Rose Magazine

PASADENASTARNEWS.COM | ROSE 2015 | 1 LOS ANGELES NEWS GROUP | ROSE 2015 | XXX

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Plate it up! Merrill Shindler’s dining tips for Pasadena • Page 94

The pomp, the pageantry, the tradition — it’s time for the 126th Tournament of Roses and 101st Rose Bowl

America’s Greatest Generation produced many heroes, including Louis Zamperini. His

incredible but true life experiences embody this year’s Rose Parade theme, “Inspiring Stories.”

• Heroes come in all forms, and they’re right around every corner. 12

• Today’s movies take a more realistic look at heroism than ever before. 18

8 Be inspired...

Presiding over New Year’s Day events viewed by millions — along with all the associated activities — is a big responsibility, and this year’s Rose Queen is up to the task.

• The young women picked for the Royal Court are active and involved. 22

• Catching up with past Rose Queens. 26

20Queen& Court

With hundreds of thousands of people coming to Pasadena for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl (plus millions more tuning in on TV), “America’s New Year Celebration” is worth more than $400 million to the Southern California economy.

• 34

• Rodeo drills, trick riding will highlight Equestfest. 36

• Rose Parade survival guide. 38

• Parade lineup in order of appearance. 42

30Parade preview

The Rose Bowl may have many of the same trappings of the 100 games that came be-fore it, but there’s much more to this year’s contest, says columnist Mark Whicker.

• X’s and O’s — breaking down Oregon vs. Florida State. 72

• Names enshrined in the game’s storied past. 82

• Football on TV — making the impossible happen in 1947. 86

70 The Game & its history



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Cover illustration by Jackie Roche



By Donna [email protected]

They were dubbed America’s Greatest Generation. And among their ranks, it would be hard to top the story of Louis Zamperini, whose story in the past couple years has reached global audiences via Laura Hillenbrand’s

best-selling 2010 book “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption.”

Hardship, valor redemption

Laura Hillenbrand’s biography ofLouis Zamperini

&

Zamperini greets his bride-to-be, Cynthia Applewhite, on May 16, 1946. ASSOCIATED PRESS

Louis Zamperini

Isaiah Davics pins silver bombardier wings on Zamperini in August 1942. ASSOCIATED PRESS


Louis Zamperini PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Don Lash, left , Zamperini and Thomas Deckard in New York at the tryouts for the U.S. Olympic Team on July 13, 1936.ASSOCIATED PRESS

Former Olympian and World War II hero Louis Zamperini died two

marshal of the 2015 Rose Parade.Tournament of Roses President Richard Chinen, who chose Zam-

was announced in May that Louis

of the parade.

in 1972.

Family stands in

If ever there was a story made for

Louis Zamperini.

wanted the lead role.

came out in 2010, the stars were

Oscar contenders.

the hospital and showed him the

Grand Marshal was bigger than life

‘I think the hardest thing in life is to forgive. Hate is destructive. If you hate somebody, you’re not hurting the person you hate, you’re hurting yourself. It’s a healing, actually, it’s a real healing ... forgiveness.’

Zamperini in 2010PHOTO BY BRAD GRAVERSON


Born in New York and raised in Torrance, Zamperini will be the toast of the 2015 Rose Parade, with his family stand-ing in for him in the grand marshal’s spot. Zamperini died in July at the age of 97, just two months after he accepted the honor of serving as grand marshal.

But the impact of his story is far from over.

Released on Christmas Day, Angelina Jolie’s “Unbroken” biopic based on Laura Hillen-brand’s book is destined for Oscar consideration and will be seen by millions for years go come.

Zamperini’s story spans a century — USC track star and 1936 Olympic athlete, World War II plane crash and torture survivor, inspirational speaker — and is a tale punctuated by victory and defeat, triumph and tragedy.

He endured remarkable hardship with bravery and courage. At times it was “Lucky Louie’s” sheer stub-bornness that pushed him to prevail against all odds.

But the most important

theme of his life? Redemption.He returned home from

the war far from unbroken. Rather, he came home to Los

rage, determined to someday seek revenge on his cruel prison camp captors. Until he could, he sought solace in the bottom of a bottle, making a train wreck of his marriage that was on the verge of col-lapse.

Under threat of divorce, Zamperini agreed to accom-pany his wife, Cynthia, to a makeshift revival meeting in Los Angeles where a lanky, young evangelist named Billy Graham was speaking.

Zamperini’s subsequent Christian conversion, he said later, became the cornerstone of his life — explaining all that went before and driving all of his activities for the rest of his many years, including his much publicized forgiveness of his former captors and the open-ing of a camp for troubled boys.

Fitting all of that into the

a challenge, but Zamperini, a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Hol-lywood, was adamant that his conversion and its impact on his life be highlighted. With-out that, he said frequently in talks and interviews, the rest of his story is without its true meaning.

Although Graham was not

with Zamperini’s liberation and homecoming, the over-arching spiritual message that Zamperini wanted so much to convey was accomplished more subtly, Zamperini’s son said.

“There is a religious theme running throughout the story,” said Luke Zamperini.

“It starts out with a sermon

ponders that there’s some-thing more than just this life on earth. ...

“It works,” he said. “Ange-lina promised that the faith and forgiveness part would be

His father, who saw a rough

bed before he died, also ap-proved, Luke Zamperini said.

“He was happy with it,” Luke Zamperini said, adding that the movie is fast-paced and “very realistic.”

At a family screening before

Day release, he said, “We all cried at the very end.”

family members will sit in for his father and ride in the grand marshal’s convertible.

“I hope people walk away (from Zamperini’s story) inspired and knowing they can overcome insurmount-able odds if they don’t give up or give in,” Luke Zamperini said. “It’s a story of persever-ance and the resilience of the human spirit. And with God, nothing is impossible.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Zamperini, left, shares a moment with actor Gary Sinise, before the start of the Ellis Island Medals of Honor ceremony on Ellis Island in May 2008.

“It starts out with a sermon and at points in the film he ponders that there’s something more than just this life on earth. ...”— Luke Zamperini

PHOTO BY STEVE MCCRANK

In March 2010, Zamperini was honored with a new sign that welcomes visitors to Torrance Municipal Airport — Zamperini Field, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the state.



Mary Ann King inspired Southland children as “Miss Mary Ann” in TV’s “Romper Room.” Starting in the mid-1960s, she never missed an episode during her decade-long run on the show.

After television, she con-tinued to work with youth and served as a community voice. King taught ROP fashion classes at Bassett High School.

“I loved it because the kids needed me,” she said.

trips to the Los Angeles garment district and Rodeo Drive to open their eyes to the outside world.”

Now in her late 70s, King is retired, but she continues her civic work and emcees many local events, including parades in Whittier.

— Richard Irwin

Mary Ann KingAll about youth

COURTESY PHOTO

When organizers of the Tournament of Roses selected

“Inspiring Stories” as the 2015 theme, they weren’t thinking just of Olympians and war heroes, like grand marshal Louis Zamperini.

Instead, they chose it as a way to also honor everyday heroes — the people in our midst who elevate the human spirit by who they are and what they do: helping others, giving of themselves, persevering courageously, as well as those who contribute in more openly heroic acts.

In exploring that theme, we feature a few of the many heroes in our own communities ...

Heroesin our midst

While other 83-year-olds are content with retire-ment, Carolyn Arndt is busy making her home-town a better place to live by leading the West Covina Improvement Association.

In addition, she volun-teers with the Community Food Bank and has also served as an American

accompanying service men and women to and from their deployment in Iraq.

Arndt was recognized by the Historical Society of West Covina as citizen of the year.

— Richard Irwin

Carolyn ArndtHometown hero

COURTESY PHOTO


Ann Croissant, founder and board president of the Glendora Community Conservancy and the San Gabriel Mountains Re-gional Conservancy, has been the go-to person for restoring the San Gabriel Valley’s natural areas for decades.

She led the charge to begin buying up pristine hillsides in the east San Gabriel Valley and not just preserve them, but turn them into hands-on labs for students from Cal Poly

of La Verne.Her Glendora Com-

munity Conservancy was founded in 1991, eight years ahead of the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Moun-tains Conservancy which started in 1999.

— Richard Irwin

Ann Croissant Friend of nature

PHOTO BY LEO JARZOMB

Dr. Sumanta Kumar Pal and his team at the City of Hope have developed new drugs that have prolonged the lives of some kidney cancer patients for up to two years.

kidney cells. This could mean greater tumor shrinkage and less toxicity.

— Zen Vuong

Dr. Sumanta Kumar PalTaking aim at cancer

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF HOPE

Confusion about how authorities should respond to reports of missing mentally ill individuals prompted Ronda Hampton to start Reach for Mental Health Awareness.

She was confronted with the issue herself when the body of Mitrice Richardson, her 24-year-

mental health issues, was discovered nearly a year after Richardson went missing.

One of the problems is if people older than 18 have

considers them voluntarily missing despite their mental capacity. Hampton says they aren’t in the right mind frame and need help.

“We connect (families) with the resources necessary in searching,” she said. “We instruct them on the pro-cess of searching for a mentally ill individual. … We’re able to provide logic to that illogical behavior.”

— Zen Vuong

Ronda HamptonSupporting families of mentally ill

COURTESY PHOTO

Melany Hunt is part of a diversity team that has brought in 12 female professors to the Califor-nia Institute of Technol-ogy during the past seven years. She started teaching at Caltech in 1988 when there was only one other woman in the faculty of 80.

“The profession itself is enriched by having a whole range of perspectives,” Hunt said. “When young women go to college, if they don’t see anyone in a leadership or faculty role that is not a woman, then they get discouraged.”

— Zen Vuong

Melany Hunt A force for women

PHOTO COURTESY CALTECH


Joy Diamond, the mother of Pomona Police of-

— Sandra T. Molina

Shaun Diamond Fallen offi cer still saving others

PHOTO BY WALT MANCINI

Joy Diamond ’s son was killed in the line of duty .

— Sandra T. Molina

Bobby KlepRestaurateur rebounding aft er blaze

PHOTO BY KEITH DURFLINGER

Bobby Klep, center, brings a family in for dinner during the 13th annual Christmas Eve Dinner .


Veronica Kang, who immigrated to America from South Korea as a child with her family, has spent the past seven years providing healthcare to the “disenfran-chised and marginal-ized” as part of PIH Health — Health & Wellness at Whittier Area First Day Coalition.

was very sick,” she said. “A kind and compas-sionate nurse cared for her.”

From that day on, Kang’s mother pointed her

ily nurse practitioner tends to the needs of those

diction and people living paycheck to paycheck.— Sandra T. Molina

Veronica Kang Making compassion a career

COURTESY PHOTO

She wasn’t the fastest, but she may have had the most heart.

11, and her father crossed the

thon in October, they were met with cheers and applause.

drome, a genetic disorder that has autism-like symptoms. She cannot speak and her parents were not given much hope she would ever be able to do much more than just breathe and perform basic functions.

“They said she’d never walk and look at her now,” said a joyous and tear-

absolute inspiration.”— Rich Archbold

Naomi Moran Running with heart

PHOTO BY BRITTANY MURRAY

Naomi Moran and her dad, Michael Moran, approach the fi nish line for the Kids Fun Run at the Aquarium of the Pacifi c in Long Beach in October.


Doctors deemed Jon Wilhite’s recovery a miracle.

After being “internally de-capitated” in a 2009 car crash that killed his friends, including Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Aden-hart, Wilhite not only survived but today he’s thriving. The Manhat-tan Beach native and former high-school baseball captain spent last spring serving as the assistant coach for Mira Costa High School’s varsity baseball team.

Asked how he feels about being an inspiration to others, Wilhite said, “I don’t really feel like an inspiration. I’m just trying to get better every day.”

His motto: “Life is all about per-spective.” The 29-year-old advises anyone facing adversity to “stay positive and work hard.”

