Sara Smola

Los Angeles

Managing Editor at Pasadena Magazine

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Articles

Away We Go: Must-Have Travel Gear, Cabo’s New Resorts + Direct Festival Flights

1 week ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola |Ramona Saviss

1. Four Seasons Cabo Del Sol The ever-expanding Los Cabos coastline welcomes yet another development — Cabo Del Sol. This gated community boasts the new Four Seasons Cabo Del Sol, as well as the upcoming Park Hyatt and Soho House (both slated to open later this year) projects, among other resorts. In addition to Four Seasons’ Cayao restaurant by chef Richard Sandoval, the hotel’s Coraluz restaurant just launched LOTERIA!, a weekly taqueria pop-up inspired by Mexico City’s street taco shops.
Inside a Stunning Tudor Revival in Pasadena’s Bungalow Heaven: Bella Casa’s Artful Home Staging

1 week ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola

Pasadena’s Bungalow Heaven is known for its early 20th century bungalow homes, many built during the Arts & Crafts period. The quiet, close-knit neighborhood has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as one of the “10 great places in America.” Recently, 1300 N. Holliston Ave., a beautiful 1925 English Tudor revival style home in Bungalow Heaven, sold for $2.882 million (listed by Sarah Rogers of The Agency).
Brooks Williams Benefit Concert to Support Fire Relief Efforts

2 weeks ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola

Guitarist, singer and songwriter Brooks Williams will perform live at Pasadena’s Knox Presbyterian Church on May 31. The Georgia-born, UK-based artist is a legend on the acoustic music scene, ranking in the top 100 acoustic guitarists. While planning the concert, in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, Williams wanted the proceeds go to a local fire relief effort.
This Light-Filled Condo in a 1927 Landmark Puts You in the Heart of Pasadena

1 month ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola

Seeking a slice of city life in the heart of Pasadena? Look no further. The historic 760-square-foot condo, listed by Kimberly Turner of Nourmand & Associates for $675,000, is your spot. Located at 139 S. Los Robles Ave., unit #306 is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence within the original landmark Livingstone Hotel that can be enjoyed as a pied-à-terre or full-time dwelling.
A Showstopping Debut: The Bauer Estate and Gardens

1 month ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola

This year marks an impressive milestone for Pasadena Showcase House of Design, one of the nation’s oldest home and garden tours, as the Bauer Estate makes its debut as the event’s 60th featured home. For Matt McIntyre, 2024-2025 president of the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, the all-volunteer nonprofit that produces the home tour, it was a priority to find a new, never-before-featured property.
Pasadena Power Women: Lucy Thompson-Ramirez

1 month ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola

Lucy Thompson-Ramirez and her family moved from Mexico to the U.S. in 1979 when she was four years old. Despite financial challenges, Thompson-Ramirez graduated from the U. of Santa Barbara with honors. After graduation, she pursued a career in fashion, joining a sales agency. Later, she opened her own showroom. After 18 years in the fashion industry, the recession and travel took a toll on Thompson-Ramirez, then pregnant with her second son.
Pasadena Power Women: Eva Lin

2 months ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola

Eva Lin’s determination has earned her a reputation as one of the region’s best-performing realtors. In 2024, Lin achieved over $180 million in annual home sales and was ranked #1 top agent for Pasadena in terms of sales volume. Before she became a powerhouse agent, Lin enjoyed an idyllic early childhood in rural China. When she immigrated to Florida, the transition was less than smooth. The only Chinese student, Lin was bullied in high school. “My childhood taught me how to be resilient,” says Lin.
Pasadena Power Women: Rabbi Jill Gold Wright, Ph.D.

2 months ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola

“I started teaching in synagogues when I was about 15,” says Rabbi Jill Gold Right, who assumed the role of director of education at Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center (PJTC) in 2024. “I never had the traditional high school or college job of working in fast food or retail.
Pasadena Power Women: Jennifer Ha Boquecosa

2 months ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola

Beauty industry entrepreneur Jennifer Ha Boquecosa isn’t one to back down from a challenge.. “I grew up with literally nothing. I never even had an allowance.” says Boquecosa, whose family immigrated to the U.S. when she was five years old. For nearly three decades Boquecosa has been a major player in Pasadena’s beauty scene. She currently owns three thriving businesses, including Harmony Nail & Threading Salon in Old Town and Nailtique in Sierra Madre.
Rebecca Crews: From Motherhood to a Flourishing Career in Fashion and Entertainment at 42

2 months ago | pasadenamag.com | Sara Smola

Rebecca Crews grew up dreaming of dancing on Broadway. “My dream was to play Anita in a revival of ‘Westside Story,’” says Crews. Crews was in college when she discovered she was pregnant. She describes becoming a mom as the “turning point” in her life. “I considered adoption but, being a woman who is biracial, I wasn’t sure I trusted the system so I thought if I get good work [opportunities], I could take care of this little girl,” says Crews. Putting performing on hold, Crews went to beauty school.