The U.S. Army Chorus, under the direction of Dwayne S. Milburn, will appear in concert on Monday, March 7, 7:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda. The public is invited. The program will include patriotic songs, Broadway show tunes, classical choruses and opera highlights. Established in 1956 as the vocal counterpart of the U.S. Army Band (‘Pershing’s Own’), the Army Chorus is one of the nation’s only professional, all-male choruses. It is a standard feature at events for each presidential inaugural, and has been featured in official ceremonies and special events at the U.S. Capitol. This year, the group is celebrating its 55th anniversary with concerts that include a reunion of past members, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in music education, as soloists on Broadway and on opera stages around the world. Major Milburn, a native of Baltimore, graduated from UCLA in 1986 and received a master of music degree in orchestral conducting from the Cleveland Institute in 1992. He received his Ph.D. in music from UCLA in 2009. Prior to his Ph.D. studies, Milburn served as one of 24 commissioned officer conductors in the Army Band Program. From 2005 to 2009, he was the composer in residence for the Music Guild at St. Matthew’s. During that time he wrote three major works for the St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra and contributed over 25 anthems, several psalm settings and a major service music setting for the parish choral music program. Milburn continues to serve as an instrumental adjudicator for the Heritage Music Festival series and is completing commissioned works for Pacific Serenades Chamber Ensemble (Los Angeles) and the Vocal Arts Ensemble (Ann Arbor).
Bringing Opera Close to Home
Music Review
Were you to read a synopsis of Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute,’ you’d either throw down the libretto in frustration or settle down and enjoy the romp. The opera is set in an uncertain place, governed by a mysterious code of honor, and involves a clutch of characters who don’t seem to know who they are, where they’re going and what they’ll do when they get there. It’s crazy. And yet, Los Angeles Metropolitan Opera’s production, performed fully, joyfully and expertly this past weekend, was a delightful romp. A full house at the Miles Playhouse in Santa Monica fell under the spell of Mozart’s score, again executed by music director Galina Barskaya. She delivered the full color of the orchestra from her synthesizer and keyboard and directed the action, as did Mozart, when he conducted the first two performances from the piano in 1791, just months before his death. The second in the 2010-11 L.A. Metropolitan series”Tosca’ opened the season in October”The Magic Flute’ is perhaps Mozart’s most popular opera, having never been out of the active repertoire. Once again, founder and this-time stage director Linda Jackson amassed a cast of superb voices, a testament to her commitment to bring professional opera to the Westside. The Palisadian, who has enjoyed a successful vocal career both in opera and popular music, co-founded the opera company in 2008 with soprano Ella Lee. The action in ‘The Magic Flute,’ unveiled in two acts, involves the lost prince Tamino, who must undergo the trials of the hero to win his lady love, Pamina. She, in turn, has been kidnapped by the high priest of the sun Sarastro, who is the archenemy of the Queen of the Night (her mother). The delightful bird catcher Papageno wants nothing more than a little wife (a Papagena) and pleasant company. Enveloping the action, as with all Mozart’s operas, is a matrix of complex ideas’including Freemason initiation rites and magical fairy-tale elements. But for those of us who are uninitiated, there remains the sheer delight of the spectacle. The vocal combinations’arias, duets and chorus groups’are what matter, and there are so many notable performances. Miles Playhouse provides an intimate setting with adequate sight lines and acoustics. The supertitles are always helpful, although this opera’s spoken dialogue is in English. Although the production was presented over one weekend instead of two, it was double-cast, allowing for more vocal and acting interpretations. On Friday, Linda Jackson sang the role of the Queen of the Night with wonderful coloratura passages, presenting magnificent opportunities for display, beyond accomplishing the zenith of operatic challenges’the F in altissimo. Amanda McAllister (as Pamina) returned to L.A. Metropolitan Opera after debuting in ‘La Traviata’ in 2009. A strong and lyrical soprano, McAllister navigated the emotional lows and highs of her fraught journey that resonated with the audience. Other standouts included Mark Sauters as Monostatos, a part he has sung with Opera Nova. The three spirits, Jessica Tisdale, Nushin Nataneli and Hillary Seidenberg, made their debut with L.A. Metropolitan Opera, and we look forward to hearing more from them. The tour de force performance, Bernardo Bermudez’ Papageno, was a high-water mark. The delicious duet between Papageno and Papagena ‘packed with the simple enchantment of which Mozart alone among musicians has ever had the secret,’ brings the opera to a delightful conclusion as the couple goes out arm in arm. With sold-out weekend performances, L.A. Metropolitan Opera is taking root on the cultural landscape close to Pacific Palisades. We look forward to the next opera, Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto,’ showing June 24, 25 and 26 at the historic Miles Playhouse on Lincoln Boulevard. For more information, visit losangelesmet.com.
Palisadian-Post Names Rich Wilken 2010 Citizen of the Year
Lifelong Palisadian Rich Wilken, one of the town’s most enthusiastic and hard-working volunteers, has been named 2010 Citizen of the Year, an honor bestowed by the Palisadian-Post since 1947.   Wilken, an architect by trade, will receive his award at a banquet on April 28 in the American Legion Hall, along with yet-to-be-named recipients of the Golden Sparkplug Award, presented annually by the Community Council.   ’Few residents have ever been as active as Rich in so many community organizations,’ said Post Publisher Roberta Donohue, ‘and few people can match his willingness to take on leadership roles.’   In 2010, Wilken once again coordinated the Fourth of July fireworks show at Palisades High, continued to serve as an assistant Scoutmaster in Boy Scout Troop 223, and remained active in the Optimist Club and the Lutheran Church (where he is past president of the congregation). Late in the year he agreed to serve as co-chair of the committee that is organizing various events to celebrate PaliHi’s 50th year, starting on July 4.   '[Rich] always seems to be ready to help where he is needed and when asked,’ wrote Village Green president Marge Gold in her nomination letter. ‘He is invested in maintaining the town’s character, is a longtime Palisades booster and epitomizes community involvement. They don’t get any better than Rich Wilken.’   When Rich was growing up in the Palisades, his father owned John’s Pastry Shop on Swarthmore and his mother later operated the Patio Coffee Shop. After graduating from PaliHi in 1964, and before becoming an architect (his projects have included Mort’s Deli, the Lutheran Church sanctuary and the remodel of St. Matthew’s Parish Center), he founded Wilken Surfboards, a company well known for custom-‘designing boards.   Wilken and his wife, Deann, who also grew up in the Palisades (they met at the Lutheran Church as teenagers), have been married for 36 years and have two grown children, Heather and Matthew, as well as a granddaughter. Deann earned every pin in the PTA arsenal and, for many years, has been administrator of the STAR after-school enrichment programs at Marquez Elementary, Canyon School, and Topanga Elementary.   The Post will announce Citizen of the Year ticket information in next week’s issue.