— Carley Dryden

Jon Wilhite Keeping perspective aft er miracle recovery

PHOTO BY STEVE MCCRANK

Jack H. Brown Jr. lives the American Dream. Born and raised along San Bernardino’s stretch

of Route 66, Brown grew up to be chairman of the board and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets, Southern California’s largest privately owned supermarket chain and the largest private employer in the Inland Empire.

Brown lives by this mantra: “Do the right thing for the right reason.”

A U.S. Navy veteran and community hero, he

boards and has been recognized by universities, civic organizations and charities for his contributions.

For example, more than $3.5 million in scholar-ships have been awarded to Stater Bros. employees and their dependents during the past 27 years.

— Michel Nolan

Jack H. Brown Jr. ‘Do the right thing’

COURTESY PHOTO

Homeless residents released from hospitals across Los Angeles County know Jonathan Lopez as the man who

a rare shelter bed. To doctors, he’s the “Homeless Whisperer,” consistently able to convince those in need to take some help.

Since Lopez was named Southern Cali-

navigator” for Kaiser Permanente in Wood-land Hills nearly three years ago, he has found shelter and services for more than 1,000 homeless residents.

That’s an average of one a day, seven days a week, in a county with a scant 7,000 shelter beds for roughly 70,000 people living on the streets.

A devout Catholic, the 62-year-old former soup line volunteer is on call 24/7 to work closely with a growing number of homeless services providers and local hospitals. The

housing.

month, and hospitals have dramatically reduced the instances of patient dumping into Skid Row and beyond.

— Dana Bartholomew

Jonathan Lopez Meet the ‘Homeless Whisperer’

PHOTO BY ANDY HOLZMAN

Jonathan Lopez talks with patient Guadalupe Tolentino at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Woodland Hills .



By Bob [email protected]

T HEY DON’T SEEM TO MAKE INSPIRING MOVIES LIKE THEY USED TO.

Emphasis on the word “seem” there. Sure, many

-

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Inspired?

PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Jack O’Connell stars as Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini in “Unbroken,” a film that follows Zamperini’s incredible life. Along with two other crewmen, Zamperini survived a plane crash during WWII only to be caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner of war camp.


Many of this award season’s most pres-

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path there.

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-

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PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Louis Zamperini (Jack O’Connell), center, is tormented by a prison guard in “Unbroken.”

PHOTO COURTESY PARAMOUNT PICTURES

David Oyelowo, left, who portrays Martin Luther King Jr. in the new biopic “Selma,” discusses a scene with the movie’s director, Ava DuVernay.


By Melissa [email protected]

IT WAS AN EARLY MORNING, Oct. 21, and the seven new sisters knew they were in for a long and emotional day. One of them would be crowned queen of the 2015 Tournament of Roses’ Royal Court.

“I asked the hair stylist, ‘Do you know who it is?’ ” Madison Triplett remembered. “And she just said, ‘Yeah, I know,’ and just kept do-ing my hair.”

Without any hints or clues from the organizers, the seven princesses were waiting for the announcement of the queen like the rest of the public.

“When (Tournament of Roses President Rich Chinen) said my name, I was completely shocked,” Triplett said. “No one had any idea who it was going to be.”

The 17-year-old senior at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School will reign over the 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda and the 101st Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day.

“The most unexpected thing would be getting noticed in public by adults with children,” she said. “They say, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re the Rose

Queen, can my child take a picture with you?’ ”

Triplett has been active in her com-munity for most of her life, beginning with joining student government in middle school. She has been involved with the school’s Black Student Union since eighth grade and is the group’s president for the second year. Triplett also is the executive committee chair of the Pasadena Youth Council, which is the city’s advisory committee for youth engagement.

“I like doing things and making things happen,” she said. “I’m not a homebody, I like to be out doing things.”

Triplett hopes to attend college on the

not hot in November.” But until then, she is the Royal Court’s Miss Positivity, distributing rose stickers with a smile.

“I think President Chinen’s choice on the theme is wonderful,” she said. “Inspiring stories are something every-one has so I’m just excited to learn and listen to the inspiring stories through-out my reign that everyone shares with me.”

Ready for the reign

PHOTOS BY WATCHARA PHOMICINDA

Queen Madison Triplett wears a navy and silver sweater with chiffon, black Maison Jules pants and suede Anne Klein booties, above. Her white royal gown, right, is by Tadashi Shoji.



By Melissa [email protected]

YEAR AFTER YEAR, the seven young women chosen for the Tournament of Roses Royal Court spend the three months leading up to the New Year’s Day parade attending events, representing their commu-nities and being the Tournament’s ambassadors. It’s

a grueling schedule for any teen, and when added to the commit-ments of a college-bound senior, varsity athlete or cheer captain, it can get overwhelming.

“But they don’t pick slacker girls,” Princess Mackenzie Byers said. “They pick girls that are very intelligent, very involved, so there’s a little give and take, but you have to remember that you’re representing your school and that’s a huge honor for your community.”

The 2015 Royal Court is all of that and more. The six princesses

they wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.“I’ve been attending (the Rose Parade) since I was little,” Prin-

cess Bergen Onufer said. “And now I get to be part of it, which is even more incredible than the process itself.”

Meet the princesses


Mackenzie Byers, 18, Pasadena City College

When it comes to Inspiring Stories, the theme of this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade, Mackenzie Byers knows exactly who is hers.

“My mom is my inspiring story because she had six kids and she homeschooled all of them,” Byers said. “And I can’t even imagine having one kid and not going crazy.”

Though she was homeschooled until the -

cal at age 5. The Pasadena resident, who hopes to someday work as an actress, attended Temple City High School and is now a student at Pasa-dena City College.

“I looked out at my (Temple City High) princi-pal and some of my old teachers and my family when I got selected,” she said, “and I was just so happy that I got to represent them because it’s a small town and not a lot of people know it but it’s so great and I’m so grateful for everything it’s given me.”

Fashionably casual is Princess Mackenzie Byers, who is wearing a Rachel Roy top, a Bar III blazer and nude tank and Maison Jules black pants.

Gabrielle Current, 18, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy

Sometime before 8 a.m., with a long day yet ahead of them, Gabrielle Current and fellow princess Simona Shao looked at each other and started making silly faces, yelping with happiness. The teens are living a dream.

“It’s really nice to just be a part of something so special and something that is so honorable,” Current said. “Every single event just makes me smile from ear to ear and that’s why sometimes you see me and Simona making those shrieks of excitement, because we’re so happy to be doing what we’re doing.”

The Pasadena resident has spent her life modeling and

concerts for local charities.“In college I hope to study more of the business side of

the industry so that I can not only, hopefully, be involved in the industry, but know a little bit about what’s going on behind all the glitz and the glamour.”

Princess Gabrielle Current is wearing a Maison Jules striped dress and Charter Club silver studs.

The Royal Court was photographed at the historic Pasa-

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Photographer: Watchara PhomicindaArt director: Leo Jarzomb

ABOUT THE PHOTO SESSION


Veronica Mejia, 19, Pasadena City CollegeThe second of four children, Veronica Mejia is known in her fam-

ily as the therapist. After a long day of school, Tournament of Roses appointments and more, the Pasadena resident will make time for her siblings, telling them to come to her room for some one-on-one time.

“I think this relates back to my career goals,” the aspiring mental health counselor said. “I’ve been doing it so long for my family, so why not take that outside and do that for the community?”

Her biggest challenge this year was not trying out for the Royal Court. It was conquering one of her biggest fears: heights. Going up in a plane was crazy, she said. Jumping out of it, unthinkable. But skydiv-ing helped her realize she could do anything she sets her mind to.

“Once the parachute opens and you get to see this incredible view,” she said, “you realize that none of that would have happened if you hadn’t challenged yourself to do that. And that’s what this experience (on the Royal Court) has been like.”

Princess Veronica Mejia is coordinated in a Bar III grey top with a chiffon layer, burgundy pants by Maison Jules and a pair of silver Nine West sneakers.

Bergen OnuferIn the yearbook of the 2015 Tournament of Roses Royal

Court, Bergen Onufer would be labeled the All-Around Girl: a soccer star and dancer, a Eucharistic minister and a young lady who can let loose and be silly with her friends.

said. “I like to crack some jokes but I also love to laugh as well, so I’m just all-around, really easygoing.”

Being a member of the Rose Court, though, is a dream. And after years of waking up early to stand on the parade route with a heavy coat and hot chocolate, the Pasadena resident will be one of the parade’s main attractions.

“Turning that corner on Colorado Boulevard and seeing the hundreds of thousands of people and seeing all that energy is something I don’t think I’ll ever forget,” Onufer said. “That’s an incredible moment in time because not all people have that experience.”

A Kensie black and red dress is the outfit selected by Princess Bergen Onufer, who also is wearing Charter Club silver studs.


Simona Shao, 17,

When Simona Shao has a rough day, there’s one

her: at the piano. The classically trained pianist has studied the instrument for a dozen years and will sit at the keys, improvising lyrics as she plays melodies.

“Music has always been a really nice outlet of expression for me,” she said. “As I’ve gotten more comfortable with my instrument, it’s good stress re-lief. If you’ve had a bad day you can just sing it out.”

The Arcadia resident, and Westridge School for Girls student, hopes to take her passion to the next level, studying media management in college — ideally, at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

“It’s been such a blessing to be able to have the title of Ambassador for the Tournament of Roses,”

-tion.”

Princess Simona Shao sports a Marilyn Monroe red cardigan, an RL white oxford blouse and a black pencil skirt.

Emily StokerEmily Stoker’s senior year so far has been a dream. First as the

varsity cheer captain for Temple City High and now on the Rose Court, she continues to spread happiness and motivate others.

“My motto is, I lift people up,” she said. “In cheering, I’m a

As the youngest member of a tight-knit family, the Temple City resident has always had plenty of role models in her life. But she’s never been afraid to forge her own path, choosing to join the First Baptist Church of Temple City in middle school while her parents continued attending a church in Pasadena, and deciding to pursue a career in the sciences while her family is into business.

“Chemistry isn’t something that’s in my family,” she said. “It’s

Princess Emily Stoker’s black dress by Kensie is accented with white Mikimoto pearls.

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ROYAL LEGACY

By Claudia S. [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT: a long beauti-ful dress, a tall lovely crown, a royal wave and a beam-ing smile.

Yes, there is so much attention given to the Rose Queen starting the moment she’s announced. It’s

something the Tournament of Roses Association is keenly aware of and why such care is taken each year when it comes to choos-ing a young lady to represent Pasadena and the TofR.

The Rose Queen serves as the leader of a group of ambassa-dors and also is an inspiring

“(Each person on the Royal Court) tried out because of the impact a (previous) Royal Court member made on them as a child,” said Richard Chinen, 2015 Tourna-ment president and a former member of the Royal Court committee. His daughter, Megan Chinen, was crowned Rose Queen in 2004.

“You really want someone who has that energy, that ability to put that spark in someone else’s life,” he added.

The values and lessons learned and the experiences shared -

es, long days away from family and friends, missed school days

club.“A Rose Queen never rests on her laurels,” said Margaret

Huntley Main, 1940 Rose Queen. “I’m very proud of us.”Many Rose Queens have gone on to become community activ-

ists, lawyers, doctors, actors, teachers, and more.

“Not just seeing them on the parade route, but hearing about what they do academi-cally, these young ladies are good active citizens that you would love to have as your own daughters,” Chinen add-ed. “It’s not unusual that these ladies are achieving so much, in their relationships, careers and

Rose Queens offer more than a wave

Former royalty continue to inspire communities

Carole Isabelle (Cota) Gelfuso, queen in 1966

Catherine Mary Gilmour, the 1979 Rose Queen

Julie Myers King recalls developing her time-management skills to meet the demands of the position when she reigned in 1988.

