an anniversary -- the 10th for the

Pasadena family law firm -- with a Monte Carlo Night fundraiser at the Pasadena

Civic Auditorium that raised $6,000 for Foothill Unity Center's Mobile Dental Clinic,

which treats more than 100 needy children in the San Gabriel Valley. Guests at the

March 14 event included Mayor Bill Bogaard... Ronald McDonald House Charities of

Southern California has announced the appointment of new board Chairman

George Ball, CFO and executive VP at Parsons Corp. Joining Ball on the board are

Luc Robitaille, L.A. Kings business exec; Trish McCarthy of The Coca-Cola Company;

and Bill Gibbons of Davis Elen Advertising.

George Ball

FESTIVITIES

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Walk This WayWhether competitive or social, walking brings seniorshealth, wealth and companionship.BY BRENDA REES

IT’S A COOL BRISK SATURDAY MORNING AND

MAGGIE RITCHIE, 57, IS WARMING UP WITH THE

PASADENA PACERS, A GROUP OF RUNNERS WHO

MEET WEEKLY FOR TRAINING AND COMMUNAL

RUNS IN AND AROUND THE ROSE BOWL AND

NEARBY ARROYO. RITCHIE, HOWEVER, ISN’T JOIN-

ING THE MARATHON 10-MILE CHALLENGE OR

OTHER FAST-MOVING GROUPS. SHE’S MAKING A

FIVE-MILE JOURNEY INTO THE ARROYO SECO WITH

THE WALKERS, A SMALL BAND OF PACERS WHO

WANT THE OUTDOOR EXERCISE AND CAMARAD-

ERIE WITHOUT THE RUNNING.

–continued on page 14

Ritchie started the exercise regime with her husband, Dave, in 2006 whenhe weighed 325 pounds. (“We tried to get him on The Biggest Loser, but thatdidn’t happen.”) Back then, she says, the Sunland couple routinely walked theRose Bowl loop “every chance we could.”

Dave eventually dropped the weight (diet played a big part) and then wasbitten by the running bug. Today, he does Iron Man marathons, among othergrueling races. Maggie, too, likes the thrill of competition but prefers to enrollin the walking categories now found alongside most 5Ks, 10Ks and evenmarathons. “I like walking. You get to see more, check out the scenery and Ilove moving outside,” she says as she hikes up a dirt path to a point with anoverview of the creek bed where a few mallards splash. “I hate seeing seniorsnot moving. I want to keep doing this when I’m 90.”

Ritchie may get her wish.More seniors are lacing up their walking shoes and hitting the sidewalks,

pathways and trails around them. In doing so, they are reducing their risks ofsome diseases, increasing vitality and maybe even extending their lives. Walk-ing, as a prime source of exercise for older folk, is on the rise. According to aCDC National Health Survey, which compared walkers in 2005 to those in2010, the number of 45-to-64-year-old walkers increased from 55.6 to 62.2

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percent. Among those 65and older, walkers rose from50 percent to 53.7 percentin the same time period.

The survey also showsa steady upswing over theyears of walkers withchronic conditions suchas hypertension, arthritisand diabetes — symp-toms of all these have

been found to be relievedby regular walking programs. And a recent study byprofessors at the University of Pittsburgh showedthat walking may slow the progression ofAlzheimer’s disease.” Walking is one of the bestforms of exercise and is what your body was designedto do,” says Dr. Andrew Weil, an internationallyknown health expert in the field of integrative medi-cine. This month, Weil kicks off National WalkingDay on April 3 with his 2013 Walkabout, a 28-daycampaign to encourage walking each day for 30 minutes(sign up at orthaheelusa.com/walkabout).

Walking for exercise is the ultimate no-brainer, contin-ues Weil. “You can walk almost anywhere, any time andthere is no special skill, training or equipment needed — all you need is the right footwear,”he says (see sidebar on selecting the right walking shoes). “Importantly for seniors, among allforms of aerobic exercise, walking carries the least risk of injury.”

While walking can be done anywhere from neighborhood parks to indoor malls, thegreat outdoors seems to offer the most long-lasting inspiration. A recent study published inthe International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity shows that older adultswho engage in outdoor physical activity — including walking — exercised longer and moreoften than those working out indoors. Chalk up one more for Mother Nature.

Walking benefits more than your muscles and cardiovascular system; it also helps yourbrain, according to Tom Strafaci, a physical therapist and personal trainer with offices inArcadia and Pasadena, who presents physical fitness programs in conjunction with Hunt-ington Hospital. “Yes, ears and feet work together — depth perception. The brain lovesmaking those connections when we walk,” he says. “So many seniors are afraid to walk be-cause of their balance, but it’s the best thing to do for balance.” In fact, says Strafaci, the actof walking — swinging arms, moving in a rhythm, breathing in and out — helps the braincreate new pathways and connections. “When people say their mind feels clearer after awalk, there is a biological reason for it,” he says.

Despite the near-miraculous claims for walking — and a recent Harvard Medical Schoolstudy that indicates that lack of physical activity kills as many people as smoking in this coun-

try — many seniors still have countless reasons for not embracing the exercise. “Inertia is apowerful force; we like to continue the way that we’ve been,” explains Weil, adding that men-tal and emotional factors often keep seniors on the couch. “If people are depressed, the lastthing they feel like doing is moving, even though that activity is probably what would mostbenefit them. Perceived lack of time is another excuse that prevents people from walking.”

“I think I’ve heard every excuse in the book,” agrees Dr. Alice Lacy, an Arcadia internistwho treats primarily elderly patients. “ ‘The weather is too cold,’ ‘My back hurts,’ ‘I getplenty of other exercise,’ ‘I don’t want to fall down.’ You name it, I’ve heard it.” Lacy saysshe’s constantly proselytizing about the benefits of exercise to her senior patients — someeventually respond, some never do. The ones who’ve heeded her advice include a diabetic

patient who lost 40 pounds after starting a walking program. “She wasconcerned for her blood pressure and her knees hurt her so bad,” shesays. “We got walking poles to help give her a sense of balance and co-ordination. That was three years ago and she still walks — no polesanymore. And I have reduced her blood pressure medicine too. All be-cause of her walking.”

Lacy urges reluctant walkers to find a partner, so the activity issocial as well as physical. “If someone comes and knocks on yourdoor and says, ‘Hey, let’s go for our walk,’ you might get up off thatchair,” she says.

Motivation was a little trickier for Tom Mawhinney, 83, ofEagle Rock. After his left knee was replaced more than a decadeago, his doctor told him to start using it. “I don’t like walking,” heconcedes, even though wife Jean, 80, has been a regular walkersince 1983. “She makes me feel guilty if I don’t go with her.”

Mawhinney finally discovered that walking in his quiet tree-lined Eagle Rock neighborhood certainly had unexpected pay-offs — in feline form. Now known as “The Cat Man” in his’hood, Mawhinney always goes on his 30-minute walk with abag of cat treats. “I used to have five cats. Now I’m down totwo. Maybe there’ll be more one day,” he says during a routineafternoon stroll. He stops by a house on the corner. Shaking

his bag of treats, he hollers, “Mimi! Mimi!” and right on cue, out comes ahandsome orange-and-white feline looking for a prize. Cat owners smile and wave at thecouple. “I don’t mind walking so much now because of the cats,” says Mawhinney. “Walkingwouldn’t be as much fun without them.”

Is Walking Enough?For all the wonders of walking, there are things it just cannot help. “Walking is a great car-diovascular exercise that takes care of seniors’ endurance, but older adults need to strength-train muscles,” says Elaine Cress, a professor of kinesiology and a researcher at theUniversity of Georgia Institute of Gerontology.

Indeed, the CDC in 2008 recommended that seniors pick up weights or resistance bands atleast three times a week. “Walking doesn’t work the front of the leg or the booty muscles,” saysCress, explaining that people lose muscle mass as they age. Strength, along with endurance andflexibility, are keys to keeping fit bodies — especially those of seniors — in top form.

Cress has heard complaints from seniors when she tells them to add weights to theirregimen, but she has an answer to that. “You have the time,” she says. “You just have to bitethe bullet and find how to incorporate weights into your life. I think the greatest bargain,personally, is the YMCA.”

However seniors add weight-training to their day, Cress stresses not to do it while walk-ing. “I see walkers with ankle weights or weights strapped to arms or wrists and they are justterrible,” she says. “You can damage your knees, counter-balance yourself and wreck shoul-

–continued from page 13


Walking and running helped Dave Ritchie

shrink from a high of 325 pounds.

Tom Mawhinney and Mimi

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ders. Don’t use them on walks. Never.”Personal trainer Strafaci recommends that seniors also avoid walking with Fido. Dogs could

bolt or grapple with another dog, which could knock an older person off balance. “You also can’twalk effectively, moving your arms back and forth, when you are holding a leash,” he says.

Finally, even though you burn extra calories walking, walking shouldn’t be viewed as aweight-loss tool alone, adds Strafaci. “People shouldn’t expect to melt off weight just bywalking,” he says. When people “get into the exercise habit” he says, they naturally start eat-ing better, which will ultimately help them drop the extra weight.

But make no mistake, stresses Strafaci. The pluses of walking are tremendous — bettercoordination, energy and less pain.

Back on the trail, Ritchie is nearing the end of her morning walk. She thinks about an up-coming race and then remembers the first time she walked in competition — she completedthe Los Angeles Rock and Roll Marathon when she was 55 years old. On her birthday. “I lovehaving something to look forward to, like a race. Gets me motivated to keep walking,” shesays. “I can’t think of a day when I didn’t enjoy my walk.” ||||

When it comes to selecting the rightwalking shoes, don’t be a Frankenstein orMarie Antoinette. Newbies often thinkthey need big heavy heels or an ultra-cushiony inside for their sidewalk forays.Big mistake.

According to a study by the AmericanPodiatric Medical Association (APMA),72 percent of Americans say that foot painprevents them from exercising, says healthexpert Dr. Andrew Weil. “Without properfootwear, walking can be painful, makingit difficult to maintain an active lifestyle,”he says. Good shoes can help reluctantwalkers stand up and start moving.

Finding the perfect shoe is all a matterof arches, explains Mike Gonzalez, man-ager of Run With Us, a Pasadena athleticshoe store that’s been around for 13 years.“The first thing we do is watch how a cus-tomer walks — that tells us how high orlow their arches are,” he says. “People withflat feet can put extra stress on their knees,which can travel to their lower back ifthey aren’t wearing the right shoes.”

Walking shoes need to be light andflexible — and that notion can go againstthe grain for some seniors who think theyneed sturdy, thick shoes. “Today’s shoesuse materials that create a lighter shoewithout losing the integrity of the struc-ture. They reduce weight without sacrific-ing support.”

Take a close look at the shoe you’reconsidering. Does it easily bend in theforefoot (not the middle)? Does it feellight but solid? Those are hallmarks of a

good walking shoe. “Most of our walkerschoose running shoes because runningshoes are created for so many foot types,”says Gonzalez. “They are light and helpfeet breathe.” Not only do feet “breathe,”they can also swell up when you’re out fora 30-minute jaunt. That’s why Gonzalezrecommends folks “size it up” and buy awalking shoe that is one-half to a full sizebigger than they usually wear.

Socks are also important for walkers:Make sure they are synthetic, says Gon-zalez. Cotton will hold moisture and whowants sticky, wet feet? In addition to awide variety of synthetic socks, the storealso sells loose-knit socks specifically de-signed for diabetics.

All in all, expect to pay $95 to $150for a good pair of walking shoes. Walkingshoes, if used regularly, can last from sixto eight months. Gonzalez says walkerswill know when it’s time to get a new pairby paying attention to their bodies.“You’ll discover a new ache or a pain thatyou never had before. That’s a good indi-cation your shoes aren’t supporting you,”he says. ||||

PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD


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Care for the Caregivers TV host Leeza Gibbonsfounded centers for relatives helping seniorswith disabilities afterdealing with her ownmother’s struggle withAlzheimer’s disease.BY REBECCA KUZINS

MY 88-YEAR-OLD MOTHER HAD BEEN

IN DECLINING HEALTH FOR SEVERAL

YEARS, SUFFERING FROM ARTHRITIS

AND OTHER AGE-RELATED PROBLEMS,

AND I HAD BEEN PROVIDING AS

MUCH HELP AS I COULD WHILE

WORKING FULL-TIME AND LIVING 30

MILES AWAY. BUT LAST YEAR, AFTER I

LOST MY JOB, I MOVED IN WITH MY

MOTHER. A FEW MONTHS LATER SHE experienced a serious bout of vertigo, which landed her ina rehabilitation center for two weeks. I assumed the re-sponsibility of dealing with doctors and others at the cen-ter, and of overseeing her care when she returned home.Taking care of my mother had become my new job.

