Purchase a ticket to next week’s Northern Trust Open, running from February 15-20, and 80-percent of the net proceeds will go to Palisades Charter High School. The PGA TOUR sponsors Tickets FORE Charity, which allows PaliHi to benefit from each ticket purchased through northerntrust.com/tournament/ticketforecharity or by calling PaliHi Executive Director Mike Smith at (310) 230-6650. A single ticket for Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday is $30 and a weekly grounds ticket for Tuesday through Saturday is $80. Weekend grounds passes (which includes both Saturday and Sunday) are also available for $45, while practice round ground passes are $20. The tournament started in 1926 when the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce put up a $10,000 purse for the first L.A. Open. This year, golfers will vie for the $6.5-million purse. Last year’s champion, Steve Stricker shot -16 under par (268) to take home the 2010 winner’s trophy and $1,152,000 last year. He is currently ranked No. 8 in the world, Stricker will likely defend his title, but the field is yet to be finalized. The final sponsor’s exemptions were awarded last week, as tour veterans Scott McCarron (a UCLA graduate) and Brad Faxon, as well as Kyung-Tae Kim’currently ranked No. 30 in the world’were among those granted exemptions. They join Northern Trust Open exemption recipient Joseph Bramlett, a 22-year old TOUR rookie, as members of the early field. Past champions include Stricker, Phil Michelson, Adam Scott and Mike Weir.
Thursday, February 10 – Thursday, February 17
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11
”” Theatre Palisades presents ‘The Diviners,’ 8 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. The show runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8, Sundays at 2 p.m. through February 20. For tickets ($20-$16), call (310) 454-1970 or visit theatrepalisades.org.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
The Temescal Canyon Association hiking group will walk from Zuma Beach over Pt. Dume to brunch at Paradise Cove (about $15). Please meet for carpooling at 8 a.m. in the front parking lot at Temescal Gateway Park. If you would like to join the hike, please leave a message for Carol Leacock at (310) 454-4188 so that she can make reservations.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Moonday, a monthly Westside poetry reading, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Come early to sign up for open mic. Contact: moondaypoetry.com.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
Ernest Marquez discusses and signs ‘Noir Afloat: Tony Cornero & the Notorious Gambling Ships of Southern California, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books. (See story, page 10.) ‘
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Storytime for children ages 3 and up, Palisades Branch Library. Mira Bartok discusses ‘The Memory Palace: A Memoir’ about the 17-year estrangement of the author and her homeless schizophrenic mother, and their reunion, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 3, 2011
UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
GUEST HOUSE. 3 rooms, garden setting, French doors, hardwood floors, laundry, very quiet. Available Dec. 1st. $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. $9,500/mo. 17809 Porto Marina Way, Pacific Palisades. (213) 494-0059
SPLIT LEVEL 3 bd, 3 ba, large studio. Nice canyon view, very clean, fireplace, new flooring, rugs, patio, garage, laundry room. Shown by appt. $4,800/mo. (661) 270-9231
DUPLEX FOR RENT. 2 bedroom + fireplace, 1 bath, quiet residential area near Village. $2,450/mo. (310) 738-4400
536 ARBRAMAR. 3 bdr, 2 ba. Solar powered (low electric bills), high-end gas range, dishwasher and washer/dryer; fireplace, hardwood floors, lots of attic storage, 2 car garage, fenced in yard. $4,500/mo. (310) 801-5020
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 $3,300/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! $1,745/mo. * Move in special with 3rd month free! * Call Michael at (310) 883-8049
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. (310) 435-5582 or kderby77@gmail.com
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
OCEAN VIEW GEM! STEPS TO BEACH. (1+1) Romantic CUSTOM ocean vu. Blonde wd floors, balcony, 2 pools, tennis, 24 hr. sec. Sunset & PCH. $2,495/mo. (includes util.) Owner MIKKI, (509) 263-5873, Pacific Palisades’This won’t last!
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
PALISADES HIGHLANDS, roommate wanted to share 2 bd, 2 ba twnhse. Attached priv garage, hdwd, priv patio, pool, jacuzzi, tennis, steps to cyn hiking. Pets considered. (310) 962-8482, resort3@earthlink.net
ROOMS FOR RENT 3
BEDROOM, DEN, KITCHENETTE, Private bath, private entrance, Washer/dryer on lower floor. Pacific Palisades home. $850/mo. (310) 454-1159
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.