PaliHi Parents Worried about Low Math Scores
Concerned that a significant number of Palisades Charter High School students are failing math, a group of parents are asking the school board to take action this semester.   ’Let’s not wait for the new administration to lead us into the future ‘ there’s more that can be done to stop the bleeding now,’ parent Claudia Harrington said at the February 15 board meeting. PaliHi is seeking a permanent principal to start this summer.   Parent Gina Kornfeind then presented the board with 40 letters that she had collected in two days from parents, expressing their desire to see improvements in the math department.   ’It saddens me to hear over and over from parents, ‘I have been trying to help with this for the past six years but nothing has changed.” Kornfeind told the board. ‘That is not acceptable.’   In 2010, PaliHi posted low math scores on the California Standardized Tests (CST). At the December 14 board meeting, PaliHi Director of Instruction Richard Thomas reported that 55 percent of all students were not proficient in algebra 1, and 73 percent were not proficient in geometry, according to the CST results.   Seventy-five percent of African Americans and 65 percent of Hispanics/Latinos were not proficient in algebra 1, while 86 percent of African Americans and 75 percent of Hispanics/Latinos were not proficient in geometry. Sixty-two percent of white students were not proficient in geometry and 48 percent in algebra 2.   Furthermore, Thomas reported that there was a significant decrease by the freshmen on their CST scores from 2009 to 2010 in algebra 1 and geometry. The students dropped from 81 percent scoring proficient or above to 70 percent and from 72 percent to 46 percent, respectively.   Parents also report that a large number of students are receiving Ds and Fs in their math classes.   ’It’s not just the low testers who are failing in math,’ Harrington told the board. ‘It’s the high achievers, the A and B students, the honors and AP-track kids.’   She noted that seniors are now trying to explain to colleges why they received Ds and Fs in math last semester and As and Bs in everything else.   ’It’s literally knocking kids out of the running for colleges where they belong, or forcing them out because they are no longer eligible for merit funding,’ Harrington said.   Parent Mike Stryer, a social studies teacher at Fairfax High School, told the board at its November 16 meeting that many students take summer math classes at Fairfax because they fail at PaliHi.   ’I urge you to make improvements in the math department one of your highest priorities in this academic year,’ Stryer wrote in an e-mail the following day to the board.   Harrington suggested that those teachers who need help receive additional professional development. She proposed teachers be assigned to classes on the basis of their skill rather than their seniority. Some teachers could be better at math analysis, while others might excel at statistics.   ’Let’s raise teachers’ morale by empowering them to teach and have them teach what they’re good at rather than closing our eyes and pretending there’s no problem,’ she said.   Kornfeind asked that the administration initiate a task force of parents, teachers and students who can work together to discuss math-department improvements.   ’We want to be a part of the solution,’ she said. ‘This is not about a specific teacher problem. That is a symptom of a systemic issue.’   Interim Principal Marcia Haskin responded to the parents’ concerns during her report to the board on February 15.   ’As an interim [principal], I have probably been in more classrooms than in the last 20 years of the school,’ Haskin said, noting that as a result, the school surpassed 800 on its 2009 and 2010 API scores. ‘I expect this year we will go up as well.’   API is a state standard that measures every public school’s progress from year to year and is based on test results from the CSTs, the California High School Exit Examination and the California Alternate Performance Assessment.   Although the school’s API score has improved to 819, Haskin said there are still areas that need improvement.    ‘Math is the focus for many people this year because math is maybe the most difficult subject in any school,’ Haskin said. ‘I have been at other schools and the issues with math are not germane to just Pali.’   Haskin told the board that she is visiting math classrooms and working with the department. She has developed a peer-assistance and review team, which will help new and tenured teachers.   In response to the Harrington’s suggestion to reassign teachers on the basis of their skill, Haskin said she loves the idea, but ‘we are a union school, we go by seniority. It’s not all by skill. We have seniority issues.’   She thinks Kornfeind’s idea of a task force is novel, but ‘how do you help unless you observe?’ She noted that parents are not trained like administrators to evaluate a teacher.   Board member Jason Cutler said he believes that a task force could visit other schools with successful math departments and provide suggestions for how their methods can be implemented at PaliHi.   Haskin encouraged the board and parents to exercise patience. She said she believes it’s important to help teachers by building up their morale rather than attacking them.   ’You can’t fix in one year what has been going on for 20, and I would just like a little credit for trying instead of just sitting back and collecting a paycheck like most interims do,’ she said.
Lenny’s Deli Plans to Open Monday with Half-Price Menu
‘We’re opening in February,’ Lenny Rosenberg promised in late January, and true to his word, this coming Monday at 7 a.m., Lenny’s Deli of the Palisades will open for business on Swarthmore, in the former Pantry and Mort’s Deli location. ‘On Monday, we’re going to welcome the community by rolling back the prices to Mort’s pricing of the 1980s’50 percent off on everything all day,’ Rosenberg told the Palisadian-Post. The restaurant will be open for business Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to the regular menu, Lenny’s will also serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays (from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Beyond offering half prices on opening day, Lenny’s will hand out coupons for 20-percent discounts for the next three months and free T-shirts and hats with the Lenny’s Deli logo. Rosenberg, who also owns the 17th Street Caf’ on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, has broad deli and bakery experience, having run the Nosh in Beverly Hills for six years and a string of bakeries in his hometown of New York City.   While there have been few structural changes, Rosenberg says that the place will just look different and ‘feel different.’   ’We’ve taken out the wall in the middle of the store, redone the floor and put in a couple of new showcases. Now, when you walk in you’ll see all the deli cases, filled with white fish, lox, corned beef, pastrami, ham and roasted fresh turkey.’   Large menus hanging above the deli cases on red backgrounds will advertise meats, smoked fish, deli side salads, sliced cheeses, homemade soups, chili, entr’e salads and breakfast items. This will be helpful for take-out orders as well.   Beverages will include coffee drinks, smoothies, and a refrigerator for bottled drinks.   Rosenberg intends to have more small tables, which can be pushed together for large groups. Outdoor seating will be more comfortable with the addition of heaters. The interior d’cor is clean and deli looking with tile wainscoting and stainless-steel kitchen and prep areas. The large panorama of early Pacific Palisades remains on the north wall.   But, it’s the food that Rosenberg promises will be real Jewish deli fare. He has brought back Esperanza Calderon, who worked for 12 years for Mort and Bobbie Farberow. Besides her duties as the kitchen manager, she will also return as the ‘Jewish food cook,’ she says. ‘Mort used to call me the Jewish Salvadoran.’   As for the baked goods, Calderon is clear: ‘Lenny is the best baker.’   All the baked products will be made in-house (muffins, cakes, cinnamon rolls), except the bread, which will come from Mort’s favorite source: Bea’s Bakery in Reseda. ‘The rye bread will be double-baked and the bagels will be New York-style,’ Rosenberg adds.   Palisadians will recognize many of the employees, many of whom worked for Mort, some who worked for the Pantry.   Both Calderon and cook Eloy Jimenez, who worked for Mort’s for 12 years, will again be working together.   ’I am happy to be back,’ says Calderon, who worked at Fromins Deli in Encino after leaving Mort’s when it closed in 2007. ‘I have a lot of good memories, and we’re going to have our family back.’   Jimenez, who has been working at Houston’s since leaving Mort’s, is excited about the new menu items, especially the brunch fare’including Eggs Benedict and Norwegian Eggs Benedict (eggs, spinach, tomato and salmon on a Croissant).   Both were excited about the possibility of having Bobbie Farberow return in some capacity. ‘I am going to be the greeter for now,’ Rosenberg says, ‘but Bobbie will definitely help me out.’
