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AYSO in Action

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Coach Raul Ferrero's Lightning Bolts (yellow) played coach Matthew Lublin's Fire Snakes (purple) at the Palisades Recreation Center. U6 players (left to right) are Benjamin Klyce, Sammi Petrocelli (partially hidden), Logan Rosen, Vance Hranek, Gio Batista and Joe Roberts.
Coach Raul Ferrero’s Lightning Bolts (yellow) played coach Matthew Lublin’s Fire Snakes (purple) at the Palisades Recreation Center. U6 players (left to right) are Benjamin Klyce, Sammi Petrocelli (partially hidden), Logan Rosen, Vance Hranek, Gio Batista and Joe Roberts.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Donning a rainbow of colors and new cleats straight from the shoebox, hundreds of children put on uniforms and swarmed onto local soccer fields to inaugurate the 39th season of AYSO in September. More than 1,740 boys and girls ages 5 through 18 registered to play in seven divisions in a regional program that has been designated platinum for its excellence.   ’Sixty-nine is known as a region that adheres to the highest standards,’ said Debbie Held, who was commissioner from 1996 through 2009 and now serves as the registrar. She added that the main mission of AYSO, affectionately known by some parents as ‘all your Saturdays are over,’ is to provide a safe, fun and fair environment for children.   The Pacific Palisades-Brentwood Region adheres to AYSO’s six tenets: 1) everyone plays at least three quarters of a game; 2) balanced ability teams; 3) open registration (until October 31, players can still be put on a team if there is an opening); 4) positive coaching, 5) good sportsmanship and 6) player development.   ’The last category was added a year ago,’ Held said. ‘We have always’ strived to deliver a program that will allow the players to enjoy the game, and develop to the best of their abilities.’With the addition of this as a philosophy, we are now able to offer clinics (free of charge), in addition to weekly practices, to all of our players. We host division-specific clinics on Sunday afternoons and weekday evenings.’   ’AYSO experience is perfect for the majority [of youth],’ said current commissioner Janet Anderson.”In Region 69, players are in for at least three quarters of a game. Like it or not, soccer is one of those sports that requires playing time to improve.’Even players that are not that athletic improve because they play so much.”   Soccer came to Pacific Palisades in 1972, when only boys were invited to try the new sport. A Palisadian-Post story reported. ‘Teams are being formed by the American Youth Soccer Organization, which operates under the concept that ‘Everyone Plays’ at least half of every game.’ When fewer than 100 boys signed up, the Post ran a reminder in December: ‘Boys interested in this outdoor sport are reminded that now that football season is closing they may still sign up to play soccer, as the soccer season will run into March.’   The following year, 200 boys signed up, and Region 69 began under its first commissioner Ruben Smulovitz, and registration was $10 per player.   ’We had around 350 kids when I started as registrar in 1977,’ said George Wolfberg, who was the third Region 69 commissioner. ‘That was the year after my kids started playing and I started refereeing.’   Wolfberg, who remains active as a board advisor and still referees, now watches his grandsons play at the U6 fields (under six years of age) at the Palisades Recreation Center and at Will Rogers.   ’I’m proud of the success we had in attracting more girls to play,’ Wolfberg said. In 1978-1979, there were 26 boys teams and 6 girls teams. Currently, 48 percent of those registered in Region 69 are girls, and in the U10 and U19 division there are more girls than boys teams.   One of the chronic challenges AYSO has faced since its inception is finding playing fields. When Peter Fink was the second commissioner in 1979-80, there were 825 players, 60 coaches, 77 referees and two playing fields at Palisades High School. Paul Revere and the Palisades Recreation Center field were unavailable because of football programs, leaving 58 teams with no place to play.   