She can no longer drive, and I initially had to driveher to what seemed like a never-ending round of appoint-ments. I am responsible for the food shopping, laundryand other household tasks and have to juggle these dutieswith my freelance work. I quickly became overwhelmed,resentful that my life was being subsumed into mymother’s and unable to view her deteriorating conditionwith objectivity. At the same time, I genuinely wanted tohelp her, and I questioned whether I could adequatelyperform my caregiving role.


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I am not the only caregiver struggling with these emotions. An estimated 65 millionAmericans — nearly 30 percent of the adult population — are caring for family mem-bers, according to the nonprofit National Alliance for Caregiving. Television host LeezaGibbons and her family were caregivers for almost a decade after Gibbons’ mother, Glo-ria Jean Dyson Gibbons, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Gibbons created theLeeza Gibbons Memory Foundation in 2002 to fulfill a promise she’d made to hermother to “tell her story and make it count.”

Last July, the foundation opened Leeza’s Care Connection at Burbank’s ProvidenceSaint Joseph Medical Center, one of three hospital-based centers it has established to assist caregivers and their dependent loved ones (the others are at Olympia Medical Centerin Los Angeles and Memorial Hospital Pembroke in South Florida). The foundation andProvidence Saint Joseph sought this partnership because the hospital is also home to theHycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute, which treats patients with Alzheimer’s,Parkinson’s and other conditions that often require caregiving.

Gibbons describes the center as “the womb room,” a “safe place where you can take adeep breath and gather yourself and then exhale, knowing you are not alone on your pathto figure out where to go and what to do to adjust and adapt to your new normal.

“Caregiving is not anyone’s idea of happily ever-after, yet there are 65 million peopleliving this reality. We want those people to feel empowered and resourceful rather thanburdened and victimized. Our job is to help connect them to each other and to the serv-ices, products, places and people that can help them stay sane.”

Leeza’s Care Connection’s quarters at Providence resemble a living room, with a sofa,comfortable chairs and a television set, as well as an ample supply of coffee, cookies and

candy. Stefanie Elkins, the facility’s program and outreach director, said the décor is de-signed to make visitors feel that they are “a guest, not a patient or a client.” She added thatfor many of the visitors, “this is the first time they are asking someone for help. They knowsomething needs to change… They feel burned out, isolated, alone and not understood.They want to take care of their loved ones, but they feel they are not doing enough.”

The center provides numerous free services, in both English and Spanish, to help care-givers develop the skills that will enable them to become stronger, more resilient and accept-ing of the changes in their lives and the demands of caregiving. By coming to the center,caregivers can discover that they are not alone but are able to connect and communicate withothers in a similar position, so they can reach out when overwhelmed or frustrated.

Leeza’s Care Connection offers numerous support groups, which serve the recentlybereaved and those caring for individuals with early memory loss, among other hurdles.Elkins said these groups offer a “continuum of care,” in which caregivers can discusstheir loved ones’ diseases from the earliest diagnoses through the period after theirdeaths. Another support group there, Caregiver Life Lessons, enables participants toshare their personal experiences and discuss the challenges. There are also supportgroups for adult children who are caregivers.

Carol, a regular at a twice-monthly support group, said Leeza’s Care Connectionhelps relieve her stress and gives her the strength to care for her mother, an Alzheimer’ssufferer. “The community there is made up of people who are so wonderful that it is anendless resource of nourishment for me,” she said. “It nourishes me in such a way that …I feel connected. Otherwise I would be floundering around. I wouldn’t know where tobegin.”



Leeza Gibbons with Beverly Creighton and her son, Jim Cox. Creighton was a caregiver for her late husband Al, who had Alzheimer’s.

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In addition to the support groups,Elkins said there are other “caregiver- driven” programs, such as a monthly bookdiscussion and journaling group, in whichparticipants discuss books about caregivingand share personal experiences written intheir journals.

Leeza’s Care Connection also offerssupport groups for patients — individualswho have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’sand other memory-loss diseases. In thesesessions, Elkins said, participants discussthe issues they deem pertinent to their ill-ness, including lifestyle challenges andmedical research.

Yoga classes are regularly offered as part of what Elkins de-scribed as the center’s “wellness approach,” which encouragescaregivers to maintain their own physical and mental health sothey can have the strength to assist others. One of the mostpopular activities is autobiographical scrapbooking, in whichcaregivers and their charges join together to preserve familymemories through collections of photographs and other items.Scrapbooking, explained Elkins, enables caregivers to “engagewith their loved ones, to reminisce.”

In addition, the center is a clearinghouse for referrals to com-munity resources, such as senior day programs, pro bono legalassistance, support groups and organizations such as theAlzheimer’s Association and the American Parkinson’s DiseaseAssociation. A media resource center provides books and othermaterials related to caregiving.

The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation established its firstcaregiver support center, called Leeza’s Place, in Sherman Oaks in2003. “When we began, we were focused on people withAlzheimer’s disease and their caregivers,” said Gibbons. “Whilethat is still the biggest part of our community, we came to realizethat the caregiving experience is the same whether it’s for a momwith memory loss, a husband with cancer, a child with autism or asister with MS [multiple sclerosis].” For this reason, the foundation expanded its services toinclude caregivers coping with a broader range of patients.

In the decade since her foundation established its first care center, Gibbons said, shehas learned “that sometimes courage just means trying it all over again one more time to-morrow; that there is no limit to forgiveness and that patience comes in an unendingsupply, but it often needs replenishing daily. I’ve learned that hope changes everythingand a heart never forgets. These last 10 years have been a gift of epic proportions, allow-ing me to grow my own faith enormously. I take a tremendous amount of pride in know-ing my mother’s legacy is kept so lovingly in the hearts of our communities.”

Gibbons advises caregivers to be “flexible and forgiving of yourself and others. Real-ize that there is strength in knowing your limits and that the best way to love the per-son with disease is to first take care of yourself… It is essential to get support, but

sometimes that comes not from your biological family but rather from your logicalfamily. Hold hands with that circle.”

Since I began caring for my mother, I have learned to be less hard on myself and torecognize that I am doing the best I can to help her. Although we initially argued abouteven the most trivial subjects, my mom and I have slowly forged a new relationshipbased on her acceptance of aging and my acceptance of her age-related limitations. Andit’s good to know that there are places like Leeza’s Care Connection where I can findcounsel, concern and camaraderie from others who are facing the same challenges.

For information about Leeza’s Care Connection at Providence Saint Joseph Medical

Center (501 S. Buena Vista St., South Tower, Burbank), visit

leezasplace.org/locLCC_Providence.html.

||||

Workshops are held in an informal setting that resembles a living room, which makes caregivers feel they are in a comfortable, supportive environment.

Gibbons and her mother, Gloria


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Geragos, a lifelong La Cañada Flintridge resident and pillar of the Armenian-Americancommunity, is internationally known as a celebrity lawyer who has represented Michael Jack-son, Chris Brown, Winona Ryder, Mike Tyson, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Nicole Ritchie,among others. He has also defended such controversial clients as former congressman GaryCondit (who was questioned in the Chandra Levy murder scandal), and former unknownssuch as salesman Scott Peterson, who became a household name for hisconviction of murdering his pregnant wife.

Geragos, 55, first earned his national reputation in the late ‘90s by win-ning an acquittal on embezzlement charges for Susan McDougal, whohad been convicted in the Whitewater scandal involving Bill and HillaryClinton. He went on to win groundbreaking decisions in criminal casesthe public rarely heard about: dismissals in two unrelated murder trialsafter he proved flawed eyewitness identification (and a $1.7 million set-tlement for one of those clients from the City of Glendale in a lawsuitfor false arrest); dismissal of felony kidnapping and torture charges forthe exiled leader of China’s shadow government, Hung Bao Zhong;dismissals of murder charges against a USC student accused of killingher fetus, and for a father accused of murdering his child by throwingher off a cliff; dismissal of murder charges against a Japanese na-tional accused of murdering his wife in what the foreign pressdubbed “the Japanese O.J. case,” to list just a few.

Geragos was also a lead lawyer in two groundbreaking fed-eral class action lawsuits against New York Life Insurance andAXA Corporation for insurance policies issued in the early20th century during the genocide of over 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman

Turk regime, settling the cases for more than $37.5 million. He is the only lawyer besidesJohnny Cochran ever named “Lawyer of the Year” in both criminal and civil arenas by hispeers in bar associations.

Geragos smartly uses his celebrity to promote some of his own important causes, themost recent of which is a new book, out this month. Mistrial: An Inside Look at How theCriminal Justice System Works…and Sometimes Doesn’t (Gotham) is co-authored by Geragos

and his longtime law partner, Pat Harris. It’s an eye-opening exami-nation of the sometimes sleazy underbelly of our criminal justicesystem, which the authors contend has become politicized andnow tilts perilously away from the defense and from basic ethicsas well as time-honored concepts of justice for the accused.

They claim that defense attorneys, who used to be society’sheroes in the days of Perry Mason, have become demonized intoday’s era of Nancy Grace. Defense attorneys are now consideredbad guys who will do anything to get a client “off,” they write, although they claim it’s more commonly the prosecution’s side thatcuts corners and fudges the rules. The authors offer examples of unnamed prosecutors who play dirty tricks, prevent defense witnessesfrom testifying and ignore evidence; judges who rule based on publicopinion and a desire for reelection; police who plant evidence, forceconfessions and lie on the witness stand to help win a case — andmounting numbers of potential jurors who believe that anyone accusedmust be guilty or he wouldn’t be in court in the first place. America hasbeen brainwashed that we’re a nation “soft on crime,” the authors assert.

GERAGOS FOR THE DEFENSE

In a new book, celebrity attorney Mark Geragos argues that defense lawyers get no respect in this country.

BY BETTIJANE LEVINE

ARROYOLAND IS FILLED WITH FABULOUSLY SUCCESSFUL INDIVIDUALS WHOSE NAMES ARE NEVER PUBLICIZED

AND WHO LIKE IT THAT WAY. POWERHOUSE ATTORNEY MARK GERAGOS IS NOT ONE OF THEM.

TV WATCHERS AROUND THE GLOBE ARE FAMILIAR WITH GERAGOS’ NAME AND FACE BECAUSE HE HAS

APPEARED ON THE TUBE SO MANY TIMES — EITHER AS DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN HIGH-PROFILE CRIMINAL CASES

OR AS TALKING HEAD IN THOSE UBIQUITOUS POP-UP LAWYER PANELS TELEVISED DURING SENSATIONAL TRIALS.


26 | ARROYO | 04.13

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O: B

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They say the exact opposite is true, citing a conviction rate that hovers around 90 percent. The book is a casual fun read, neither academic nor literary, and it’s also somewhat dis-

turbing. If the authors are even partially correct, our criminal justice system is in as muchchaos as is our economy. The lurid Jody Arias trial fortuitously occurred during the book’spre-launch publicity offensive, and Geragos appeared on a spate of TV panels where heoffered his wit and wisdom while promoting his book.

.Arroyo Monthly interviewed Geragos the morning after he’d been on a CNN panel with

Jeffrey Toobin and, surprisingly, Nancy Grace.

Has Nancy Grace read your book?My guess is she won’t want to appear with me after she’s read it.

That’s because on page 31 he likens Nancy Grace to a clown, and on page 33 he writes,“she broadcasts lies.” The authors also inform readers that when Grace was a Georgia pros-ecutor, the appellate courts found “she had committed prosecutorial misconduct three sepa-rate times in a nine-year career. To put that in perspective… most prosecutors in a 20- or30-year career will not be admonished even once” for that offense.

In the authors’ eyes, Grace represents a rising tide of faux hysterics with millions of loyalfans who consider themselves “victims’ advocates” and who “rant and rave about how thecourt system is stacked against the victim and for the defense.” This attitude has seepedinto the mindset of young prosecutors, the authors say, leading some to belittle and demeandefense attorneys, the judicial process and sometimes the evidence itself.