[CONTINUES ON PAGE 28]


By Claudia S. PalmaCLAUDIA.PALMA@LANGNEWS

1952: Nancy Thorne Skinner and her husband, Jack, were recently

ment in city issues.1953: Leah Feland Cullen, 78, of

ning industry for years.Kismet: “My parents met at a party: my mother (coincidently named Rose), was at the piano playing a new song, ‘Star Dust.’ It became their song the 64 years they were married. Now what are the chances

Pasadena Civic Auditorium, who

none other than Hoagy Carmichael who wrote ‘Star Dust.’ My parents visited with him backstage and their happiness was just perfect.”Memories: “Another wonderful experience, being a guest at the White House because our grand marshal was Vice President Richard

Nixon crates of berries from their farm. He ushered my parents and I

proceeded to invite us to join him

ington D.C. and have a personal tour of the White House, and meet the president of the United States,

Dwight D. Eisenhower.”1966: Carole Isabelle (Cota) Gelfuso, 68, lives in Eagle Rock with her husband Frank in the home her grandfather designed and built in 1914. They are now restoring it. Quotable:ing when I was chosen. He was

were married in September of

Mansion, Tournament House, with

In 1967, Frank and I were even on ‘The Newlywed Game’ with Bob

yes, we did win the grand prize. We have raised a daughter and a son,

grandchildren, Alexa Noel Peplow and Parker, Peyton and Preston Gelfuso — all a source of great love and pride. Frank and I have restored

in the Pasadena area with many

shows, movies and commercials.”Lessons learned: “I learned a very valuable lesson and that was to never give up. I had tried out for the 1965 Royal Court when I was a freshman at Pasadena City College,

but not selected for that year’s

court. So the next year, on top of being chosen the 1966 Rose Queen, Walt Disney was selected as grand marshal by Mr. J. Randolf “Randy” Richards, Tournament president,

ney on many occasions, including

ley Mansion on January 1, 1966, on the arm of Walt Disney, just before

goose bumps.”1967: minister.1974: Dr. Miranda Barone is an assistant professor of psychology at USC.1988: Julie Myers King, 44, of Agoura Hills is a UCLA graduate and has been married to Curt King for 20 years. They have three sons — twins Steven and Kevin, now both freshmen in the UCLA marching

and is on the board of directors for

French horn in the Conejo Valley Community Band.Lessons learned:process and the busy months of

extensive training in interviewing

on public speaking during our year,

public in a large forum.”

Queen and Court to be guests on the Bob Hope Christmas Special. I studied up and learned that in Hope’s early days he had been an amateur boxer named ‘Packy East.’ In Florida, at our table read to go over the script, there was a lull in

got this shocked look on his face, turned to his producer and said,

2000: Sophia Bush is an actress,

Lindsay in the NBC drama series

woman for several causes and

2010:

appeared on the Nickelodeon series “iCarly” and most recently in a

thriller, “As Night Comes.”

Catching up with past Rose Queens


impacting the lives of others.”Chinen said he told the parents of the 2015

Royal Court that “between now until after the (Rose Bowl) game, you will see a marked dif-ference in your child, in their ability to engage with people of all ages, all backgrounds because they’ve had these experiences. No one can take this away from them.”

Main, who now lives in Auburn, CA, taught kindergarten for many years. In 1989, she wrote a memoir of sorts, “A Rose Queen is Forever.”

The 93-year-old still keeps busy in her own com-munity. She’s involved in plays, fundraisers and more for her church and performs at hospitals and retirement facilities.

Like many Rose Queens, Main stays connected with her sister Queens and attends several Tour-nament Rose Court events, including the Rose Queen announcement and coronation to wel-come the newest queen each year.

Leah Feland Cullen, the 1953 Rose Queen, has been a special events and wedding consultant for years. She also brings together members of her Royal Court for a reunion each year.

“(Being Rose Queen) has helped me more than I ever imagined, to be surrounded by so many inspirational and motivating people at the TofR,”

said the 78-year-old Arcadia resi-dent.

Another quality that stays with the Rose Queens are sending personal, handwritten notes.

“To this day, I continue to use my personal stationery to share my gratefulness,” said Carole Isabelle (Cota) Gelfuso, 68, the 1966 Rose Queen. “I love technology but receiving a handwritten letter is so appreciated.”

Julie Myers King, the 1988 Rose Queen, said the most valuable things she learned during her

and “being gracious to all, even on your roughest days.”

Leah Feland Cullen, 1953

Hallie Woods, the first Rose Queen, reigned in 1905.

[CONTINUES FROM PAGE 26]

Throughout the years, as the Rose Parade and Tournament of Roses evolved, so did the

process.

Queen and Royal Court were chosen based on their promi-nence in the community and

leadership. The process resulted in no

Roses established criteria that required young women seeking a spot on the Royal Court to be more involved in the com-munity.The process has since grown to

with hundreds of young women in the Pasadena area.

— Claudia S. Palma

No Rose Queen? Yes, it has happened



By Dana [email protected]

When next year’s first drum major swings his mace down Colorado Boulevard, he’ll be leading far more than a spectacular Rose Parade and Rose Bowl kickoff viewed

by hundreds of millions around the world. He’ll be ushering in an annual “America’s New Year Celebration” worth more than

$400 million to the Southern California economy.

A golden rose... for Southern California


PHOTOS BY KEITH DURFLINGER,

SARAH REINGEWIRTZ

“The Tournament of Roses is the

state of California.

than 6,000 jobs throughout Southern California.”

the “Mediterranean of the West.”

-rado Street in 1890 for games organized

-season football game, dubbed The Grand-

-

Southern California, all this global atten-

--

-

orders.


Michael Osborn, showing off one of Pie ’n Burger’s signature creations, says his 51-year-old restaurant is always filled with customers the week of the Rose Parade.


busiest day we ever had.”The boom in Rose Parade and Bowl business translates to

minds around the world.

GETTY IMAGES

The parade and game have long attracted legendary fi gures, such as Thomas Edison, above, who fi lmed the 1898 parade, sports- writer Grantland Rice, far right, and coach Amos Alonzo Stagg .

ASSOCIATED PRESS



PHOTO BY KEITH DURFLINGER

The U.S. Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band always offers a sterling performance on New Year’s Day.

EVENTS

By Richard [email protected]

STUDENTS in the Temple City High School marching band are excited about playing at Bandfest, a festive event that will feature some of the best

units from around the world. All of the bands — 20 of them — have come to Pasadena to perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

“It’s a really fun exhibition, where we’ll

Ferntheil, Temple City band director, of the performance based on Cirque du

The two-day showcase, presented by REMO, happens Dec. 29-30 at Pasadena City College.

The Temple City band has a long his-tory with the Tournament of Roses.

“In 2004, my niece was selected as

marched with the USC band in the 1985 parade, while my brother performed with the Michigan band in three Rose Pa-rades in the 1970s. Last year, my son Jake

Assistant Director Phil Bailey, who coaches the horn section, has been in eight parades with the PCC Honor Band. Over the years, many Temple City band students have marched with the PCC Honor Band.

Another Southern California band performing at Bandfest is from Cypress High School — the Centurion Imperial Brigade. The unit has its own “inspiring

of Roses theme, with freshman Brent Dillard looking forward to performing at Bandfest and marching in the famous parade despite his cerebral palsy.

James Quirion, Cypress band director. “His goal is to go as far as he can in the

Dillard uses his left hand to play the French horn, and his dad will march alongside the band, ready to help if it’s needed.

The Centurion Imperial Brigade will perform a street show based on “Strike

Strike up theBANDS!

Where: Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., PasadenaWhen: Dec. 29, 1 to 4 p.m.; Dec. 30, 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4:30 p.m.Tickets: $15; free for children 5 and younger

the venue.

Bandfest


Several bands in this year’s parade have websites and multimedia information online:

www.goldenregiment.org

https://sites.google.com/site/cbatorhonorband• Cypress High School Centurion Imperial Brigade,

-

• Lakota West High School Marching Firebirds,

• Legacy High School Lightning Marching Band,

• Maui High School Saber Marching Band, Kahului,

• O’Fallon Township High School Marching

• Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses

http://pccband.com• Robert E. Lee High School Mighty Rebel Band,

• Round Rock High School Dragon Band, Round

• The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band, Los Angeles

• Temple City High School The Pride of Temple City, Temple City

• United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band, San Diego County

• Walton High School Marching Raider Band: www.waltonband.org

2015 band entries

PHOTO BY DAVID CRANE

The Salvation Army bands have long been particpants in the Rose Parade, including the group’s unit from South Wales which joined in the 2009 Bandfest.


By Linda Fields [email protected]

EQUESTFEST is a festival of and by equestrians.

Equines are horses and re-lated animals, including mules, donkeys, ponies and miniature

horses — all of which have appeared in the Tournament of Roses Parade for well over a hundred years.

Most of the horses, mules and other animals appearing in the parade arrive a few days prior to Jan. 1 and are housed at roomy stables in Burbank, where they are exercised regularly and kept as close as possible to their usual routines.

when a group put on an impromptu show for spectators in Pasadena’s Victory Park following the 1988 Rose Parade. By orga-nizing the equestrian groups, Tournament

showcased each unit in a similar way that Bandfest does with marching bands.

The performance — and it is just one performance each year — has taken place at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center since 2003. Until then, it also had been at both Santa Anita Park race track and the Rose Bowl Stadium. The Burbank location has a large, covered Equidome arena for the performers and seating for about 3,500 in the grandstands.

Many of the horses and riders have special performance routines that are

-ances — more rodeo drills, trick riding, dance routines, and just plain excitement pervades the arena. Even horses that pull wagons or stages, such as the Budweiser and Wells Fargo entries, have their routines dressed up with creative energy, music and narrative storytelling.

Sometimes, units not in the Rose Parade also will participate. If you go, remember to wear bleacher-climbing clothes and shoes that can handle mud puddles as well as steps.

EQUESTFEST

Where: Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Drive, BurbankWhen: Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; show begins at noon. Tours of the grounds are available in advance, but access to the stables is limited.Tickets: $15; children age 5 and younger are free. The VIP package is $40 and includes preferred re-

EquestfestWilbur Amaya steadies horses pulling a calliope, a music wagon, as part of Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds at a past Equestfest, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. The colorful group is on this year’s parade roster.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL OWEN BAKER


• 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment; Capt. Elizabeth Jimenez, marshal

• Budweiser Clydesdales; Sue Marler, marshal• Hawaii Pa’u Riders; Leiala Cook, marshal• Hermanos Banuelos Charro Team; Ramon Banuelos,

marshal• The Martinez Family; Benny Martinez, marshal• Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament;

Jesse Camarena, marshal

• The Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team; Mychon Brown, marshal

• Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara; Cas Stimson, marshal• Prime Time Express Mounted Drill Team;

Johnna Ingram, marshal• Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds; Michele Macfarlane, marshal• Spirit of the West Riders; Phil Spangenberger, marshal• United States Forest Service Pack String;

Michael Morse, marshal• United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard;

Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Garcia, marshal• Valley Hunt Club; Sarah Babcock, marshal• Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society; Jamie Gassert,

marshal• Wells Fargo; George Lane, marshal

2015 equestrian units


Members of the Horse Cavalry Detachment/1st Cavalry Division line up before their Equestfest performance at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in 2009.


By Jerry [email protected]

EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE, AS THE SAYING GOES, and if your New Year’s Day plans include going to the 126th annual Tourna-

ment of Roses Parade, here’s information that will help you get the most out of the experience.

Before the big day

Pedal pushers

and some satisfaction that you helped make it all happen by volunteering to dec-

About 10 locations in Pasadena and

-come at most of them. Note that a four-hour commitment is generally required.

Check the decorating hours ahead of time.

The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau has a list of locations. For informa-tion, visit www.pasadenacal.com.

Viewing

decorators at work, try these locations:• Rosemont Pavilion, 700 Seco St.,

Pasadena (Dec. 27-30)• Brookside Pavilion, Lot 1 on the south

side of Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena (Dec. 27-30)

• Rose Palace, 835 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (Dec. 27-31)

Tickets are $5 to $15 (depending on which day you go) and are available through Sharp Seating. Information: 626-795-4171, www.sharpseating.com

Locations not requiring tickets include the Burbank, La Cañada-Flintridge and South Pasadena Tournament of Roses associations, along with the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association.

