Happy To Be Of Service
From acupuncture to day spas to plastic surgery, Pasadena providers offer customers superhero treatment
By Sara Cardine
The Pasadena Way | Dining | Nitelife | Services | Shopping
On some mornings, you can feel it before your foot hits the floor — the crush of the day’s obligations bearing down on you. The things you want to do entwine with the things you have to do, rendering you paralyzed with laziness. Days like this are enough to perturb even the most resolute, so how can the rest of us slackers ever hope to schlep through the muck toward the end-of-the-day victory cocktail we so richly deserve?
Fortunately, when you could benefit from the services of a good superhero or two, businesses and services in the Pasadena area await in response. In need of some auto body work, but don’t want to end up in the hands of a huckster? Then call Marco’s Auto Body, where this year’s Best of Pasadena voters said you’d be most likely to get a fair deal and honest service.
These best-of local businesses can align nearly anything that goes awry and, in no time at all, undo the worst of bad days. Like true superheroes, they come into your life, help you out of a bind and set you back on track to becoming a better, more relaxed and healthier you.
A massage at Burke Williams will work out the kinks that keep you confined, while a spa day at O U Beauty might be in order for travails that require the big guns.
Whatever your needs, these area favorites promise to take care of you and get you up and running, puffed, polished, waxed and out the door in no time flat. Treat yourself to the royal head-to-toe treatment by stopping by Crowned Studio for an inspired style, then head over to Tinzee Nail Salon for a pedicure that will leave both men and women feeling relaxed and ready for what the day may bring.
Comic book fans and moviegoers alike know that superheroes do more than pull you from a burning building. Generally, they’re committed to a higher purpose — improving the lives of the people living and working in their communities. The same could be said of local health care and service providers, many of whom have served the Pasadena area for decades and built their reputations with kindness, by listening to their customers’ needs and wants and using their resources to get them there. In this, local communities have been especially lucky.
At the Oaks of Pasadena, for example, voters praised staff for providing independent and assisted living options for seniors in a respectful and well-maintained environment. They also chose to salute Dr. Ya-Wen Chen Acupuncture and Chiropractic for giving patients more options for preventing and treating chronic pain through an East-meets-West, holistic approach to medicine. Businesses like these help us not only look better, but feel and aspire to actually be better than we were when we first came to them.
Pasadena plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. John Gross performs procedures that help his patients like what they see when they look in the mirror. And chiropractor
Dr. Seth Mittleman uses his past experience as a long-distance runner and professional dancer to help clients understand the relationship between healthy muscles and well-aligned bones.
In the midst of performing heroic acts, superheroes give us instructions for better living. Places like Weight Watchers of Pasadena and 24 Hour Fitness do their best to whip us into shape, but they also guide us to make better decisions, to take steps that bring us closer to our best imagined selves rather than the many things that beckon us to stray from the course.
This is what real superheroes do — they pull us out of a hot spot, but they also help us help ourselves. They make it possible to get out of bed, to put that first foot on the floor and get on with the day, and life ahead of us. And, let’s not forget, they get us one step closer to that victory cocktail.
Best car wash
Pasadena Auto Wash
164 W. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 449-9944
You can get more than just the traditional car wash, waxing and detailing at Pasadena Auto Wash. The company also offers oil and transmission fluid changes, making it a convenient one-stop shop for auto needs.
Best Tire Store
America's Tire |
1917 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 584-6770 |
www.americastire.com
Shopping for tires blows like a bald Goodyear Eagle speeding over a spike strip. But America's Tire routinely posts its prices next to their competitors', taking much of the legwork out of the decision. Plus, the price includes mounting, balancing and all that good stuff, so there are no unpleasant surprises.
Best Cash Advance Company
There's nothing victorious about the cash advance business. We included the category this year not so much to anoint a winner but to pillory an industry that is tantamount to legalized extortion. Some people just need a little help getting to their next paycheck, and that's fine. But the ridiculously high interest rates, coupled with late fees out the wazoo, that these firms charge make them a vampire preying on the financially weakest. We deserve better.
Best Acupuncture
Dr. Ya-Wen Cheng Acupuncture and Chiropractic
612 W. Duarte Road, Ste. 801, Arcadia | (626) 292-6899 |
www.drcheng.net
If you've got acute or chronic pain that pills and surgery don't seem to help, maybe you need a different plan of attack. Ya-Wen Cheng offers a multidisciplinary approach for treating pain with acupuncture, chiropractic techniques and proper nutrition. And his clinic is given consistent praise from customers who swear it's good for what ails them.
