Pat Pattison’s California Holiday Special: Santa’s Village, Surfers Healing & South Coast Plaza

Welcome to Pam Patterson's Best of California. It's the holiday show. I'm here at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Huge Christmas tree. We're going to show you Sky Park Santa's Village up in Lake Arrowhead. We're going to go visit the surfing Santaas, surfers healing down at Dana Point. We're also going to give you some tips on the Rose Parade going in person. So, wait and see what there is in store here at South Coast Plaza and all those other places. Let's get going. I'm Pat Patterson and I love California. Off to Sky Forest up in the San Bernardino Mountains near Lake Arrowhead for Sky Park Santa's Village. We're here at Sky Park Santa's Village. We're going to show you around. Unbelievable what they've done here. Bill Johnson and his gang. Let's take a look. So, here we are in one of the old bumblebees that used to be flying around here. More incredibly is one of the original mushrooms. I remember these from when I was a kid back in the 50s. So, we got 50s, we got later. Check it out. It matches my shoes. Another great thing about Sky Park Santa's Village. A lot of physical activity. You can see the kids climbing the rocks behind me. There's all the pedal cars. There's bikes. Uh, a lot of exertion, a lot of fun. I love the fact that they've done all this here and the family can come and work up a sweat. And I'm excited that I'm here with Brad Laughlin, assistant general manager of Santa's Village Sky Park. Santa's Village. >> That's right. >> Now, Brad, when I got here, there's everybody in line with a bike. What's going on with that? >> The original Santa's Village property closed down in 1998. We got the property and reopened it in 2016. And one of the core elements of reopening the park was to add an outdoor adventure theme. The owners of the park, they're local family and uh they were looking for a place to build a mountain bike park. When the opportunity came around, they thought, you know, let's let's try it here. Let's build a worldass mountain bike park and bring back uh a lost gem in the Southern California mountains. >> And just in terms of kind of how many people are here for bikes, how many people are here for Santa? What do you think the mix is? Yeah. So, this time of of year it's about 50/50. Um, as we go into the November months and we really concentrate on the Santa's village part of the park, um, you know, it tends to get a lot a lot more family, uh, engagement. >> What other things happen during the year? >> Yeah. So, uh, after Pumpkins and the Pines, we concentrate on Santa's Village uh, in January. Um, we switch over to a winter wonderland overlay. So if we get snow at the park, we do a lot of snowshoeing, ice skating, things like that. And as we get into the spring and summer months, we just concentrate on the outdoor family adventure. I asked Brad what was the oldest thing here from the original Sanders Village and he mentioned the chapel. >> Yeah. So right behind us is the Chapel of the Little Shepherd and it was built in the early 1950s and now we hold weddings here at the park. um ranging anywhere from 15 people, you know, a 10 person elopment to a 250 uh person ceremony. They say mountain biking is the new golf and uh we get mountain bikers from around the world that come here and visit the park. We've got a a worldass trail system, almost 10 miles of combined mountain bike trails. Um and it's set up a lot like a ski resort. So you have everything from your blue circles or green circles, blue squares, and and black diamonds. Um, so riders of every age can and ability can pick the trail that suits them. >> You also have a zip line here. Tell me tell me about that. >> Yeah, so we have a 500 ft zipline. It's an auto braking system. You actually uh exit the zip line by jumping off a platform where you're hooked into an auto blay and it it lowers you down to the ground. So, it's quite the adventure. >> So, if you don't have $8,000 to buy your own mountain bike, what what's behind me? So, right behind us, we've got the bike shop. Uh bike shop, we've got rentals available, so you can actually rent one of those bikes um for about $657 for the day um without without having that major investment and figuring out if you like the sport or if you just want to try something new. >> And and repairs here, too, if your bike breaks down. >> Yeah, that's right. So, we have a fullervice bike shop. Um we do bike tuning, repairs, everything. Brad Laughlin, thank you for telling us about the incredible morphing of Santa's Village into Sky Park Santa's Village. What a wonderful, wonderful combination of things to do out here for the family. Let's take a look around at some more