Fink, who still referees and mentors new refs, spoke to Kirk Wallace at California State Parks, who gave the program permission to play on the Will Rogers polo fields. Held also credits Fink and Wolfberg with acquiring the Barrington Park fields and notes that after 1994, AYSO added fields at Kenter Canyon and Brentwood Science Magnet schools, the West Los Angeles V.A., and Calvary Christian School.   ’Since the mid-’90s we have had to spend a good portion of our budget on field maintenance, as school and park budgets diminished,’ Held said. ‘Bob Ortwin [another volunteer] has been at the helm of that thankless task. We can hardly keep up with the gophers at Barrington Park. We contributed to, and continue to contribute, to’the Field of Dreams at the Rec Center.’Revere and Brentwood Science Magnet’have been’recipients of our TLC.’   In November 2007, the new turf football field at Palisades High School was dedicated, with Region 69 contributing $500,000, which allowed the region to reserve additional field space for games and practice.   Although Region 69’s program is almost 40 years old, some principles have remained unchanged. During Fink’s tenure, whenever he had to find a solution to a problem, it was simple for him: ‘When in doubt, lean toward the solution that gives children the most fun.’   Ray Meline, the region’s fourth commissioner, stated that ‘Winning is not what it is all about, even though we’re dedicated to the skills and attitudes to become real life winners. Rather, there is an emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, interaction with and dependency on others, self-reliance and the rewards of participation.’   Each commissioner has credited the leagues of parent volunteers who work as division commissioners, coaches, referees, set-up crews and team parents for the program’s continued success.   ’I am humbled by the hundreds of parents who volunteer,’ Commissioner Anderson said. ‘They are truly at the frontlines of AYSO and really make us what we are.’They are the ones impacting our kids’ lives and making Region 69 so fantastic.’   There have been a few minor changes, mostly electronic. ‘E-mail and a regional Web site are huge improvements over mail and the bazillion phone calls that had to be made,’ Wolfberg said. ‘The region has more active volunteers at a ‘managerial’ level such as division commissioners and referee captains that we did not have back in the day.’Ref scheduling is on-line, which is a huge improvement.’   The VIP program for special-needs kids, started in 2004 by Don Randolph, continues with youth volunteer serving as buddies on the field for VIP athletes. Silent Saturday has also been added. Parents and coaches remain silent on the sideline and observe an interesting phenomenon. One hears the players talking to each other as they work out plays unaided. Coincidentally, it is also one of the referees’ favorite days.   When Held was queried about the hardest moments volunteering as a commissioner, she responded, ‘Many times, I felt that there were just not enough hours in the day to accomplish all that needed to be done,’ and then added, ‘It is always a challenge when we have to stop and discipline unruly parents, who don’t appreciate our coaches and referees.’   ’The best part of being a commissioner so far is watching 1,700 kids play soccer every weekend,’ Anderson said. ‘I love watching the kids who would otherwise probably never participate in a sport, become athletes and be a part of a team.’   When asked about the growth of club soccer and the impact it has on AYSO, Held responded, ‘I believe that families should have the choice to select the program that best fits the needs of their child. A few of our children do need to move on, but I do think that too many are leaving too early.’   Anderson added, ‘One thing I’ve heard that I want to correct is that once you leave AYSO for club soccer you can’t return.’ That is completely false. In fact, we always welcome back those players.   ’Having three older children compete in higher-level sports with two playing in college, I have seen not only in my children but in hundreds of others the burnout and injuries that take place when kids start competing at a higher level too soon,’ Anderson said. ‘When you consider that only a small percentage of kids will go on to play college sports and even fewer that play sports professionally, I think AYSO provides the perfect balance of team sport, camaraderie, competition, skills training, socialization and family fun.’