Sneak peakIt’s possible to get an early look at the

Eve from the construction/decorating sites, via Fair Oaks Avenue, Del Mar Bou-levard and other routes, to the parade staging area on Orange Grove Boulevard. General access to that area, on Orange Grove between Del Rosa Drive and Colo-rado Boulevard, is allowed until 3 a.m.

when only grandstand ticketholders can remain.

ParkingFor most vehicles, options include lots

and parking structures with spaces avail-

Prices vary. Free parking along many streets will be available, but be sure to heed all “no parking” signs and avoid red curb zones.

Reserved parking for cars, buses, lim-ousines and RVs is available for purchase through Easy Parking Service, 626-286-7576; Modern Parking, 626-817-0827; Sharp Seating Co., 626-795-4171; and the city of Pasadena, 626-744-6470.

Road closures

in Pasadena will be closed temporarily on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Planned closures include:

• 210/134 Freeways: North and south-

how to do itInsider tips: Your Rose Parade survival guide


On the streets of Pasadena, the first glimpses of beautifully decorated Rose Parade floats don’t come on New Year’s morning — they actually happen the night before.

PHOTO BY BRAD GRAVERSON

For hundreds of volunteers, the Rose Parade is a hands-on experience every year.

IDEAS & ADVICE


By Jerry [email protected]

EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE, AS THE SAYING GOES, and if your New Year’s Day plans include going to the 126th annual Tourna-

ment of Roses Parade, here’s information that will help you get the most out of the experience.

Before the big day

Pedal pushersGet an up-close preview of the floats

and some satisfaction that you helped make it all happen by volunteering to dec-orate the floats with fruit, seeds, grasses and, of course, fragrant flowers.

About 10 locations in Pasadena and nearby communities offer opportunities for float decorating, and walk-ins are wel-come at most of them. Note that a four-hour commitment is generally required.

Check the decorating hours ahead of time.

The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau has a list of locations. For informa-tion, visit www.pasadenacal.com.

ViewingIf you simply want to watch the float

decorators at work, try these locations:• Rosemont Pavilion, 700 Seco St.,

Pasadena (Dec. 27-30)• Brookside Pavilion, Lot 1 on the south

side of Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena (Dec. 27-30)

• Rose Palace, 835 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (Dec. 27-31)

Tickets are $5 to $15 (depending on which day you go) and are available through Sharp Seating. Information: 626-795-4171, www.sharpseating.com

Locations not requiring tickets include the Burbank, La Cañada-Flintridge and South Pasadena Tournament of Roses associations, along with the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association.

Sneak peakIt’s possible to get an early look at the

floats as they are moved on New Year’s Eve from the construction/decorating sites, via Fair Oaks Avenue, Del Mar Bou-levard and other routes, to the parade staging area on Orange Grove Boulevard. General access to that area, on Orange Grove between Del Rosa Drive and Colo-rado Boulevard, is allowed until 3 a.m.

when only grandstand ticketholders can remain.

ParkingFor most vehicles, options include lots

and parking structures with spaces avail-able on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices vary. Free parking along many streets will be available, but be sure to heed all “no parking” signs and avoid red curb zones.

Reserved parking for cars, buses, lim-ousines and RVs is available for purchase through Easy Parking Service, 626-286-7576; Modern Parking, 626-817-0827; Sharp Seating Co., 626-795-4171; and the city of Pasadena, 626-744-6470.

Road closuresSeveral freeway on- and off-ramps

in Pasadena will be closed temporarily on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Planned closures include:

• 210/134 Freeways: North and south-bound Del Mar Boulevard on- and off-

ramps from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to noon Jan. 1; and the northbound California Avenue on-ramp from 8 p.m. Dec. 31 to noon Jan. 1.

• 210 Freeway: Sierra Madre Boulevard off-ramps from 8 p.m. Dec. 31 to 6 p.m. Jan. 1.

• 134 Freeway: Eastbound Orange Grove Boulevard off-ramp from 8 p.m. Dec. 31 to noon Jan. 1; westbound Orange Grove on-ramp from midnight to noon Jan. 1.

Catch a ridePublic transportation options include:• Los Angeles County Metropolitan

Transportation Authority’s bus service to and from the Rose Parade, Rose Bowl and post-parade viewing. Buses originate from downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and other locations. Information: 323-466-3876, www.metro.net.

• The Metro Gold Line runs between Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena, with stops at four stations (Memorial Park, Lake Metro, Allen Metro

and Sierra Madre Villa) within a few blocks of the parade route.

For post-parade viewing, exit at the Si-erra Madre Villa station and take the MTA shuttle to Victory Park.

Insider tip: Purchase a $5 day pass before going to Pasadena to avoid long ticket lines. Information: 323-466-3876,

www.metro.net.• Transportation throughout the city

is provided by the Pasadena Area Rapid Transit System, and buses will run until 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Note that ARTS buses do not operate on New Year’s Day. Information: 626-398-8973, www.cityof-pasadena.net/artsbus.

how to do itInsider tips: Your Rose Parade survival guide

210

210

210

110

134

Colorado Blvd.Parade route

Villa St.

Del Mar Blvd.

California Blvd.

Hill Ave.

Allen Ave.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Washington Blvd.

Mountain St.

Street parking is easier

to �nd north of the

parade route.

VictoryPark

RoseBowl

East Orange Grove Blvd.

Walnut St.Source: Pasadena Tournament of Roses

* Location arrival times

subject to change

The Rose Parade information hotline:

877-793-9911

www.tournamentofroses.com

www.pasadenacal.com

Lake Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Arroyo Pkwy.

Marengo Ave.Orange Grove

Blvd.

Rosem

ont B

lvd.

Arroyo Blvd

.

TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADETHE 126TH ANNUAL

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

VictoryVictoryVictoryPark

Park

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

210San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

PAUL PENZELLA/LANG

210

Washington Blvd.

Washington Blvd.

Washington Blvd.

Washington Blvd.

Washington Blvd.

Washington Blvd.

Washington Blvd.


















































parade route.

parade route.

parade route.

parade route.

parade route.

parade route.

Rosem

ont B

lvd.

Rosem

ont B

lvd.

Rosem

ont B

lvd.

Rosem

ont B

lvd.

TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADETOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENA

PASADENAArro

yo Blvd.

FORMATIONAREAClosed to publicbecause of securityconcerns

134

parade starts8 a.m.

parade ends9:37 a.m.*

Los Robles Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

parade passes8:30 a.m.*







Villa St.

Villa St.

Villa St.

Villa St.

Villa St.

Villa St.

Villa St.parade passes9:07 a.m.*

Sierra Madre Blvd.

210San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.


POST PARADE “A Showcase of Floats”

Admission$10 (free for children

5 and under)Thursday1-5 p.m.

(general admission)

Friday, Saturday9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(general admission)


On the streets of Pasadena, the �rst glimpses of beautifully decorated Rose Parade �oats don’t come on New Year’s morning — they actually happen the night before.

PHOTO BY BRAD GRAVERSON

For hundreds of volunteers, the Rose Parade is a hands-on experience every year.

IDEAS & ADVICE

Do’s Don’ts at the parade&NOT ALLOWED • Couches, upholstered chairs, tents, ladders, horns, bonfires, alcohol of any kind, and animals, except seeing eye dogs• No throwing items of any kind, including marshmallows and tortillas.• Vehicles obstructing emergency lanes will be towed.• No sales along the route without a permit.

ALLOWED• Small, professionally manu-factured barbecues elevated at least one foot off the ground.• Propane tanks that are less than 5 gallons• Folding chairs• To reserve street viewing positions at noon on Dec. 31.

More tips and rules about curbside and grandstand viewing, at the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.pasadenacal.com.


ramps from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to noon Jan. 1; and the northbound California Avenue on-ramp from 8 p.m. Dec. 31 to noon Jan. 1.

• 210 Freeway: Sierra Madre Boulevard

Jan. 1.• 134 Freeway: Eastbound Orange

Dec. 31 to noon Jan. 1; westbound Orange Grove on-ramp from midnight to noon Jan. 1.

Catch a ridePublic transportation options include:• Los Angeles County Metropolitan

Transportation Authority’s bus service to and from the Rose Parade, Rose Bowl and post-parade viewing. Buses originate from downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and other locations. Information: 323-466-3876, www.metro.net.

• The Metro Gold Line runs between Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena, with stops at four stations (Memorial Park, Lake Metro, Allen Metro

and Sierra Madre Villa) within a few blocks of the parade route.

For post-parade viewing, exit at the Si-erra Madre Villa station and take the MTA shuttle to Victory Park.

Insider tip: Purchase a $5 day pass before going to Pasadena to avoid long ticket lines. Information: 323-466-3876,

www.metro.net.• Transportation throughout the city

is provided by the Pasadena Area Rapid Transit System, and buses will run until 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Note that ARTS buses do not operate on New Year’s Day. Information: 626-398-8973, www.cityof-pasadena.net/artsbus.

210

210

210

110

134

Colorado Blvd.Parade route

Villa St.

Del Mar Blvd.

California Blvd.

Hill Ave.

Allen Ave.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

San Gabriel Blvd.

Sierra Madre Blvd.

Washington Blvd.

Mountain St.


to nd north of the

parade route.

VictoryPark

L.A.Coliseum


Walnut St.Source: Pasadena Tournament of Roses

* Location arrival times

subject to change

The Rose Parade information hotline:

877-793-9911

www.tournamentofroses.com

www.pasadenacal.com

Lake Ave.

Los Robles Ave.

Fair Oaks Ave.

Arroyo Pkwy.

Marengo Ave.Orange Grove

Blvd.

Rosem

ont B

lvd.

Arroyo Blvd

.

TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADETHE 126TH ANNUAL

PAUL PENZELLA/LANG

FORMATIONAREAClosed to publicbecause of securityconcerns

parade starts8 a.m.




POST PARADE “A Showcase of Floats”

Admission$10 (free for children

5 and under)Thursday1-5 p.m.

(general admission)

Friday, Saturday9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(general admission)

Do’s Don’ts at the parade&NOT ALLOWED • Couches, upholstered chairs, tents, ladders,

and animals, except seeing eye dogs•No throwing items of any kind, including marshmallows and tortillas.• Vehicles obstructing emergency lanes will be towed.• No sales along the route without a permit.

ALLOWED• Small, professionally manu-factured barbecues elevated at

• Propane tanks that are less than 5 gallons• Folding chairs• To reserve street viewing positions at noon on Dec. 31.

More tips and rules about curbside and grandstand viewing, at the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.pasadenacal.com.


A sight to seeThree options to view the parade:• About 70,000 grandstand seats are

available along much of the 5.5-mile parade route and may be reserved through Sharp Seating. Prices are $48 to $95. Information: 626-795-4171, www.sharpseating.com

• Claim a spot on the sidewalk starting at noon on Dec. 31. Chairs, blankets and other belongings must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. That’s when spectators can move into the street, but they need to stay behind the blue honor line.

• Ring in the new year where you like, then arrive just before the Parade steps

start to be packed with spectators, so one option is to go farther east along Colorado Boulevard where it will be less congested. Should you end up hitting your alarm clock’s “snooze” button a time or two, it’s still possible to catch the Parade’s

Avenue.

All about the rosesThe big day is here, promising lots to see

Picture thatWith the Rose Parade, great photo op-

ones to consider:• On Colorado Boulevard from the

grandstands near the start, where thou-

and energize the parade participants.• On Colorado east of Allen Avenue,

where it becomes a little less congested. Starting here, it’s actually possible for

late-arrivals to catch curbside viewing posi-tions.

• Corner of Colorado and North Sierra Madre boulevards, where the parade makes a left turn.

• Along Sierra Madre, where the crowds thin considerably.

Post-parade float viewingAt the Showcase of Floats, visitors can

giving them the opportunity to further ap-preciate their design and workmanship.

