On the celebration of our country's Independence and the declaration
drafted by Thomas Jefferson, I would like to share a piece of history that is very relevant to America.
A very important figure in American history, Filippo (Phillip) Mazzei is
actually an ancestor of Dott. Jacopo Mazzei, co-developer of Palazzo Tornabuoni. Phillip Mazzei was born in Tuscany, studied
medicine and practiced it in Italy and the Middle East for several years before moving to London in 1755 to take up a mercantile
career as an importer. While in London he met the Americans Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Adams of Virginia. They convinced
him to undertake his next venture.
In 1773
he led a group of Italians who came to Virginia to introduce the cultivation of vineyards, olives, and other Mediterranean
fruits. Mazzei became a neighbor and friend of Thomas Jefferson. Mazzei and Jefferson started what became the first commercial
vineyard in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They shared an interest in politics and libertarian values, and maintained an active
correspondence for the rest of Mazzei's life. He wrote a political history of the American Revolution, "Recherches historiques
et politiques sur les Etats-Unis de l'Amerique septentrionale", and published it in Paris in 1788. After its publication
Mazzei became an unofficial roving ambassador in Europe for American ideas and institutions.
This contribution was acknowledged by John F. Kennedy in his book A Nation
of Immigrants, in which he states that: The great doctrine "All men are created equal" incorporated into the
Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson, was paraphrased from the writing of Philip Mazzei, an Italian-born patriot
and pamphleteer, who was a close friend of Jefferson.
Wishing
you a Happy Fourth of July,
Mark Randall Sales Executive
Palazzo Tornabuoni Via Tornabuoni, 16 50123 Florence, Italy
SCIM magazine wishes you and your family a safe & fun July 4th Holiday
Tatste Of Italy on LA 6/27
click photo
Summer 2009 Publishers Column
Hope you are having a great Summer. As our online magazine continues to grow (150 + Hits a day
and 4500 average monthly) we are continually amazed by the popularity and growth of Italian related
Events throughout So Cal. On July 30th less than a month away, please join SO CAL Italian Magazine for a Social
and Networking Mixer at Canaletto Restaurant in Fashion Island Details are listed on this page - We appreciate the
Support of our Sponsors / Advertisers for our online magazine and our associates who are helping us promote "a
taste of Italy" 24/7 in So Cal. If you wish to be listed on our online our print version of SO CAL Italian Magazine please call us at 714.901.5555. The deadline for our summer print version to be distributed to guests at our Summer
Mixer on July 30th is July 15th. Please call our office if you wish to reserve your ad for this
promotion. We will be glad to help you get your Restaurant, Product, Service or Event featured. Recently
SCIM Publisher JBGmg opened an Office in Garden Grove celebrating our 5th Anniversary since we started the online Magazine.
Our Motto is If It's Italian we want to know. As always we welcome your story ideas, contributions, press releases. Wishing you a happy, healthy, event filled summer and may God Bless you always ..
So Cal Italian Magazine
dba JBGMG Publisher & Editor – JB GRIFFIN Website Design – JBGmg Printing - JBGmg So Cal Italian Magazine Print is published & distributed by JBGmg 12881 Knott
Street Suite 237 Garden Grove, CA 92841 Office: 714.901.5555 Fax: 562.222.4320 email –
sales@jbgmg.com www.jbgmg.com
Ciao! and Thank you for visiting ! Please
click on pictures to enlarge..
ITALIAN
Recording Artists Vintage Records click here
downtown LA Skyline
June Gloom photo SCIM
LAKERS WIN NBA title in 5 Games Versus Orlando
Growing Up In LA I vividly remember the frustration and jinx the
Lakers experienced with the likes of legends West, Baylor, Chamberlain & Goodrich getting so close
to winning the NBA Finals on more than one occasion but usually falling short to the ugly Celtics
who seemed to have the Lakers number. In 1973 the jinx continued as the Lakers fell short to a less superior Knicks
team. Redemption came in the 70's the The Golden Years known as Showtime with Kareem, Magic and
some great role players like Erickson, Cooper, Rambis, Nixon, Thompson to name a few as the Lakers rolled to Multiple
NBA Titles under the leadership of Magic & Kareem and Coach Pat Riley. SCIM wishes to congratulate the current
rendition 2009 Lakers for winning their 15th overall NBA Championship in Laker History, 2nd
only to the Legendary Boston Celtics with 17 all time NBA titles. Congratulations to Laker Legendary
Coach Phil Jackson for winning his 10th NBA title as Head Coach and the entire Laker Franchise for this great
accomplishment. Oh Yeah, Kobe Bryant this years Finals MVP spent his early years Living in Italy due
to his Father's Career as a player in the Italian Pro Basketball League.