A Face That Changed a Life

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Susan Whitman Helfgot, author of “The Match” Photo: Lightchaser photography. J. Keily

Susan Whitman Helfgot was in the hospital room with her husband, Joseph, who was near death. His body had rejected the heart transplant he received hours earlier.   ’My emotional reserve was nil, or maybe negative,’ she now recalls. At that low point, in April 2009, she had a conversation she can still repeat word for word.   ’We have a man who needs a face,’ the representative from the organ bank said, trying to prepare Helfgot for what was coming. Joseph Helfgot, in his young sixties with a history of heart disease, had long been a certified organ donor. But the donation of his face was one he hadn’t signed up for.   Susan listened to the details about the would-be transplant recipient, a man burned beyond recognition when he fell onto the Boston subway tracks. Since then the man had been unable to eat normal food or talk on the phone. Sometimes he had to breathe through a tracheostomy tube.   ’Would you want to help him?’ Helfgot heard the representative from the organ bank ask her.   Her answer became a book, ‘The Match’ (Simon & Schuster) which she wrote with William Novak. In it she explains events that led to the first facial transplant ever performed at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. Her late husband’s facial tissue, veins and bone were removed and placed on the severely damaged face of a recipient. The first transplant of its kind in the U.S. took place at the Cleveland Clinic in 2008.   Helfgot will be in Pacific Palisades at a book signing party on October 26 from 7 until 10 p.m. Proceeds from the $50. contribution that serves as a ticket will support the Donate Life Filmmaker’s Project which gives grants for educational documentaries about organ donation.   She never intended to write a book. Helfgot and her husband, who lived in the Palisades with their children, Ben and Jacob, from 1995 to 2002, planned to be anonymous donors with no knowledge of the recipient’s name or background.   But as it turned out, a film crew for ‘Boston Med’ was working on a documentary about Joseph Helfgot’s heart transplant surgery, which has since aired, partly because he was a successful Hollywood movie marketer. He worked on major films including ‘Iron Man’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs.”   Then, a reporter at the Boston Globe found out about the pioneering face transplant being performed at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and anonymity was no longer an option.   ’Life is about being put in a place and making a choice,’ Helfgot says. ‘I’ve become the face behind the face.’   Helfgot has met the transplant recipient, Jim Maki, whose nose now reminds her of her husband’s. Maki is close in age to Joseph Helfgot, divorced, with a grown daughter. For years he struggled with drug addiction and was living in a halfway house when Helfgot met him.   Once confined to his room to avoid people’s cruel stares and remarks, Maki now joins Helfgot at speaking engagements about their extraordinary experience.   ’Jim has had a rebirth,’ Helfgot says.   For more information about the Oct. 26th book signing event go to http://www.thematchstory.com and click on ‘events.’

Events to Benefit CA State Parks

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Park rangers will lead public hikes in Malibu Creek State Park to the historic site where TV’s ‘M*A*S*H’ was shot, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 30. Tickets are $25.   The hike is a preamble to the second annual film series ‘California State Parks Starring in Hollywood Films,’ screening on November 6 and 7.   Each of these fundraisers will benefit the state’s endangered parks, many of which have been temporarily closed and suffered severe service reductions due to the state’s budget crisis.   Over the past century, Hollywood has shot countless films, television series and commercials in California’s abundantly diverse 278 state parks, generating significant economic benefit for the state.   The lineup on Saturday, November 6, at the Paramount Theater, Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave. in Hollywood includes: 1:30 p.m.:”Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi,”followed by an audience Q&A with Mark Hamill and David Barclay, Yoda puppeteer.   4:30 p.m.: ‘M*A*S*H*,’ the 1970 film. Elliott Gould will introduce the film and lead an audience Q&A.   8 p.m.: ‘M*A*S*H*’ TV series, two episodes, followed by a Q&A with key series writers and actors.   Sunday, November 7 screenings will be at the Darryl F. Zanuck Theater, Twentieth Century Fox Studios, 10201 W. Pico Blvd.   1 p.m.:”Spartacus’ (1960). Introduction by film archivist Robert O’Neil, who restored the film.   4:30 p.m.:”Planet of the Apes’ (1968), followed by a Q&A.   Tickets (single-screening tickets: $10-$8; three-screening passes: $25-$18) include free popcorn and parking. To purchase tickets for screenings and hikes visit:’http://www.calparks.org/filmseries or call'(877) 663-0566.