Finalist
Dr. Karen Raub
2523 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 398-5419
A board-licensed acupuncturist and doctor of Oriental medicine, Dr. Karen Raub walks clients though the five networks of the body responsible for proper functioning and overall wellness, offering a host of acupuncture services and natural medicine treatments.
Best Architect
James V. Coane
30 N. Raymond Ave., Ste. 611, Pasadena |(626) 584-6922
www.jvca.com
Coane and his associates have worked in the area for 15 years and have been featured in Architectural Digest, the
Los Angeles Times and Kitchen Trends. Whether it's a residential or commercial project, the firm channels the spirit of the surroundings and reflects that in
the colors, textures and design of
the structure itself.
Best Auto Body Repair
Marco's Auto Body
565 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena | (626) 795-7500 | www.marcosautobody.com
If anyone has borne witness to the potency of man's wrath and frustration, it has to be body shop technicians. So when a shop like Marco's Auto Body garners a reputation for being fast, professional and friendly, you know it's the genuine article. Customers can expect to receive a visual inspection and advice regarding damage and/or the insurance process.
Finalist
Holmes Body Shop
1095 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 795-6447 | www.holmesbodyshop.com
An auto body shop is probably one of the last places you ever want to find yourself. But if you've had an accident or fender bender, rest assured the staff at Holmes Body Shop will make it as painless as possible and provide frequent updates on the status of your vehicle.
Best Auto Repair
Mike Gibson Auto Service Center
1701 E. Walnut St., Pasadena | (626) 795-6361
If finding an auto repair and parts shop you can truly trust is not on your list of things to do before you die, you may not be fully human. But if it is, then cross it off and call the Mike Gibson Auto Service Center, which boasts a full line of ACDelco automotive parts and a reputation for being a customer pleaser. Here you'll get friendly and straightforward vehicle maintenance, service and repair.
Finalist
Independent Volvo
2244 E. Walnut St., Pasadena | (626) 796-5460 |
www.independentvolvo.com
Anything or anyone known for intelligence and cutting-edge performance tends to garner an equal reputation for being finicky and problem-riddled, and Volvos are no exception. So when a repair shop with a reputation for honest, friendly service comes along, you know to snap it up faster than the best shrink in LA!
Best Bank/Credit Union
Bank of America
145 W. California Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 304-3386
399 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (818) 507-6700
880 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 304-3120
1687 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 578-5181
929 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena | (626) 578-5125
www.bankofamerica.com
Perhaps no bank is on top of the trend toward online banking and saving as much as Bank of America, which has recently become the industry standard in banking for people who didn't major in accounting and want each transaction to be as smooth and simple as Megan Fox.
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Seth Mittleman
131 N. El Molino Ave., Pasadena | (626) 793-9915 | www.sanctuaryofwellness.com
Dr. Seth Mittleman's experience as a long-distance runner and a dancer gives him a unique perspective on chiropractic medicine, his personal calling. "Muscles move bones, bones do not move muscle," he says, suggesting patients focus on total health, alignment and balance.
Finalist
Geo Chiropractic Clinic
2646 Mission St., San Marino | (626) 441-2264 |
www.geochiropractic.com
Clients at Geo benefit from a friendly, caring and compassionate staff that has operated in the area for two decades. Never will compassion come in so handy as when someone's methodically cracking every bone in your back.
Finalist
Chase
860 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 795-5177
1845 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 798-0894
2670 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 795-4253
1305 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena | (626) 441-5151
2333 N. Lake Ave., Altadena | (626) 398-2900
chase.com or wamu.com
At a time when America's faith in the banking system is shaky at best, some institutions are trying to forge a new path, helping customers save toward a better future. Since taking over well-liked Washington Mutual, JPMorgan Chase has made every effort to be the change.
Best Beauty Salon
Starr House the Salon
2636 Mission St., San Marino | (626) 799-0828 |
www.starrhouse.com
A favorite of local residents, Starr House will take care of you with a variety of hair, makeup and nail services. Its team of stylists believes in the transformational power of looking and feeling good.
Finalist
BrauHaus Salon
45 E. Union St. (Kendell Alley), Pasadena | (626) 683-3308 | www.brauhauscosmetics.com
This modern brow salon gives clients an optimum shape and provides instruction to keep their eyebrows looking amazing everyday. Headed by a team of artists and professionals, BrauHaus offers a full menu of services including brow-shaping, make-up, waxing and tinting. Relax and enjoy one of this salon's specialty brow services or receive make-up lessons from an expert to achieve your flawless look.