Thursday, February 24 – Thursday, March 3
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited. Musician, instructor and photographer Gregory Alper displays his book, ‘Palisades Panoramas,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. His photos are also on display at Cafe Vida on Antioch through March 30. For more information, go to www.timedimensionalart.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Palisadian Howard Gordon will discuss and sign copies of ‘Gideon’s War,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore. Gordon, who served as executive producer on the television series ’24,’ makes his novel debut with an action thriller centered on themes of political intrigue and international terrorism. (See story, page 12.)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Friends of the Palisades Library hold their first book sale of the year, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the library parking lot, 861 Alma Real. If there is rain, the sale will be postponed to March 5. Native Plant Garden workday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Temescal Canyon Park (below Bowdoin Street). Volunteers will help mulch the area and continue pulling weeds prior to a spring planting. Bring gloves, hand tools and drinking water. The Methodist Church will hold a community yard sale, 9 a.m. to noon, 801 Via de la Paz. Early donations range from a high-end sound system and vinyl records (favored by some teens) to quirkier items, like a porcelain pig holding a blackboard. One sale table will feature antiques and other collectibles. Kids storytime with Palisadian Richard Rosser, who reads ‘Piggy Nation: A Day at Work with Dad,’ 11 a.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. The author will be joined by illustrator Shane Sowell. (See story, page 10.)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Monthly meeting of the Civic League, 7:30 p.m. in Tauxe Hall at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2
Celebrating Read Across America Day, a storytime for toddlers (under the age of 3) and their grown-ups, featuring a lap-sit mix of songs, finger plays, stories and flannelboards, 10:15 a.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real.
THURSDAY, MARCH 3
Storytime for children ages 3 and up, Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Pacific Palisades resident James Pagano reads ‘The Bleed,’ a smart, edgy and humorous tale of what happens when the worlds of medicine, the law and the uninspired collide, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.
Baddeley Battles Couples to Win at Riviera
After Fred Couples birdied his first three holes Sunday and the gallery filled the morning air by chanting his name, it seemed the gods favored the stoic 51-year-old to win at Riviera Country Club one more time. But Aaron Baddeley, matched in the final group with Couples, refused to accept a losing fate. The 29-year old Australian stayed the course and outlasted Couples and a host of other veteran challengers, shooting a 69 to finish at 12-under par and win the Northern Trust Open championship by two strokes. Despite coming into the tournament ranked No. 227 in the world?and without a win of any kind since 2007?Baddeley gritted out his third career Tour victory, and afterwards sounded especially satisfied to do so at Riviera. ?It?s definitely been a couple of long years, but it was worth every bit,? Baddeley said, making light of the fact that he revamped his swing only two years ago when he returned to his teenage coach, Dale Lynch. ?The last couple years is actually what made it easier today, just having to battle and grow into so much ? the character that was just built in me. ?Winning here is special,? he continued. ?I love, love coming here. I?ve been on Tour since ?03 and haven?t missed a year here yet, and not planning on it.? Couples, for one, shares a similar affinity for Riviera, where he won in 1990 and 1992. All week, he spoke about how he had played the Pacific Palisades club hundreds of times, even going so far as to say he could play it ?blindfolded.? And for the first three holes that certainly seemed to be true. A short putt on No. 1, a chip-in from the right fringe on No. 2 and a 20-foot putt galvanized the ?Freddie! Freddie!? chorus and gave Couples three birdies in three holes, as well as a one-shot lead over Baddeley. But that lead proved to be fleeting. On the short par-3 6th, he pushed his tee shot short and missed a 4-foot par putt as Baddeley pulled even at 11-under. Then on the par 4 7th, Couples almost couldn?t find a wayward drive in the thick rough, put his approach into a bunker and ended up making a double-bogey. Meanwhile, Baddeley holed out his birdie chip to take a two-shot lead he wouldn?t relinquish before finishing at 272 (12-under). Former world No. 1 Vijay Singh ultimately finished second at 10-under, while American Kevin Na?who endured the spectacle of playing with Baddeley and Couples on Sunday?ended at 9-under. Jimmy Walker, Robert Allenby and Ryan Moore all tied for fourth at 8-under. Couples ended at 7-under in a tie for seventh place. His inflamed back was ultimately his undoing (he seemed to tweak it getting out of the rough on No. 7) and his consistent play suffered. After making bogey only three times in the first three rounds with scores of 68, 66 and 70, he took bogey or worse on five of his last 13 holes. ?I?m a golfer, so I?m disappointed,? Couples said simply.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24, 2011
HOMES FOR SALE 1
FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY to own a large 3 bed, 2 bath home in sought-after Tahitian Terrace Mobile Home Park. Private lushly landscaped backyard w/ multi-level deck w/ spectacular ocean views. Rent control, pets ok. $395,000. Agent, Franklin (310) 592-6696
UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
GUEST HOUSE. 3 rooms, garden setting, French doors, hardwood floors, laundry, very quiet. Available now. $2,100/mo. Utilities included, cat okay. (310) 454-8150
FULLY RENOVATED!!! 4 BD, 5.5 BA. * Built in 1927 by J. Paul Getty for his mistress. Original California tiles, great yard, patio, decks w/ all whitewater views. Whitewater ocean view from every room. Fully renovated to 4 bdrm, 1 billiard/recreation room, wine cellar, living & dining room, 3 door/car garage w/ loft. 3 story home w/ elevator. Big beams, romantic outdoor whitewater view spa, steam sauna, 3 indoor jacuzzi spa tubs, great storage & plenty of amenities. New lighting & closets. Live in a place of history & charm. $9,000/mo. 17809 Porto Marina Way, Pacific Palisades. (213) 494-0059
DUPLEX FOR RENT. 2 bedroom + fireplace, 1 bath, quiet residential area near Village. $2,450/mo. (310) 738-4400
2 BEDROOM, LIGHT, BRIGHT, gated retreat! Surrounded by greenery & beautiful mountain top views. Large patio, grassy side yard & wrap-around balcony around the family room. Walk to the village, the beach & the bluffs. This beachy upper unit of a duplex w/ vaulted ceilings is very private & tranquil w/ an open floor plan. With only one neighbor below you, feel like you are living in a treehouse. Hardwood floors, fireplace, dishwasher, washer/dryer in kitchen. Walk-in closet in master bedroom. Landlord pays water & gardener. $3,650/mo. Contact Tiffany, (310) 849-9592
ALPHABET STREET HOUSE. 2 BD, 1 BA, den, breakfast nook and dining room, hardwood floors, fireplace, enclosed garden, cats OK. Lease $3,500/mo. unfurn. or $3,750/mo. furn. (818) 282-2253
UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED 1 BDRM APARTMENT. Best ocean views in town. Stainless steel appliances, wood floors, fireplace, pool, laundry onsite & parking. Small pets ok. Please call (310) 227-9612. Equal housing opportunity.