Thursday, October 21 – Thursday, October 28

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THURSDAY, October 9

  Story-Craft time, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

  Methodist Church Country Bazaar tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. (early-bird admission is $5, which includes a selection of desserts and a beverage) and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Tauxe Hall, 801 Via de la Paz. Free admission on Friday. To make reservations for a gourmet luncheon ($15), call (310) 459-0334.   Bo Caldwell, author of ‘Distant Land of My Father,’ returns to Village Books to discuss and sign her new novel, ‘City of Tranquil Light,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24

 Temescal Canyon Association hikers will hike from the top of Corral Canyon via the Backbone Trail for about four miles to Mesa Peak, with little elevation gain, The public is invited to join. Meet at 9 a.m. in the Temescal Gateway Park parking lot for carpooling. Bring lunch and water. Sorry, no dogs. For more information, visit temcanyon.org.   A free concert by the Brentwood-Westwood Symphony Orchestra, 3 p.m. at Paul Revere Middle School, 1450 Allenford. The program will feature special guest artist Bonnie Bowden, coloratura soprano, and music by Verdi, Brahms and Rossini. Information: brentwoodwestwoodsymphony.org or call (661) 248-3885.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25

  Pacific Palisades Civic League board meeting, 7:30 p.m. in Tauxe Hall at the United Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. The agenda has two items, both under new business: 356 Grenola (new two-story residence) and 548 Muskingum (second-story addition). The public is invited.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26

  Pacific Palisades Art Association hosts Lloyd Cameron, who will demonstrate painting with acrylics, 7 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford Ave. The public is invited.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27

  Free Flu, Tdap and PPV shots will be given through the American Red Cross and L.A. County Health Department, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford Ave.’

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28

  Storytime for children ages 3 and up, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real.   Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited.   Cindy Laverty discusses and signs ‘Caregiving: Eldercare Made Clear & Simple,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

‘People’ Group Works to Build PaliHi-Community Relationship

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Four Pacific Palisades friends are spearheading an effort to encourage local parents and students to attend Palisades Charter High School rather than commute to private schools around the city.   ’We want to create more paths to PaliHi, especially for those people who are hesitant,’ said Megan Webber, who is collaborating with Peter Duke, Gina Vincent and Annie Barnes on the endeavor.   In March, they formed a group, People For Palisades High, which meets regularly to discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between PaliHi and the community. The friends, who are all parents of young children, say they think it’s a shame more local families don’t consider PaliHi as an option. Vincent is the only member to have a child old enough to attend the school. Her daughter, Katie, is a freshman.   To spread the word about what the school offers, the group is hosting a question and answer session with Interim Executive Director Michael Smith on Wednesday, October 20, at 9:30 a.m. in the community room of the Palisades Branch Library on Alma Real.   On October 31, they will have a booth at the Chamber of Commerce’s Village Fair on the PaliHi quad from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to pass out information about the school.   Duke, creative director of his own company, Interactive Design Services, has already designed a Web site: www.peopleforpali.com. The site contains information about college matriculation, course offerings, advanced placement test scores and graduation requirements. It also lists PaliHi’s upcoming events and campus tours.   ’We have included the most pertinent information for potential parents and students,’ Webber said.   Unless families already have a connection to PaliHi, it’s difficult to find out this sort of information, Barnes added. They are hopeful the data on the Web site will debunk some of the myths about Pali and improve the school’s word-of-mouth reputation.   For example, Vincent has heard private school parents say that if their child attends PaliHi, he or she may not gain acceptance to a prestigious college. However, many Pali students are admitted to Ivy League schools, Stanford, Berkeley and other top universities.   In the future, the group plans to profile exceptional students and teachers on the Web site. In addition, they would like to make arrangements for Pali students to visit local private and public schools to talk about their experiences and answer questions.   They also hope to encourage the community to visit the campus. They have arranged a Chamber of Commerce mixer at PaliHi on January 28 to introduce business leaders to the school. As part of Pali’s 50th anniversary celebration next school year, they want to organize a carnival for the entire community.   ’We would like PaliHi to be a more comfortable place for people to come and attend events,’ Webber said. ‘We hope to bring people of all ages through those doors.’

