Sitting here writing this, bundled against cold temperatures and cloudy skies, I am so grateful for last Saturday’s fantastic weather for the CVHS Prom Plus Holiday Tour of Homes. Temperatures hovered around 80 degrees and though some – like my friends Jim Chase and Mary O’Keefe – don’t typically appreciate the warm temps in December, I couldn’t have been happier.

The tour of homes is one of the biggest fundraisers for Prom Plus and the pleasant weather helped to ensure its success. One of the most popular draws was the recently christened Fire House located on the grounds of St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church at Rosemont and Foothill. Not only was it historically significant, but the grand courtyard was a perfect place for the many vendors to display their wares. The vicar Bryan Jones was kind enough to open the church to visitors (you’d be surprised at how many folks haven’t seen the inside of the church) as well as opening the doors to Sadler Hall where Prom Plus had baked goods on sale donated by Berolina Bakery and local moms and opportunity baskets provided by several generous businesses.

This year’s residential homes were also a big hit. Thanks are extended to James Davis Polk, owner of the prestigious Flintridge House on Verdugo Road, who opened his canyonside home to ticketholders. Not only was the property eclectic and sophisticated, the views were spectacular.

Principal Michele Doll’s home hosted the CVHS Charismatics who gathered on her sweeping staircase dressed in Dickens-era costumes. Later in the day, the CVHS jazz band assembled on her park-like grounds in the back and played to the delight of tour guests.

The Richards home on Santa Carlotta was an opportunity for those who for years have stopped by during the Christmas season to enjoy the choreographed music and light display to peek inside the completely remodeled home. A special treat in the afternoon was the arrival of their neighbor and contractor. “Johnny” has been working with the family for years overseeing their vision from concept to completion and the painstaking work was evident to all that visited. Musicians from Rosemont Middle School made visitors feel that much more welcome.

Thank you to all who took part in this fundraiser – whether ticketholder or homeowner.

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Furthering our immersion in the holiday spirit, the family and I (including baby granddaughter) headed to L.A. Live on Sunday evening to watch the ice skaters.

Now I know that there are few things that compare to New York’s Rockefeller Center, but in my personal opinion L.A. Live is a fun experiment in attempting to bring New York’s whimsy to downtown.

The temporary rink is sponsored by the L.A. Kings and costs $12 for unlimited skating and skate rental – not a bad deal. To one side is a huge electric tree that is choreographed to music and surrounding the rink are giant projection screens advertising events at the Staples Center and Nokia Theatre as well as broadcasting traditional commercials. Outside the rink are copious poinsettias, with a train set running through them. Very colorful and festive.

We decided to grab dinner “rink side” at Wolfgang Puck’s and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, people-and-skater watching.

A definite fun way to spend a Sunday – but when we’re all together it’s usually a memory in the making.

  column, robin goldsworthy