parts of this great place. And now to the beach in Dana Point for surfing Santaas surfers healing a charity. We talked to the two founders and one of the winners of the young person's surfing competition down there. >> Ho ho ho. It is Santa. >> A whole lot of love. A whole lot of love. We're surfing. Santa's down here at the Ritz Carlton Resort, Salt Creek uh beach. And Santa, tell me what this thing's all about. I mean, it's the ultimate California thing. Surfing and sand. So, the Israel Pascowitz, the Pasitz family's been around for just forever. And u he had a son that had a little bit of autism. >> Okay. >> And so, in order for him to heal his son, he had to bring him to the ocean. The ocean is more the most purest place in the world. >> So I am so excited to be here with one of the co-founders of Surfers Healing, Izzy Pascowitz. So Izzy, tell me about Surfers Healing. >> Surfers Healing. Where do we start? >> We'll start uh we'll start right here. >> Oh, great. >> I I I have a 32year-old autistic son. Okay. Uh so service healing >> right >> is a free um camp and it's either one or two days um that we have um >> around the world at no charge to these parents. We have 26 events um around the world. >> Around the world average of 200 children, teens and adults because my Isaiah is 32 years old. So >> I'm not going to discriminate against, you know, kids and adults that want to come down and want to be a part of this. And I'm >> the spirit of a kid. >> It's absolutely. So we're able to adapt. >> And is he your co-founder? Let's talk to the other co-founder. Danielle, your wife Danielle, can you join us here? Come on in. >> Come on in. So tell me, Danielle, what what this means to you. >> Uh this contest, this is our I think our 12th year um down here at the beach. And then we have >> the surfboard auction up at the hotel. >> And you're a surfer as well? >> I used to be when I was a child, but I grew up in a surf wing family. And my dad is 83 years old and he still works on surfboards. >> Wow. Wow. That's incredible. So this has kind of been the family jeans, right? >> Yes. Both sides. >> Both sides. And you have kids. And now I understand a grandchild. >> Three grandchildren. >> Three grandchildren. How awesome. And And so now are you guys all local here? Is this Are you still live here? >> Yes, we still live in the area. >> Did you grow up down here? I did. >> Yeah, I did. Yeah. The basit story is we grew up in Hawaii, then we traveled around the world and Israel and >> that's another story with their waves everywhere. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. So, so what's your vision for where Surfers Healing is going to go? It's 26 uh events. That's incredible. Is that hard to Is that hard to do? >> And it's been like I think 26 years, 26 locations in 26 years. Wow. >> So, yeah, it's hard, but we want to just keep adding and taking more people and expanding our autism family and and I mean, we have a lot of kids that have come down over the years and are adults now. >> They were little and they're surfing by themselves. So, that's what it's all about. >> So, Danielle and Izzy Pascowitz, thank you for all you're doing for the community. It's so great to talk to you. It's an honor. >> Thank you so much. >> Look at some tips from Liza and I on how to go to the Rose Parade in person right here in Pasadena. So, I'm here with my daughter, Liza. And Liza, we know a special way to get to the parade, a secret way. We've been doing this for 30 years. Do you think it's time oldtimer? >> And here are our best tips for going to the Rose Parade. Check this out. This is where it all begins. The corner of Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. The Rose Parade. the quintessential California event that everybody should go to in person at least once. Here are some tips to make that easy. So, tip number one, just go. Don't overthink it. It's not that hard. It seems like everybody's afraid to come down here, but you got to just do it. So, the next tip is you got to decide, are you an overnight camper, a reserve seat type, or a stealth in and out? We're going to show you how to do that towards the end. Here's the information on reserve seating. So, at the Rose Parade, this is what you're probably used to seeing, the Norton Simon Museum, cuz the TV cameras are usually set up up here. Norton Simon Museum. There's a view 5 and a half miles in person. You can see so you can get reserved seating here in the grand stands. You see them being built. They put these up every year. It's like building a football stadium every year. Well, that's one way to go. Let's look at the next tip. My next tip for you guys is to travel light. If you're traveling with an infant or a toddler, leave the strollers at