NEUTRA BUILDING! ARCHITECTURAL WONDER. 2 bed + 2 bath on Sunset Blvd. Huge wood deck w/ jacuzzi white water ocean view, private yard, and garden facing the ocean water and dolphins @ 17050 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 for $2,800/mo. Spacious living room, wood floors, beautiful fireplace, high vaulted wood ceilings w/ gigantic window, building courtyard, outdoor fireplace. Kitchen: gas stove, dishwasher, and white tile countertops. Bedrms: wood floors, lots of closet/storage space. Bathrm: tile floors, granite countertop. 1 car garage parking w/ washer and dryer hookups. Vintage architect property built on Pacific Palisades Hills simulating a sinking ship into the ocean has 4 units on our newly remodeled 4 leveled building. For more information contact (213) 494-0059 or fidel@benleedsproperties.com or go to http://leeds.postlets.com
PET FRIENDLY! 1 BD IN PAC PAL! ‘ 1/2 block from Gelson’s & the Village. Parquet floors, ocean view, laundry room, quiet building, on site manager, swimming pool & parking space. Ready to move in! $1,695/mo. * Move-In Special with 3rd month free! * Call Jeff at (310) 573-0150
LOVELY 2 BEDROOM 1st floor apartment in 5 unit building. Hardwood floors, new carpet & paint. Laundry on site. Carport parking. Large shared backyard patio. Short walk from Palisades Village & El Medio Bluffs overlooking ocean. $1,975/mo. 1st month free! (310) 435-5582 or kderby77@gmail.com
PETITE CHARMER: Cozy bachelor (500 sq ft) in triplex. Full bath & kitchen in garden ambiance. Plantation shutters, carport, close to beach & village. NS, NP, 1 year lease. $1,500/mo. (310) 804-3142
CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d
GEM IN THE PALISADES, Sunset & Almar. 2 bdrm, 2 1/2 ba townhouse. Hardwood, tile, carpet, w/d, dishwasher, roof deck, parking. $3,250/mo. (310) 395-1073
AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS! 1932 Palisades Dr. Beautiful 3 bd, 2.5 ba Medit Villa. Open flr plan (3,031 sq ft), cathedral ceil, office/study, gym/bonus, ample closets & storage. In/outdr living w/ 4 spacious balconies, vast cyn & ocn vus! Many amenities. $5,700/mo. Robbie Sikora, agent, (310) 710-5214
ROOMS FOR RENT 3
ROOM FOR RENT on Via de la Paz in secured quiet area. Weekly $475 or monthly $1,400. Furnished private bedrm & bathrm. Shared kitchen & dining. Pool, parking, utils incl. Satellite & internet. (310) 459-4520
RENTALS TO SHARE 3a
2 ROOMS FOR RENT. 1 master suite. Huge yard, full hse priv, all utils incld, shared W/D. Trained dogs welcomed. 1,000 yards from beach. $1,500/mo.-master, $1,000/mo.-other. (310) 454-1956
WANTED TO RENT 3b
FURNISHED HOME NEEDED. German family of 5 needs furnished home July-Aug. 2011. Local references available. Preferably under $8,000/mo. Mitch, (310) 454-1844
OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c
OFFICE SUITE in the Atrium Building on Via de la Paz. 2 offices, reception area and restroom. Attractive space approx. 900 sq. ft. One year plus sub-lease. Rent negotiable. Great space. (310) 459-5353
OFFICE FOR LEASE. Professional building in Pacific Palisades Village for lease. Lovely and spacious suite available. Reasonable rent price. Excellent tenant improvements. 850 square feet. Please call Tracy Rasmussen at (310) 459-8700 for more details.