Will Chris Dorner’s complaints against the police department get a fair re-examination?There’s not a chance that will happen. It’s done and buried just like he is.

Do you believe your former client, Scott Peterson, is innocent of murdering his wife,Laci Peterson?I thought that case was an outrage. I know most people think I’m delusional and I acceptthat. I don’t think they proved [Peterson] guilty and I don’t think he did it. I think there’sno question [the conviction] will be overturned on appeal.

Is there a backlash after you lose such a high-profile case, where the defendant isso vilified?Absolutely. I was advised by virtually everybody not to take the case. But my father said,“This is what we [defense attorneys] do. How could you even think of not taking it?”

Geragos’ father, Paul, was a highly respected Los Angeles attorney who started the fam-ily law firm of Geragos & Geragos 50 years ago. Now 86 and retired, he and his wife set-tled long ago in La Cañada Flintridge; son Mark and his family later bought a home justaround the corner from them. Geragos says he learned law at his father’s knee but tried afew other ventures between graduating from Loyola Law School and joining the familyfirm. Now Geragos’ two sons are also at Loyola, one of them starting law school.

Geragos says he “grew up in Saint Gregory’s Armenian church on Colorado inPasadena.” Two years ago, to honor his parents, he donated funds for a church buildingnamed for them, The Paul and Betty Jane Geragos Hall. The book is partly a tribute tohis beloved father, whom he calls “Pops.” In the introduction, Geragos writes that hisfather and their Armenian heritage dictated that he could become nothing other than alawyer for the defense. And though the book may come across “as a diatribe about howthe system is becoming unfairly weighted to the prosecution,” he hopes it also reflectsthe joy and fulfillment he finds in his work. “I love what I do, absolutely love it. It is notonly my job; it is my only real hobby. Do I get frustrated? Absolutely. Would I want todo anything else? Absolutely not!” ||||

Mark Geragos and co-author Pat Harris


04.13 | ARROYO | 27

arroyoHOME SALES ABOVE $750,000RECENT HOME CLOSINGS IN THE ARROYO FOOTPRINT SOURCE: CalREsource

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

ALTADENA1037 Wapello Street 02/01/13 $785,000 4 1688 1925 $455,000 08/08/20032867 Windfall Avenue 02/08/13 $855,000 2 1397 1950 $830,000 12/27/20111545 Braeburn Road 02/01/13 $1,045,000 7 $1,015,000 02/27/20081605 Woodglen Lane 02/15/13 $1,072,500 5 $1,050,000 01/06/20092397 Morslay Road 02/14/13 $1,100,000 6 $613,000 05/29/2012

ARCADIA302 East Colorado Boulevard 02/21/13 $750,000 4 2254 1951 $235,000 08/31/20001903 South 7th Avenue 02/22/13 $773,000 3 1564 1951 $297,000 11/29/19941018 English Oaks Drive 02/12/13 $800,000 3 2385 1980 $405,000 08/01/20011807 South 10th Avenue 01/31/13 $810,000 3 1316 19481341 Mayflower Avenue 02/01/13 $828,000 3 2120 1950153 Ilene Drive 02/01/13 $848,000 4 2333 1965307 East Winnie Way 02/22/13 $860,000 3 1791 19581038 Woodacre Lane 02/15/13 $920,000 3 2202 1976 $530,000 11/22/1991146 East Pamela Road 01/31/13 $1,080,000 3 2023 1957920 North Santa Anita Avenue 02/21/13 $1,310,000 8 2917 1939 $1,088,000 09/30/20052662 South 10th Avenue 02/27/13 $1,388,000 3 4257 1941 $915,000 10/04/20052500 Lee Avenue 02/20/13 $1,520,000 4 4265 1952 $97,500 06/30/19802225 South 6th Avenue 02/05/13 $1,750,000 2 1351 1952 $697,000 10/26/20091032 El Norte Avenue 02/15/13 $2,018,000 2 904 1930 $701,000 05/17/2011

GLENDALE1630 Valley View Road 02/12/13 $756,000 2 2250 1976 $427,000 06/19/1998926 Norton Avenue 02/08/13 $791,000 6 3641 1937 $210,000 06/15/19821719 Cleveland Road 02/12/13 $940,000 5 2921 1927 $574,000 08/28/19981725 Ridgeway Drive 02/25/13 $950,000 4 4486 2003 $180,000 04/17/20011548 Hillcrest Avenue 02/26/13 $1,000,000 5 3559 1926 $580,000 09/28/19941677 Arbor Drive 02/07/13 $1,215,000 8 $1,180,000 05/17/20113255 Buckingham Road 02/14/13 $998,000 3 2576 2010 $205,000 04/04/2005325 East Randolph Street 02/22/13 $1,450,000 5 3844 19191902 Rams Horn Court 02/12/13 $1,470,000 5 5289 1987957 Calle Amable 02/25/13 $750,000 4 2615 1989 $802,500 06/08/2010917 Calle La Primavera 02/21/13 $778,000 3 2268 1992 $810,000 07/22/2008928 Calle Simpatico 02/19/13 $805,000 4 2528 1990 $826,000 09/14/20093070 Sparr Boulevard 02/14/13 $850,000 4 2201 1937 $850,000 06/17/20111651 Santa Barbara Avenue 02/06/13 $915,000 5 2670 1929 $540,000 09/09/19991431 Beaudry Boulevard 02/01/13 $940,000 8 $279,000 05/23/1984

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE176 Lamour Drive 02/25/13 $1,047,000 5 3008 19455231 Bubbling Well Lane 02/08/13 $1,065,000 63909 Starland Drive 02/06/13 $1,075,000 3 2510 19575715 Summit Crest Drive 02/15/13 $1,165,000 3 2209 1966 $1,200,000 12/13/20071037 Lavender Lane 02/08/13 $1,425,000 9 $859,000 05/29/1998750 Wendover Road 02/01/13 $1,477,000 5 3509 1964 $1,473,000 08/10/20095210 Castle Road 02/28/13 $1,500,000 4 3273 1953 $635,000 10/29/19995288 Gould Avenue 02/14/13 $2,550,000 7 5016 2010 $2,650,000 04/07/20114928 Vineta Avenue 02/04/13 $2,646,000 6 4135 1951 $865,000 06/18/1993650 Foxwood Road 02/28/13 $3,525,000 5 4272 1949 $2,000,000 05/12/2009

ALTADENA JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 34 43MEDIAN PRICE $462,500 $480,000MEDIAN SQ. FT. 1340 1397ARCADIA JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 20 21MEDIAN PRICE $674,000 $810,000MEDIAN SQ. FT. 1669 1791EAGLE ROCK JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 10 15MEDIAN PRICE $466,000 $505,500MEDIAN SQ. FT. 1356 1570GLENDALE JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 72 98MEDIAN PRICE $474,500 $480,500MEDIAN SQ. FT. 1448 1474LA CANADA JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 10 14MEDIAN PRICE $1,170,500 $1,120,000MEDIAN SQ. FT. 2211 2759PASADENA JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 104 120MEDIAN PRICE $482,000 $491,000MEDIAN SQ. FT. 1323 1323SAN MARINO JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 9 10MEDIAN PRICE $2,620,000 $1,550,000MEDIAN SQ. FT. 2852 2499SIERRA MADRE JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 6 15MEDIAN PRICE $542,500 $525,000MEDIAN SQ. FT. 1377 1514SOUTH PASADENA JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 16 10MEDIAN PRICE $726,750 $620,100MEDIAN SQ. FT. 1372 1510TOTAL JAN ‘13 FEB ‘13HOMES SOLD 278 346AVG PRICE/SQ. FT. $405 $421

~HOME SALES INDEX~HOME SALES

AVG. PRICE/SQ. FT.

+24.4%

+3.9%

jan

2013

feb

2013

278

HO

MES

SO

LD

346

HO

MES

SO

LD

SPONSORED BY

continued on page 29

™

The Arroyo Home Sales Index is calculated from residential home sales in Pasadena and the surrounding communities of South Pasadena, San Marino, La Canada Flintridge, Eagle Rock, Glendale (including Montrose), Altadena, Sierra Madre and Arcadia. Individual home sales data provided by CalREsource. Arroyo Home Sales Index © Arroyo 2013.