home. You guys are pretty much going to be walking down the boulevard like this. It is going to be so crowded. So, no huge backpacks. Maybe bring a fanny pack. They're back in fashion. >> So, the next tip, comfortable shoes with support, a lot of walking. So Liza, is it time to reveal our secret way to go to the Rose Parade and still sleep in? >> Yeah, I love sleeping in. So we have to do it my way. >> So we've been doing this I've been doing it for 30 years. You've been coming here since you were what? >> Maybe three. >> Three or five? Yeah. We're at Paloma at Aladena. Follow us. >> This is usually where all of the band buses are. all the marching bands, all the cheerleaders making sure that they are doing the right stretches. And that part's really fun because you kind of get to see a behind thescenes thing while you're going down this street. And once we get here to the end, you'll see where the action really takes place. All right, guys. We're reaching the end of Paloma Street. And here we are at Sierra Madre Boulevard. This is exactly where the parade is going to be passing by. All right, the next tip, you guys, is once you come down Sierra Madre Boulevard, you're going to figure out where you're going to stand or sit. I like to be on this side. Some folks like to be a little bit more crowded on this side. I know it looks open and available right now, but I will not be able to do anything like this come parade day. None of this, none of that, none of this. Next tip, not a lot of bathroom facilities. So go before you come, particularly if you're a man of a certain age. So, and by far one of the best tips, go Metro. Use the gold line. Take it to the Delmare station. you walk two blocks north to the parade. Memorial Park Station, walk two blocks south. Lake Station, you're going to walk two blocks south to the parade. Or the Allen station where we are, you're going to walk four blocks south or Metro Link up to Union Station. You get a free pass on the Gold Line. So, this is the perfect way to come. Avoid all the traffic, avoid parking, and wait a minute. Here we go. >> This is fantastic. There's absolutely no traffic. >> Yeah, go Metro. The gold line. It's the best. Another great Rose Parade tip. Volunteer to help decorate a float. Lockin Flint Ridge does theirs right here under the 210. Sarah Madre builds their own float. Torrance Alhamra needs volunteers. Burbank and Downey volunteer to help decorate a float. Another fun tip is you can help the professionals decorate their floats. You got Artistic Entertainment Services of Pasadena. You got Fiesta Parade Floats in Irwondale. And you got Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwwindale. So get involved, help decorate a float. So, aren't those some incredible tips on the Rose Parade? Let's keep going. So, I'm so excited. It is the holidays and as usual, I'm at South Coast Plaza with Deborah Gun Downing. And Deborah, this is my favorite segment every year. >> Mine, too. I'm so happy you're here. >> Debra. Deborah. And so, but before we get into all the fun exclusives you have and the new stores that have opened here at South Coast Plaza, tell me kind of the activities, the people that just want to >> why we should come here for the holidays. >> How how to celebrate the holiday. >> Absolutely. So, we won't even get into the stores, but you know, we have three Christmas trees. We have one on each side of our property here and we have one in front of the west end that has 20,000 lights. These are all just spectacular and different moments that have to be witnessed. We have 30,000 ft of garland in the shopping center. Um we have >> Did you have to roll that up every year? You have to >> I'm in charge of putting that out. Incredible. >> We actually have 30,000 poinsettias here throughout the holiday season. We have two poinsettia trees and we put it in the landscaping. So, it's just first of all, it's just a sight to behold. People feel happy. You know, you want to get in the mood for the season and you hear the music. We have live music. We have those trees. We have the decor and there's always something interesting in the stores. >> So, there's a reason to keep coming back and and be entertained as well. >> Absolutely. Yeah. >> So, this is incredible. >> A running theme. It's an advent calendar. And I think this is particularly special. This is by Kraton Barrel. And this becomes an advent calendar that you can reuse and reuse because many of them come in, you know, a a cardboard box with little inserts for fragrance or candy or whatever. This is >> se this is season after season. Something that will become part of the family tradition. >> Very Bavarian. >> Yeah, very Bavarian. Beautifully made. >> Unbelievably pretty. And then I think we'll go