SMALL OFFICE FOR RENT ON SUNSET. 2nd floor, quiet, furnished or unfurnished. $325/mo. (310) 422-6684 or (310) 459-3493
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
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
ACCOUNTANT/CONTROLLER. Quickbooks/Quicken setup. Outsource the hassle’all bookkeeping needs including tax prep for home or office. Get organized now! (310) 562-0635
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
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, School pick up, activities & errands. Parent-Toddler teacher, Pacific Palisades. (310) 459-9149
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. Bond #6743361. www.sistershousecleaning.com, cleaning411@gmail.com
MIRIAM’S HOUSEKEEPING. Available Monday through Friday. Has own car & CA DL. Local references. 14 years experience. Tel: (213) 746-4216 or cell: (310) 346-0360
EUROPEAN CLEANING SERVICE. Reliable, local references. Experienced. Own supplies. Call today. (818) 324-9154
HOUSECLEANING. Alicia, available Saturdays. Cleaning supplies furnished. Call (310) 367-3214
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER avail. Mon-Sat. H.S. & vocational schooling, Bilingual, refs avail. 7 yrs exp. Maria, (323) 516-9378 or Alejandra, (310) 654-7067 alderete1220@gmail.com, benmay66@yahoo.com
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING: Available Monday-Friday, some weekends. Own transportation, local references, good English. Please call Nidia/Yolanda at (310) 422-7624
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/DRIVER ‘ Available Monday through Friday. Has own car, CADL & insurance. Local references. 10 years experience. Daisy, (323) 732-8192 or (323) 793-8287
HOUSECLEANING/NANNY. For 1 day or 5 days of the week. Excellent references, own transportation including CADL & insurance. Ask for Katherine or Karina, (310) 999-9463
LOOKING FOR A HOUSECLEANING JOB. Available weekends only. 12 years experience, own transportation, legal, local references. Call Delmy, (323) 363-9492, delmycleaning.com
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 AVAILABLE. Current CNA, CPR & HHA license, can provide all levels of personal care. Fridays & Saturdays available. 20 years experience. References available. Call Diana @ (323) 633-9503
DO YOU NEED P/T OR F/T HELP? Scandinavian lady w/ exp, good driving rec & refs. Avail for active senior/s as companion, cook, driver I.E. dr’s appts, errands etc. (has own car) Live out. Anna, (310) 312-6099
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
FORTINO MARTINEZ GARDEN SERVICE ‘ Maintenance, clean-up, tree trimming, seed planting, sprinkler systems, concrete & brick work. 24 hours/7 days a week. 19 yrs exper. Free fertilizer, low prices, FREE ESTIMATES! Call (310) 256-0734, (310) 838-2429
APO’S GARDEN SERVICE ‘ Residential & Commercial ‘ Tree Trimming ‘ Sprinklers ‘ New Lawns ‘ Planting ‘ Exterior Design. Ludin, (310) 391-7424 or (310) 804-7115
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
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.
HOUSESITTING 14b
HOUSESITTING/PETSITTING ‘ Available for short or long term. Sharp, reliable, recently retired professional. References. Susi, (310) 454-1457, susi824@aol.com
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
CLUB HAPPY DOG Excursions * Enroll your dog now for Snow Day Field Trips. Start your puppy at 4 mos. clubhappydog.com ‘ (310) 359-3433
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
MISCELLANEOUS 14l
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
FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a
CHAIR YOGA for all ages and abilities. Want to do Yoga but don’t want to get on the floor? Try Chair Yoga! Private sessions with Susan, certified in Yoga Works and Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga. (310) 454-4575
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
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
NATIVE FRENCH TUTOR. Make learning or improving French a dynamic and fun experience. Tutors all levels & age groups in the comfort of your home. Palisades resident. Call Francois @ (310) 804-1650
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
FRENCH TUTOR, 10 years experience, excellent references. Helps students to improve their grades & be ready for finals. All levels. Please contact Suzie at (323) 356-1517 or email: learnfr@yahoo.com
ENGLISH & WRITING TUTOR: Help w/ college essays. MA Loyola Marymount; BA UCLA. 14 yrs experience teaching writing & literature at Pepperdine Univ & Santa Monica College. Rebecca, (310) 562-7377
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)
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) 905-0428
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
PALI HANDYMAN & CONST. SERVICES. LOW COST HOME IMPROVEMENT. All jobs welcome such as all painting exterior-interior-walls-moldings etc., un-sticking of doors & windows, concrete, tile, brick/block, carpentry, woodwork, patios, decks, all fencing, gates, doors, cabinetry, drywall repair, roofing, additions, flooring, bathrooms, kitchens, water damage, electrical, plumbing, pressure washing, picture hanging, lighting, stucco, repair, sanding, clean up and trash removal and all other projects or fix it problems needed. Call now for a FREE ESTIMATE! Kevin, Brian Nunneley, (310) 488-1153 (always working in Palisades). Lic. #375858, bonded and insured. 24 hr/7 days service available also!
