Meet John Lautner's architectural heirs

In Southern California homes, indoor and outdoor blur, the color and light of our gardens spilling into our interiors, the energy of kitchens and living rooms splashing onto patios. >>

In Southern California homes, indoor and outdoor blur, the color and light of our gardens spilling into our interiors, the energy of kitchens and living rooms splashing onto patios. Our fabled setting inspires spaces designed to take full advantage of the long seasons when beautiful days slide into gentle, temperate nights. And this year, in particular, forces both interior and exterior are conspiring to put a new emphasis on the outdoor room. >>

The talented hostess (and sometime adventurer) has all the right ingredients for a successful lunch-salon at her Santa Ynez Valley ranch. Today's speaker: choreographer Mark Morris. >>

Chilled Tomato Soup With Bacon Croutons >>

In this posthumous primer on success, Cowan tells how he built his business by answering all those phone calls and writing everything down. >>

It's summer -- and time to visit baseball's best stadiums. >>

The L.A. County Fire Department captain turns "Baywatch" wannabes into rescue heroes. >>

He's conquered TV and film. Now his stand-up comedy show arrives in L.A. >>

This San Diego County resort is part summer retreat, part dude ranch with horseback riding, mineral baths, swimming, crafts and a championship golf course. >>

If you want thrills, go white-water rafting with an outfitter on this river near Kernville, or fish, swim and windsurf at Lake Isabella. >>

This low-key coastal town, with a lovely harbor and an endearing Main Street, may be one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets. >>

Start at the Big Bear Discovery Center to explore this rustic outdoor playground in the San Bernardino Mountains that offers hiking, fishing and boating. >>

There’s a great introductory rate at the new Palazzo resort, so why not take the kids for a fancy dinner at Mario Batali’s Carnevino and a night on the Strip? >>

The Indian Canyons preserve offers stunning hikes for kids and adults. Afterward, chill out in nearby Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage. >>

At Mammoth Lakes in summer, you can fish, rock climb and hike the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails. And don’t miss the Adventure Center shuttle to Devils Postpile. >>

Enjoy the wide beaches and bike paths of this laid-back beach town off San Diego, home to the Hotel del Coronado. >>

Check out the sequoias at Grant Grove, but then keep driving to serene Cedar Grove, which has a roaring waterfall, hiking and horseback riding. >>

For a quieter mountain getaway, Idyllwild offers cabins, outdoor cafes and miles of hiking trails through pine forests, not to mention Tahquitz Peak for rock climbing. >>