At the End of the Day
Founded in 1880 for L.A.’s “best young men,” the Los Angeles Athletic Club downtown was the city’s first private club and the first building in Southern California with a swimming pool on an upper floor. Women have been able to use the 12-story facility since 1914, except for the cavernous men’s locker room, of course. After a hard day’s work, the inner sanctum, which includes wet and dry steam baths, whirlpools, showers and a relaxation area, may be a man’s last refuge.
James Kawahara 38, federal Indian law attorney, Manhattan Beach
How was your day?
I was on the phone with clients and colleagues. I did legal research, drafted memos.
What does your job say about you?
I solve problems. I’m helping people. My clients are Native Americans, and I defend their rights and treaties. That’s why I went into law. I’m Native American and Japanese.
What steams you at work?
The opposition not telling the truth. Arrogance.
How much of this is really about exercise?
You won’t find the chairmen of many Indian tribes here, but I wouldn’t mind meeting some board chairmen.
What do guys really talk about in here?
Women, work, other people’s jobs.
What qualifies as male bonding?
Our basketball team lost every game. That’s bonding.
What is not male bonding?
Watching “Sex and the City” together.
Is it really a man’s world?
Men are figureheads. But sometimes it’s good to be the figurehead.
Arto Donikian 35, diamond dealer, Rancho Palos Verdes
How was your day?
I have about 500 active accounts. I’m on the phone a lot.
What does your job say about you?
I’m very meticulous. I have a passion for diamonds. Like individuals, no two are the same.
What steams you at work?
Late payments, receivables.
How much of this is really about exercise?
It’s about 40% socializing. This place has character and history.
What do guys really talk about in here?
Business gossip, stock trading.
What qualifies as male bonding?
They offer a white-water rafting trip here at the club. It’s just the boys.
What is not male bonding?
I hate shopping at malls.
Is it really a man’s world?
I don’t think so. You definitely see the influence of females in the last decades.
Bob Arranaga 44, restaurant supply owner, Los Angeles
How was your day?
I was up by 4:30 a.m. I was on the phone all morning and worked with the sales staff.
What does your job say about you?
Being aggressive and navigating the waters of a family business.
What steams you at work?
Do you have 20 pages?
How much of this is really about exercise?
This is my oasis. It’s 12 floors of therapy.
What do guys really talk about in here?
Current events, sports. City politics. That’s one hot subject.
What qualifies as male bonding?
Going to the bullfights in Tijuana. Golfing with my son.
What is not male bonding?
Sharing a six-pack in front of the TV watching the Home Shopping Network!
Is it really a man’s world?
Absolutely not. Females make the end run around you. You get used to it.
Steven Myers, 40, mortgage broker, Los Angeles
How was your day?
I worked! I had escrow signings. I previewed some deals. I made a lot of calls.
What does your job say about you?
I’m a closer.
What steams you at work?
A lack of professionalism and efficiency in my industry.
How much of this is really about exercise?
There’s a social aspect. I go down to the bar and have dinner and a cocktail after working out.
What do guys really talk about in here?
Mostly sports. I play in the basketball league. We’re two-time champions. We talk trash.
What qualifies as male
bonding? It’s several men sitting around in a steam room or whirlpool buck naked.
Is it really a man’s world?
I wouldn’t say that. We need women, too.