Best Car Wash
Lucky Car Wash
3698 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 796-4888
If you ever drive by Lucky Car Wash on Colorado and see it overflowing with customers, you know it's because they offer good service at a decent price. Ask about senior discount specials on certain days of the week.
Finalist
Eco Wash Salon
107 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Suite 22, Pasadena | (626) 227-7101
Located inside the parking deck of the Schoolhouse Parking Garage in Old Pasadena, Eco Wash Salon will whip your car into showroom condition.
Best Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. John Gross
425 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena | (626) 792-1222 |
www.johngrossmd.com
If you've long desired to put your best breasts forward, why wait? Dr. John Gross, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, specializes in breast lifts and augmentations and can get your girls in line in no time. He also offers a full spectrum of procedures that give patients the confidence to like what they see in the mirror.
Finalist
Dr. Michael Schwartz
960 E. Green St., Suite 101, Pasadena | (626) 793-5134 | www.drmichaelschwartz.com
An appointment with this board-certified facial plastic surgeon, who helped pioneer the use of Smartlipo in his practice and teaches facial plastic surgery at USC, just may help unearth the younger you.
Best Day Spa
Burke Williams
39 Mills Place, Pasadena | (626) 440-1222 |
www.burkewilliamsspa.com
At Burke Williams you can get the full treatment, including massages, body wraps and day packages. But you might find it's the perks and extras - cucumbers, fruited waters and warm face towels served to you by an attentive staff - that make you truly feel like royalty.
Finalist
O U Beauty
130 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale | (818) 551-1682 |
www.oubeauty.com
If the stress of the week has you seeking shelter, run to O U Beauty, where you'll be treated by experienced aesthetic professionals who are happy to consult with you and offer top-of-the-line beauty services and products for men and women.
Best Dentistry
dr. Kent Wilson, dds
1941 Huntington Drive, South Pasadena | (626) 441-1167
Could there be such a thing as a "painless" root canal? Patients of local dentist Kent Wilson seem to think so, praising the practice and its leader as kind, caring and knowledgeable of upcoming trends and technology in the field of dentistry.
Finalist
Dr. Michael Yung, DDS
696 E. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 224, Pasadena | (626) 449-5420 | www.michaelyungdds.com
Lauded by patients for his enthusiasm and great "chairside manner," Michael Yung aims
to be known as a friendly neighborhood dentist who employs a proactive approach to dental health.
Best Dermatologist
Dr. Marilyn A. Mehlmauer
10 Congress St., Pasadena | (626) 585-9474 |
www.mehlmauer.com
Marilyn Mehlmauer, director of the Congress Cosmetic Medical Corp., is considered the cream of the crop not only by her peers but by patients as well. In addition to practicing general dermatology and cosmetic surgery, she is also a board-certified dermatopathologist who can read biopsy slides and render a diagnosis on-site.
Finalist
Dr. David Denenholz
960 E. Green St., Ste. 330, Pasadena | (626) 449-4207
Anyone who's ever suffered the indignity of a skin blemish or felt the burning tongue of poison oak knows the life-saving superpowers of a good dermatologist. Denenholz comes highly recommended by nearly everyone who seeks his services.
Best Dry Cleaner/Laundry
Fashion Cleaners
1 W. California Blvd., Ste. 111, Pasadena | (626) 796-2590 | www.myfashioncleaners.com
Open seven days a week, Fashion Cleaners offers same-day cleaning and tailoring services. The best part is that if they spot a missing button, loose seam or tear, they will repair it for free.
Finalist
Bryan's Cleaners & Laundry
544 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena | (626) 796-4335 | www.bryanscleaners.com
With more than 60 years of service under its belt, Bryan's not only provides free pickup and delivery to your home or office, but high-tech equipment and a staff that can launder better than Bernie Madoff.
Best Fitness/Weight-Loss Program
Weight Watchers
305 N. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena | (800) 651-6000 | www.weightwatchers.com
Weight Watchers is a successful and proven health and weight program. Weight Watchers is not a diet - it's a lifestyle that teaches you to eat right and live healthy. Join the program and attend meetings to support and guide you on your journey to a better and healthier you. At meetings you'll receive expert advice and support, practical strategies to help you with your goal, confidential weigh-ins and interactive tools to aide you at home.