WRITER’S RETREAT * Quiet office suite with private access and bathroom. This 350 sq. ft. space is bright and airy. Available February 1st. (310) 702-1107
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5
INVESTOR/PARTNER WANTED. Secured collateral loans, low risk w/ high return 40% LTV of loan amt. Please call for details, (714) 520-1119
ATTORNEYS 7a
WHY GIVE IT ALL TO UNCLE SAM? Don’t use an ordinary income tax service when you can use a tax attorney who is an experienced CPA. Income Taxes, Audit Representation, Free Yourself of Back Taxes, Probate, Trusts & Wills. Long-time resident of the Palisades. John R. Ronge, Attorney at Law. (310) 441-4100
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
NEED HELP WITH FINANCIAL MATTERS? Financial mgmt, bookkeeping, reconciling, bill paying, etc. Caring & confidential. (310) 459-2066 or (310) 218-6653
COMPUTER SERVICES 7c
MARIE’S MAC & PC OUTCALL. I CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE WITH: ‘ Consultation on best hard/software for your needs ‘ Setting up & configuring your system & applications ‘ Teaching you how to use your Mac or PC ‘ Upgrades: Mac OS & Windows ‘ Internet: DSL, Wireless, E-mail, Remote Access ‘ Key Applications: MS Office, Filemaker, Quicken ‘ Contact Managers, Networking, File Sharing, Data backup ‘ Palm, Visor, Digital Camera, Scanner, CD Burning ‘ FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL ‘ BEST RATES. (310) 262-5652
YOUR OWN TECH GURU * EXPERT SET-UP, OPTIMIZATION, REPAIR. Problem-Free Computing Since 1992. Work Smarter, Faster, More Reliably. If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! ALAN PERLA, (310) 455-2000
THE DETECHTIVES’. PROFESSIONAL ON-SITE MAC SPECIALISTS. PATIENT, FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE. WE COVER ALL THINGS MAC ‘ Consulting ‘ Installation ‘ Training and Repair for Beginners to Advanced Users ‘ Data recovery ‘ Networks ‘ Wireless Internet & more ‘ (310) 838-2254, William Moorefield, www.thedetechtives.com
USER FRIENDLY’MAC CONSULTANT. User friendly. Certified Apple help desk technician and proud member of the Apple consultant network. An easy approach to understanding all of your computer needs. Offering computer support in wide variety of repairs, set-ups, installs, troubleshooting, upgrades, networking, and tutoring in the application of choice. Computer consulting at fair rates. Ryan Ross: (310) 721-2827. email: ryanaross@mac.com ‘ For a full list of services visit: http://userfriendlyrr.com/
EXPERT COMPUTER HELP ‘ On-site service’no travel charge ‘ Help design, buy and install your system ‘ One-on-one training, hard & software ‘ Troubleshooting, Mac & Windows, organizing ‘ Installations & upgrades ‘ Wireless networking ‘ Digital phones, photo, music ‘ Internet ‘ Serving the Palisades, Santa Monica & Brentwood ‘ DEVIN FRANK, (310) 499-7000
DECORATING 7d
INTERIOR DESIGN AND STYLING. From ordinary to unique. Space planning. Paint specs. Furniture. Accessorizing. Hourly design consultations welcome. Carol Fox, ASID. (310) 454-0601, www.carolfoxdesign.com
FINE ART INSTALLATION. Confused about where or how to hang your art collectibles? Rick Strauss has been installing fine art for years in homes and offices throughout the Westside. Reasonable rates. (310) 459-8212
GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f
PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? an estate sale? a moving sale? a yard sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. ‘ BARBARA DAWSON ‘ Estate/Garage Sale Specialist ‘ (310) 454-0359 ‘ barbdawson@roadrunner.com ‘ www.bmdawson.com ‘ Furniture ‘ Antiques ‘ Collectibles ‘ Junque ‘ Reliable professionals ‘ Local References
NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
CHILDCARE. Available for school pick up, activities & errands. Own car & local references. Parent-Toddler teacher, Pacific Palisades. (310) 459-9149
BABYSITTER & HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE. Monday, Tuesday & Friday. Own transportation, local references, good English, experienced, loves children and pets. Marlene, (323) 423-2558
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER AVAILABLE Monday through Friday. I’m bilingual, hardworking, and honest with highest recommendations and 6 years experience. Call Jeimi Hernandez at (310) 779-9487
EXPERIENCED NANNY looking for a job on Mondays & occasionally weekends. Experienced with newborns to teenage. Excellent references & good DMV record. Call Nadia at (323) 599-7677
OUR STELLAR NANNY/personal assistant seeks F/T job. Available now. Own car, citizen, native English speaker. Great with all ages & pets. Loving, smart, loyal. Cindy, (310) 908-5925
NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER/CAREGIVER ‘ Available Monday through Friday. Experienced 24 year old Pilipina woman with excellent references. Honest and hardworking. Please call (213) 587-0879
CHILDCARE ‘ 15 years experience, 7 yrs in Palisades. Former Pre-K & K teacher. Top references, flexible with days and hours. Will housesit when needed. Great with pets. Phyllis, (818) 340-7183 leave a message if needed.
HOUSEKEEPERS 9a
PROFESSIONAL MAID SERVICES. In Malibu! We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Licensed. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419. professionalmaidinmalibu@google.com
SISTERS HOUSECLEANING. Would you like your home and business so clean they shine? Call us, we have good references. Serving the community for over 20 years. We offer final cleaning. For free estimate, call Flora at (310) 720-7751. Bonded. www.sistershousecleaning.com, cleaning411@gmail.com
EUROPEAN CLEANING SERVICE. Reliable, local references. Experienced. Own supplies. Call today. (818) 324-9154
LOOKING FOR A HOUSECLEANING JOB. Flexible days & hours. 12 years experience, own transportation, legal, local references. Call Delmy, (323) 363-9492, delmycleaning.com
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING. 25 years experience. Excellent references. Reliable. Pet friendly. Willing to work weekends. Available now. Call Elizabeth, (323) 463-7889
LOOKING FOR A HOUSECLEANING JOB. Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Good references and experience. Call Minerva Raymundo at (323) 535-2739
HOUSEKEEPER LOOKING FOR WORK: Available Monday through Thursday, 5 years experience and references. Please call Sonia at (213) 381-6732
ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a
HOME HEALTH AIDE seeking work in Pac. Pal. CNA certified, 15 yrs. experience, great local refs. Pac. Pal. resident, live-out, schedule flexible. Please call Maria at (310) 454-6370 (h) or (818) 804-7151 (c)
CAREGIVER/HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER. Flexible days & hours, 25 yrs exper, local refs, own transportation & insurance, legal & good w/ pets. Driving, cooking, errands, etc. Amparo, (323) 362-3624
GARDENING/LANDSCAPING 11
PALISADES GARDENING ‘ Full Gardening Service ‘ Sprinkler Install ‘ Tree Trim ‘ Sodding ‘ Sprays, non-toxic ‘ FREE AZALEA PLANT ‘ Cell,(310) 701-1613, (310) 568-0989
GARDENING SERVICES * Landscape, planting, maintenance, sprinkler systems, cleanup, low voltage lights. Everything your garden needs! Many years exp. Free estimates. Call Efren, (310) 733-7414
POOL & SPA SERVICES 13e
PALISADES POOL SUPPLY. SWIMMING POOL SERVICE & REPAIR. 15415 Sunset Blvd., P.P. 90272 (310) 459-4357. www.PalisadesPool.com
STEREO, TV, VCR SERVICES 13g
1 REMOTE CONTROL THAT WORKS! Is your entertainment system not entertaining you? We can tune up your system, bring it up to date, hide wires, mount TVs, install speakers, etc. We can even reprogram or replace your remote control so it is easy to use. Call us, we can help! Lic. #515929. Stanford Connect, (310) 829-0872
AUDIO & VIDEO SPECIALIST ‘ TV installs, DIRECTV packages, telecom systems, CCTV, low voltage wiring, repairs & upgrades. Call for a free consultation. (888) 313-3995
WINDOW WASHING 13h
THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Detailed interior/exterior glass & screen cleaning. High ladder work. Solar panels/power washing also avail. Owner operated. Lic., bonded & insured. Free estimates. (310) 926-7626
MR. CRYSTAL WINDOW CLEANING. Please call Gary: (310) 828-1218 Free estimate, friendly service, discounts. Licensed & Insured.