Tournament volunteers are available to

along Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards. Hours are Jan. 1 from 1-5 p.m., and Jan. 2-3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (seniors and disabled visitors welcome 7-9 a.m.); $10; advance tickets via Sharp Seating Co.,

www.sharpseating.com, 626-795-4171.If you go: Note that post-parade view-

ing takes place in a residential area with limited public and street parking. Shuttle service is available from Pasadena City

-

Blvd.; and, on Jan. 2 only, the Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive. Shuttles run every 15 minutes and cost $3 roundtrip.

Making connectionsThere are many places to go for more

information, including these:

Who ya gonna call?The Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bu-

reau has a hotline, at 877-793-9911, that will be open even on New Year’s Day.

Parade app-titudeThere’s apt to be an app for just about

everything these days, and the Rose Pa-

• Go Pasadena (free for iPhone and Android), by the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, has information about the parade, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, arts and culture.

• The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association also has a free app (iPhone and Android) with information about upcoming events plus discounts at restaurants, shops and entertainment venues in the city.

PHOTO BY KEITH BIRMINGHAM

Planning to camp overnight to save a prime parade viewing spot? These folding chairs are OK, but bringing a couch or a recliner is a no-no.


Lights, camera, action! Taking lots of pictures will be a great way to capture the floral beauty that is the Rose Parade, so don’t forget to bring a camera.


2015 LINEUP

A viewer’s guide to the 126th Tournament

equestrian units in order of appearance.*Through Page 61

Heralding the start of the parade is a 2015 Honda CR-V, the sound car, and a 2015 Acura TLX Sports Sedan, the pace car. Following right behind is the theme banner

THE PARADE

renderings are courtesy of the Tournament of Roses.

B-2 SPIRIT FLYOVERThe stealth bomber has a wingspan of 172 feet, more than half

Based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, the bomber’s longest mission to date was from Whiteman to Afghanistan and back in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

OPENING SHOWTournament President Richard Chinen is ex-

a high-energy opener produced by Five Currents, a California-based creative

produced the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Perform-ers include drummers from El Dorado and Arcadia high schools, dancers from Glen-dale High School, as well as acrobats and Cyr wheel artists.

1

3

2



2015 LINEUP

Chapter 1: Courage & Honor

4 AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.Building Dreams of Friendship

Float riders and those walking alongside are students from Japan’s Tohoku region, which was hit hard by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011, along with some of the United States servicemen and women who provided humanitarian relief and support following the disaster.

the bonds of friendship and leadership for the next

center bridge symbolically joins both nations, along with

The bridge also has 10 video screens broadcasting New Year’s messages to the crowd.

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS MOUNTED COLOR GUARDFeaturing six horses, it’s the only remaining

led the Rose Parade every year since 1986. The palominos and mustangs are part of the Bureau

5

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS WEST COAST COMPOSITE BANDThe band is comprised of more than 100 musi-cians — many of them combat veterans in

6

WELLS FARGO

Quarter horses pull stagecoaches that are reproductions of the

around the country.

7CITY OF ALHAMBRAGo for Broke

depiction of the Go for Broke monument in down-

8GRAND MARSHAL LOUIS ZAMPERINIThe late Zamperini is honored with a riderless horse,

behind will be Zamperini’s children and their spouses

9FLOATS SHOWN IN RED


CITY OF TORRANCEA Race Well RunLouis Zamperini’s hometown

to the grand marshal with a

and-white photos and an

poppy seeds and white rice will blend to create nine tones for the photographs. Zamperi-

the longtime Trojan.

10

11 CYPRESS HIGH SCHOOL

hard to participate in the parade and follow a family tradition by performing in the band.

12

ROUND ROCK HIGH SCHOOL DRAGON BAND

Rock, Texas, will be making their second

was in 1984.

ODD FELLOWS AND REBEKAHS

the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier will be

tive or retired guards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

1ST CAVALRY DIVISION HORSE CAVALRY DETACHMENTThis 10-time parade par-

Texas, is an all-volunteer unit composed of active-duty soldiers. The unit is

Bills, who can be spotted by the saddle blanket with an eagle and two stars.

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2015 LINEUP

Chapter 2: Heritage & Vision

Pahu drums, ethnic dancers and the roar of a volcano eruption will sound the arrival of this

TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PRESIDENT RICHARD CHINEN

HAWAII PA’U RIDERS

MAUI HIGH SCHOOL SABER MARCHING BAND AND COLOR GUARD

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18 DOLE PACKAGED FOODSRhythm of Hawaii


LUTHERAN LAYMEN’S LEAGUEThe Bible… God’s Story

KORIYAMA HONOR GREEN BAND

UNITED SIKH MISSIONA Sikh American Journey

SINGPOLI GROUP, LLCA Bright Future

hope, optimism and

from the ashes, and

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VICTORIAN LADIES RIDING SOCIETY

This re-enactment group returns to the parade portraying how upper-class women from 120 years ago dressed, using fabrics that would have been available in the 19th century. Each member has a rose nickname representing her place in the group. Look for several kinds of equines, including Belgian, quarter, Peruvian Paso, Arabian, Appendix, mule, Fell pony, Welsh pony and a miniature.

2015 LINEUP

LAKOTA WEST HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING FIREBIRDSFrom West Chester, Ohio, the 273-member band is making a return trip to the Southland, after previously marching in the Hollywood Christmas Parade as well as the 2008 Rose Parade.

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2528 AMERICAN

ARMENIAN ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATIONCradle of CivilizationImages and features of Armenian culture, history and contributions to the world are represented in the association’s

Gov. George Deukmejian Jr. and legendary basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian.

LOS HERMANOS BANUELOS CHARRO TEAM

and some close friends, was founded in 1995 with a goal of promoting horsemanship and giving children and their parents the opportunity to experience and learn about horses. The horses are American quarter horses, Aztecas and Andalusians.

CHINA AIRLINES, LTD.Inspiring Grace of Cloud GateThe airline’s entry pays tribute to the Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan, which has entertained and inspired audiences for 40

wind as a larger-than-life dancer performs. Along the back in Chinese writing is the

HELSINGOR PIGEGARDE ELSINORE GIRLS MARCHING BANDThis all-female band from Denmark features 54 musicians between the ages of 9 and 21. The military style marching band, which performed during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, has a unique look with its white skirts, blue jackets and white sailor hats. The band from Hornbaek also has performed for Danish Queen Margrethe II.

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2015 LINEUP

Chapter 3: Community Spirit & RelationshipsMEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER AND TOURNAMENTFor the 26th year, Medieval Times knights will ride and perform demonstrations. “Biggest Loser” star Alison Sweeney, at right, will be the

them.PASADENA CITY COLLEGE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES HERALD TRUMPETSHundreds audition every year but only 10

PRINCESS CRUISESInspiring 50 Years of Travel

several original members from the television show “The Love Boat” —

and Ted Lange — will ride aboard the

2015 ROSE QUEEN AND COURT

the Royal Court are presented beneath a

sitting amid an elegant rose garden lined in

SCOTTS MIRACLE-GROLife Starts Here

by 2018, its 150th anniversary .

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DOWNEY ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATIONHome for the Holidays33

PHOTO BY CHRIS HASTON/NBC


LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT The group will feature a driver

pulled by three Percherons. The steamer is on display in the Fire

CITY OF LOS ANGELESWhat’s Your L.A. Story?A red carpet gala, outdoor cafe, sunbather, surfer, skier and sunny weather — some of the reasons visitors are inspired to come to Los Angeles are featured. The city has

years, the longest such streak in the parade.

ALL DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL HONOR BAND

School District, this honor band has a big sound — which explains why they have performed at Super Bowls and World Series. 35

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VALLEY HUNT CLUBThis is the group that in 1890 started what later became an exciting New Year’s Day tradition — the Rose Parade. The riders will be wearing period hunt attire.

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THE BACHELORInspiring LoveIt’s all about the roses in ABC’s reality television

entry is full of them. The franchise’s newest bachelor, Chris Soules, will be surrounded by happily married couples

enjoying an actual hot tub that recirculates water.

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2015 LINEUP

NORTHWESTERN MUTUALCelebrating Greatness

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON MARCHING BAND

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KIEHL’S SINCE 1851Inspiring A Beautiful World

PASADENA MAYOR BILL BOGAARD

PASADENA CITY COLLEGE TOURNAMENT OF ROSES HONOR BAND

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2015 LINEUP

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY MARCHING BAND

UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Do It Right — Call 811DigAlert has created a humorous scene to highlight an important topic: that utilities can be just about anywhere underground on a residential or business property. Riding the

but he went on to become a two-time Olympian .

SPIRIT OF THE WEST RIDERSThis living history entry recognizes the men

the 1840s through the 1920s. Horses include

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

bearing the name and colors of the second Rose Bowl team rolls along the parade route.

2015 ROSE BOWL GAME HALL OF FAME INDUCTEESThis year’s honorees: Knute Rockne (represented

4647

4849

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PRIME TIME EXPRESS MOUNTED DRILL TEAM

synchronized performances for more than a dozen

Team and continued after high school graduation.

often volunteers for many charitable organizations and fundraisers.

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Chapter 4: Perseverance & HopeKAISER PERMANENTETogether We ThriveAs founding champion and a sponsor for the 2015 Special Olympics

will be striving for excellence during the event.

SALVATION ARMY TOURNAMENT OF ROSES BAND

nearly 300 musicians from throughout the United

form the largest Salvation Army band in Rose Parade history. This marks their 95th parade appearance.

CITY OF HOPEMade Possible by HOPE

possible. Among the riders are people who are breast and lung cancer survivors and another who successfully fought leukemia thanks to a stem cell donation from a young woman in the United Kingdom.

5253 54

CITY OF SOUTH PASADENAStill Winning!The Los Angeles Pink

boat team comprised solely of breast cancer survivors. The team’s 37 members come from all

and range in age from their 30s to 80s.

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ROBERT E. LEE HIGH SCHOOL MIGHTY REBEL BANDThe 225-member band

widely recognized for its

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2015 LINEUP

LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONALInspiring ChallengesFive recreational activities — including

NORCO COWGIRLS RODEO DRILL TEAM

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LEGACY HIGH SCHOOL LIGHTNING MARCHING BAND

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATIONProtecting Global Health

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61SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDRENA Million Stories of Hope and Healing


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OLD SPANISH DAYS IN SANTA BARBARA

DONATE LIFEThe Never-Ending Story

O’FALLON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING PANTHERS

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL (NCAA)Inspiring Potential

ROTARY INTERNATIONALChanging Lives Through Clean Water

BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES – ANHEUSER BUSCH

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Chapter 5: Imagination & JoyWESTERN ASSETThe Power of Imagination

CAVALCADE OF BANDS HONOR BAND


2015 LINEUP

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SCRIPPS MIRAMAR RANCH

FARMERS INSURANCEDream Big: World of Possibility

SIERRA MADRE ROSE FLOAT ASSOCIATIONI Think I Can

WALTON HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING RAIDER BAND

ZAPPOS.COMServing with a Smile

MARTINEZ FAMILY

TRADER JOE’SBedtime Stories

TEMPLE CITY HIGH SCHOOL THE PRIDE OF TEMPLE CITY

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE

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CITY OF BURBANKJungle Rescue

ESCUELA SECUNDARIA GENERAL #5, MANUEL R. GUTIERREZ BANDA MUSICAL DELFINES

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGETo The Rescue

THE NEW BUFFALO SOLDIERS

CAL POLY UNIVERSITIESSoaring Stories

KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL100 Years Inspiring Children

BLUE SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL GOLDEN REGIMENT

CLOSING SHOW — WELLS FARGO’S VETERANS SALUTE

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BOWL OUTLOOK

By Mark [email protected]

IT WILL HAPPEN ON NEW YEAR’S DAY, when all Rose Bowls are sup-posed to happen. It will look and sound and maybe even smell like it al-ways does. It will warm the feet of the

rest of housebound, blanketed America, the way it always does.