Finalist
Curves for Women
1250 Green St., Pasadena | (626) 793-9711 |
www.curves.com
Dedicated to women's fitness, Curves offers a 30-minute workout that combines strength-training and cardiovascular activity in a safe and effective program. Enjoy a personalized coaching system and a common sense weight management program to end diets and get you on the track to a healthier lifestyle.
Best Golf Course
Brookside Golf Club
1133 N. Rosemont Ave., Pasadena | (626) 585-3598 | www.brookside.americangolf.com
Nestled in the foothills next to the Rose Bowl, this monstrous 36-hole course is sure to exhaust even the most avid golfer. For 75 years, Brookside has prided itself on offering an elegance "reminiscent of an earlier area."
Finalist
Eaton Canyon Golf Course
1150 Sierra Madre Villa Ave., Pasadena | (626) 794-6773 |
www.dcgolf.info
Designated the "best-kept secret of the San Gabriel Foothills," this Altadena location gives you a challenging nine-hole course - open from dusk till dawn, 365 days a year - that will give you the game fix you need in half the time.
Best Hair Salon
Crowned Studio
89 E. Green St., Pasadena | (626) 844-5042 |
www.crownedstudio.com
This Old Pasadena salon brings a trendy and contemporary vibe to the art of haircraft with a bevy of stylists committed to perfecting balance, color and vision. Their motto, "We do hair and only hair," tells you what they're all about the moment you walk in the door.
Finalist
Starr House the Salon
2636 Mission St., San Marino | (626) 799-0828 |
www.starrhouse.com
Fiercely loyal clientele of San Marino's aim-to-please salon Starr House give it excellent marks across the board - in hairstyling, manicures and waxing services - and invite others to enjoy the first-class treatment and results.
Best Home Remodeling
Navarro Construction, inc.
3579 E. Foothill Blvd., Ste. 259, Pasadena | (626) 398-1777 | www.alfrednavarro.com
This residential remodeling specialist works only on a referral basis and knows how to keep its Pasadena customers happy.
Finalist
Cynthia Bennett & Associates
501 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena | (626) 799-9701 |
www.cynthiabennett.com
Specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, this local firm takes your project from design through construction and to complete interior design.
Best Hospital
Huntington Hospital
100 W. California Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 397-5000 |
www.huntingtonhospital.com
This 636-bed nonprofit hospital serves San Gabriel Valley residents and is home to the only trauma center in the area. It's known for its programs in cancer care, neurosciences and cardiovascular services and is "Here to stay, here for you."
Finalists (tie)
Kaiser Permanente Hospital
450 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena | (626) 440-5643
Helping people "thrive" through patient care, education and prevention, Kaiser Permanente offers a lengthy menu of health services.
Methodist Hospital of Southern California, Arcadia
301 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia | (626) 254-8670 |
www.methodisthospital.org
Billing itself "the next generation of care," Arcadia Methodist offers patients comprehensive medical coverage at its 460-bed facility.
Best Hotel
Langham, Huntington Hotel and Spa
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena | (626) 568-3900 | www.pasadena.langhamhotels.com
Since 1865, the Langham, Huntington Hotel and Spa has provided luxury accommodations that wow visitors from near and far. Enjoy richly decorated rooms and suites, spa services and the award-winning restaurant The Dining Room, which recently appointed Top Chef's season-six contestant Michael Voltaggio as Chef de Cuisine.
Finalist
Westin Hotel Pasadena
191 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena | (626) 792-2727
With easy access to historic Old Pasadena and perks like heated outdoor areas, a library and on-site gardens, the Westin Hotel Pasadena is more than a place to stay - it's a getaway.
Best Interior Designer
Rozalynn Woods Interior Design
35 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena | (626) 441-1022
Local designer Rozalynn Woods works with clients to create spaces that reflect their needs and tastes. Her recent work on an elegant Tudor-style home was featured Oct. 4 at the 23rd annual Pasadena ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Home & Kitchen Tour.
Finalist
Casawasy Interior Design
1605 Hope St., Ste. 110, South Pasadena | (626) 799-7755 | www.casawasy.com
Susan Sawasy has practiced interior design in the area for more than 20 years. Her firm, Casawasy, has worked exclusively on residential designs since 2002, including showcase homes in Pasadena.