COOKING/GOURMET 14a
EXPERT PRIVATE CHEF. Fine dining from traditional to natural/organic. To suit your taste. Knows wine. Finest references. Call Angela, (323) 377-2450
HOUSESITTING 14b
HOUSESITTING/PETSITTING ‘ Available for short or long term. Sharp, reliable, recently retired professional. References. Susi, (310) 454-1457, susi824@aol.com
PROFESSIONAL PALISADES COUPLE available to housesit your home while our home is being remodeled. Great with animals. Please call (310) 459-5660
PERSONAL SERVICES 14f
NEED A TOAST FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION? Let me write a customized poem for you. Call Lawrie at (310) 749-3032
PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
PRIVATE DOG WALKER/housesitter, Palisades & Santa Monica. S.M. Canyon resident. Please call or email Sherry, (310) 383-7852, www.palisadesdogwalker.com
GIFT IDEAS 14k
CUSTOMIZED POEMS * Let me write a heartfelt, customized poem for you to give a loved one for their birthday, anniversary, or Valentines day! Call Lawrie at (310) 749-3032
SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d
PIANO INSTRUCTION. Give the life-long gift of music! Very patient, creative teacher. Music degree, USC. Qualified, experienced, local. Lisa Donovan Lukas, (310) 454-0859, www.palisadesmusicstudio.com
EXPER. NATIVE FRENCH TUTOR. Tutors JHS, HS, AP & SAT. Excellent refs. MA in Education. Malibu res. Enthusiastic! Cate, (310) 456-5398
TUTORS 15e
INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION. Children & adults. 20+ years teaching/tutoring exper. MATH, GRAMMAR, ESSAY WRITING & STUDY SKILLS. Formerly Sp. Ed. teacher. Call Gail, (310) 313-2530
MS. SCIENCE TUTOR. Ph.D., Experienced, Palisades resident. Tutor All Ages In Your Home. Marie, (310) 888-7145
PROFESSIONAL TUTOR. Stanford graduate (BA and MA, Class of 2000). Available for all subjects and test prep (SAT & ISEE). In-home tutoring at great rates. Call Jonathan, (310) 560-9134
SPECIALIZING IN MATH! All math subjects thru calculus, incl. standardized test prep. Students w/ ADD and other learning challenges welcome. Fun, caring, creative, individualized tutoring. Local office in Palisades Village. Jamie, (888) 459-6430
EXPERIENCED SPANISH TUTOR ‘ All grade levels ‘ Grammar ‘ Conversational ‘ SAT/AP ‘ Children, adults ‘ Great references. Noelle, (310) 273-3593, (310) 980-6071
SCIENCE & MATH TUTOR. All levels (elementary to college). Ph.D., MIT graduate, 30 years experience. Ed Kanegsberg, (310) 459-3614
GROZA LEARNING CENTER. Tutoring K-12, all subjects & reading. SAT, ISEE, HSPT, ACT, ERB, STAR. Caring, meticulous service. GrozaLearningCenter.com ‘ (310) 454-3731
EDUCATIONAL THERAPY. All ages and abilities. Academic, Cognitive and Behavioral Support. Palisades Tutoring & ET Services’Local 10+ years. Arlana J. Morley, MS. (310) 459-4125, (310) 738-5099
READING & WRITING TUTOR. Credentials in general ed. & special ed. 30 years of teaching / tutoring experience. Offering individual / small group sessions. Elaine, (310) 454-6070
MATH, CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS TUTOR * All math through AP calculus, AP chemistry and AP physics. Ask about homework club!!! www.clc90272.com or (310) 459-3239
SPANISH: Palisades resident from South America, patient & friendly, offers Spanish tutoring to all student levels. Learn, improve & gain self-confidence at school, traveling, work, etc. (310) 741-8422
MATURE BRITISH TUTOR teaches MATH, LATIN, MUSIC, SAT prep. 50 yrs experience; local references. (310) 399-1975
MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h
SAXOPHONE/FLUTE/JAZZ IMPROVISATION. Individual Lessons. All Ages/Levels Welcome. Call: (310) 283-9975
CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c
MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 40 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. New Construction & Remodels. Hardscapes, landscapes, custom stone, stamped concrete, brick, driveways, retaining walls, BBQs, outdr kitchens, fireplaces, foundations, drainage, pool & spas, water features. Exlnt local refs. Lic #309844. Bonded, ins, work comp. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 ‘ WWW.HORUSICKY.COM
CONSTRUCTION 16d
ALAN PINE, GENERAL CONTRACTOR ‘ New homes ‘ Remodeling ‘ Additions ‘ Kitchen & bath ‘ Planning/architectural services ‘ Insured ‘ Local refs. Lic. #469435. (800) 800-0744 or (818) 203-8881
PALISADES CONST. SERVICES. All phase construction and remodeling. All interior and exterior construction. Additions, concrete, tile, wood work (all), brick, patios, bathrooms, fences, bedrooms, permits. We have built (2) new 2,500 sq. ft. Palisades homes in the last 3 yrs. Please contact us to schedule your FREE CONSULTATION and FREE ESTIMATE. ALL JOBS WELCOME! Please call Kevin, Brian Nunneley, (310) 488-1153. Lic. #375858 (All Palisades referrals available)
‘ CASALE CONSTRUCTION CO. LLC. ‘ General Contractor Lic. #512443 ‘ Custom Homes ‘ Kitchens ‘ Bathrooms ‘ Remodeling ‘ Additions ‘ (310) 491-0550 www.reemodeling.com
ELECTRICAL 16h
PALISADES ELECTRIC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437 Insured Professional Service
LICHWA ELECTRIC. Remodeling, rewiring, troubleshooting. Lighting: low voltage, energy safe, indoor, outdoor, landscape. Low voltage: telephone, Internet, CCTV, home theatre, audio/video. Non-lic. Refs. LichwaElectric@gmail.com, (310) 270-8596
FENCES, DECKS 16j
THE FENCE MAN. 22 years quality work. FENCES: Wood, chainlink & iron. DECKS, PATIO OVERHANGS, GATES. Lic. #663238, bonded. (818) 706-1996
FLOOR CARE 16m
GREG GARBER’S HARDWOOD FLOORS SINCE 1979. Install, refinish. Fully insured. Local references (310) 230-4597 Lic. #455608
CENTURY HARDWOOD FLOOR. Refinishing, Installation, Repairs. Lic. #813778. www.centurycustomhardwoodfloorinc.com ‘ centuryfloor@sbcglobal.net ‘ (800) 608-6007 ‘ (310) 276-6407
JEFF HRONEK, 40 YRS. RESIDENT. HARDWOOD FLOORS INC. ‘ Sanding & Refinishing ‘ Installations ‘ Pre-finished ‘ Unfinished ‘ Lic. #608606. Bonded, Insured, Workers Comp. www.hronekhardwoodfloors.com (310) 475-1414
K&Z HARDWOOD FLOOR EXPERTS. Refinishing, installation, recoat, water & fire restoration. Free est. Lic. #804641. (800) 500-1146, (818) 468-7021
HANDYMAN 16o
HANDYMAN ‘ HOOSHMAN. Most known name in the Palisades. Since 1975. Member Chamber of Commerce. Non-Lic., but experience will do it. Call for your free est. Local refs available. Hooshman, (310) 459-8009, cell (310) 433-4720, 24 hr.