JB, SCIM Publisher So Cal Native
Sheila G. named Director of Marketing & PR for So
Cal Italian Magazine online 24/7, Ask for Sheila if you wish to advertise or promote your restaurant , business
or events on So Cal Italian Magazine email chezsheilag@gmail.com or call 949.422.5683
Flavia Di Nino www.dininoglobalconsulting.com & Gianfranco Faccioola enjoying the Hawthorne Italian Festival on 6/13/09 photo SCIM
So Cal Italian Magazine Publisher J.B. Griffin www.jbgmg.com and PR Associate Sheila G participated in the 3rd Annual Hawthorne Italian Festival with
a Tent Display along with one of Our Featured Advertisers Claudio DeRuggiero of Mediterranean Marble www.mediterraneanmarble.com . SCIM wishes to thank Mayor Larry Guidi and David Donnini www.davidmdonnini.com for organizing such a great event and inviting us to participate. Click Here for some photo highlights. Congratulations to Cherelle Reaves from Irvine, CA who won the SCIM
drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate to Il Fornaio www.ilfornaio.com
Are you looking to Buy, Sell or need a Property Management
Co. call JBGmg Official Sponsor of So Cal Italian Magazine www.jbgmg.com Service anywhere in SO CAL - from Mobile Homes to Mansions...
Join us in Newport Beach for our Summer
Mixer on the patio at Canaletto on July 30th, Thursday Night from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the So Cal Italian Magazine 24/7 Business &
Networking Mixer Canaletto Ristorante Veneto located in Fashion Island at 545 Newport Center
Drive, Newport Beach www.ilfornaio.com/canaletto Make Business Contacts and
meet new friends interested in "a taste of Italy". RSVP info@socalItalianMagazine.com or Call 562.677.7452
SCIM wishes to thank Lisa Marie Laurenzano,
Founder and President of Bella Consulting Group for coordinating our July 30th Mixer at Canaletto’s in Fashion
Island. Lisa Marie supports the OC community, such as founding and launching ACCESS Executive Network in
Orange County, an organization providing outreach programs and business solving solutions within the OC community.
Lisa Marie is an advisor routinely brought in to private & public companies to provide liquidity &
growth through finance, market awareness and strategic relations. She has facilitated in excess of $45mm of growth capital
to companies and increasing sales by 25-35% to growing companies through her business development efforts. Lisa
Marie may be contacted at LisaMarie@BellaConsultingGroup.com.
Italian Magazine concept design credit - Joshoa Santos, Redondo Beach
Interested in doing Business with Italy click here
Tell Tony the owner ( 25 years in the South Bay) you heard
about his Restaurant from SO CAL Italian Magazine - www.deliroma.com
Jimmy Hopper now performing at the Ritz Thursdays
Sheila G, PR Director of SCIM, Entertainer Jimmy Hopper
The Ritz in Newport Beach Spotlight click here Jimmy Hopper click here Now Performing Live on Thurday Evenings at the Ritz "Don't
Miss out"
Sponsors of SCIM Coby & JB and Clients at the Ritz Newport Beach
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
ITALIAN CELEBRATION return of the Swallows 3/22/09
Since 2004 SO CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE has had
an online presence reporting and promoting "a taste of Italy" in SO CAL 24/7. Our recent full color
print promotion was published primarily to receive more exposure for our online magazine. Our online magazine features ads, articles of interest, profiles, photos etc and changes daily. Our motto is If It's Italian we
want to know... Future advertisers and people profiled on the website SO CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE may use
the future print versions of SCIM to distribute to prospects, clients, friends to promote
their business and supplement their online promotions. The print edition is designed to allow
advertisers to sponsor an edition for exclusive or partial distribution. This offers advertisers a unique
marketing tool. We encourage inquires about this opportunity on a first come first serve basis..
contact JBGmg to discuss this marketing option by calling 562.677.7452
so cal
Italian Magazine publisher on YOU TUBE click here
Summer is Here - Enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, cool
blue ocean water or catch a wave..