Best Local Gym
24 Hour Fitness
525 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 229-9788 |
www.24hourfitness.com
Having 24-hour access to some of the best training and equipment on the market today is like having your own personal superhero in the ring with you. With a membership to this highly esteemed club, you really have little excuse for being more rotund than ravishing.
Finalist
Equinox Fitness Club
260 E. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 212, Pasadena | (626) 685-4800 | www.equinox.com
Members of Equinox Fitness Club have access to on-site personal trainers, a wide offering of group fitness classes, as well as yoga and spa offerings.
Best Local Pharmacy
Fair Oaks Pharmacy
1526 Mission St., South Pasadena | (626) 799-1414 | www.fairoakspharmacy.net
The Fair Oaks Pharmacy is a refreshing throwback to a time when you actually didn't mind a trip to pick up some meds. Since 1915, it's also offered a soda fountain and ice cream shop with magically flavorful selections, as well as a gift shop packed with great retro gifts, holiday stocking stuffers, a huge bath and body selection, and stationery, making this a one-stop shop filled with old-time charm.
Finalist
Phoenix Pharmacy
2523 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 791-7600 | www.phoenixpharmacy.com
Located inside the Phoenix Wellness Center, this pharmacy emphasizes an all-inclusive approach to treating mind and body. Get a prescription filled in 15 minutes, or consult with staff members on various herbs and supplements and their interactions with prescribed medicines.
Best Martial Arts
California Kickboxing & Fitness Club
26 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 585-TONE |
www.cakickboxing.com
Harness the power of several styles of martial-arts training to maximize strength and fitness at California Kickboxing & Fitness Club, which offers a wealth of classes focused on stretching, fighting stances and footwork that will give you a superhero's physique in no time.
Finalist
Young Park Taekwondo-Karate
1774 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 796-3481
Led by instructor/owner Young Park, classes in this Korean martial art blend principles of self-defense and sport with long-honored traditions of meditation and philosophy, helping you channel superhuman strength.
Best Massage
Burke Williams
39 Mills Place, Pasadena | (626) 440-1222 |
www.burkewilliamsspa.com
Whatever you want a massage to be, staff members at Burke Williams will make it happen. Do you go for long, luxurious rubs that make you melt into the table, or are you looking for something a little more stimulating and energizing? Either way, you're likely to walk away feeling you've gotten exactly what you came for.
Finalist
Amadeus Spa
799 E. Green St., Pasadena | (626) 578-3404 |
www.amadeusspa.com
With a healthy menu of massage offerings, packages and therapy sessions, no one gets to the meat of a good massage like Amadeus, which uses hot stones and customizes sessions for your particular needs and stress areas.
Best Med Spa
O U Beauty
130 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale | (818) 551-1682 |
www.oubeauty.com
If younger, smoother and brighter-looking skin is what you're after, look no further. O U Beauty offers a wide range of treatments, including Botox, dermal filler and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) laser treatments. You can also purchase products made by the preeminent names in skincare.
Best Nail Salon (tie)
Sontre Nails
2569 Mission St., San Marino | (626) 799-2538
A convenient and thorough mani-pedi experience awaits you here, where workers are known for honoring their appointments in a timely manner and providing fast and friendly service.
Tinzee Nail Salon
436 S. Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena | (626) 403-3311 | tinzeenailsalon.com
Tinzee devotees know this the place to get pampered without breaking the bank. With pedicures featuring crystallized sea salts and an aloe foot-scrub, Tinzee knows that sometimes true comfort starts from the bottom up.
Finalist
Dashing Diva
27 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena | (626) 449-3482 |
www.dashingdiva.com
This franchise location boasts a number of innovative products and services, including Virtual Nails, a full-cover nail that looks completely natural. Come here for a quick manicure or to relax and catch up with good friends.
Finalist
Skin Deep Laser Med Spa
425 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena | (626) 449-8873 |
www.skindeeplaser.com
Whether you're a celebrity, or just want to feel like one, go to Skin Deep Laser Med Spa, which uses medical-grade products and services and is licensed in Botox administration, microdermabrasion and laser hair removal.
Best Mortgage Broker
Brett Stumm
535 S. Marengo Ave., Pasadena | (626) 440-9430 |
www.brettstumm.com
In these troubling times, people looking for help with home purchases or refinancing options can get common-sense solutions from mortgage planner Brett Stumm, who has personally funded more than 900 real estate loans in the past 17 years.