up here because this is the beautiful Bakar. >> How old is Bakra? I mean I mean >> it's a very old heritage brand and I can't give you the >> uh brands like this that you just go how did they manage that's quality, right? >> It's quality. I mean the quality is so impeccable. Look at this vase. I mean that is a piece of art again. And this particular candle holder has a little, you know, little votive in there, but you can use it this way and it's for a taper. It It'd be just such a sparkly, beautiful piece on a holiday table. >> What do we have over here? >> Okay, over here we have two fabulous brands. First of all, this is Delvo. This is a crocodile bag. So special. I mean, it should be on the arm of every >> person who wants to be very special for the holidays. It's so beautiful. It's crocodile. It's about $30,000. So, it is an investment, but it is a very exquisite piece. Delvo is made in Belgium and they have they're handbags only. It's a gorgeous brand, but this is a very special piece and exclusive design. >> That's a piece of art. >> It is a piece of art. And of course, this bag, which you know is a workhorse and we're going to use this every day. This only on special occasions. And next we have this gorgeous leather jacket by Bayga Veneta with the iconic pattern. >> Wow. >> Checkered pattern. And look at this leather. >> Oh my gosh, >> it's gorgeous. It's absolutely gorgeous. This would be a stunning Christmas gift for any woman. It's about $13,000. Um absolutely beautiful and the workmanship on the leather and the color and it's just wonderful. And next we have a bag that's by Bayga, exclusive to South Coast Plaza also. You can only buy this here. >> You can only buy it here. >> Yes. And it's the the ox blood. Beautiful color of the season. It's a great little bag for everyday use. >> And what what else is going on? The carousel. >> The carousel turns into reindeers at the holiday. So that that's such a special moment for kids because you know it's transformed and it's holiday and it plays holiday music. So, the carousel is good and we add a train um for little ones for the holiday season. Yes. So, that's over on our Kraton Barrel wing side of the street and it goes around the atrium. Wow. >> Um so, >> of course, Santa, right? >> And Santa is a huge reason. >> Um and we have we have Santa's Village on one side of the street and Santa's workshop on the other side of the street. So, you can always get an appointment at one or the other. You know, there's plenty of opportunities to see Santa. So, lots to do. You got to come down to South Coast Plaza and just celebrate the holidays no matter what you're after. >> Exactly. >> I'm here with Allison Ash. We're at the rapper. And Allison, you said your mother started this. >> She started this um when I was a child, so that was a long time ago. >> At Richard's Market Richard's Market. I know this market. >> Yeah. So, she started it in a it was just a kiosk really. Um, a space a little bit bigger than where we're standing right now. >> So, teach me how to wrap. Teach me how to wrap. >> Okay. Here's a box. There's nothing in it, but we're going to learn how to wrap. >> So, we take these giant bolts of paper, >> right? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I always put way too much extra paper. >> Too much paper is not your friend. >> And you fold. >> I always fold this. Why do I fold this? Because if you don't fold it, >> it catches and it rips. And then a customer is walking out carrying a package and it catches on something and it it rips. Make sure the corners are really tight. >> So notice how my corners are tight. >> And then you folded it again. >> Well, yeah, cuz I don't want that to rip and I look finished. >> I've already learned so much. >> So on your mark, set, go. Wrap wrap a present. >> Oh my god. >> Okay, >> here we go. Boom. >> Now you're wasting >> three fingers. Three fingers. >> This way. Put it this way. You don't want the seam to be on on the long side. You want the you want it to be over here. >> Oh my god. I feel so much pressure. >> Okay. Now, what you did is you went >> and then you like >> Yep. >> Oh, >> hopefully you have sharp scissors. >> You have to have good scissors. >> And then you went like this way. I >> think you're wasting paper. I hate wasted paper. >> This is bad. This is bad. Have we already blown it? >> A hack job already. Okay. >> Okay. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Don't give up on me. >> I I'm not >> Don't give up on me cuz we're going to be >> Oops. No, that No, you have officially flunked your wrapping. I pity your family. >> I hope you enjoyed that episode. I loved going to Sky Park Santa's Village. I love sitting on Santa's lap and I learned how to ramp. Tune in next time.