SCIM wishes to thank Claudio DeRuggiero of Meditteranean Marble for the Beautiful Postcard he mailed to SCIM (shown above) from his recent visit to Roma and his passion for
keeping a taste of Italy alive in SO CAL 24/7. Please visit Claudio's website www.mediterraneanmarble.com
Pictured Above - SO CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE online
24/7 moves to new Office in Garden Grove
So Cal Italian Magazine / JBGmg 12881 Knott Street Suite 237 Garden Grove,
CA 92841 ph: 714.901.5555 or 562.810.8881
The LA Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels
of Anaheim are led by Italian American Managers Joe Torre ( Dodgers ) & Mike Sciosia ( Angels) click here to visit our SO CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE SPORTS PAGE . It's
a Long Baseball Season and who knows, we might just see the DODGERS AND ANGELS in the 2009 World Series
Alien Sighting in Seal Beach
Summer Fun In Seal Beach photo by SCIM
Click on Picture Below
Trees for Seal Beach
Online Magazine since
2004 promoting Italian themed restaurants, events, businesses & people throughout SO
CAL 24/7 - if It's Italian we want to know... send us your story email
info@socalItalianmagazine.com or call us 24/7 @ 562.677.7452
Name this
SO CAL destination in the above pix and win a free year of online advertising on SO CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE email
info@socalItalianmagazine.com
"a taste of Italy" in SO CAL perspective 1955 to today
Where have all the Authentic Italian Restaurants Gone?? We found
one a few blocks from the Staples Center, LA BELLA CUCINA
Things have changed a bit since 1955 the year I was born in SO CAL.
In 1955 Little Joe's a landmark Italian Restaurant fixture was still in Business on Broadway near Casa Italiana a gathering
spot for Italians Americans. Italian Restaurants were scattered all throughout SO CAL in the varous
post war communities that developed like Hawthorne, Lakewood, Paramount & Encino to name a few. These small
quaint restaurants with Checkered table cloths, and chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling were all owned by
American Italians. Quite a contrast from the majority of SO CAL ITALIAN Restaurants of today.
I vividly remember two Italian Restaurants which stand out in my mind as a kid growing up in the San Gabriel
Valley. First was Gino's on Fair Oaks in South Pasadena which was next door to the famous Rialto Theatre. Gino's was
so small you had to walk sideways to go down the aisle. The atmosphere was red lights, chianti bottles and
red leather menus, I loved It. My second restaurant I will always remember was Dino's on Colorado Blvd in
Pasadena. Named after Dean Marin. Dino's still to this day rates as one of my top 10 all time
Italian Restaurants - Great Food, Great Service and Dean Martin Music playing in the Background "now thats Italian",
too bad they closed their doors for good in 80's . This brings me to briefly review the current state of Italian
Restaurants and our culture in SO CAL. We are all familiar with Buca Di Beppo, Romano's Macaroni Grill and of Course
Olive Garden. These large Italian themed chains dominate the Italian Food Dining market share in SO CAL. Do
Italians still own Italian Restaurants in SO CAL ??? The answer is yes a few. Now let me introduce you to Steve
La Bella CEO, Boss and Founder of la bella cucina located just a few blocks from the Staples
Center in Los Angeles. Recently we visited Steve's restaurant on a very busy night prior to a Laker Playoff game.
Steve talked about his past - raised in the Adirondack Region of Northern New York , Steve started his
career in the LA Restaurant Scene as a partner in Nick's Fish Market on Sunset - back in the day Nick's was known
as one of the coolest, swankiest spots to be scene at in SO CAL - For the past 22 years Steve
and his sister Lucinda have carved a niche in the South Park area of Downtown LA , Steve's restaurant
has been given an Award Winner Choice as Best Italian Restaurant by LA Downtown News and his clients over the
years include the NHL KINGS, Visiting Teams, NBA and Arena Football League Teams, Business people in LA and
tourists , Recently SCIM awarded Steve and Lucinda the coveted *****5 Star Wooden Spoon Award created by
SCIM and presented to Italian Restaurants & Businesses passionate about keeping "the
taste of Italy alive" in SO CAL, Next time you are in LA on Business or before you attend an event at Staples Center
make sure you make a reservation at la bella cucina - The food is great and Steve has some great stories -
Now that's Italian - Ask for Steve or Lucinda and please tell them you heard about their Restaurant from SCIM
24/7 visit their website www.labellalive.com 949 Figueroa Street Los Angeles
Ciao!