HANDYMAN. Skilled labor/Jack-of-all-trades. $30/hr. or will bid job. Non-lic. Bill Clark, (310) 435-9754
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
ALL SEASONS PAINTING, ‘Start the year off with a fresh coat of paint!’ Winter painting specials include: ‘ Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing ‘ Garage Doors ‘ Fences ‘ Deck Staining ‘ Stucco/Drywall Repair ‘ Interior/Exterior Color Specialist ‘ Excellent references! ‘ Great rates! ‘ FREE ESTIMATES! ‘ Over 30 years experience in Palisades area ‘ All work guaranteed! ‘ Licensed & bonded. Lic. #105761. Randy, (310) 678-7913
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
HELP WANTED 17
THE YOGURT SHOPPE is seeking full & part time help and a full time Store Manager. Please send resume to clive@aplacetomix.com. (310) 459-0088. We are ‘the place to mix’ in Pac. Pal.’Come join our family!
ANTIQUES 18
1964 STEINWAY BABY GRAND. Model S, 5-foot, satin ebony, tuned & player added. A small 1-inch repair, minor paint touch-ups. Great condition! A stunning Steinway! Blue Book: $21,000. (310) 801-1677
AUTOS 18b
MGB-GT ’73. Maroon, 87K miles, operational. Call 10 a.m.-12 p.m. only. (310) 393-6976
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
Charity Multi-Family GARAGE SALE. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, February 5th. 344 Mount Holyoke Ave. Pacific Palisades
PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e
BLACK & WHITE BIEWER YORKIES ‘ 14 wk old puppies. 1 male, 2 females. AKC. Photos avail online. Emmy, (310) 454-6891, emybeeme@yahoo.com
PEDIGREE PUG PUPPIES * Fawn colored, 9 weeks old, male and female, very cute, shots, w/ papers. (310) 459-0405
Lenny’s Deli to Open In Village Pantry Spot
(Editor’s note: Unable to ever turn a profit on his adjacent Swarthmore restaurants, former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan closed the Oak Room on Saturday night and The Village Pantry on Sunday afternoon. Fortunately, this vital location in the business district will remain empty only a few weeks, as we report below.)   The transition from the Village Pantry to Lenny’s Deli of the Palisades is just about as ‘shovel ready’ as it could possibly be.   Lenny Rosenberg, who currently owns the 17thStreet Caf’ and Bakery on Montana Avenue, has entered into a lease agreement with Palisades Partners and hopes to reopen as a full deli within the month. While the Oak Room is not part of the deal, it will be available as a banquet room for outside parties to rent.   The look of the eatery at 1035 Swarthmore will remain much the same, Rosenberg says, adding that he will keep the tables and chairs, add two more deli cases, and heaters for outside dining. But the menu will shift back to classic Jewish deli fare, as it was when Mort’s Deli filled the space.   ’When you walk in, it’ll look just like any deli, you’ll see cases with meats, lox, cheeses, salads (egg, whitefish, tuna) which you’ll be able to buy by the pound,’ Rosenberg told the Palisadian-Post Tuesday. ‘Along with full sit-down service, we’ll also offer catering, take-out and delivery.’   An additional showcase will be added to accommodate more baked goods, including bagels (probably from the Bagel Nosh), pastries, muffins, rolls and double-baked rye bread. There will also be birthday cakes and birthday party catering.   Rosenberg brings years of experience to the deal. Steeped in the New York business, he owned six shops in New Jersey, Queens and Long Island. His father, who eventually owned 20 stores in the New York area, launched his first bakery in San Francisco. Lenny made his own move to California, 10 years ago, triggered by ‘a two-foot snowstorm. I was tired of the cold.’   Looking forward to operating a full deli, Rosenberg found an attractive seller. He bought The Nosh of Beverly Hills, a 35-year-old neighborhood delicatessen and caf’, and ran it for six years before selling in 2006, thinking that he’d move back to New York. He didn’t, and instead bought Meyer’s Bakery in Palos Verdes in 2007.   ’I moved to Redondo Beach to be closer to the store, but in the end, it was just too slow for me in Palos Verdes,’ he said. He currently lives with his girlfriend in West Los Angeles, adding, ‘I have figured a quick 10-minute route to Pacific Palisades.’   Rosenberg had been interested in bidding for Mort’s after Bobbie Farberow decided to retire in March 2007, but he was too late. Richard Riordan had already entered the race and Rosenberg bowed out. The Village Pantry and the Oak Room opened in mid-January 2008.   ’About four or five months ago, I got a call from somebody saying that the place would be available again at the first of the year,’ Rosenberg said. ‘I called the Pantry looking for Trish (Patricia Torrey, Riordan’s daughter, who was running the restaurant) and she immediately called me back and put me in contact with the landlords.’   Rosenberg, who took over the 17th Street Caf’ two years ago at the ‘worst time economically,’ says that he does not weigh the economy in his decisions. ‘I am interested in making a good product and being in a good location.’   