Whether this year’s Rose Bowl will actu-ally feel like the rest of them, to those on

tempt to legitimize a national champion.For years it was comically overdue.

Now you could argue that it’s prema-ture, especially since the widely-loathed Bowl Championship Series had brought us some riveting title games against two obvious contenders. The last example was the best: Florida State’s comeback against Auburn a year ago, held right there in Pasadena.

This year the Rose Bowl plays host to

plays host to the other. The champi-onship will be played Jan. 12 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which has be-

come the default venue for almost every

The CFP obviously wants the Rose Bowl and everything it has always represented. It wants the soothing familiarity. To some extent, that will remain.

“It’s on the same date, we will still have

Scott Jenkins, the chairman of the Tour-nament of Roses’ football committee.

as long, so some of the team activities we have will be scrunched up a bit. And there’s the reality that this will not be the last game of the season for both teams. We’ve already met with some coaches, and they have indicated that they’ll have

relax and have a good time and enjoy

Which will be a bit of a jolt. The medi-eval mastication at the Lawry’s Beef Bowl might not be as grandiose, for instance. The Rose Bowl has always been a sea-son’s end, a destination, which is why it was able to comfortably handle the BCS championship games and the odd match-

ups that didn’t follow the Pac-10 vs. Big 10 tradition.

Now Pasadena is a prelude.

Jenkins, who admits his feelings are as curiously mixed as anyone else’s.

We all know that nothing is freeze-framed. There is a bowl game in Yankee Stadium, for instance, and besides, it isn’t even the same Yankee Stadium. Texas doesn’t play Texas A&M in the regular season anymore.

And the Rose Bowl isn’t absorbing the wrecking ball the way Tulane Stadium, the former home of the Sugar Bowl, did. Instead of a vibrant, slightly spooky Orange Bowl in Miami, there is a garish, half-full baseball park on that site. The Cotton Bowl is still around, but the Cot-ton Bowl Game is played in Jerry Jones’ rec room.

several occasions to stay relevant.“Of all those bowl-shaped stadiums it’s

that it was modeled after the Yale Bowl.

Bowl Alliance, came along, the Rose Bowl was the Grail for all Pac-10 and Big-10

The matchups and emphasis may change, but the Rose Bowl remains a big-time player

Traditionprogressvs

PERSPECTIVE


teams. The national championship was just an opinion anyway, voted by

so who really cared?From 1964 until 1982, there were no

Rose Bowls played that did not feature

State. Watching Woody Hayes or Bo Schembechler throw headsets as a Trojan or Bruin vaulted the goal line became the football version of Auld Lang Syne.

In 1997 Michigan beat Washington State in Pasadena and won the AP version of the national championship. Nebraska beat Tennessee in the Or-

schools could claim supremacy, but then why did college football’s other divisions insist on having a tournament and one undisputed champion? Why was Division-A football acting like boxing?

But on Jan. 3, 2001, the Rose Bowl was the site of the BCS national champion-ship game, at night, between Miami and Nebraska. The game was a blowout for Miami. Worse yet, the setting seemed irrelevant. A tepid Oklahoma-Washington State matchup in the next Rose Bowl didn’t change that.

Then two things happened to restore

Bowls. Texas came west to beat Michi-gan, 38-37, in one of the great games in bowl history, and the Longhorns’ fans

and personnel were ecstatic over the privilege of playing there.

After the 2005 season, the defending national champion Trojans lost to Texas in bitter, come-from-ahead fashion, 41-38. That, too, was a championship game, of legendary drama, and it appeared the Rose Bowl had found the intersection of tradition and progress.

would lose the Big 10 or the Pac-12 cham-pionship team if either one went to the

Bowl trips, to the point that its fans began to complain about being trapped in Pasadena. They have not made that complaint recently.

“Now, in years when we don’t have the

Jenkins said, “except now we’d lose our

championship teams if they made the top

after the 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023 sea-sons, as the CFP agreement runs through 2025. The championship game has only been assigned through 2016, to the NFL stadiums in Arlington, Texas, Glendale, Ariz., and Tampa, Fla. Will the Rose Bowl get one? Jenkins said his group is “explor-

the pros.“Basically we’d be running the game

said. “From what we can tell, we prob-

million. It would be very prestigious but

Which sounds a lot like thanks-but-no-thanks.

So the Rose Bowl remains a key player in a sport that has the most compelling regular season in all of sports, a giant four-month funnel that performs triage every Saturday, then gives a progress

would cheapen that season.“Notre Dame hasn’t played in a Rose

would love to come play in our game.

happen. It will be interesting to evaluate this. Something will be gained, something will be lost. But it’s important that we’re



USC coach Pete Carroll holds the Rose Bowl trophy aft er USC beat Penn State 38-24 in the 2009 Rose Bowl.


OregonCan the Ducks win it all? By Scott [email protected]

I

[OREGON, CONTINUES ON PAGE 74]Marcus Mariota


FSUTriumph in a troubled season? By Jack [email protected]

ANYONE TRYING

[FSU, CONTINUES ON PAGE 75]Jameis Winston


[OREGON, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 72]season when he led Oregon to the Pac-12 championship, something that had eluded him

Now comes the biggest prize of them all and there is nothing to suggest Mariota does

teams in multiple ways.The under-the-radar stat is that Mariota

was Oregon’s No. 2 rusher for three straight seasons.

Ask Pac-12 defenses how they liked Ore-

points to the Ducks than any other team this season.

Once you get past Mariota, there is much,

Pac-12 best 16 rushing touchdowns and 1,185 -

nents, Oregon likes to run and pass.

-downs.

Co. earlier in the season because the of-

lone loss to Arizona.But things settled down as the season

returned to the lineup. The question heading

Grasu is doing. Grasu missed the past three games with an ankle injury and watched the Pac-12 championship on crutches with a boot on his foot.

He is one of the nation’s best centers and

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Royce Freeman, Oregon’s freshman running back, scored 16 touchdowns during the season.


[FSU, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73]became bowl-eligible. Early in the fourth, the Cowboys pulled to within three points, only to lose a fumble that turned into the Seminoles’

point to one set of numbers: 29-0. That is the longest winning streak in the country, and the

Quarterback Jameis Winston is the ignition

like the Heisman winner he was a year ago. After tossing 40 touchdowns against 10 intercep-tions as a redshirt freshman, Winston’s ratio has

6-foot-4, 230-pound signal-caller has thrown 13

football (51.6 per-game in 2013) to a good but not mindblowing 28th (34.8).

weigh the Seminoles purely in football terms.

After all, the program has generated its biggest headlines away from the gridiron.

Winston was neither arrested nor charged after facing rape allegations in January 2013,

for skewed priorities in big-time college sports. A lengthy New York Times article published in October questioned why the athletic depart-

the chance to decide the case unworthy of a

-

to stealing crab legs. Many incidents resulted in seemingly lesser charges, or no charges at all.

again from another title. This is not to imply

should be balanced out by wins. The fact sim-

football’s highest pedestal.They’re just far from a feel-good story.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher, right, embraces quarterback Jameis Winston.


2015 ROSE BOWL

By Scott [email protected]

IF OREGON WAS made of just quarterback Marcus Mariota, a hur-

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[DUCKS, CONTINUES ON PAGE 78]

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Arizona’s Tyrell Johnson, right, fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Oregon’s Ifo Ekpre-Olomu during the Pac-12 Conference championship game.

Resurgent DSecond-half surge by Gang Green 2.0 has Oregon thinking about a championship

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Oregon was in high-scoring games early in the season, but its defense has stiffened since then.


S

GETTY IMAGES

Florida State’s Lamarcus Brutus reacts after blocking a fouth down pass during a game against Florida in November.

By Jack [email protected]

F

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[SEMINOLES, CONTINUES ON PAGE 79]

Finding defenseFlorida State will need defensive presence to make another run at the national title

GETTY IMAGES

P.J. Williams leaps in celebration of a defensive stop vs. Louisville in October.


[DUCKS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 76]receiver Keanon Malone said. “He’s a big guy, kind of like (UCLA quarterback) Brett Hund-ley, hard to bring down. We’ve really got to bring our ‘A’ game, but we’re really excited to be in this position to play this team.”

This is where Oregon will rely on its all-con-ference defensive players: Defensive lineman DeForest Buckner will help lead the pass rush while safety Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, cornerback Erick Dargan and cornerback Tony Hill might be form the best secondary Winston faces this season.

Winston also provides the toughest quar-terback Oregon will deal with and the Ducks can ask Auburn what it felt like in last year’s title game at the Rose Bowl to contain last year’s Heisman Trophy winner only to see him lead a game-winning drive at the end of the game.

This might be where Pac-12 games assist the defense because offenses never seem to give up.

Oregon Coach Mark Helfrich

There were doubts about Oregon coach Mark Helfrich even after last year’s 11-2 season. But the Ducks are

Sure, Helfrich rode former coach Chip Kelly’s system and inherited quarterback Marcus Mariota. But he also won with a sometimes-porous

Royce Freeman into an all-conference tailback.

He also survived the retirement of highly respected defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti last season as the Ducks’ defense got better as the season progressed.

All of these issues are bigger questions for Helfrich because this is

from 2009-12 and Colorado from 2006-08. Before that, he coached quarterbacks at Arizona State from 2001-05.

Mark Helfrich


[SEMINOLES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 77]leading tackler, for those who need to see some credentials.

The Seminoles pulled in four straight top-10 recruiting classes, including a pair of No. 2 hauls, but replacing that balance of talent and experience is

The transition becomes even harder when a

years. In his lone season at the defensive helm, Jeremy Pruitt had tweaked Florida State’s scheme to take advantage of its deep secondary, including Joyner’s abilities as a hard tackler and skilled blitzer. But just days after FSU won the national title, Pruitt left to work under Mark Richt at Georgia.

Replacing him is Charles Kelly, promoted from special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.

-man favorite Marcus Mariota will be his biggest challenge yet. The Ducks have only turned the ball over eight times, and rank third in the FBS in points (46.3) and yards (546.2).

Florida Coach Jimbo Fishercoach, Jimbo Fisher has yet to lose a bowl game.

Those four straight postseason appearances with Florida State have only swelled in importance: Chick-Fil-A to Champs Sports to Orange, culminating with a national title over Auburn to close the BCS era.

On New Year’s Day, he’ll have a chance to guide the Seminoles

— a journey that means something,

When the 49-year-old Fisher became the program’s head-coach-in-waiting under Bobby Bowden some seven years ago, who would have guessed he’d already be on the verge of tying his predeces-sor’s trophy count?