JB, Publisher SCIM
New VP for SCIM
Jack Plescia, So Cal Native
Plescia joins SO Cal Italian Magazine
Jack Plescia a So Cal Native who grew up in Alhambra and the Arroyo View Estates Area of Northeast
LA has joined SCIM as an Associate Sports Writer and Vice President Marketing & Sales. Jack's father was
a native of Piana Degli Albanesi, Sicily and his mother 1/2 Italian was raised in Lincoln Heights. Jack's grandfather
immigrated to SO Cal from Sicily in 1921 and opened up a Market in the Lincoln Heights area. If you have a
sports story or wish to promote your products or service on SO CAL Italian magazine 24/7 email info@socalItalianmagazine.com
Claudio DiRuggiero, Associate with SO CAL Italian Magazine
Serves all of SO CAL with Designer Kitchen & Bath Remodels, Granite, Tile, Stone and much more.. call
Claudio @ 310.367.9603 and say you found him on SO CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE click here to visit his page on SCIM - FREE ESTIMATES - No Project is too big or too
small for Claudio
"Italian Craftsmanship at
it's best "Mediterranean Marble Granite & Stone click here to view completed projects
Home Improvement 101
photo courtesy of JBGmg Property Management www.jbgmg.com
SCIM visits Casa Bianca on 4/23 located at 1650 Colorado
Blvd., Eagle Rock
Review - SCIM Marketing
Consultant and my Cousin Jack Plescia who grew up around Casa Bianca recently dined at Casa Bianca on
4/23 and had a great experience. Prior to breaking bread and enjoying some red wine Italian style, we had
a chance to met with Mr. Martorana the Son of the founders who gave us some history on this landmark establishment
in Eagle Rock. He said his mom in her 80's still comes in and takes great pride in making sure the sauce is
just right, secret family recipe from Sicily! I had the Spaghetti and Meatballs and complimentary ice cream for desert.
SCIM highly recommends Casa Bianca est 1955 www.casabiancapizza.com Closed Sunday and Monday call
323.256.9617 Take out Orders
JB,
SCIM Publisher
SO CAL ITALIAN
MAGAZINE - Promotes Online MAG through Print
If
your place of Business would like to be featured on SO CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE online or be a title /exclusive
sponsor for a future print version of SO CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE
please call 562.677.7452
Thanks for helping support our online magazine to help keep "a
taste of Italy" alive in SO CAL 24/7"
Get Listed on USA ITALIAN RESOURCES our newest page on this site featuring Italian Festivals Restaurants, products,services,
people across the USA - We got you covered from Arizona to Rhode Island - If It's Italian we want to know
Coby Myers co-sponsor of SCIM is a Hall
of Fame Realtor with C21 Beachside in Long Beach www.cobymyers.com
Coby has expertise in Short Sales, REO
and Equity Properties as a Seller and Buyers agent. Now is a great time to purchase as prices are the lowest they
have been in years. Call Coby for an appointment @ 562.618.2732 to discuss your needs or email
Coby @ remins@aol.com
so cal italian magazine encourages our visitors
to support the Historical Italian Hall click here Let's all pitch in and help keep "the taste
of Italy" alive in LA through our contributions and support
THIS SPACE AVAILABLE - RESERVE YOUR AD ON SO
CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE $81 for one year
If It's Italian we want to know - Photo courtesy of Cafe La
Vida, 2387 Lomita Blvd, Lomita - Lomita, CA Historical Photo Collection may be seen at
Cafe La Vida
Michelangelo Renaissance Artist 1475 -1564 I saw the angel
in the marble and carved until I set him free.
—Michelangelo
After a long day at the ballpark, office, on the road or
chasing the kids pickup some De CECCO click here Sauce and Pasta at your Favorite SO CAL Italian Deli click here
MARKETING & SALES AGENCY JBGmg www.jbgmg.com promotes a taste of Italy 24/7 through our online magazine. If you would like to promote your products or services
on SO CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE contact JBGmg @ 562.677.7452 or email sales@jbgmg.com - We currently have 17 great ad spots available for
our Summer 2009 Print Promotion. The deadline of July 30th is approaching soon so please call us to reserve
your spot .
SO
CAL ITALIAN MAGAZINE online 24/7 is Sponsored by
real estate brokerage / property management / investments