LABOR OF LOVE carpentry, plumbing, tile, plaster, doors, windows, fencing & those special challenges. Work guaranteed. License #B767950. Ken at (310) 487-6464
LOCAL RESIDENT, LOCAL CLIENTELE. Make a list, call me. I specialize in repairing, replacing all those little nuisances. Not licensed; fully insured; always on time. 1 Call, 1 Guy: Marty, (310) 459-2692
DJ PRO SERVICES ‘ Carpentry, Handyman, Repairs. ALL PROJECTS CONSIDERED. See my work at: www.djproservices.com. Non-lic. (c) (310) 907-6169, (h) (310) 454-4121
ALL JOBS WELCOME!! Water drains, French drains, all drainage problems, block walls new and repair, all concrete, brick, tile and stone work, excavation of dirt and hillsides, stucco new and repair, all drywall work, painting exterior and interior walls, moldings etc. All wood work interior and exterior, patios, decks, all fencing and gates, roofing new and repairs. We have built (2) new construction custom 3,500 sq ft homes over the last 4 years in the Pacific Palisades. Please contact us for a free estimate. Kevin, Brian Nunneley, (310) 488-1153 Lic. #375858. Bonded and insured.
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p
SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942 (310) 393-5686
PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r
PAUL HORST ‘ Interior & Exterior ‘ PAINTING ‘ 56 YEARS OF SERVICE. Our reputation is your safeguard. License No. 186825 ‘ (310) 454-4630 ‘ Bonded & Insured
TILO MARTIN PAINTING. For A Professional Job Call (310) 230-0202. Refs. Lic. #715099
J W C PAINTING. Residential & commercial. Years of experience. Affordable & reliable. Local references. Lic. #914882. Free estimates. jwcpnc@yahoo.com. Call Jason Childs (Charlie), (310) 428-4432
REMODELING 16v
KANAN CONSTRUCTION ‘ References. BONDED ‘ INSURED ‘ St. Lic. #554451 ‘ DANIEL J. KANAN, CONTRACTOR, (310) 451-3540 / (800) 585-4-DAN
COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION ‘ Kitchen+bath ‘ Additions ‘ Tile, carpentry, plumbing. Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large & small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction, (310) 774-9159
ROOFING 16w
HOME IMPROVEMENTS, roofing, water damage, skylights, windows, chimneys, masonry, drywall, skim coat, stucco repair, carpentry, painting, tile, retaining walls, repairs, remodels. Non-lic. (310) 457-4652
HELP WANTED 17
2 CAREGIVERS NEEDED for 86 year old woman. Live in. Monday through Friday & weekends. Must speak good English. Good references, no driving. (c) (310) 409-9433 or (h) (323) 933-6423
SEEKING A HOUSEKEEPER. Housekeeper needed 2 days a week, prefer Monday & Friday. Must have excellent local refs & own transportation. Prefer English speaking. (310) 472-9227
RN or PA to COSMETIC SURGEON. Exceptional part-time opportunity for an RN or PA with experience in cosmetic procedures, including injectables/lasers/IPL. Work with a world-renowned plastic surgeon in a beautiful office in Pacific Palisades. Please contact Stephanie@FaceCenterLA.com or call (310) 857-2088.
Dolphins Shock Crenshaw, 72-68, Play No. 1 Taft
There were more than enough obstacles to prevent the Palisades High boys basketball team from winning Tuesday night at Crenshaw. The 5th-seeded Dolphins trailed by 18 points in the first half, Cougar guards Isaac Hamilton and Darnell Taylor combined for 45 points, and Pali’s second-leading scorer, Adam Griffin, left the game in the third quarter with what appeared to be a dislocated ankle. But none of that would stop the Dolphins from advancing to the Division I City Section semifinals against No. 1 seed Taft on Friday. Juniors Donovan Johnson (26) and Kahlil Johnson (17) combined for 43 points and senior center Ilya Ilyayev scored 10, highlighted by a smooth hook shot with 1:08 remaining that gave Palisades a 65-64 lead en route to winning 72-68 at 4th-seeded Crenshaw. ’I’ve been waiting since 1973, since I was in high school, to win at this place,’ head coach James Paleno said. ‘It’s a playoff atmosphere and coming into Crenshaw is always a difficult situation. We turned the ball over too much, they got out and ran ‘ but we battled and came back.’ And what a comeback it was. Trailing 37-19 with 3 minutes left in the second quarter, the hard-working Dolphins cut the deficit to 39-30 at half, riding Donovan’s 18-point flurry. Eventually, they took their first lead at 46-45 midway through the third, setting up a see-saw battle the rest of the way, including a frenetic final 70 seconds. Following Ilyayev’s hook shot, senior wing Everett Osborne tipped in a missed fast break lay-up to make it 67-64. He had numerous offensive rebounds that propelled Pali down the stretch. With only 22 seconds to play and the Dolphins leading 69-66, Crenshaw’s Taylor absorbed contact on a contested lay-up, drew the whistle and scored to cut it to 69-68. But his potential game-tying free throw bounced precariously on the rim before caroming off to the right. Seven seconds later, Pali’s senior guard Nathan Nazarian, who averaged 2.2 points a game during the season, calmly sank two free throws for a 71-68 lead. On the ensuing possession, Osborne came up clutch again. He stepped in front of a pass from Hamilton at the top of the key, raced to the basket, got fouled and ended up on the free-throw line with three seconds left. He sank his first shot to ice the victory. By winning, the Dolphins clinched an automatic berth in the state Division I playoffs. But first they will tackle Taft tomorrow at 6 p.m. at USC’s Galen Center. A win over the Toreadors would put Palisades in the finals against either Westchester or Washington on March 5, also at Galen.