Jimbo Fisher


ROSTERS & STATS

Florida StateSTARTING DEFENSE

Pos. Player H WDT Eddie Goldman 6-4 320 NG Derrick Mitchell Jr. 6-4 303 DT/DE Desmond Hollin 6-3 285 DE DeMarcus Walker 6-3 277 DE Mario Edwards Jr. 6-3 294 LB Reggie Northrup 6-1 220 LB Terrance Smith 6-4 222 CB P.J. Williams 6-1 196 CB Ronald Darby 5-11 195 SS Tyler Hunter 5-11 200 FS Jalen Ramsey 6-1 204

STARTING OFFENSE QB Jameis Winston 6-4 230 RB Karlos Williams 6-1 225 FB Freddie Stevenson 6-1 237 WR Rashad Greene 6-1 180 WR Jesus Wilson 5-9 177 WR Christian Green 6-2 204 TE Nick O’Leary 6-3 247 LT Roderick Johnson 6-7 330 RT Bobby Hart 6-4 320 LG Josue Matias 6-6 325 RG Tre’ Jackson 6-4 330 C Cameron Erving 6-6 308

OregonSTARTING OFFENSE

Pos. Player H WQB Marcus Mariota 6-4 219 RB Royce Freeman 6-1 229 WR Byron Marshall 5-10 205 WR Devon Allen 6-1 185 WR Keanon Lowe 5-9 186 TE Evan Baylis 6-6 250 LT Jake Fisher 6-6 300 RT Tyrell Crosby 6-5 310 LG Hamani Stevens 6-3 307 RG Cameron Hunt 6-4 290 C Hroniss Grasu 6-3 297

STARTING DEFENSE DE Arik Armstead 6-8 290 NT Alez Balducci 6-4 310 DE DeForest Buckner 6-7 290 OLB Tony Washington 6-3 250 ILB Rodney Hardrick 6-1 247 ILB Joe Walker 6-2 240 OLB Tyson Coleman 6-1 235 CB Troy Hill 5-11 175 FS Erick Dargan 5-11 210 SS Reggie Daniels 6-1 205 CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu 5-10 195

2014 RECORD8/30 vs. Oklahoma State W 37-31 9/6 vs. Citadel W 37-12 9/20 vs. Clemson W 23-17 (OT) 9/27 @ NC State W 56-41 10/4 vs. Wake Forest W 43-3 10/11 @ Syracuse W 38-20 10/18 vs. Notre Dame W 31-27 10/30 @ Louisville W 42-31 11/8 vs. Virginia W 43-20 11/15 @ Miami W 30-26 11/22 vs. Boston College W 20-17 11/29 vs. Florida W 24-19 12/6 vs. Georgia Tech W 37-35

STATS LEADERSPASSING Att/Com Yards TD/Int Jameis Winston 276-422 3,559 24/17RUSHING Car Yrds TDKarlos Williams 138 609 10 Dalvin CooK 155 905 8 RECEIVING Rec Yrds TDRashad Greene 93 1,306 7 Nick O’Leary 47 614 6

2014 RECORD 8/30 vs. South Dakota W 62-13 9/6 vs. Michigan State W 46-27 9/13 vs. Wyoming W 48-14 9/20 @ Washington State W 38-31 10/2 vs. Arizona L 31-24 10/11 @ UCLA W 42-30 10/18 vs. Washington W 45-20 10/24 @ Cal W 59-41 11/1 vs. Stanford W 45-16 11/8 @ Utah W 51-27 11/22 vs. Colorado W 44-10 11/29 @ Oregon State W 47-19 12/5 vs. Arizona W 51-13

STATS LEADERSPASSING Att/Com Yards TD/Int Marcus Mariota 254-372 3,783 38/ 2 RUSHING Car Yrds TDRoyce Freeman 230 1,299 16 Marcus Mariota 117 669 14RECEIVING Rec Yrds TDByron Marshal 61 814 5 Devon Allen 41 684 7



Through the years the Rose Bowl has played host to NFL superstars, Hollywood stars and athletes that went on to greatness and notoriety in other areas. The Rose Bowl has hosted stars and made them. Here’s a look at some of the biggest names and biggest games:

USC Trojan tailback Charles White grooves his way past the Michigan defense during the Rose Bowl game on Jan. 2, 1979. White shared most valuable player honors with Michigan’s Rick Leach.ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

ROSE BOWL

LEGENDS

Charles White, USCTwice selected as the player of the game, and amassing 460

yards rushing on 103 carries in his career – both Rose Bowl records — the former San Fernando High star was the Trojans’ leading rusher in the 1977, ’79 and ’80 Rose Bowl games. He left his best for last — 252 yards on 39 carries as a Heisman-winning senior in a victory over Ohio State. In that contest, he capped an eight-play, game-winning drive with a one-yard touchdown run and only 1:32 left to play. He ran for 71 of USC’s 83 yards on that drive. As a freshman, White replaced injured Heisman winner Ricky Bell and piled up 114 yards on 32 carries and a fourth-quarter TD in a 14-6 win over Michigan. As a junior, he had 99 yards on 32 carries and a controversial TD in the 17-10 triumph over Michigan.

BOWL HISTORY


Woody Hayes, Ohio StateMade eight appearances in the Rose

Bowl, including four in a row from ’73 to

four came after Rose Bowl wins in 1954, ’57, ’68 and ’70. His 1961 title with an 8-0-1 team came after a controversial vote by the school to decline a repeat Rose Bowl appearance in 1962.

Dick Butkus, IllinoisThe Big Ten MVP linebacker led

the charge as part of the Illini’s 17-7 Rose Bowl win over Washington in 1964. Playing both ways (he was also the center), he recovered a fumble and had an interception as the Illini held Washington to 59 yards rushing and 71 yards pass-ing. He was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 1995.

Jack Del Rio, USCThe outside linebacker was co-

player of the game in the Trojans’ 1985 win over Ohio State.

Sam Cunningham, USCThe fullback’s four second-half touch-

downs in the 1973 Rose Bowl win over

But his 2-yard dive, followed by three more from 1 yard out, punctuated a 42-17 win over the Buckeyes. He was named player of the game .

Dick Butkus, with the college all-stars in 1965

Jack Del Rio is now the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos .

Sam Cunningham, left , and Anthony Davis embrace aft er the 1973 Rose Bowl.

Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes

Vince Young runs against Michiganin the 2005 Rose Bowl.

Vince Young, TexasIn back-to-back Rose Bowls of 2005 and ’06, the quarter-

back captured player of the game honors. As a sophomore, he ran for 192 yards and four touchdowns and threw for another TD while gaining 180 in the air during a victory over Michigan. Returning to Pasadena for the national champi-onship game of 2006 against USC, Young ran for 200 yards and threw for 267 more to set a record for total yards. His three rushing TDs, including the last two of the game, pushed the No. 2 Longhorns to a three-point win over the No. 1 Trojans on their so-called home turf.

Knute Rockne and Pop Warner

The 1925 game featured a matchup of coaching legends. Rockne’s Notre Dame team included the famed Four Horsemen and beat Warner’s Stan-ford 27-10 despite Ernie Nevers’ 114 rushing yards just 10 days after casts were removed for two broken ankles.

Knute Rockne


Pat Haden and J.K. McKay, USCThe teammates out of La Puente

Bishop Amat shared co-players of the game in 1975 after the Trojans outlasted Ohio State, 18-17. The two hooked up on a 38-yard TD with 2:03 to play, brin-ing the Trojans to within 17-16. On the two-point conversion, Haden hit Shel-don Diggs for the win. “I didn’t think I was going to be playing professionally, so I thought it was the last football game I was going to play,” said Haden years later. “And to be able to throw the winning touch-down to your lifelong friend — that was thrilling.” Haden completed 12 of 22 passes for 181 yards and two TDs.

Roy Riegels, CalIn the 1929 game, Cal All-American Roy Rie-

gels picked up a fumble by Georgia Tech’s Jack “Stumpy” Thomason and was 30 yards away from returning it for a touchdown when he was

— and ran 69 yards in the opposite direction.

the 3-yard line trying to turn him around, but a swarm of Yellow Jackets tackled him at the 1-yard line. Cal decided to punt, but had it blocked for a safety, and Tech led, 2-0.

Brian and Bob Griese, Michigan and PurdueAs Michigan quarterback Brian Griese led his team to a

21-16 victory over Washington State to cap an 11-0 season in the 1998 Rose Bowl, Griese’s father, Bob, was in the ABC booth calling the game. Brian Griese completed 18-of-30 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns to be named player of the game. It was also 31 years after the day that quarterback Bob Griese guided Purdue to a 14-13 Rose Bowl win over USC.

Jim Plunkett, StanfordOhio State held a 17-13 lead over Stanford

going into the fourth quarter of the 1971 game, but Jim Plunkett, who completed 20 of 30 passing for 265 yards, put together two scoring drives to grab a 27-17 victory over the previously unbeaten Buckeyes. Plunkett’s 10-yard TD pass to Randy Vataha with 8:18 left sealed the deal for the so-called “Thunder-chickens” defense. “If we had played them 10 times, they might have won nine,” said Plun-kett, Stanford’s only Heisman Trophy winner.

George Halas, Great Lakes Navy

In the 1919 Rose Bowl against the Mare Island Marines, Halas had a 45-yard touchdown recep-tion as well as an interception returned 77 yards to the 3-yard line. He was named player of the game.

Brian Griese

George Halas, MVP of the 1919 Rose Bowl, later became a player, coach and owner for the Chicago Bears. This photo is from October 1933.

Archie Griffi n, Ohio StateThe two-time Heisman winner

secutive Rose Bowls — 1973, ’74, ’75 and ’76 — gaining a total of 412 yards on 79 carries. His best of the four: 149 yards in the ’74 contest, a 42-21 win over USC to keep the Buckeyes undefeated.

Archie Griffi n, left , Cornelius Greene and Brian Baschnagel celebrate an Ohio State touchdown during the 1975 Rose Bowl.

Jim Plunkett sprints through the Buckeye defense for a 22-yard gain in the 1971 Rose Bowl .

During the 1929 Rose Bowl , Roy Riegels earned a special place in the history of football .

Pat Hayden



By Jim [email protected]

TELEVISING A FOOTBALL GAME ISN’T ROCKET SCIENCE — it’s about a thousand

MEDIA

Football onTELEVISION?

(It’ll never work)



to use their

ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

Before Klaus Landsberg and his team tackled broadcasting the Rose Bowl in 1947, the station W6XYZ televised a trial. Here, he and Benner Fitts tune in one of the receivers used in that production. The device had an image size of 12-by-16 inches.

Bill Welsh



tastemakersIS IT POSSIBLE TO KNOW where you are just from

the plate of food on the table? For many here in Southern California, dining is a destination.

Food writer Merrill Shindler gives us a glimpse of the chefs who have helped defi ne Pasadena dining.

DINING

Long on experience, bursting with style

Chef Perry Pollaci was born to be in the kitchen. This native New Yorker’s grandfather was a chef who cooked at the White House for President Jimmy Carter. Pol-laci’s parents owned restaurants in the New York area, where Perry washed dishes before really being allowed to deal with pots, pans and knives. Restaurant life was in his blood.

In 1998, he enrolled at the Culi-nary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. , landing an externship at Chef Michael Mina’s Aqua in San Francisco.

He followed up with stints in New York at major names like Bouley, Lotus and Town before, in the great tradition, heading for Paris and Madrid to international-ize his cooking.

Pollaci opted in 2009 to move to Los Angeles, where he worked with the remarkable Chef Walter

Manzke at Church and State in the born-again Arts District, followed by a job as sous chef at Patina’s Kendall’s Brasserie, and chef de cuisine of The Walt Disney Concert Hall.

In 2011, he found his way to Pasadena, as executive sous at what was The Royce at The Langham Huntington Hotel. Now, as chef de cuisine at The Royce Wood-Fired Steakhouse, he has introduced such con-cepts as an interactive Market Brunch on Sundays, with food stations in the restaurant’s kitchen. He’s also a chef who encourages diners to watch him work — there’s an eight-seat chef’s table behind a glass wall, where diners can watch Chef Pollaci’s every move.

That’s quite a long way from those dishes he washed on Long Island.

Chef Perry PollaciThe Royce Wood-Fired SteakhouseThe Langham Huntington Hotel, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena626-585-6410; www.roycela.com

More bites ...Merrill Shindler’s mini-reviews of unique Pasadena restaurants, Page 94.


If there’s a rock ’n’ roll chef in Pasadena, it’s Bruce Kalman.

looks like a chef from a century ago, with his imposing girth, stained apron, eccentric facial hair and mad-cap grin. He really appears to have stepped out of a New Yorker car-toon (I imagine about a chef, a knife and a diner who isn’t sure about the

such a passion).Kalman is the son of a northern

New Jersey music teacher and started playing guitar when he was 7 years old, pounding away on a battered Sears acoustic. By the time he was in his teens, Kalman was in a band with his brother (the drum-mer), opening for Meatloaf. ( How perfect is that?) His mother famously warned her sons that they had strayed into the world of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, telling them: “You may only do the third!”

nary job, tossing pizzas at a local pie shop, where he found a passion that equaled — and perhaps even sur-passed — his love of music. He be-gan cooking in kitchens in Chicago, where he became sous chef at Paul Bartolotta’s Spiaggia; and in New York, where he was chef tournant at David Burke’s Park Avenue Café. He moved on to Okno, Green Dolphin Street and Coco Pazzo in Chicago, Il Piatto in Santa Fe, and Chelsea’s Kitchen in Phoenix.