Broncos Run Wild

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Dominant Third Quarter Sparks Vista Murrieta to 45-16 Win

Running back Arte Miura tries to break a tackle in the backfield during Palisades' 45-16 loss to Vista Murrieta last Friday night at Stadium by the Sea.
Running back Arte Miura tries to break a tackle in the backfield during Palisades’ 45-16 loss to Vista Murrieta last Friday night at Stadium by the Sea.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

By JAYANT SUBRAHMANYAM Special to the Palisadian-Post The Palisades High varsity football team entered last Friday night’s game against Southern Section powerhouse Vista Murrieta with confidence after back-to-back shut outs of Lynwood and Granada Hills. That confidence was evident early on when the visiting Broncos, perhaps feeling the effects of their 100-mile bus ride, allowed Palisades to drive to their two-yard line yard line after a bruising run by junior running back Arte’ Miura. There, however, senior quarterback Ke’monte Reed fumbled and Vista Murrieta recovered on the goal line. Soon after, running back Jovonte Slater scored on a 74-yard touchdown run, paving the way for the Broncos’ 45-16 victory. To their credit, the Dolphins responded well to the early adversity, moving the ball to the opponents’ 14-yard line before senior kicker Sam Burt booted a 31-yard field goal to make the score 7-3. That would be all the offense Palisades could muster in the first half, as the Broncos tacked on a touchdown run by John Hardin with 9:32 left in the second quarter and a 34-yard field goal by Tyler Rausa as time expired to take a 17-3 lead into halftime. “Not one of us came out scared’we all came ready to play,” Dolphins quarterback Nathan Dodson said. “If we had scored on that first drive, the game would’ve been entirely different.” Down by only two touchdowns to a team ranked No. 23 in the state by Calpreps, Palisades began the second half determined to stop the Broncos’ first drive and get the ball back. Vista Murrieta, however, owned the third quarter, especially after Dolphins’ senior defensive end Robert Swanson limped off the field injured. First, Hardin scored his second touchdown to extend the Broncos’ lead. Then, after a Palisades fumble, Utah-bound quarterback Derrick Brown threw to Aaron Piecukonis for a 24-yard touchdown. Finally, with 16 seconds left, Hardin ran for his third score and the 21-0 onslaught pushed the Broncos’ lead to 38-3. The Dolphins began to salvage their pride after Vista Murrieta scored early in the fourth quarter to extend its lead to 45-3. Knowing his team needed to score quickly, Palisades head coach Perry Jones abandoned the run-oriented option and shifted to a passing attack that seemed to ignite the Dolphins’ offense. Reed threw a 30-yard strike to senior tight end Turner Hanley, then Miura gave the fans at Stadium by the Sea reason to cheer when he leaped high into the end zone for Palisades’ first touchdown. Though the subsequent extra point was missed, the Dolphins finally forced Vista Murrieta to punt. Junior quarterback Nathan Dodson then connected on a 56-yard bomb to receiver Ben Ingram with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter for the final points of the game. “It was good,” Dodson said of the play. “At that point, we needed to get some points. They were blitzing, so we tried attacking them over the top and it worked.” The Dolphins (2-3) can now turn their attention to this Friday’s Western League opener at defending champion Venice’a team that Palisades has not beaten since 2000. The varsity game kicks off at 7 p.m. Frosh/Soph Palisades held a 7-0 lead at halftime and seemed poised to pull off a huge upset, but visiting Vista Murrieta scored three touchdowns in the third quarter and tacked on a field goal with five minutes left in the fourth quarter to win, 24-13. “We had them!” Palisades coach Ray Marsden said. “We capitalized on their mistakes in the first half, they capitalized on ours in the second half. That’s how it goes.” Vista Murrieta’s first touchdown ended Palisades’ string of 15 straight quarters without allowing a point. After Tyler Hildreth recovered a fumble at midfield, Chris Wilkins scored the first touchdown of his career on a 21-yard run midway through the second quarter. Justin Sinclair intercepted a pass and returned it to the Broncos’ 25-yard line as the clock ran out in the first half. Ja’ uan Tate ran for the Dolphins’ second score in the fourth quarter. Palisades (2-3) opens defense of the Western League title at 4 p.m. Friday at Venice. (Sports Editor Steve Galluzzo contributed to this story)