Eager to have his deli become a hub for Palisadians, Rosenberg says that he wants residents to know it’s a real-style deli with deli prices. He will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week (closing at 3 p.m. on Sundays), and will serve a few menu items such as orange curry chicken salad and grilled vegetable salad for more substantial lunches and dinners. He has also negotiated the prized liquor license, which will allow him to sell wine and beer at lunch and dinner.   Throughout the negotiations, Rosenberg said that he has had several conversations with Bobbie Farberow, who will continue to offer advice. He and Bobbie met with her former head chef Esperanza Calderon, who may serve as a consultant, according to Bobbie.   ’We also talked about the possibility of keeping some of the staff,’ Bobbie says. ‘He also asked me if I’d like to be a hostess. I told him that I work at Palisasdes Elementary three times a week, but that I’d think about it. I wish him well and if I can help, I will. Hopefully, he’s got the stuff to make it go.’   Rosenberg is planning a grand opening at which time he intends to offer complimentary items for every customer. ‘I also want to offer discounts to those people who contribute to the town’the firefighters, the police, the newspaper.’
Tempers Flare at Park Meeting as Residents Object to the New Fence
Angry words and even shouting came from the audience on January 26, as the Park Advisory Board listened to public comments on the new 7-ft. metal fence that encircles the Field of Dreams at the Palisades Recreation Center. Opponents and supporters weighed in about the 7-ft. fence that was installed in late December to stem vandalism, but also helps prevent the use of the field as a de facto (and illegal) dog park. Last June, after L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks officials learned they couldn’t use Prop. K funds to install the $10,000 protective fence, they came to the Palisades Community Center Committee (PCCC), and the committee agreed to fund it. (The PCCC raised a $1 million from local residents and organizations for the renovation of the fields in 2003, and continues to raise funds to pay the annual $50,000 maintenance costs.) Although Palisades Park Director Erich Haas asked that respect be shown to each speaker at last Wednesday’s quarterly meeting, that was not always the case. In accordance with the Brown Act, Park Advisory Board members were not allowed to answer questions or enter a discussion during the public comment period. This elicited angry outbursts from some of the 60 people present who, unfamiliar with Brown Act guidelines, claimed there was no transparency on the board’s part.   ’I would like to discuss the privatization of the park,’ said the first speaker, Jon Tower. ‘The hours the field is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and public parks are open from dusk to dawn. You have made it impossible for parents to exercise their kids.’   Resident Diana Baron echoed his sentiment, saying ‘I can no longer take my nephew there [the ballfields] before work. I’m appalled.’   Lisa Rosenbaum warned that the installation of the fence privatizes the park. ‘You’re going to have a lawsuit and then taxpayers will have to pay for it,’ she said.   Cabell Smith expressed the feelings of many, who felt that they were not consulted before the installation of the fence. Additionally, she was upset about an earlier discussion on the PAB agenda about the possibility of also installing security cameras.   Greg Victoroff complained that the park was being used almost exclusively by one group, the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association (which has been offering the sport to youngsters from January to June for more than 50 years). ‘Do not insult our intelligence by telling us the fence is to protect against vandals,’ Victoroff said. ‘You are using the newspaper to deceive the community. You have the Palisadian-Post in your pocket.’ (The Post’s headline on January 20 read, ‘Rec Center Fence Installed to Curb Vandalism & Dogs.’)   Before the meeting, a flyer was available to everyone present, listing the various organizations that use the field, including AYSO soccer, Palisades High softball, L.A. Lacrosse, the YMCA, Movies in the Park, adult softball leagues, travel soccer and baseball teams, the PPBA, park flag football, T-ball and 5-pitch baseball, as well as P.E. classes for three nearby private schools, Seven Arrows, Village and Corpus Christi. According to the Palisades Community Center Committee (which has representatives on the Park Advisory Board), the PPBA has a permit for only 10 percent of the hours that the park is open. AYSO coach Bill Holbrow thanked the PCCC for maintaining the fields and said the fence was great for keeping the balls in play. He then challenged members of the audience to face the underlying issue. ‘If we’re going to have an honest discussion, you’ll have to say that you’re using the field as a dog run in the morning; that is the majority of who is using the field before 9 a.m.,’ Holbrow said. ‘Only when we’re honest can we resolve this.’ Rich McGeah, who plays adult softball at the park, and whose children play park football and baseball, added, ‘I know most of the dog owners pick up the remnants, but there is still some, the ball goes through it, the kids pick it up, it gets on their hands and then they get sick.’ After the public comments, Laura Island, Senior Recreation Director II for the Shoreline District in the Department of Recreation and Parks, said, ‘I appreciate the passion I hear tonight, but the fence is not coming down.’ After the meeting, PAB member Haldis Toppel noted that the real issue was not the fence, but rather, ‘We need a dog park.’ Mike Skinner, chairman of the PCCC, speculated that many of the outraged people in the audience were dog owners who were angry that they can no longer run their dog(s) off leash early every morning before park staff arrive. ‘Not one of them got up to defend the indefensible, since we all know that off-leash dogs are illegal in city parks, so their whole focus was how the community will suffer because the fields are locked until the park opens at 9 a.m.,’ Skinner said.
Yogurt Shoppe to Open This Saturday
Another sweet-tooth business, The Yogurt Shoppe, opens in Pacific Palisades this weekend, joining Scarlett’s Cupcakes, which recently opened a block away. The Yogurt Shoppe, located at 873 Swarthmore (adjacent to Black Ink), will have a soft opening on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m., with free samples for customers. The official opening will be Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ten flavors of frozen yogurt will be featured daily (such as red velvet, Hershey’s peanut butter and cake batter) plus one sugar-free offering and a sorbet. Fruit for the toppings will be purchased weekly from the Swarthmore farmers’ market, and dry toppings will vary from rainbow sprinkles and blueberry cheesecake pieces to graham dust and fruity dynobites. Additionally, retro candies like pre-packaged Atomic Fireballs, Jaw Busters and Lemonheads will be for sale. Co-owner Kevin Sabin and his wife Jennifer, who live in the Palisades and have three young children, visited numerous yogurt shops for ideas. ‘This store is not overwhelming and over stimulating,’ said Sabin, who grew up in Brooklyn. ‘Our emphasis is on the quality of the product. We’re trying to make this shop a classic.’ Palisadian designer Azadeh Shladovsky helped Sabin and his co-owner Clive Lewis, who also has a frozen-yogurt shop in Newport Beach, create a ‘retro’ feel, which includes recycled lighting fixtures from a schoolhouse in New York. Blow-ups of historical photographs of Palisadian children taken in the 1930s-’40s are prominently displayed on the white-tiled walls.    ‘Everything is new, except the studs,’ said contractor Rob Levin, who remodeled space previously occupied by Black Ink, a stationery and gift shop. He had to upgrade the electrical (there wasn’t enough power to run the frozen yogurt machines with the 1930s wiring), add a new air conditioner and light fixtures, install a new cement floor, ceiling and white tiles on the walls, and renovate the bathroom. The shop features a small bar counter with seven light-blue bar stools (replicas of 1920’s bar stools) overlooking the Village Green, plus a long wood-and-steel bench outside. In addition to employing 15 locals, including high school and junior college students, Sabin (an executive vice president with KW Commercial) and Lewis plan to be hands-on managers. ‘Since we live in the community,’ Sabin said, ‘our goal is to give back to the community by supporting local causes. We want this to be a place where families come.’ ‘It’s exciting that my dad is opening a yogurt shop,’ said Francesca Sabin, age 9. Her five-year-old sister Sadie added, ‘We’ll get to work there.’ On the other hand, Oliver, age 7, thought it would be a good opportunity to nab candy, like the frozen Snicker bars that will be sold for a dollar. The store will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Corpus Christi to Add Twenty School Days
Corpus Christi School officials have plans to add 20 days to the school calendar, which means the Pacific Palisades private school will have one of the longest academic years in the nation, totaling 200 instructional days.   Palisades public schools are currently on a 175-day calendar. Because of the state’s budget crisis, the Los Angeles Unified School District cut five instructional days from the historic 180-day calendar this school year.   Cardinal Roger Mahony announced last Thursday during a press conference at the Nativity School in South Los Angeles that the 210 Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are expected to make the transition beginning this fall.   On Monday, Corpus Christi Principal Catherine Carvalho told the Palisadian-Post that she could not provide specific dates at this point for how the school calendar will change.   ’The Archdiocese is giving each local school the freedom to decide how and when to implement the changes to 200 days,’ Carvalho said. ‘We want to have a dialogue that is reflective and thoughtful, and a planning process that includes a lot of input from our families.’ She anticipates announcing a detailed schedule in March.   The Archdiocese decided to extend the academic year because schools in the United States tend to have shorter school years than other industrialized nations, and research has shown that students in those other countries score higher in math, science and reading, Carvalho explained.   ’The relationship between more substantive, effective time in an academic setting and increased student performance is clear,’ Mahony said, ‘and the elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are responding to this critical national issue in order that our students grow up to be successful leaders in the global workforce.’   At the press conference, Kevin Baxter, superintendent of elementary schools for the Archdiocese, said the increase in instructional time would result in a 10-percent increase in salaries for staff. However, the amount of tuition increase will vary from location to location.   According to Carolina Guevara, spokesperson for the Archdiocese, the Catholic Education Foundation will provide scholarships to families in need to help them cover the additional tuition costs. At Corpus Christi, the cost for tuition is $9,100 annually ($7,800 for a parishioner’s child).    ‘We want this to benefit students, not prevent them from attending Catholic school,’ Guevara told the Post.
Thursday, February 3 – Thursday, February 10
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Author, commentator, broadcaster and filmmaker John Ziegler will talk about the current political climate at the Pacific Palisades Republican Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., in Luther Hall at the Lutheran Church, corner of Sunset and El Medio. The parking lot is entered off El Medio. Club officers will be elected at this meeting. Information: (310) 454-4345. Pacific Palisades resident Betty Lussier discusses and signs ‘Intrepid Woman: Betty Lussier’s Secret War, 1942-1945,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. A college student in Maryland when World War II began, Betty Lussier went to England to help the British fight off an impending invasion. Armed with a private pilot’s license, she joined the Air Transport Auxiliary and was soon ferrying planes and pilots for the RAF. Her experiences with a special liaison unit in Algeria, Sicily and France helping to set up a chain of double agents and transmit misinformation to the enemy are described in compelling detail. An exhibit of Michael Degtjarewsky’s landscape photographs is at Mayberry, 1028 Swarthmore, through the month of February. A portion of sales proceeds will benefit Palisades Beautiful. (See story, page 18.)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Corpus Christi Church Concerts presents ‘Concerto d’Amore,’ an evening of opera and song, 7:30 p.m. at the church, 880 Toyopa. Tickets are $10 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission. Contact: (818) 943-3150. Theatre Palisades presents ‘The Diviners,’ 8 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. The show runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8, Sundays at 2 p.m. through February 20. For tickets ($20-$16), call (310) 454-1970 or visit theatrepalisades.org.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6
The Palisades Symphony will perform an all-Mozart concert, 7:30 p.m., Palisades High School’s Mercer Hall, 15777 Bowdoin. Admission is free. (See story, page 12.)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7
The Palisades Garden Club will host landscape designer/writer Diane Beeler in a discussion of low-cost/no-cost sustainable gardening at 7:30 p.m. in the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. (See story, page 12.)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Historical impressionist Peter Small will appear costumed as George Washington to address the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club and offer engaging vignettes of our first president’s life, 11:45 a.m., with lunch to follow at 12:30 p.m. (See story, page 12.) American Legion Post 283 hosts the Chamber of Commerce mixer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 15247 La Cruz. The public is invited. Non-Chamber members: $25. Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association board meeting, 7 p.m. at the Rustic Canyon Park clubhouse, 601 Latimer Rd. The public is invited. ‘
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9
The Jazz Forum’s Danny Bergen and Friends will give a free one-hour concert at the monthly Palisades AARP meeting, 2 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. The public is invited.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited.