He came to Los Angeles to cook

where the owner described him as “a pitbull with a spatula!” Kalman then moved to The Churchill in West Hollywood before heading to Pasa-dena for a restaurant of his own, the much-praised, endlessly quirky Union.

Kalman is also the founder of a pickle company, Bruce’s Prime Pickle Co., where the motto is “vine to jar.” The pickles rock.

Chef Bruce KalmanUnion Restaurant37 E. Union St., Pasadena626-795-5841; http://unionpasadena.com

Ideas for Pasadena

These aren’t the quirkiest spots in town, but they of-fer plenty of pleasure and, in most cases, some very good bang for the buck:

A/K/A (An American Bistro), One Colorado Plaza, 41 Hugus Alley, Old Pasadena, 626-564-8111.

Arroyo Chop House, 536 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, 626-57-PRIME.

Bistro 45, 45 Mentor Ave., Pasa-dena, 626-795-2478.

Parkway Grill, 510 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, 626-795-1001.

Buca di Beppo, 80 W. Green St., Old Pasadena, 626-792-7272.

Café Bizou, 91 N. Raymond Ave., Old Pasadena, 626-792-9923.

Café Santorini, 64 W. Union St., Old Pasadena, 626-564-4200

Cafe Verde, 961 E. Green St., Pasadena, 626-356-9811.

Cheval Blanc Bistro, 41 S. De Lacey Ave., Old Pasadena, 626-577-4141.

Din Tai Fung, 1108 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626-574-7068.

Il Fornaio, One Colorado Blvd., Old Pasadena, 626-683-9797.

[CONTINUES ON PAGE 92]


For those who have eaten at Chef Eduardo Ruiz’s restaurant in Bell, known as Corazon y Miel, Picnik comes as a bit of a surprise.

His menu in Bell runs to dishes like wild boar chilaquiles with roasted carrot crema, lomo hash with a poached egg and wasabi, a dry rubbed pork shoulder with smoked duck gravy. At Picnik, by

hamburgers served with craft beer. But what sausages and hamburgers they are!

At Picnik, one sausage is called “Mexi-can Firing Squad,” another is “Too Hot to Trot” and then there are the “dirty fries,” including Peruvian street fries with sliced sausage and chimichurri sauce. You can have quite a picnic at Picnik.

Chef Ruiz’s heritage is Mexican and Salvadoran, with a fair amount of Ameri-can thrown in (he was born and raised in the United States). His style is Pan-Latino, and a lot more.

But for Ruiz, labels are boundaries that he doesn’t enjoy. He says what he cooks is, “just our thing.”

He cooked at Animal over on Fairfax — easily one of the edgiest restaurants in Los Angeles — and a harbinger of the meat dishes he clearly loves so much.

Ruiz says his greatest culinary inspira-tions are his mother and his grandmoth-er, though it’s a fair bet that they never served hot dogs like the ones he cranks out at Picnik in Pasadena.

Chef Eduardo RuizPicnik168 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena626-793-8008; http://picnikpasadena.com

Ideas[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 91]

Julienne, 2649 Mission St., San Marino, 626-441-2299.

McCormick & Schmick’s, 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 626-405-0064.

Mi Piace, 25 E. Colorado Blvd., Old Pasadena, 626-795-3131.

Racion, 119 W. Green St., Old Pasadena, 626-396-3090

Russell’s, 30 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Old Pasadena, 626-578-1404.

The Cheesecake Factory, 2 W. Colorado Blvd., Old Pasadena, 626-584-6000.

The Novel Café, 1713 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-683-3309.

The Raymond, 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, 626-441-3136.

The Royce at The Langham Huntington, 1401 S. Oak Knoll, Pasadena, 626-585-6410.

Trattoria Neapolis, 336 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-792-3000.

Yang Chow, 3777 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-432-6868.

— Merrill Shindler



DINING

UnionWhere: 37 E. Union St., Old PasadenaHours: 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesday- Friday and 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday and SundayInformation: 626-795-5841, www.unionpasadena.com

Union is the creation of Chef Bruce Kalman, a master pickle maker, and one of the most unique culinary visionar-ies to settle in the Rose City. His Union Street storefront is where meals begin with the simplest of dishes, a plate of bread with some butter (that I suspect is produced in

house) and some of Kalman’s giardiniera pickles. It’s just bread and butter, but what wonderful bread and butter it is. It’s an exercise in the joy of simplicity, and of purity.

From there, try the warmed olives with edgy Calabrian chiles, smoked nuts and chunks of very good parmigia-no-reggiano — the Queen of Cheeses. There’s more good bread in the crostini, toasted and crispy, topped with melt-ingly good ricotta, pickled onions, pancetta bacon and a duck’s egg.

You think you know cau-

with sweet and sour agro dolce sauce, capers, golden raisins, candied garlic and thyme — you may not have

can be. Ditto his Brussels sprouts,

served with cured guanciale (pork jowls), apples, pista-chios, tenderly soft burrata cheese and Pedro Ximenez balsamic sherry vinegar.

Don’t miss the dazzling spaghetti alla chitarra — spa-ghetti cut as if it were pulled threw the strings of a guitar — with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic and Fresno chiles. Squid ink garganelli with lobster and

cappellacci with crispy goat cheese.

But the pride of the house may be the porchetta, a fatty slab of pork roast that’s some-thing of a cult item, served with heirloom potatoes and salsa verde.

Or it may yet be the creamy soft polenta with grains milled at Pasadena’s own Grist and Toll. It’s good enough to be dessert.

Azeen’s Afghani RestaurantWhere: 110 E. Union St., Old PasadenaHours: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. every dayInformation: 626-683-3310, www.azeensafghanirestau-rant.net

The names of the dishes at Azeen’s Afghani Restaurant alone make going there worth-while. They simply exude exoti-ca with every syllable — mantu, bulanee, pakawra-e-badenjan, sambosa. How can you resist

A proper feast at Azeen’s should begin with the aus-hak, which turns out to be a

leeks and scallions, topped with housemade yogurt and a wonderfully rich meat sauce, and then a generous handful of mint. That’s just the start of the dumplings at Azeen’s.

Follow the aushak with a plate of mantu — a steamed

meat sauce, topped with (of course!) yogurt and sautéed

uniqueeats


A couple strolls past Union Restaurant on Union Street in Pasadena.

By Merrill Shindler

The Rose Parade is a one of a kind event that only Pasadena can host. With 45 floats last year, Pasadena really is the Big Daddy

of parades against which all others must be judged. But Pasadena is not only home to the most unique parade on the West Coast, it’s also home to the most unique restaurants. There are a multitude of options that are just so ... Pasadena, including fine places to go after the parade or the big game for a taste of what makes Pasadena so special.

Great concepts make Pasadena’s restaurant scene special



DINING

vegetables. Then there are the kabobs of beef, lamb and chicken, served with crunchy Afghan bread and a green sauce rich with garlic, along with a green salad, and rice (pallaw) — seasoned, browned and impossible to resist.

There are challaws galore, including sabsi challaw (lamb cooked with spinach and garlic); and gulpi challaw (beef with

-etarians, there’s butternut squash topped with yogurt, spinach with onions and

with onions.The essential drink is Afghan tea

-lava), gelabee — sweets with which to end a sweet meal.

Marston’sWhereHours: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.Information: 626-796-2459, www.marstonsrestaurant.com

They tried dinner some years ago, but it just didn’t feel right.

Marston’s is a place to go, in the light of day, to bask in prettiness aglow with sunlight. Breakfast at Marston’s has long

with a selection of dishes that inspire much loyalty among locals.

The locals especially love the “Break-fast Specialties” like the “fantastic” (their word) French toast, two chunky slabs of sourdough, properly soaked in egg

to marvelous brownness served with hot syrup and sweet butter. It’s so good and so satisfying.

Ditto the macadamia nut pancakes, the blueberry pancakes (heavy with berries), the seven-grain pancakes and “Grandma’s Oatmeal,” which is described on the menu as being “like you’ve never had before.” It’s served with cream, raisins, brown sugar, honey, sliced bananas, strawberries and chopped nuts. This isn’t oatmeal; this is a meal and a half, a world-class breakfast dish.

And there’s more, like the ciabatta breakfast sandwich, a wonderful thing

by comparison. The sandwich is a concoc-tion built of tasty, crusty ciabatta bread, packed with two eggs (any style), along with bacon, spicy jack cheese and tomato, with crispy breakfast potatoes on the side.

Come lunchtime, one moves into the land of exquisite salads and sandwiches. The Pasadena Salad is one of the best

spinach, avocado, candied pecans, chicken, scallions and bacon, in the slightly sweet house San Pasqual dressing. It’s served with a basket of crunchy cheese popovers. I suspect that if Chef McCardy tried to take

Marston’s in protest.

Saladang SongWhere: 383 S. Fair Oaks Ave., PasadenaHours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. dailyInformation: 626-793-5200

There are Thai restaurants all over Southern California. Indeed, right next to Saladang Song (“song” means “two”),

-mese cooking called (obviously) Saladang. But what makes Saladang Song unique is a menu of Bangkok street food — the dishes you might eat strolling down the Sampeng Market.

For those of us well-versed in pad Thai and pineapple rice, the menu at Song is a journey into a parallel universe of dishes with names like ka-nom-jeen-gang-kiew-

green curry), tod-mon-kao-pohd (sweet corn cakes with cucumber salad) and

banana leaf). It’s the only Thai restaurant I’ve en-

Thai breakfast, which is basically the Thai equivalent of the Chinese congee, which is to say rice gruel served many ways (kao-tom-mon, for instance, is boiled rice soup with diced sweet potato, taro, pumpkin, preserved cabbage, garlic, onion and cilan-tro — which neither sounds nor tastes like Rice Krispies).

Noodles and rice abound as well, with the noodles served both “dry” and in soup,

Marstons Restaurant on Walnut Avenue in Pasadena.

Saladang on Fair Oaks in Pasadena.

PHOTOS BY WALT MANCINI

Azeen’s Afghani Restaurant serves authentic Afghan cuisine, which is noted for its succulent kabobs.


of mung bean noodles and one of egg

The rice dishes are a universe away from pineapple fried rice. Consider kao-phad, in which rice is tossed with olives, chilies, on-ions, tomatoes, eggs and a choice of veg-etables, tofu, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or scallops. There’s a touch of the cooking of the north in the E-saan Combination of sticky rice, barbecued chicken and green papaya salad.

The sticky rice reappears as a dessert

Claud & Co EateryWhere: 488 N. Allen Ave., PasadenaHours: 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.Information: 626-688-7256, www.eateryonallen.com

Even in a world of unique restaurants, Claud & Co stands out for its sheer eccen-tricity.

It’s open for dinner Tuesday through Fri-day only. It sits in a corner storefront, virtu-ally unmarked. It’s the creation of Claud Beltran, a longtime Pasadena culinary

like Noir Food & Wine, Dickenson West,

Restaurant Halie, Madeleine and more. Chef Beltran changes the theme of his

menu on a monthly basis. On some levels, it’s a test kitchen and showcase for his catering business.

Though his wine list is long, he doesn’t charge corkage if you bring your own.

Of late, he’s been serving his “Holiday Favorites” menu — roasted chestnut

prosciutto, a warm salad of roasted Brus-sels sprouts, roasted vegetable tart tatin, roasted beet and blood orange salad,

pork loin with housemade marshmallows, pan-seared grouper with a carrot-potato latke, grilled New York steak with black-eyed peas, hazelnut crusted lamb rack, seared scallop with champagne risotto.

It’s like having dinner at a friend’s house — where the friend is a very, very good cook.

Claud & Co Eatery Restaurant on the corner of Allen Avenue and Villa Street in Pasadena.




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