PaliHi Teams Open Playoffs with Victories
By JAYANT SUBRAHMANYAM Palisadian-Post Intern
Boys’ Soccer
The Palisades boys soccer team began its hopeful journey towards a long-sought City championship last Wednesday at home by defeating Kennedy High, 3-1. The 5th seeded Dolphins were heavy favorites over the 28th-seeded Cougars and quickly asserted their supremacy just two minutes into the match when Captain Shane Centkowski rose high above the pack to head in a cross from the left wing. Palisades mustered little after this opening salvo and the game grew steadily more physical before midfielder Alex Anastasi pushed the lead to 2-0 by tapping into an empty net from a cross by Steve Diaz. Ten minutes into the second half, the momentum took a real turn in Kennedy’s favor as the Cougars capitalized on their first shot on goal the entire match. After being chipped in on goal, Kennedy’s Kevin Ortiz blasted a low shot past goalkeeper Brandon Newman to make the score 2-1. After their breakthrough, Kennedy proceeded to dominate the match, keeping possession for long periods of time and trapping the Dolphins in their own half. Finally, when it seemed that an equalizer was imminent, Pali’s Kyle Warner came up clutch. Johnny Lambour floated in a beautiful, lofted pass that Warner trapped with wonderful control. After taking one more touch, he chipped his shot over the outstretched arm of Kennedy’s goalie. The ball nestled in the far right corner, touching off a raucous dogpile at the corner flag as the Dolphins celebrated their advance to the round of 16. Last Friday, Palisades faced off at home against 12th-seeded Jefferson. Normally this homefield advantage plays right into Pali’s hands, because the smooth artificial turf is conducive to the passing, fast-paced soccer that the Dolphins employ. However, this matchup was played with a backdrop of rain throughout, ensuring that the turf field would be slick and fast and the ball would be difficult to control. Mistakes were made all over the field as players misjudged the speed of the ball repeatedly. Seemingly, the only way a goal would be scored was through a mistake by either side. This indeed happened when Steve Diaz pounced on a ball dropped by Jefferson’s goalkeeper and gave Palisades a 1-0 lead. The Dolphins made it 2-0 early in the second half when midfielder Marvin Lemus poked the ball home after a Pali counterattack. However, this match proved to be almost a carbon copy of the Kennedy game as Jefferson quickly scored off a free kick to make it 2-1. The Democrats followed with several more shots and threatened the Pali defense, until Lemus converted a penalty kick and Johnny Lambour converted a cross from Centkowski to make the final score 4-1. Palisades went on the road yesterday to face 4th-seeded Banning. If victorious, the Dolphins will face either No. 8 Bell or No. 17 West Adams Prep (who upset top-seeded San Fernando in the first round) in the semifinals on Monday, February 28. The finals take place on Saturday, March 5.
Girls Soccer
When the City Section playoffs were announced, the Palisades High girls soccer team seemed to have an unfair draw in the first round. Palisades, the 2nd seed in the entire city, was matched against 15th-seeded Taft’the team that beat the Dolphins 1-0 last December, Pali’s only loss in a 19-1 season. Indeed, this loss appeared to weigh on Pali’s minds in the beginning of the home match last Thursday as they lacked the necessary aggression and grit, looking secondary to Taft. However, they soon picked the pace up and began dominating proceedings in the midfield, but were unable to produce chances in the penalty box. Tensions flared late in the first half as Meredith Kornfeind received a yellow card for shoving a Taft player to the ground, and play remained chippy and physical throughout. Senior Sam Elander, Pali’s second-leading scorer, finally produced a moment of quality to give the Dolphins a 1-0 lead. A mistake by a Taft defender allowed Elander to get a clear sight on goal, and her lofted shot went just above Taft’s goalie and into the top right corner of the net. Pali visibly picked up the pace after the goal and began attacking Taft’s goal with real intent. Elander had several more shots on goal that troubled the goalkeeper, Kathryn Gaskin very nearly scored on a shot from long distance, and Jacklyn Bamberger hit the post at the culmination of a marauding run down the left wing. However, despite Pali’s dominance of the match, Taft came inches close to tying the game and sending it into extra time. All of Pali’s supporters, and indeed the girls down on the field, must have had their hearts in their throats when Taft’s left wing received a through ball behind the defense and began closing in on goalkeeper Kiki Bailey’s net. But the Taft player pushed her shot achingly wide of the post and Taft never threatened again as the Dolphins advanced to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory. Palisades plays at home today, February 24, at 3 p.m. against 10th-seeded Birmingham. If victorious, they will remain at home for a semifinal match on Tuesday afternoon, March 1, against either third-seeded Sylmar or No. 6 Verdugo Hills. The final is Saturday, March 5.
Girls’ Basketball
The Division II City Section playoffs couldn’t have started much better for the top-seeded Palisades girls’ basketball team. Taking on Maywood Academy at home last Friday, the Lady Dolphins controlled the game from the outset, building a massive 33-0 lead at the end of the first quarter en route to a 102-30 first round win. Six players scored in double figures, with forward Asia Smith’s 20 points and 17 rebounds leading the way for Pali. In all, the Lady Dolphins had a gaudy 32 steals against the Nighthawks (1-13), with junior captain Ashlie Bruner posting a triple-double with 11 steals, 11 points and 16 assists. Yesterday, Palisades (21-9) played 9th seeded North Hollywood (12-8, 8-4 in league) after the Palisadian-Post went to press. The Lady Huskies’who defeated No. 8 seed Jefferson, 61-47, last week’average about 44 points a game, while Pali scores just under 60 a game. Barring an upset at home, Palisades will remain home for a semifinal game tomorrow at 7 p.m., against either No. 4 Roosevelt (17-6) or No. 5 Granada Hills (15-11). ”The finals are on Friday, March 4 at 6 p.m. at Roybal Learning Center. ‘JACK ROSS