28 | ARROYO | 04.13

04.13 | ARROYO | 29

PASADENA

217 South Marengo Ave #202 02/27/13 $1,250,000 1 550 2008 $310,000 09/30/2008

217 South Marengo Ave #203 02/27/13 $1,278,500 1 550 2008 $295,000 07/14/2009

1630 Pegfair Estates Drive 02/28/13 $1,100,000 4 2582 1964

2305 East Woodlyn Road 02/22/13 $815,000 3 1972 1947 $965,000 06/22/2007

1615 East Mountain Street 02/07/13 $1,052,000 4 2154 1915 $96,000 04/14/1978

1043 Atchison Street 02/05/13 $1,055,000 5 2685 1905

535 Glen Holly Drive 02/11/13 $835,000 2 1552 1936 $560,000 08/28/2012

566 West California Boulevard 02/06/13 $900,000 3 2036 1956 $337,500 03/14/1986

349 West Bellevue Drive 02/05/13 $960,000 2 1877 1978 $907,000 11/18/2008

379 West Bellevue Drive 02/21/13 $1,125,000 2 2480 1979 $605,000 10/16/1997

1121 Church Street 02/26/13 $1,311,000 5 3061 1961

678 West California Boulevard 02/26/13 $1,575,000 3 4368 1990 $760,000 04/18/1991

477 West California Boulevard 02/15/13 $1,850,000 4 3720 1976 $770,000 05/04/1988

1440 Brixton Road 02/28/13 $775,000 3 1974 1979 $500,000 06/27/2002

259 North Chester Avenue 02/01/13 $820,000 8 5488 1987

109 Harkness Avenue 02/13/13 $1,020,000 6 2906 1923 $1,080,000 12/20/2007

1532 Rose Villa Street 02/04/13 $1,325,000 3 1987 1925 $1,184,000 09/16/2011

1334 South Los Robles Avenue 02/20/13 $1,595,000 4 $525,000 06/30/1998

1405 South Oakland Avenue 02/15/13 $1,890,000 3 2325 1937 $1,370,000 02/13/2012

1100 South El Molino Avenue 02/25/13 $2,700,000 5 $1,188,000 02/06/1995

1438 Oakdale Street 02/27/13 $1,185,000 2 2215 1922 $785,000 10/05/2012

2225 Monte Vista Street 02/01/13 $781,500 3 2481 1947 $340,000 08/01/2003

3551 Yorkshire Road 02/20/13 $835,000 4 1872 1938

287 South Santa Anita Avenue 02/28/13 $840,000 4 2797 1930 $525,000 03/18/2003

2735 Morningside Street 02/07/13 $843,000 4 2208 1916 $600,000 11/13/2012

3545 Shadow Grove Road 02/26/13 $905,000 3 2395 1949 $265,000 04/24/1987

543 Woodward Boulevard 02/05/13 $941,500 3 1868 1949

2156 Las Lunas Street 02/12/13 $950,000 3 3086 1947 $980,000 04/11/2008

1460 Old House Road 02/14/13 $1,500,000 4 3292 1963 $350,500 09/24/1985

2925 Lindaloa Lane 02/20/13 $1,700,000 8

2480 Oswego Street 02/01/13 $2,750,000 4 1890 1914 $1,650,000 09/06/2005

965 El Campo Drive 02/01/13 $7,145,000 9 11932 1999 $3,500,000 11/21/2000

SAN MARINO

2835 Huntington Drive 02/12/13 $810,000 2 1427 1946

2845 Huntington Drive 02/20/13 $900,000 3 1274 1946

705 Plymouth Road 02/11/13 $1,375,000 3 2193 1939 $538,000 06/26/1991

720 Old Mill Road 02/25/13 $1,375,000 4 2368 1936 $612,000 08/27/1996

1781 Warwick Road 02/06/13 $1,500,000 3 2499 1950 $350,000 11/26/1980

2870 Lorain Road 02/21/13 $1,600,000 5 3073 1938 $1,040,000 10/03/2007

2195 Adair Street 02/26/13 $2,000,000 4 3071 1929 $840,000 07/02/2002

1424 Pasqualito Drive 02/04/13 $2,508,000 5 3118 1935 $1,125,000 02/28/2002

2395 Melville Drive 02/04/13 $2,790,000 4 4217 1938 $1,970,000 03/02/2006

843 San Marino Avenue 02/01/13 $4,000,000 9 $1,600,000 05/08/1998

SIERRA MADRE

1965 Vista Avenue 01/31/13 $831,000 3 1850 1953 $140,000 08/19/1980

314 North Sunnyside Avenue 02/20/13 $835,000 3 2106 1958 $439,000 02/12/1999

415 Auburn Lane 02/08/13 $865,000 4 1916 1929 $855,000 06/15/2005

58 West Carter Avenue 02/01/13 $1,195,000 4 2925 2003 $975,000 05/29/2003

258 Rancho Road 02/15/13 $1,200,000 2 2178 1958

SOUTH PASADENA

610 Indiana Place 02/25/13 $879,000 3 2346 1978 $511,000 12/20/2002

1413 Lyndon Street 02/15/13 $930,000 3 1896 1952

1424 Oakcrest Avenue 02/04/13 $940,000 2 2490 1924 $321,500 05/25/1988

423 Magnolia Street 02/27/13 $1,035,000 4 2023 1900 $1,075,000 12/18/2007

HOME SALES ABOVE $750,000RECENT HOME CLOSINGS IN THE ARROYO FOOTPRINT SOURCE: CalREsource

continued from page 27

30 | ARROYO | 04.13

arroyoTHE ADVENTURE

OF A LIFETIME

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENTHOME & DESIGN

MAKING A SUCCESSFUL AND JOYFULTRANSITION FROM FAMILY HOME TO

SENIOR LIVING ENVIRONMENTBY JOANNA DEHN BERESFORD


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENTHOME & DESIGNarroyo

A FEW DAYS AGO MY TEENAGED DAUGHTER AND I HELPED AN ELDERLY WOMAN

CLEAN HER HOUSE. IT’S AN OLD PLACE, LUXURIOUS, WITH GOOD BONES, AN ELE-

GANT FAÇADE, AND LOVELY, MATURE LANDSCAPING. BUT INSIDE IT WAS A MESS. WE

WERE OVERWHELMED AT FIRST BY THE CLUTTER, THE DUST AND CAT HAIR, THE

MOLDERING FOOD AROUND THE SINK, ON THE STOVE AND IN THE REFRIG-

ERATOR, THE MOUNTAINOUS PILES OF BOOKS AND FURNITURE AND KNICK-

KNACKS AND PAPERS – IN GENERAL, THE TRASH AND TREASURE THAT HAS

ACCUMULATED IN THE HOME OVER THE LAST FIFTY YEARS. AFTER WE HAD

LABORED FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS WE FINALLY GLIMPSED SOME CLEAN SUR-

FACES AND ORDER, AND MY DAUGHTER NOTED THAT THIS WAS VERY SATISFYING.

OUR ELDERLY FRIEND, WHOM I WILL REFER TO AS MISS B, AGREED. SHE LOST HER

LIFE PARTNER TO DISEASE AND THE GENERAL DECLINE OF AGE IN SEPTEMBER.

SINCE THEN SHE HAS DONE LITTLE BESIDES CARE FOR HER CATS AND REREAD SOME

OF HER FAVORITE MYSTERY NOVELS; AND EVEN BEFORE THE DEATH OF HER PART-

NER, NEITHER OF THEM WANTED TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY (OR REALITY) OF

LEAVING THEIR BELOVED HOME. BUT NOW SHE’S MOVING OUT IN TWO WEEKS,

AND SHE’S FEELING A BIT DESPERATE ABOUT HER TRANSITION.

04.13 | ARROYO | 33


The truth is, Miss B’s situation is not uncommon, and although she faces a massive undertak-

ing at this point, the transition from older, larger home to newer, smaller one need not be onerous

or daunting or melancholy. What can transform the transition for anyone moving through this

phase of life are three provisions: planning ahead; engaging the finest resources; and embracing

a sense of adventure. Whatever it takes, for ourselves and for our loved ones, we ought to pursue

these objectives when considering the endeavor often referred to as “downsizing for seniors.”

PLANNING AHEAD

“It’s important to know that this doesn’t have to be a stressful experience if you start thinking about

the process early on and keep your mind open to different options,” says Jason Mak, of Golden

Oaks Apartments, in South Pasadena. Golden Oaks is a family-owned establishment that offers a

variety of contemporary lifestyle options for seniors, families and travelling professionals. Jason sug-

gests that homeowners who foresee making a change in location “Start visiting local apartments,

senior apartments, and assisted living facilities to learn what they have to offer.” At Golden Oaks,

prospective residents are invited to join current tenants for breakfast or social activities. “We even

allow people to live with us for a short term ‘trial period’ in one of our furnished apartments to

make sure they are ultimately happy living here,” adds Jason.


—ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT—

36 | ARROYO | 04.13

04.13 | ARROYO | 37


Dawneen Lorance of Villa Gardens in Pasadena also stresses the importance of investigat-

ing options early, allowing for ample to time make decisions . “Many of our residents tell us that

they wish they had moved to Villa Gardens sooner,” says Dawneen. “The most important advice

we offer is to plan ahead.” Like their counterparts at Golden Oaks, the staff at Villa Gardens en-

courages interested residents to visit the community more than once, share a meal, explore the lo-

cation, amenities, services, space and financial options. Dawneen acknowledges that downsizing

is a major decision, which deserves careful thought and preparation.

“Plan ahead while you are still calling the shots,” urges Mikki Porretta, a Senior Real Estate

Specialist (SRES) with Dilbeck Realty. Mikki has been facilitating such transitions in the San Gabriel

Valley for decades, developing relationships with clients and truly becoming a part of their lives. In

terms of downsizing and organizing a lifetime of belongings in particular, Mikki suggests that

homeowners “Start with a drawer or two. Give the collections to someone that you know will enjoy

them. Make a list to keep with your important papers and designate someone who has asked for

or will appreciate your treasured items. Write a little bit of history to go along with each of the

items.” All of which takes time, but allows seniors – and anyone launching a relocation – the oppor-

tunity to savor objects and relationships in a meaningful and reflective way.



38 | ARROYO | 04.13

04.13 | ARROYO | 39

ENGAGING RESOURCES

Resources abound for seniors who are planning to downsize, and first and foremost among them

may be their own families and friends. “Enlist your children and grandchildren to help!” says Jason

Mak. “Get them involved with this big decision and listen to their feedback.” Jason also suggests

researching websites, like www.seniorhousingnet.com, and consulting with organizations like the

local senior center in your community.

Many senior living facilities provide residents with their own resources. “Villa Gardens offers

advice and a list of professionals who can help with every aspect of the move,” says Dawneen Lo-

rance. “We have helped our residents find services that will pack, move and unpack and place

furniture…so that their new accommodations will feel like home when they arrive. They also get to

choose the paint colors and other finishes of their choice. If you want it, we will help you make it

happen.” A sentiment which is echoed by staff members at Golden Oaks.

As a veteran SRES, Mikki Porretta provides her clients with a comprehensive array of services,

starting with a consultation among the seniors themselves, family members and Mikki and her

team. They discuss aspects of the sale of an existing home, including the possible need for clean-

ing and repairs; probable selling price based on recent sales and conditions; staging of the

home; and the actual packing, moving process.

“We discuss what we are going to do with the accumulation of a lot of years – donate, es-

tate or garage sale?” Mikki explains. “How are we going to determine what they can take and

what is going to be sold or given to others.” Mikki’s assistance includes “free handyman services,

free notary services, arranging for packing and moving, floor plans of the new abode, charity

pickup, free staging, consignment pickup, cleaning, garage sales and moving.” In other words,

Mikki offers what she describes as one-stop shopping for her clients.

THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

Perhaps most important is that seniors and everyone else involved in their transition pursue the ex-

perience as a great adventure. “We understand that it can be difficult to think about moving,” says

Villa Gardens’ Dawneen Lorance. “But while the task can seem daunting, choosing among your

most precious possessions, then building a new environment around them can be thrilling.” For ex-

ample, Dawneen describes the reflections of a current resident, Texas native Carrie Lovejoy, who

viewed moving to Villa Gardens as a form of liberation from the traditional chores of homeowner-

ship and the enjoyment of a more peaceful and purpose –filled phase of her life.

“Every morning I wake up to a view of the San Gabriel Mountains and a carefree lifestyle,”

says Ms. Lovejoy. “Taking care of a house was a lot of responsibility and that was not something I

wanted. I was unsure about leaving Texas but now some of my friends are jealous. I am having so

many new adventures and meeting new friends… Every day there seems to be a new face at the

dinner table and a new story to hear. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

With proper planning, the use of valuable resources, the participation of family and friends,

and a spirit of optimism, all of us, including my friend Miss B, may find such joy in reaching the next

stage of our lives. AH&D



40 | ARROYO | 04.13

arroyoSPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENTSUMMER CAMP PREVIEW

04.13 | ARROYO | 41

ALTADENA STABLES SUMMER CAMPFULL DAY, HALF DAY, SPORTS, ALL ABOUT HORSESWe offer camps for boys and girls interested in learning all about horses. In addition tohorseback riding skills, games and crafts they will learn to safely care for horses, andgroom and bathe them. Camps are taught by skilled professionals with over thirty yearsof experience

Ages: 5-18yrs. Date: June 17-21, July 8-12, August 12-16. Time: 8:30am-2:30pm and ½ day8:30am-12pm Tuition: Full Day $525.00, ½ Day $325.00. Registration Deadline: enrollmentopen until filled.3064 Ridgeview Drive Altadena, CA 91001 (626) [email protected] www.altadenastables.com

ART CLASSES OF PASADENAARTSArt Classes of Pasadena is open year round, 7 days a week, with classes in traditionaldrawing, watercolor, oil painting, cartooning and computer arts. These classes areavailable on a continuous open enrollment basis, so you can join any time! Expanded hours in summer. See website for details.

Ages: 4 to Adults. Tuition: $20/hr base price (discount package available). RegistrationDeadline: join any time3763 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 993-4021 [email protected] www.artclassesofpasadena.com


42 | ARROYO | 04.13

04.13 | ARROYO | 43

BASKETBALL & LEADERSHIP SKILLS CAMPHALF DAY, SPORTSJoin former Lakers star, AC Green, at this camp! Campers will be challenged on andoff the court – practicing and improving their basketball skills, and participating inleadership and character development discussions. This camp is brought to you byAC Green’s Elite Skills Training, and the South Pasadena Educational Foundation.

Girls and Boys ages 8-17. Date: July 29-August 2. Time: 9:00am-2:00pm. Tuition: $225,Based on space, Registration will be taken until Friday July 26 – to guarantee your placeand souvenir camp tshirt, Registration Deadline before July 8, 2013.South Pasadena Middle School Gym, 1500 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030(626) 441- 5810 x1163 [email protected] www.spef4kids.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF PASADENAFULL DAY, ARTS, SPORTS, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSThe Club offers fun and educational games; activities to prevent summer learning loss;state-of-the-art computer centers; recreational swimming, swim lessons, and a freeone-week intensive water safety course; field trips; sports and athletics; free breakfastand lunch, and much more!

Ages: 6-18. Date: June 10-August 7. Time: Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:00pm. Tuition: $75.00 (tuitionassistance available) for ages 6-12. Teenagers ages 13-18 are freeSlavik Branch 3230 East Del Mar Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 449-1953, Mackenzie-Scott Branch2020 North Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 798-3925, Administration (626) [email protected] www.bgcpasadena.org

CAMP ANIMAL PLANETFull Day, Half Day, Arts, Nature & Science, Sports, Enrichment and Academics, Day careavailable from 7am to 6pm

Preschool (ages 2.5-4 years) and Kindergarten offers a nurturing environment thatstimulates growth through a variety of activities. Weekly themes include academics andsocial and emotional skill development. First through Eighth Grades are offered morningacademic classes and afternoon enrichments Monday through Thursday, with field tripson Fridays.