James Robie, 61; Prominent Attorney, Longtime Resident
To hear Jim Robie laugh was to understand instantly what life was all about. His laughter carried appreciation, wisdom, irony and compassion. This laughter, accompanied always with a twinkle in his eye, told you about the joy in the man. James Raymond Robie was born on December 10, 1949, in Los Angeles. After graduating from Bishop Amat High School and Claremont McKenna College, he earned his J.D. in 1975 at Loyola of Los Angeles Law School, where he later served on the board of directors. Jim was wed to Edith Matthai in 1982, beginning a marriage in which Jim would cheerfully confess an ongoing ‘crush’ on his wife. They had two children, daughter Leigh and son Raymond, and Jim never let the demands of his successful career get between him and his family. They spent many evenings together in the Dodger Dugout Club, from which Jim’s voice could sometimes be heard in the background of televised games. They traveled together to Europe, Africa, China and the Gal’pagos Islands, and Jim brought to these adventures the same passion and enthusiasm that he brought to his work and to his everyday life. The home that the family shared in Pacific Palisades was a haven of warmth, humor and hospitality. No one ever came away from an evening there without a fine meal, a good laugh, and a sense of friendship and belonging. In 1987, Jim and Edith founded the Robie & Matthai law firm, where Jim pursued his specialty of insurance law and rose to national prominence. The ‘go-to guy’ for several major insurance companies, he was lead counsel in complex litigation involving catastrophic losses: earthquake coverage, the California wildfires, Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters. He tried many cases involving complex technical and scientific issues and handled numerous cases on the appellate level in the California courts and the Eighth and Ninth Circuits. In addition to his success in the courtroom, Jim helped clients who turned to him for his sage advice on how to best run their businesses and avoid lawsuits. As a masterful trial lawyer who earned a reputation for winning ‘unwinnable’ cases, Jim was dubbed ‘the happy warrior’ by his colleagues for his ever-positive attitude, his humor, his fierce intellect and his passion. Jim was a fearless advocate, not daunted by pressure, insurmountable odds or authority. He simply believed what he believed and knew what he knew. This confidence and incisive strength made him a formidable opponent: When a sitting state’s attorney general participated in an effort to extort money from a client, Jim’s cross- examination of this’public official caused an immediate settlement that vindicated his client and put a swift end to the attempted extortion. The transcript is now used to teach the art of cross-examination. Jim sometimes referred to his firm as the ‘parachute division of the insurance defense bar’ for being dropped into difficult cases at the last moment, a challenge in which he reveled. He enjoyed taking the most complicated issues and making them understandable and persuasive for both judges and jurors. In Jim’s most recent case, a juror commented, ‘The defense was just phenomenal. I’ve only seen those kinds of attorneys on TV’he was great. He blew me away. I’m keeping his card.’ Jim was a ferocious advocate for equal rights and opportunities, a stance that he and Edith put into action with their hiring practices, as well as their political and philanthropic activities. He also gave back to his profession, serving as the outgoing president of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and the outgoing chairperson of the Litigation Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. As comfortable in a pair of jeans as he was on a corporate jet, Jim was an accomplished landscaper, and loved to do work around his house. He was famous for conducting teleconferences with high-level executives while simultaneously making esoteric household purchases on the Internet. He often conducted impromptu walking tours of downtown Los Angeles, describing architectural and design features in great detail. Jim had a gift for friendship, and his laughter lit up not only the hallways of his law firm, but the hearts of his many friends, who loved him for his kindness, loyalty and intelligence. Jim was like a perfect California day’sunny, bright, warm and full of possibilities and life. Jim Robie, 61, died on January 16 on Catalina Island. In addition to his wife, Edith, he is survived by his daughter, Leigh Robie; his son, Raymond Robie; his sisters, Kathy Snider and Theresa Bruns; and his brother, Chuck Robie. A celebration of Jim’s life was held on January 30 at the Bel-Air Bay Club. His family and law firm request that donations in his memory be given to the Public Counsel Law Center, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, or Heart of Los Angeles.
