Charles Phoenix’s enthusiasm is contagious. Whether the mid-century pop culture expert is extolling the virtues of a 1959 Buick Invicta, his late mother’s Tupperware collection, or our own quaint little town, it’s hard not to assimilate his appreciation. “Claremont is a pillar of civilization. It’s really SoCal’s best-kept secret.” It’s this ardor, often delivered with hilarious but genuine hyperbole in his signature droll demeanor, that makes Phoenix the ideal emcee and auctioneer for Claremont Heritage’s Preservation Celebration Annual Awards Gala at the Padua Hills Theatre on Friday, May 17. Photo/by Fabian Fioto