Grade: Preschool to 8th grade. Date: June 24-July26, 2013. Time: 9:00am-3:30pm. Tuition:Preschool 3 half days is $95/week, 3 full days is $113/week, including day care 7-9AM and3:30-6PM, 5 half days is $130/week, 5 full days is $150/week, Kindergarten; 5 half days is$650/week, 5 full days is $750/week, including day care 7-9AM and 3:30-6PM, First Gradethrough Eighth Grade: mornings only M-Th is $500 for 5 weeks, afternoons only M-Th is $500for 5 weeks, full day, M-Th is $900 for 5 weeks, full day including Friday field trips & camp t-shirt is $1125 for 5 weeks, Friday field trips only, including camp t-shirt is $325 for 5 weeks.822 Bradbourne Avenue, Duarte, CA 91010 (626) 301-9809 [email protected] www.foothilloaksacademy.org

CLAIRBOURN SUMMER ADVANTAGE PROGRAMFULL DAY, HALF DAY, ARTS, NATURE & SCIENCE, SPORTS, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSNow enrolling for summer learning! We offer Preschool, Kindergarten, and 1st-8thGrade Advantage Programs with over 45 academic, developmental, and creativeworkshops, where students can design their own adventure. Register by May 17. Giveyour child an advantage today!

Ages: 3 to 13. Date: June 24 to July 26. Times: Preschool 9am-12pm Kindergarten 9am-3pm Grades 1-8 attend classes anytime between 9-3pm. Tuition: Preschool & Kindergarten$750 for morning session & $1250 full day. Grades 1-8: each class ranges from $270 up to$340. Registration Deadline: May 27, 2013Clairbourn School 8400 Huntington Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91775(626) 286-3108 [email protected] www.clairbourn.org/summer/

DANCE FAMILY SUMMER HIP HOP CAMPHALF DAY, ARTS, SPORTSTop LA Choreographers lead a fun filled week where students learn newest hip hopmoves they’ll perform at the camp’s culmination. Performances are optional on theHollywood Walk of Fame, on the National Day of Dance, and Sizzling Salsa Nights.Get ready for Crazy Hair Day, Crazy Hat Day, and Crazy, fun teachers - the best timeimaginable!

Ages:7-17yrs (2 groups). Date: June 10-14, July 8-12, July 29-Aug 2. Time: 10am-3pm. Tu-ition: $395 (discounts available online). Registration Deadline: Max 30 students per camp2700 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite 101, Pasadena, CA 91107 (626)568-3764 [email protected] www.TheDanceFamily.com

EMMAUS LUTHERAN SUMMER ACADEMY AND CAMPFULL DAY, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICS, FIELD TRIPSEmmaus offers a morning academic program with regular classroom teachers whohave a focus on mathematics, language arts, science and history. Every afternoon,




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students enjoy camp fun and activities including enrichment courses, art, games,weekly field trip, and water activities. You may choose the weeks that you wish to attend.

Ages: 6-13 (grades 1-8). Date: June 10- August 9, 2013. Time: 7:00am-6:30pm. Tuition:$155 per week, $135 for 2nd child, plus $65 reg. fee ($45 early reg. fee), May 17 for $45 earlyreg. fee discount Registration Deadline: Acceptance any time prior to June 17840 S. Almansor Alhambra, Ca 91801 (626) 289-3664 x107 [email protected] www.emmauslutheranchurch.org

HANDS-ON SCIENCE CAMP AT THE CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTERFULL DAY, HALF DAY, NATURE & SCIENCE, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSExciting explorations, delightful discoveries and wild wonders await your family thissummer at Hands-On Science Camp at the California Science Center. We offer morethan 30 courses, including popular parent-and-child classes that give families achance to investigate science together. The Hands-On Science Camp staff consists ofeducation professionals and working professionals in science fields. Your child willhave a unique, fun and engaging summer! Each camp session is a weeklong. It isbest to register before the session you plan on attending. We strongly recommend reg-istering early, because classes fill up quickly.

Grade: Pre-K-8th. Date: June 10-August 5, 2013. Time: Full Day 9am-3pm, Half Day 9-11:30am and 12:30pm-3pm. Tuition: $140-$340700 Exposition Park Drive Los Angeles, CA 90037 (213) 744-7444 [email protected] www.californiasciencecenter.org/camp

HAPPY TRAILSFULL DAYS, ARTS, NATURE & SCIENCE, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSJoin in the summer fun as we play and explore THE 8 WONDERS OF CALIFORNIA withhands-on activities in our spacious play yards and cozy classrooms. There are manyopportunities for discovery during our 9 week session. Each week will be filled with art,science, music and movement, dramatic play, literacy, math concepts and more!Weekly field trips such as to Summer Sounds at the Hollywood Bowl and weekly guestspeakers like the traveling Cabrillo Marine Museum help connect the children’s learn-ing experiences to the world around them. Our summer camp out and family picnicallow families to join in the fun, too!

Ages: 2 months to Pre-K. Date: June 10 to August 8. Time: 7am-6pm. Tuition: $255-$300 perweek for infants and toddler, $245 per week for preschoolers. Registration Deadline: ongo-ing until filled791 E. Calaveras St., Altadena, CA 91001 (626) 797-6142 [email protected] www.accc-kids.org

INSTITUTE FOR GIRLS’ DEVELOPMENTFULL DAY, HALF DAY, ARTS, GIRLS ONLYMake friends! Be creative! Build skills! Get empowered! Have fun! • Mind, Body, Spirit, Friendship Adventures - grades 3-5; • Be R.E.A.L. friendship workshop - middle school girls.

For teens and college women:• Push Back – Creating and maintaining your physical and verbal boundaries;• Mother and Daughter Self-Defense Class;• SoulCollage®

Grade: 3rd grade through young adulthood. Date: June and July. Tuition: $80-$400 de-pending on the program. Registration Deadline: June 1595 N. Marengo Ave, Suite 100, Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 585-8075 ext [email protected] www.InstituteForGirlsDevelopment.com

LAMA COLLEGE FOR MUSIC PROFESSIONAL SUMMER CAMPFULL DAY, ARTSStudents write an original song, play in Ensemble Workshops, record, see instructors per-forming daily, and more. As with all programs at LAMA, our small, friendly environmentand personal attention combined with daily playing/singing gives you the most focusedstyle-specific musical training possible in one week. Sign up online at lama.edu!

Ages: 9 –Adult. Date: June 22-26. Time: 9am–5pm Daily. Tuition: $995 (check out our face-book for a discount) Registration Deadline: June 7th, 2013370 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) [email protected] www.lama.edu

MAYFIELD JUNIOR SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMFULL DAY, HALF DAY, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSMayfield’s Summer Program offers an exciting array of camps and classes brimmingwith opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun. With over 100 classes and camps tochoose from, Mayfield Junior School is a great place for your child to be challengedand engaged this summer.

Ages: 3-14. Date: June 17-August 16. Time: Mon-Fri. 7:30am-6pm. Tuition: Session A classes:$210 Session B Classes: $225 Camps prices vary. Registration Deadline: June 8, 2013405 South Euclid Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 229-2109 [email protected]/summer




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PASADENA CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL’S BIG ADVENTURES FOR LITTLE EXPLORERSFull Day, Half Day, Arts, Nature & Science, Enrichment and Academics, KindergartenTransition Program, Fun Themes, Water play, Gymnastics, Music

Busy parents can trust our caring teachers to provide “Big Adventures” for their LittleExplorers all summer long! Our theme-based camp features LOADS of water play, out-door activities, games, crafts, Bible lessons, art, music, gymnastics, guest shows andmuch more! Also, our Kindergarten Transition Program is fantastic preparation for your rising kindergartener!

Ages: 2-5yrs. Date: June 22-August 16, 2013. Time: Full Day 7:00am-6:00pm Half Day8:30am-12:30pm. Registration Deadline: Ongoing enrollment based on availability1485 N. Los Robles Ave; Pasadena, CA 91104(626) 791-1277 [email protected] www.pasadenachristian.org

PASADENA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC SUMMER JAZZ WORKSHOPHALF DAY, ARTS, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSThis two-week intensive course for students in 7th grade and up will develop founda-tions of jazz improvisation, theory, and history. Students will gain a comprehensiveknowledge of jazz traditions; participate in daily master classes with professional musi-cians; learn to play pieces by masters; and perform in a public jazz concert.

Grade: 7th grade and up. Date: Week one July 8-12, Week two July 15-19. Time: 3-7pm. Tu-ition: One week $275.00 both weeks $525.00. Registration Deadline: June 21100 North Hill Avenue Pasadena (626) 683-3355 [email protected] pasadenaconservatory.org

PASSPORT TO ADVENTUREHALF DAY, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSOur experienced and credentialed “tour guides” will lead an innovative and creativeitinerary! In four weeks, our travelers will journey to three continents and beyond! We’llvirtually visit New York (6/24-6/28), Mars (7/1-7/3), Netherlands (7/8-7/12) and Zim-babwe (7/15-7/19). At each destination our tour guides will integrate differentiated in-struction to develop math and reading proficiencies within the passengers’ weekly“travels.” Parents may choose two electives for their “traveler.” Math and reading willbe offered at the fundamental and advanced levels. The traveler’s daily schedule willinclude math, reading plus two selected electives. Some of the available electives willbe blogging, cooking, art, Spanish, drama, geography with an iPad, needlework (cro-cheting or knitting) and scrapbooking. Don’t wait, pack your bags and join us!

Grade: Incoming 1st grade to Incoming 6th grade. Date: 6/24-7/19. Time: 9am-12pm.Tuition: 5 days week $125.00 or 3 days week $75.00. Registration Deadline: 6/12/2013.1515 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena CA 91104 (626) 791-1214 [email protected] www.pasadenachristian.org

PCS SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMYARTSVision: “Praise God with Musical Instruments” All Students will receive private instruction,music theory, and group lesson from Dr. Chung, instrumental music director. Beginning vio-lin, Intermediate violin, intermediate cello, beginning piano, and beginning guitar offered.

Grade: 1st-8th grade. Date: July 9-July 31, 2013. Time: 7:55am-8:55am. Tuition: $75.00. Registration Deadline: June 7, 2013

1515 N. Los Robles Ave. Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 791-1214 [email protected] www.pasadenachristian.org

PROVIDENCE HIGH SCHOOL HUMANITIES CAMPHALF DAY, ARTS, NATURE & SCIENCE, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSHumanities Camp combines science, math, literature and art into one fun-filled inter-disciplinary learning activity. Centered around Space and Rocketry, students design,build and fly model rockets while exploring the literature of H.G. Wells; expressing theirfindings through art and writing. Math, measurement, CAD, painting, creative writingand model building are all elements of the curriculum.

Grade: Rising 6th through 9th graders. Date: June 17-July 12. Time: M-F 8:00am-1:15pm.Tuition: $600.00. Registration Deadline: June 14511 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank 91505 (818) 846-8141 ext [email protected] www.providencehigh.org

ROLLING ROBOTS SUMMER CAMPFULL DAY, HALF DAY, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSOur unique robot summer camps implement STEM concepts through the building of robots.

Each camper takes home new skills that we hope will continue to motivate them longafter they’ve left our store. We mask learning with fun with the goal that each child leaveswith the kind of knowledge & passion that will inspire them, in whatever they do, for the restof their lives. All registrants receive a t-shirt and a robot that their child builds on the last day.

Age: 7-12 yrs. Date: June 24-August 19. Time: Mon-Fri 9am-12pm or 12pm-3pm (half day)9am-3pm (full day). Tuition: Half day $250 Full day $450757 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210 (818) 241-2308 [email protected] rollingrobots.com/summer-camp-2012




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SPARTAN ALLSTARS SPORTS DAY CAMPFULL DAY, HALF DAY, SPORTS2nd annual Spartan Allstars is a coed summer camp located at La Canada HighSchool. The staff consists of LCHS coaches, professionals, and college age counselors.Activities include: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, football, track & field,wrestling, dance, martial arts, tennis, swimming, arts & crafts, and a Color War!

Grade: K-8th grade. Date: June 17-28, July 8-19, July 29-Aug 2. Tuition: Half Day $300, FullDay $500, Registration Deadline: Until filledLa Canada High School 4463 Oak Grove Drive La Canada 91011 (818) 445-8263 [email protected] spartanallstars.com

SUMMER CAMPFULL DAY, HALF DAY, ARTS, NATURE & SCIENCE, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSAn ever popular summer program catering to ages 2-6. Loaded with fun activities likeface painting, a visit by Mobile Marine Lab, pony rides, petting zoo, picnic in pajamas,tie & die, art & T-shirts, gardening, fruit smoothies, nature walks and much more.