Best Real Estate Company
Sotheby's International Realty
459 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 229-0909 | www.sothebyshomes.com
Customers who've worked with agents at Sotheby's appreciate the collective wisdom of a business that knows the Pasadena market backward and forward and can pass on the knowledge to those who may be unfamiliar with the market.
Finalist
Dilbeck Realtors
132 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 584-0101 |
www.dilbeck.com
Boasting a staff of trained associates, many of whom grew up in or live in this community, Dilbeck Realtors serves Pasadena residents with invaluable expertise and local know-how.
Best Realtor
Shirley Donovan
Sotheby's International Reality | 459 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 229-0909, sothebyshomes.com/socal
For more than 30 years, Shirley Donovan has approached the real estate business with a sense of professionalism and compassion. Representing both sellers and buyers, Donovan draws on her experience as a community volunteer and mother of two during interactions with clients.
Finalist
Ann-Marie Villicana
Dilbeck Realtors | 132 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 431-2252 | www.dilbeck.com
Named by Dilbeck Realtors as the No. 1 Pasadena agent in 2004 and 2005, Ann-Marie Villicana is a Realtor, broker and a real estate attorney with a master's degree in real estate development. She was also the Pasadena City Council's first Latina member.
Best Senior/Assisted-Living Facility
The Oaks of Pasadena
2954 E. Del Mar Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 356-2600 | www.oaksofpasadena.com
Since opening its doors in 1981, The Oaks of Pasadena has featured the best in
upscale independent and assisted living in studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Gourmet meals are served three times daily from a full-service restaurant located on-site and amenities include an activities calendar, indoor and outdoor lounging areas and transportation.
Finalist
Fair Oaks by Regency Park
951 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena | (626) 204-1700 | "
www.regencypk.com
With more than 30 years of assisted living under its belt, Fair Oaks by Regency Park offers independent and assisted-living facilities in an elegant environment that tailors services to individuals' needs.
Best Pilates
Le Studio Pilates
36 W. Mountain St., Ste. 111, Pasadena |(626) 792-9866 | www.lestudiopilates.com
Staff at Le Studio Pilates offer private and semi-private classes that focus on participants' individual fitness goals and cater to those working with an injury or compromising health conditions. Trainers enhance the quality of exercises and results by ensuring you maintain correct positioning at all times.
Finalist
Concentric Studio
2700 E. Foothill Blvd., Ste. 101, Pasadena (626) 577-4840 | www.concentricstudio.com
A movement and body-conditioning studio, Concentric is dedicated to helping you develop and maintain balance, coordination and flexibility while engaging core abdominal muscles for strength.
Best Tattoo/Piercing
Shogun Tattoo
2480 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 578-1330 |
www.shoguntattoo.com
For the past decade, the staff at Shogun has combined experience and artistry to create breathtaking custom tattoo creations. The shop also specializes in body piercing for those mysteriously drawn to studs and rods.
Finalist
Anomaly Body Piercing Studio
1039 E. Green St., Pasadena | (626) 793-8930 |
www.anomalypiercing.com
Anomaly features a hair salon, an art gallery and can tell you exactly where to stick it.
Best Veterinarian
Rose City Veterinary Hospital
2695 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 796-8387 |
www.wcpc.net
Rose City Veterinary Hospital offers solutions for concerned pet owners, including wellness exams, radiology/ultrasound and animal rehabilitation, in a caring and professional environment. The facility also offers a series of workshops on the MacCorkle Method of natural home care for animal guardians.
Finalist
Foothill Veterinary Hospital
2204 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 792-1187 |
www.foothillvet.com
A mainstay for Pasadena pet lovers, Foothill Veterinary Hospital puts pet care and wellness at the top of a long list of diagnostic and medical services for pets of many kinds.
Best Yoga
Yoga House
11 W. State St., Pasadena | (626) 403-3961 |
www.yogahouse.com
Lauded by customers as an oasis from the harsh world outside, this local favorite offers a little something for everyone - from prenatal and introductory classes to more challenging sessions and regular workshops. Among its favored features are open spaces where visitors are encouraged to relax and oooohhhmmmmm their troubles away.
Finalist
Bikram's Yoga College of India
2089 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena | (626) 304-9642 | www.bikrampasadena.com
The Bikram style of yoga, performed at room temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, is a regimen designed to deepen stretches, improve blood circulation and relieve aches and pains with reduced risk of injury. At Bikram's Yoga College of India, new students are introduced to this powerful mind-body experience.