Holland V.

James F Miller Law Offices

Some years ago I was looking for an attorney to create a trust with some unusual provisions. Based on a recommendation by my accountant, I met with Jim Miller. He was sensitive to my requirements and produced solid documents that honor all of them. Every situation I've turned to Jim with has been anything but run-of-the-mill, and I have not been disappointed by the action we chose in each case. I appreciate his smart, sober view, and trust his advice. Staff reflects same high standards. Lovely offices in a small historic building restored by the Millers.

PROS: Smart, solid, trustworthy legal consultancy
CONS:

Halvorson's Cleaners

Halvorsons has always done an excellent job cleaning my clothes and linens. I've also used them to hem some items, again with excellent results. I find their prices competitive -- not discount but not high, either. Everyone on the other side of the counter is efficient, capable and polite ... and if it doesn't interfere with another customer, they'll let me leave my car in the lot for a quick dash into TJs. Isn't that nice?! This is one of those local businesses that makes living in So Pas a joy.

Starbucks

There's hardly a Starbucks within a 15-mile radius of So Pas I have not tried. This is the one I most often visit, and convenience is a minor factor in making that so. Though the cast of barristas undergoes continuous change, there's a core team who keep this Starbucks running well. I find the employees at all Starbucks a cut above most retail, and this store seems to have the cream (or, in my case, that'd be soy, please.)

PROS: mmmmmm, coffee ..... and the line is moving quickly
CONS: No left turn out of the lot. Big deal.

South Pasadena Library

I confess I should spend much more time at the So Pas Library. It's such a fitting icon of the town, in the midst of old trees and lovely grounds. When I DO go, I always marvel at the helpfulness of the staff. Wish I could let serendipity take its way and browse the stacks, but alas, I use the library as an adjunct to the internet to research writing projects. Usually what I want is arcane and therefore not always found. I am hopeful that archival databases will be added to the e-library service (audio book downloads) they recently added.

PROS: Gracious throwback to classy libraries of the past
CONS: So far, no access to electronic archives (databases, periodicals)

Signature Nails

After trying four other nail salons in So Pas, I stopped my search at Signature. I like the friendly, no-nonsense approach. They keep things moving so you don't linger too long, but the work is thorough and top-notch. Cleaner than most places. Pleasant background music; no TV, thank heaven. I like to read and they don't insist on talking to me. Most chit-chat is low key and not in English, so it's not intrusive. Prices are an excellent value. As long as Signature stays as it is, I'll be a customer.

PROS: top-notch manis - pedis; fairly priced; clean, attractive place
CONS: so very minor: parking's on street, not in lot

Oasis Beauty Retreat

Mani-and-pedi were fine, but facial was not a good experience. Instead of letting me relax in quiet, every few minutes I'd be prompted to agree "feels good, yes?" Plus a lot of hard sell for extras, which I now admit I caved on just to silence the esthetician. They added a load to the tab. Also, the mild-electrical impulse machine used over my skin is, I skeptically suspect, a load of another kind. At the end, I had to bat away all the pricey product pushed on me.

PROS: clean, pleasant space
CONS: pushy, pricey

Downey City Animal Control

Since its recent renovation, Southeast Area Animal Care & Control Authority ("SEAACA") is right up there with the best humane societies. Never saw a cleaner operation. Animals are in comfortable quarters, well tended by the staff. Big surprise: the full-service veterinary clinic, open afternoons to the public. The vet looks after shelter animals and will see "outside" pets too. Low cost spay/neuter, vaccinations and micro-chipping for any pet. They are really trying to place more animals and will work with prospective adopters. Truly worth a trip.

PROS: vet clinic for all; staff attitude is pro-animals; super clean!
CONS: look on the map to find it; tucked at end of cul-de-sac