Ages: 2-6 yrs. Date: July 1st-August 30th. Time: 7am-6pm. Regular tuition rate plus $100 formaterials (call for rates). Registration Deadline: Depending on availability 1739 Foothill Blvd La Canada, CA 91011 (818) [email protected] www.flintridge-montessori.com

SUMMER FUNDAMENTALSHALF DAY, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSChildren learn best when all of their senses are engaged, so we use a multi-sensoryteaching style that includes visual, auditory and kinesthetic approaches in our pro-grams to maximize children’s acquisition and retention of skills. We offer three consec-utive separate courses from 8am – 1pm, Monday through Friday that addressdecoding and spelling, comprehension and writing and executive functioning.

Grade: 1st grade-6th grade. Date: July 8th-August 2nd. Time: 8am-1pm. Tuition: $3600.Registration Deadline: June 30, 201355 Auburn Avenue, Suite A, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 (626) 355-1729 [email protected] www.justineshermanslp.com

SUMMER SCHOOL IN SOUTH PASADENAHALF DAY, ARTS, NATURE & SCIENCE, SPORTS, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSThere are opportunities for everyone at South Pasadena’s popular K-12 SummerSchool. Classes include Robotics, Science, History, Languages, Writing, Sports, Art,Music, Dance, and Theater. Gain credits, advance in academics, while having fun!High School begins 6/20/2013. Elementary and Middle Schools begin 6/24/2013.Summer Camp daycare also available.

Grade: K-12, Date: High School runs June 20 –July 24, 2013. Elementary and MiddleSchools run June 24 –July 19, 2013. Time: 8:00am-2:25pm. Tuition: Classes from $140 (Re-sources and materials determine class fees), Registration begins April 29 for non-SPUSDand out of district students.South Pasadena Elementary, Middle and High Schools (626) 441- 5810 [email protected] www.spef4kids.org

THEATRE 360 PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE CAMPFULL DAY, HALF DAY, ARTS, NEW YORK CITY INTENSIVETheatre 360’s unique program works with each student to inspire and educate helpingthem realize what it takes to be a part of the theatre. Our students spend the daysinging, dancing, acting and rehearsing. Multiple sessions, a New York 2 week intensiveJuly 27-August 10, plus year round programming. All levels are welcome.

Ages: 3-19yrs. Date: June 10 to August 23, 2013. Time: 9am-3pm, aftercare available3pm-6pm. Tuition: $265 to $775 per session. Registration Deadline: Open first come first serve75 N. Marengo Ave. Pasadena CA 91101, (626) 577-5922 [email protected] wwwtheatre360performingarts.com

TOTAL EDUCATION SOLUTIONS/DANNY’S FARM SUMMER ENRICHMENT EXPERIENCEFULL DAY, HALF DAY, ARTS, NATURE & SCIENCE, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICS, SPECIAL NEEDSAges: 5 to 22 years. Date: June through August. Time: 9am-5pm with early drop off and late pickup options available. Tuition: $600/week base (Regional center funding may be available)5 & 6 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, CA 91103 (213) 607-4432 [email protected] Find links at www.tesidea.com & www.dannysfarm.org

YOUNG MUSICIANS AT PASADENA CONSERVATORY OF MUSICHALF DAY, ARTS, ENRICHMENT AND ACADEMICSPasadena Conservatory of Music’s Young Musicians program encourages and nur-tures each child’s musicality with age-specific classes that are creative and engaging.This eight-week program is a great introduction to PCM’s curriculum for infants andkids and a fun opportunity to explore group music-making. Classes include FolkDance, Music Meets Drama, and Recorder Karate.

Ages: Four months through 12 years. Date: June 24-August 12, 2013. Time: Varies. Tuition:$160. Registration Deadline: June 21, 2013100 North Hill Avenue Pasadena, CA 91106 (626) 683-3355 [email protected] www.pasadenaconservatory.org ■



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Issue Date: May 9Space Deadline: May 1

04.13 | ARROYO | 49

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A Mental Disorder orJust Real Lifefor the Elderly?

Aging specialists clash over new identificationsof seniors’ mental disorders in the latest editionof the bible of psychiatry, known as the D.S.M.-5.BY KATHLEEN KELLEHER

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THE FIFTH EDITION OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION’S

DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS, A

HANDBOOK OF PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSES, DEBUTS NEXT MONTH

AMID A FIRESTORM OF CONTROVERSY. –continued on page 53

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To the eye, the D.S.M.-5’s most obvious change is the Arabic numerals that replaceRoman ones. Mental disorders are renamed, removed or redefined; there are brand new dis-orders designated as such, and some new disorders that are duly noted but categorized asneeding further study. Though most of us will never read the D.S.M.-5, many of us will beaffected by it. Considered the bible of psychiatry, the manual can determine what disordersare covered by health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, and influence the allocation ofgovernment resources and precious research dollars. Practically speaking, the manual is usedby mental health professionals and primary care physicians to diagnose and treat patients —but it may also introduce its own set of problems.

Two changes in the D.S.M.-5 could impact older people in significant ways. There is anexpansion of cognitive disorders to include “mild neurocognitive disorder,” described by theAPA as “changes that impact cognitive functioning.” The symptoms are described as goingbeyond normal signs of aging (e.g., misplacing your car keys and forgetting names). “Mildneurocognitive disorder” can be detected through objective testing and would typically beobserved by the patient, or a close friend, spouse or colleague. Critics say the new categoriesof cognitive disorders will be misused among the vulnerable elderly population.

“Forgetfulness in old age will be a ‘minor neurocognitive disorder,’ a label encompassingan enormous new patient population (only some of whom are at real risk of dementia) andincurring huge costs of unnecessary brain imaging when there is no effective treatment,”psychiatrist Allen Frances, professor emeritus at Duke University School of Medicine,writes in Bloomberg News. Frances, who was chairman of the task force that produced theD.S.M.-IV, has been a vocal critic of all things D.S.M.-5.

But the APA contends that there is substantial clinical need to recognize people whoneed care for cognitive issues that go beyond normal aging. According to James Tyll, aspokesman for the APA, “Our hope is that by more accurately defining disorders, diagnosisand clinical care will be improved.” The idea is that early diagnosis of mild neurocognitivedisorder will lead to early detection and treatment of cognitive decline before it progresses tomajor neurocognitive disorder, when it could be too late for treatment to arrest the decline.Identifying mild neurocognitive disorder early can make potential therapies like educationalor brain stimulation more effective and may slow progression. And a diagnosis listed in the

D.S.M.-5 is also more likely to be covered by insurance. Still, some people with mild neu-rocognitive disorder or mild cognitive impairment never do develop more serious dementia,but there is no way to predict who will and won’t suffer that fate.

Some geriatric specialists applaud the new disorder definition. “People with mild cogni-tive impairment should get treatment,” said Dr. Gary W. Small, director of the UCLALongevity Center. “If I diagnose someone with mild cognitive impairment, if it is somethingmore than normal aging, it helps me manage that patient better... Lots of evidence points tophysical exercise, stress reduction, diet and memory techniques as a way to help compensatefor memory decline,” said Small, co-author with wife GiGi Vorgan of The Alzheimer’s Prevention Program: Keep Your Brian Healthy for the Rest of Your Life (Workman Publishing;2012).

Other research indicates that patients given donepezil, a drug used to treat Alzheimer’sdisease, slowed their rate of cognitive decline for the first year. But there was no differenceafter three years, Small said. Research in aging and dementia is focusing on identifyingAlzheimer’s disease as early as possible, making the pre-dementia phase increasingly urgent.

An even more controversial change to the D.S.M.-5 is the revised criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD no longer includes what is called the “bereavement exclusion.” The so-called “bereavement exclusion” in the D.S.M.-IV cautioned againstdiagnosing someone with MDD within two months following the death of a loved one,because grief and depression symptoms appear so similar.

The D.S.M.-5 removes the bereavement exclusion from MDD, listing symptoms that,when persisting for a minimum two-week period, could trigger a diagnosis of major depres-sive disorder. Exhibiting five or more on MDD’s list of symptoms — including feeling sad,crying, decreased appetite, insomnia, decreased interest in daily activities, fatigue, distractionand inability to function in daily life — meets the criteria for a diagnosis.

Removing the bereavement exclusion is intended to prevent major depression frombeing overlooked in a grieving person, according to the APA’s Tyll. But the fear among geri-atricians, social workers, bereavement counselors and other mental health practitioners isthat this change will lead to overdiagnosis and overmedication for something that is per-



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fectly natural and will get better with time and support from family and friends. “I do thinkwe have to concern ourselves with creating a medicalizing of grief and then pharmacologi-cally treating it,” said Dr. Eric Widera, a geriatrician at the University of California SanFrancisco, who wrote about the issue on GeriPals.org. “You know where most mental healthdisorders are treated? Primary care physicians. They rely on these DSM diagnoses and crite-ria and prescribe most of the antidepressants. Studies have never shown that treating griefafter the loss of a loved one with medication has ever improved outcomes.”

A minority of bereaved people (10 to 20 percent) experience what is called “complicatedgrief,” a detrimental life-disrupting variation that may call for treatment, says Widera. Butpeople with complicated grief could still be diagnosed with MDD under the grief exclusion,Widera argues, just with a higher symptom threshold. The grief exclusion noted that a be-reaved person should be diagnosed with MDD if they meet the five-symptom criteria of thedisorder and demonstrate one or more of the following symptoms — an inability to functionin daily life, suicidal thoughts, psychotic thinking, feelings of worthlessness or psychomotorretardation (marked slowing of thought and movement) — for more than two months.These guidelines were designed to ensure that the few people who develop truly depressiveepisodes after losing a loved one would not be overlooked by a clinician.

“Uncomplicated grief may cause significant distress, but for the majority of bereaved, it isan adaptive and healthy reaction to the loss of a loved one,” Widera’s blog post reads. “Mostbereaved individuals will adjust to a new life without their loved one, but this takes time —certainly longer than two weeks.”

Adjusting and adapting to a new life following the death of a loved one is a painful, try-ing process for anyone, and it can be especially hard for older people. Rediscovering Hope, abereavement support group, gathers weekly at the Pasadena Senior Center. Some partici-pants are well along in the grief process, maybe even a year or two post-loss. But it is grief

that unites them. They come seeking the refuge, support and solace of others’ stories of loss,sadness and survival.

“One of the things we do as clinicians that is so important is normalize the grief process,”said grief counselor Jody Casserly, L.C.S.W., who runs groups at the Pasadena Senior Cen-ter and at AIDS Project L.A. “I don’t want to be pathologizing something that is very nor-mal — frequent crying, changes in sleep, eating and difficulty concentrating — after a majorloss. The most beneficial aspect of support groups is people sharing their experiences witheach other and feeling ‘I am not crazy’ or ‘I am not alone.’”

Casserly, who is also in private practice, said that the D.S.M.-5 will surely increase whatinsurance and Medicare covers for bereaved people diagnosed with MDD, including thebenefits of individual therapy, group therapy and psychopharmacological treatment. But shewarns that the older people she sees in her bereavement groups would recoil at the idea of adiagnosis of a mental illness because the members have so normalized their experiences andfeelings of loss. That would not stop Casserly, who is ever-watchful for the symptoms of po-tential major depression in those she counsels. She does not think she needs to consult theD.S.M.-5 on the matter, but she knows that primary care physicians will. The question is,will they know how to distinguish between clinical depression, which requires treatment, anduncomplicated grief, which is the normal response to the death of a loved one?

What D.S.M.-5 critics and supporters agree on is that a great many people need a broadrange of effective, pinpointed mental health support. What they cannot agree upon are theterms and language and whether a disorder deserves to be in the manual at all. It’s clear thatthe D.S.M.-5 will continue to be an embattled document. According to Tyll, the APA in-tends to use new technologies to incorporate timely, incremental updates to the manualbased on “a preponderance of supportive research evidence.” That means that though manyfind the manual flawed, changes are ahead. ||||


04.13 | ARROYO | 55

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KITCHENCONFESSIONS

THIS JUST IN — WHEAT IS KILLING US.