Pali Strikes Late to Stay Unbeaten
They were mere seconds away from seeing their 13-game undefeated streak vanish, at the hands of rival University, no less. But the Palisades High boys’ soccer team refused to let that happen. Staring at a 4-3 deficit deep into stoppage time, the Dolphins rushed to set up one last throw-in from defender David Joy, about 25 yards out on the right sideline. The ball fired into the box and Pali striker Steve Diaz shook free from his defender and buried the throw into the back of the net, dramatically scoring on the game’s last play. The referee blew the final whistle amidst the Dolphins celebration’and the unbeaten season stayed intact with a wild 4-4 draw on January 26. ’They outplayed us,’ Pali coach Dave Suarez said. ‘They wanted it more than we did and they went up two goals early. But one of the great things about our team is they won’t give up.’ That resolve was certainly on display with Diaz’s goal, as it came moments after the tie-breaking stoppage time goal by Uni’s Yoni Garcia that initially appeared to be the game-winner. Following a questionable foul call, Uni had lined up a free kick from just inside midfield on the left wing. Midfielder Chris Vasconcelos lofted a soaring effort that floated to the right side of the seven-yard box. Garcia charged in, out of nowhere and unmarked, calmly finishing with the go-ahead header to make it 4-3 and cue a Wildcats celebration. Going into the game, Pali was 5-0-2 in league, while Uni sported a 5-1-1 record, its only loss coming at the hands of the Dolphins on December 10’a 3-1 Pali win marked by hostility and a handful of yellow and red cards for both sides. Minutes into last Wednesday’s rematch, Garcia and midfielder Jason Rustrian scored back-to-back goals to give Uni an early 2-0 cushion. But the Dolphins wasted no time responding. Senior Alex Anastasi clawed his way to the front of the goal and hammered home a rebound off the goalpost to cut the lead in half, 2-1. Ten minutes later, Rustrian struck back with a beautiful chip from the right of the box that sailed over Pali keeper Brandon Newman and into the far side of the net. On the ensuing kickoff, Diaz weaved his way through the Uni defensive-line and let fire a seething strike, keeping it 3-2 at the end of the first half. All and all, it was a chaotic half for the Dolphins, made no easier by the large dirt patches and bumpy, uneven Uni field that Pali took time adjusting to. ’We didn’t do what we needed to do early,’ Suarez said. ‘We couldn’t play ball-control style like we’re used to. Even if you make the right pass, it’s so bumpy, trying to get possession is tough.’ But the Dolphins certainly came out more focused in the second half. They didn’t concede a goal outside of stoppage time’Newman had seven saves in all’and Kevin Strangeway’s header off a delicate cross from Diaz evened the score at 3-3 and set up the tense ending. And though it had to settle for a tie, Pali exited their rival’s field satisfied with the hard-earned point. ’We’ll take a tie,’ Joy said. ‘We’re still undefeated. And that’s what counts.’ Two days later on January 28, Pali notched its 10th win of the season, a 2-0 home victory over LACES. Senior Nathan Cutler had a goal and an assist and junior Kyle Warner also scored to keep the Unicorns winless in Western League play. The Dolphins play at home against Venice on Friday at 2:30 p.m.