WHAT WAS JUST ANOTHER ANNOYING TREND IN NUTRITIONISM IS

FAST JOINING CIGARETTES, SODA POP AND DRIVE-TIME TEXTING IN

THE RANKS OF GLARE-WORTHY OFFENSES.

RECENT REPORTS FROM SEVERAL MEDIA OUTLETS, INCLUDING THE

NEW YORK TIMES, CNN AND THE HUFFINGTON POST, INDICATE AN IN-

CREASE IN REPORTED CASES OF CELIAC DISEASE (AN AUTOIMMUNE

DISORDER OF THE SMALL INTESTINE), AS WELL AS THE NEWLY LEGIT-

IMIZED NON-CELIAC GLUTEN INTOLERANCE (NCGI). AS A RESULT,

I HAVE DEVELOPED NON-CELIAC HYPOCHONDRIAC INTOLERANCE.

I know people with serious celiac disease, and I have pooh-poohed anyone shun-

ning wheat without a celiac calling card. Studies show that only 1 percent of Americans

have celiac, according to the National Institutes of Health. But doctors now report up to

10 percent of us may have the related — and poorly understood — non-celiac gluten

intolerance (also annoyingly referred to as “gluten sensitivity” — as if we are now con-

cerned about the gluten’s feelings). Gluten intolerance is identified if patients’ health

improves when gluten is removed, and worsens when it is added. The state of “health” in

question is ill-defined and can manifest in several unpleasant conditions, including

headaches, fatigue, acne and gastrointestinal issues. What they are describing is how I

felt every Sunday morning in college. Was it gluten intolerance or too much beer pong?

In celiac disease, the culprit is gliadin, a protein in the endosperm of wheat, rye and

barley. Bakers have long known about gliadin because it is one of the proteins that pro-

duce elasticity in our bread dough. Without it, bread dough wouldn’t rise, and your coun-

try loaf would be an artisanal hockey puck. (See gluten-free bread.) Gliadin is comprised

of a chain of several indigestible amino acids. No one can digest them, and a chosen

few experience discomfort and illness. The intestines are gradually damaged, which pre-

vents the absorption of vitamins and minerals, which in turn results in deficiencies. The

onset of celiac disease can come at any age, and it is onsetting more and more, with

diagnosed cases quadrupling over the past 50 years. Scientists speculate that the in-

crease is a result of the use of gluten in a huge number of processed foods (check your

salad dressing bottle). As a baker, I’d like to think that it has nothing to do with the foodie-

fueled trend of artisan breads, made with special high-gluten flours. After all, breads have

been made this way since Hammurabi first thought about a code. That our species is just

now feeling its effects suggests the fault might rightly belong elsewhere — perhaps with

the mentality that brought us Hamburger Helper, TV dinners and SpaghettiOs.

Gluten intolerance is actually a range of conditions, with celiac disease being the

extreme case at the top of the spectrum, and your hippie food-trend–mongering neigh-

bor at the other end. In between are a range of problems that appear to be gluten-

related. Scientists now think that half the cases of irritable bowel syndrome in America

are likely gluten-based. (I always thought it was just excessive bean consumption.) Re-

ports indicate that when some patients begin a gluten-free diet, they feel better almost

immediately. As a result, doctors are now considering gluten avoidance as a remedy for

several health problems, even without a diagnosis of celiac disease.

Celiac disease is easily determined with a blood test and biopsy. Gluten sensitivity,

though, is harder to pin down. There is no real test, and no adequate definition. Is it a

case of celiac envy? How much of it is gluten, and how much of it is just our body

complaining about something else we put in it? (Our American bodies are hardly

temples.) Or could there be something to the idea that gluten, which is in practically

everything, is causing damage?

As a result of recent findings, gluten-free products are flooding the market, as have,

over the years, carb-free, oat-bran, sugar-free, fat-free and high-fiber products. They are

trying, successfully, to draw us into the land of the gluten-free. But those of you toying

with the idea of a gluten-free diet should do your homework: First, be aware that gluten,

like high-fructose corn syrup and Ryan Seacrest, is everywhere. Check your condiments

(for gluten, that is…not Ryan). And while you’re reading labels, check the gluten-free

products. Most have extra fat and sweeteners to compensate for the lack of flavor

(wheat tastes good), and additional non-gluten starches to simulate the structure nor-

mally provided by gluten. These other starches are much lower in fiber and nutrients

overall, which is problematic because fiber helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. Such

loss of fiber often results in an increased pant size.

You might think that because I am a baker, this trend would be a setback. But peo-

ple are clamoring for cake, cookies, muffins and even pizza made without gluten —

which we are providing. While the technology is improving (“technology” is code for

my skill as a baker of gluten-free stuff), it all seems to be missing something. I under-

stand that we have cravings. But I liken this to the Tofurkey vegans cook at Thanksgiv-

ing. Why do you insist on replacing the thing you can’t have with a pale imitation?

Gluten-free products are not that good. And gluten-free bread is the emperor’s new

clothes of the bakery. Stop pretending that you are using bread to sandwich your

turkey breast. If it looks like cardboard and tastes like cardboard, it’s cardboard (or

gluten-free bread).

To throw a dinner party these days, you are expected to provide not only options for

the vegetarians (and vegans), guests with nut allergies, the religiously adherent and

now the gluten-sensitive. (Have you noticed lately that people spend way too much

time telling others what they eat? I am pretty sure no one cares what I eat.) I was taught

that requesting food from my host is rude. I will enjoy whatever he creates for me and

eat as much or as little of it as I want to. In my day we ate whatever was served, then ex-

cused ourselves to fart in the carport, like good Americans.

Why not learn to eat something else? There are fabulous grains that are naturally

gluten-free. Learn to cook with quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat, millet (a.k.a. bird seed),

teff (used in Ethiopian injera bread), cornmeal and oats. Yes, it means you have to work

a little harder to get your dinner. But it’s not as if you have to thresh the grain yourself.

Leslie Bilderback, a certified master baker, chef and cookbook author, can be found in

the kitchen of Heirloom Bakery in South Pasadena. She also teaches her techniques

online at culinarymasterclass.com.

||||

Avoiding the latest bête noire of the bakery has some downsidesyou may not have considered.

STORY AND PHOTO BY LESLIE BILDERBACK

Et tu, Gluten?

PHOT

O: J

ames

Fral

oi

04.13 | ARROYO | 57

METHOD1. Bring water to a boil over high heat. Add quinoa, reduce heat,

cover and simmer for 15 minutes, until tender. Drain and spreadonto a baking sheet to cool and dry.

2. In a large bowl, mix together shallot, thyme, sage, lemon zestand juice, tarragon and oil. Add onion, tomato, cucumber andcooled quinoa. Stir thoroughly to coat, and chill at least 30 min-utes. Toss in basil, parsley and almonds just before serving.

VARIATIONS: Get creative! Add protein, like shrimp, grilled chickenor garbanzo beans, to this dish. Or put in more veggies, like roastedroot vegetables, eggplant or artichoke hearts. Serve it warm, too, asa great side dish for roasted meats and fish.

INGREDIENTS4 cups water1½ cups quinoa1 large shallot, minced2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced2 tablespoons fresh sage, minced2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, mincedJuice and zest of 1 lemon3 tablespoons olive oil½ small red onion1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1 cucumber, diced¼ cup fresh basil leaves¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves½ cup sliced almonds

Quinoa Herb SaladPronounced KEEN-wah, this tiny grain was first cultivated and cherished by the Incasand Aztecs. It is extremely high in protein and has a light, delicate, almost nutty flavorthat pairs easily with all sorts of ingredients. When it cooks, the grain opens upslightly, producing a texture that is slightly crunchy, but not at all tough.

58 | ARROYO | 04.13

WINING & DINING

04.13 | ARROYO | 59

An Eye-Opening

Whiskey Bar

Okay, I’m lying. The peat-laden air I’m actually inhaling emanates from the neck of a

whiskey bottle at The Blind Donkey, a newish whiskey bar on Union Street, Old Pasadena,

in the space that was once Dish Bistro. Dish was a lovely little spot, and its former patrons

will note that the layout is pretty familiar. That’s because, as one of the bar’s four owners,

John Bowers, tells me, he didn’t want to spend a fortune on the interior, opting instead to

invest his budget in the products on the shelves. And what products they are. John is

guiding me on a sniffing tour of some of his favorites among the 60-odd bottles of the

gold stuff from Ireland, Scotland and the Americas that line the back of the bar.

Bowers’ partners are Brandon Bradford, Alen Aivazien and Ryan Sweeney, the man

behind West Hollywood’s popular craft beer hangout, The Surly Goat. Bowers is a tall,

willowy chap, affable and self-deprecating. A former political publicist, it’s clear he’s at

home behind the bar. He doesn’t just like whiskey. He loves whiskey. I ask him to show

me a couple of his favorites, and it takes him no time at all to line up some very diverse

spirits in beautifully designed bottles.

THE DAMP WIND CREPT UNDER MY COLLAR, AS INSTINCTIVELY I

HUNCHED OVER, THE BETTER TO KEEP WARM. I TURNED UP THE COL-

LAR OF MY WOOL COAT AND STARED ACROSS THE BAY SPREAD

OUT BEFORE ME, ITS GRAY WATERS LAPPING QUIETLY, LAZILY ONTO

THE PEBBLED BEACH BENEATH MY FEET. THE DARK, HEAVY CLOUDS

ABOVE NESTLED ATOP THE BOTTLE-GREEN HILLS AROUND THE BAY,

BLURRING THE LINE BETWEEN LAND AND SKY AS I SUCKED IN THE

SOFT, PEAT-LADEN AIR.

The Blind Donkey serves up familiar and esoteric brands from its menu of 60 craft whiskeys.

BY BRADLEY TUCK

PHOT

O: A

dam

Torg

erso

n


The Blind Donkey

53 E. Union St., Pasadena

(626) 792-1833

theblinddonkey.com

Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.

PHOT

OS: T

op: A

dam

Torg

erso

n; In

set t

op: C

haz R

ober

ts; In

set b

otto

m: L

inda

San

pei

60 | ARROYO | 04.13

First up is Templeton Rye. I’m no whiskey expert, but I’ve heard of this one. A fact of

which I was unaware, until Bowers enlightened me, is that Templeton was Al Capone’s

favorite, and during Prohibition it was called “The Good Stuff.” Apparently, when

Capone was shipped off to Alcatraz, a case was smuggled in for him. The brand, re-

launched in 2006, is a popular rye, and I want to know about the esoteric stuff. Bowers

points out that the menu is designed to allow patrons to try some of the more elusive

and expensive drinks without having to sob into their wallets. Most bars pour a two-

ounce measure, and The Blind Donkey follows that standard, ranging in price from $8

to $59 for a 1975 Glenlivet Signatory. But its whiskeys are also available in a one-ounce

shot, at a more approachable price of slightly more than half, so that it’s possible to

explore the glories of some more unusual products.

Take, for instance, FEW Rye Whiskey, hailing from Evanston, Illinois. Deriving its name,

ironically, from a prominent member of the Temperance Movement, Frances Elizabeth

Willard, it bears a very beautiful label one could easily imagine gracing the shelf of a

speakeasy in the 1920s. A pop of the stopper reveals a lovely fruity aroma, with apple

and pear notes. Then, quick as a flash, we’re on to the next, a whiskey described by

Bowers as a “bit of a science experiment”: Brimstone, out of Waco, Texas, is a corn

whiskey that is smoked in an effort to simulate a peated malt. The smoking is done

over Texas sagebrush wood, and a whiff of the bottle reveals not just a mesquite

campfire, but almost a desert post-thunderstorm smell. It’s a revelation. I could stay

here all day and do this. Alas, two more sniffs, and it’s time to get going.

The Blind Donkey has, in addition to an interesting cocktails list, a carefully curated

selection of beer, as one might expect with Ryan Sweeney on board. There’s also a basic

bar-food menu, including some triple-fried fries with ketchup ($5), and a dangerous-

looking Cowboy Burger ($10), with bacon, cheddar and onion rings. Because let’s face

it, you’re here for something other than food. But it would be dangerous to do all that

exploring on an empty stomach. ||||


Wine Weekending in Paso RoblesWe’re big fans of Paso Robles wines. As a region, it is producing some truly greatcabernets and Bordeaux varietals and blends. What’s particularly great about it is that,for Southern Californians, it doesn’t involve the arduous trek that Napa does. With justa few hours of driving, you can be in the glorious Central Coast countryside with itsoak-studded rolling hills, a patchwork vista clothed in grapevines.

This month there’s a particularly good reason to go, as wine trade organizationPRCC is holding its inaugural event, “Paso CABS of Distinction.” PRCC stands for PasoRobles Cabernet and Bordeaux Collective, and the event takes place the weekend ofApril 26 and 27. The aim is to showcase the quality and ageworthiness [descriptionof a wine past its youth but not mature] of Paso’s Bordeaux blends and varietals,namely cabernets sauvignon and franc, merlot, petit verdot and malbec. The weekendincludes winemaker dinners at key Paso restaurants, and a grand tasting afternoonwith music performances and artisanal food purveyors at Windfall Farms on Saturdayfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Among the excellent wineries taking part are Justin Vineyardsand Winery, Eberle Winery and HammerSky Vineyards and Inn. Paso has some verycharming bed-and-breakfast accommodations, the recently refurbished Paso RoblesInn being a good choice for those who want to be in the middle of it all. HammerSkyInn offers a chance to stay at a very pretty vineyard property that’s over 100 years old.There are also a good number of VRBOs in the Paso area should you fancy gatheringa group of friends for a fun weekend.

Tickets to the event cost $95 and are available at pasoroblescab.com.— B.T.

WINING & DINING

PRCC members at Windfall Farms

04.13 | ARROYO | 61

62 | ARROYO | 04.13

THE LIST

PHOT

O: P

icasa

(Miss

ion

Play

danc

e du

et)

COMPILED BY JOHN SOLLENBERGER

ALL ABOUT AGINGApril 5 — The

Pasadena Senior

Center hosts the

2013 Conference on

Aging, offering practi-

cal information and

wellness screenings to help seniors get

the most out of life. Dr. Eric Walsh of the

Pasadena Health Department will discuss

“Secrets of Being a Healthy Senior.” Work-

shops include information on a healthy

body and brain, financial and romantic

scams, finding the work you want after

age 50, disaster preparedness, Social Se-

curity and health care reform and ro-

mance after 50. The free event, at

Pasadena’s First Church of the Nazarene

from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., includes lunch.

The First Church of the Nazarene is

located at 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.,

Pasadena. RSVP by calling (877) 926-8300

or visiting aarp.cvent.com/2013pcoa.

THE BEAUX’ STRATAGEM OPENS ATA NOISE WITHIN

April 6 — A Noise

Within stages

George Farquhar’s

comic classic The

Beaux’ Stratagem,

opening at 8 p.m.

and continuing through May 26. In this

tale of an 18th-century buddy road trip,

two penniless gentlemen travel the Eng-

lish countryside in search of wealthy

women to seduce into marriage. The story

was adapted by Thornton Wilder and Ken

Ludwig. Julia Rodriguez-Elliott directs. Tick-

ets range from $40 to $52.

A Noise Within is located at 3352 E. Foothill

Blvd., Pasadena. Call (626) 356-3100 or

visit anoisewithin.org.

WALKING THE WALK FOR KIDSApril 7 — The

Pasadena Ronald

McDonald House

hosts its annual Walk

for Kids in Exposition

Park. This is a non-

competitive 5K pledge event to raise

$120,000 for the home-away-from-home

for families whose critically ill children are

being treated at nearby medical facilities.

The event starts at 7 a.m. with registration,

and the walk starts at 8 a.m.

Exposition Park is located at 700 Exposition

Park Dr., Los Angeles. Call (626) 204-0400 or

visit walkforkids.org/pasadena to register.

CONVERSATION AND CONCERTOSIN GLENDALEApril 20 — The Los Angeles Chamber Or-

chestra presents “Concertos: Handel and

Mozart”, with Music Director and Conduc-

tor Jeffrey Kahane conducting some

works from the keyboard and taking the

podium for others. The concert starts at

8 p.m. at Glendale’s Alex Theatre, repeat-

ing at 7 p.m. April 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.

Tickets cost $25 to $110.

The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N.

Brand Blvd., Glendale. Call (213) 622-7001

or visit laco.org.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, 1980S-STYLE

April 12 — The Pacific

Opera Project, known

for its innovative

takes on classic

operas, presents a

new production of

Mozart’s farce, The Marriage of Figaro. The

original 17th-century Spanish characters

are transported to the home of a Cuban

immigrant-turned-drug lord in Miami,

circa 1980. The production opens at 8

p.m. today at Pasadena’s Porticos Art

Space and continues through the week-

end, with showtimes at 8 p.m. Saturday

and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $30, $20

for students and seniors.

Porticos Art Space is located at 2033 E.

Washington Blvd., Pasadena. Call (323)

739-6122 or visit pacificoperaproject.com.

PLAY EXPLORES MEGA-CHURCH’SMIXED BLESSINGS

April 12 — The Sierra

Madre Playhouse

presents God’s Man

in Texas, the story of

Houston’s Rock Bap-

tist Church, whose

congregation numbers in the thousands,

with a host of commercial interests and

ministries for everyone from singles to

overweight women. When the mega-

church names a successor to its beloved

pastor, drama ensues. Showtimes through

May 18 are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $25,

$22 for seniors 65 and older, $15 for youth

13 to 21 and $12 for children 12 and

under.

The Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at

87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Call

(626) 355-4318 or visit sierramadreplay-

house.org.

ANGELS DISCO TO THE RESCUEApril 13 —

Pasadena’s Cancer

Support Community

chapter presents its

21st annual Angel

Gala at 5:30 p.m. at

Noor. This year’s event, dubbed “Studio 54,”


A SELECTIVE PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Mission Playdance duet

April 5 — The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse revives The Mission Play through

April 7. Originally staged in 1912, John Steven McGroarty’s drama is a romanti-

cized recounting of Father Junipero Serra’s and other Spanish priests’ struggles

to establish early missions in California. The new production not only celebrates

the City of San Gabriel’s centennial but also adds a new chapter, from the per-

spectives of the original Tongva tribes and today’s San Gabriel citizens, in a

blend of history and fantasy. Showtimes are 8 p.m. today, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday

and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $25.

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is located at 320 S. Mission Dr., San Gabriel.

Visit missionplay.org.

THE MISSION CONTINUES

04.13 | ARROYO | 63

64 | ARROYO | 04.13

PHOT

O: M

ary G

race

Long

pho

togr

aphy

(Deb

ra P

rinzin

g)

Debra Prinzing

THE LIST

features a reception, dinner, silent and live

auctions and live dance music by the

disco and funk band The Funky Hippeez.

Tickets cost $225 per person. The organi-

zation provides free support and informa-

tion to cancer patients, caregivers and

those who have lost a loved one to the

disease.

Noor is located in the Paseo Colorado,

280 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Call

(626) 796-1083 or visit cscpasadena.org.

HISTORY REVISITED AT HERITAGE SQUAREApril 13 — Learn how clothing reflected

social status in a Victorian vintage fashion

show and tea, starting at 11 a.m. Both

men and women will model historically re-

produced clothing at Longfellow-Hastings

Octagon House. Vintage clothing will also

be on display at the Perry Mansion. Tickets

cost $30, $22.50 for museum members,

$15 for nonmember children 6 to 10 and

$7.50 for member children; admission is

free for children under 6. Call (323) 225-

2700, ext. 223, for tickets.

April 27 — “Soirées Mystique — An

Evening of Victorian Enchantment” fea-

tures Ian Élan as a 19th-century conjurer

and clairvoyant, performing magic tricks,

much as wealthy patrons of the era hired

performers to entertain at their homes.

Audience members may participate in a

séance authentic to the period. Perform-

ances are scheduled at 6 and 8 p.m. Tick-


April 20 — Descanso Gardens celebrates the good Earth at Descanso Gardens

from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with nature activities for children and samples of locally grown

organic food for sale at Patina’s farmstand. Garden writer Debra Prinzing, author of

The 50 Mile Bouquet and Slow Flowers, conducts a floral design workshop at 10:30

a.m. The rock ensemble Mobile Homeboys performs from noon to 2 p.m.

Prinzing returns for a lecture on creating bouquets with local flora at 1:30 p.m. All

events are free with paid admission except for Prinzing’s 10:30 a.m. workshop, which

costs $75 (includes supplies, lunch and a signed copy of Slow Flowers).

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge.

Call (818) 949-4200 or visit descansogardens.org.

FLORAL FOCUS AT DESCANSO’S EARTH DAY


04.13 | ARROYO | 65

66 | ARROYO | 04.13

THE LIST

ets cost $60 for adults and children, $55 for

members. Visit victorianmagick.tick-

etleap.com/perry-mansion for tickets.

Heritage Square Museum is located at

3800 Homer St., Los Angeles. Call (323)

225-2700 or visit heritagesquare.org.

EVANGELINE REMIXED RECALLS'60S STRAINS

April 17 — Evange-

line REMIXED is

About Productions’

touring version of

the show Evangeline,

the Queen of Make-

Believe, written by Louie Pérez of Los

Lobos and About's artistic director,

Theresa Chavez, and Rose Portillo, who

also co-direct the production, staged at

7:30 p.m. at Pasadena’s First Congrega-

tional Church. It portrays a journey of

self-discovery by a devoted East L.A.

daughter by day and a Hollywood go-

go dancer by night, set in 1968. Her

traditional roots collide with the 1960s

political scene in the midst of the East

L.A student walkouts and fight for equal

education and civil rights. Pérez and Los

Lobos bandmate David Hidalgo perform

some of their Grammy Award--winning

music. Tickets cost $10 and $15.

First Congregational Church of Pasadena

is located at 464 E. Walnut St., Pasadena.

Visit aboutpd.org.

AUTISM SPEAKS WITH ITS FEETApril 20 — Autism

Speaks, America’s

largest autism advo-

cacy organization,

hosts “Walk Now for

Autism Speaks,” a

fundraiser for research and America’s

largest grassroots autism walk. Held at

the Rose Bowl Stadium, the event starts

with 8 a.m. registration, followed by en-

tertainment, stage programs and the

walk at 9 a.m. Walk starts continue on a

rolling basis every 10 minutes through

10:30 a.m.

Rose Bowl Stadium is located at 1001

Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena. Visit walknow-

forautismspeaks.org

SPEAKING OF: JAZZApril 27 — The Pasadena Public Library’s

“Speaking Of” series explores the legacy

of local jazz treasure Bobby Bradford, a

trumpeter, bandleader, composer, educa-

tor and Altadena resident. After growing

up in the Mississippi Delta in the 1930s, he

settled in L.A. in 1964 and began to make

his mark here as a major trumpet player,

borrowing from such early masters as

Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker. In the

1960s and ’70s, he became known for his

modern, post-bebop avant-garde sound

and performed with Ornette Coleman,

Eric Dophy and John Carter. More

recently, Bradford has headed up his

ensemble, The Mo’tet. He has taught jazz

history and improvisation for more than

30 years at Pasadena City College and

Pomona College. The discussion starts at

2 p.m. at the library’s Allendale Branch.

Admission is free and open to the public.

The Pasadena Public Library’s Allendale

Branch is located at 1130 S. Marengo

Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 744-7260 or

visit pasadenapubliclibrary.net.

GLORIOUS GARDENS TOUR HELPS HOSPITAL

April 28 — Tour five

private gardens as

the Spiritual Care

Guild of Children’s

Hospital of Los Ange-

les presents the “Glo-

rious Gardens Tour” in the greater San

Marino area. The gardens are open from

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with lunch served from

11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., a gardener’s mar-

ketplace from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a

beer garden from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at

a private estate's host garden. The Spiri-

tual Care Guild raises funds for interfaith

spiritual care services at Children's Hos-

pital 24 hours a day, seven days a week,

aiding some 300,000 families whose chil-

dren are treated at the hospital. The tour

honors its chaplain, Father John Sigler.

Single tour and luncheon passes cost

$100; sponsorship opportunities are

available for $250 to $10,000. Online sale

of passes ends at midnight, April 24. A

limited number of passes are available

at the host garden the day of the event

for $140. Locations will be emailed to

ticketholders the week of the event.

Visit scggloriousgardenstour2013.

eventbrite.com. ||||


arroyo monthly april 2013

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