Moss Makes His Mark

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Eight-year-old Miller Moss is one of the finest young athletes in Pacific Palisades, showing skill in soccer, football and basketball. Photo courtesy of Emily Kovner
Eight-year-old Miller Moss is one of the finest young athletes in Pacific Palisades, showing skill in soccer, football and basketball. Photo courtesy of Emily Kovner

He’s only eight years old, but Miller Moss is already making his mark in sports all over town. Whether it’s soccer, football or basketball, this Palisadian can play with the best in his age group–and older. So far in his young career, Moss has been all about winning. The third-grader at Willows Community School in Culver City plays AAU basketball for the Varsity Sports Academy in West Los Angeles and on a Westside basketball club team called Certified Shooters that trains at Palisades High. He is currently playing on a local flag football team coached by Tharen Todd. Last year, his team won a YMCA flag championship in the under 12 division. Moss, only seven at the time, played quarterback. Last month, he won the 8-9 division of the NFL’s Punt, Pass & Kick qualifying competition at Palisades High with a combined distance of 203 feet, 10 inches. Since he was four years old, Moss has also played center forward for the City Soccer Club of West LA, though he has set that aside for now to concentrate on football with Todd and was the most valuable player in the 7-10 age group at the Matt Leinart Football Camp in the summer. Moss shows so much promise that he was even invited to a weekend camp for older quarterbacks at the Rose Bowl last spring by quarterback coach Steve Clarkson. At age 7 he scored 31 points for his Varsity Sports Academy 9-and-under All-Star team in the ARC Elite semifinals against a team of nine and 10 year olds from Newhall. “Miller is one of the best youth basketball players I’ve ever worked with,” VSA Coach Sergio Siderman said of his team’s top player. “Being one of the youngest players on a 9U team didn’t stop him from being our leading scorer all season.” Not only does Moss excel on the field and on the court, he is also well-rounded, genuinely enjoying chess, math, art camp, Odysseus, Harry Potter and USC football. sports@palipost.com

‘Up’ for the Everest Challenge

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Cyclists Derek Baak and Drew Kogan Complete Two-Day Race

Palisades High student Drew Kogon was the only junior to finish the grueling 208-mile Everest Challenge in Bishop on September 25-26.
Palisades High student Drew Kogon was the only junior to finish the grueling 208-mile Everest Challenge in Bishop on September 25-26.

It was hard for cyclists Derek Baak and Drew Kogon to put into words the feeling of relief and satisfaction they felt upon completing the Everest Challenge on September 25-26 in Bishop, California. It is dubbed “the undisputed hardest 2-Day USA Cycling Race” and with good reason. “I’m not sure whether that’s true but it’s definitely the hardest physical thing I’ve ever been through,” claimed Baak, who survived the sweltering heat and rugged course with his fellow Palisadian. “I’ve only been riding seriously since February so it’s amazing that I was able to do it,” Kogon added. “It’s absolutely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Afterwards, I was totally exhausted.” The two-day race takes place at high elevations and covers 208 miles with 29,035 feet of cumulative vertical climbing in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. It includes three climbs each day, some stunningly beautiful, some reminiscent of a lunar landscape, into both the Sierras and up White Mountain into the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Baak and Kogon members of La Grange, a cycling club established in Los Angeles in 1969. Thirteen members of the La Grange team started and finished the race–and the 16-year-old Kogon, a junior at Palisades High, was the only junior (under 18) to complete the grueling ride. “I’ve been with La Grange since June and this was my second road race (the first being the Brentwood Grand Prix, a flatter, faster course) and both times I think I’m the only junior who finished,” said Kogon, who has lived in the Alphabet Streets since he was three and attended Palisades Elementary and Paul Revere. “I used to mountain bike and one day I borrowed my parents’ cycle and really liked it so I saved up and got my own competitive bike.” Baak met Kogon about four months ago when Kogon joined La Grange and they started training for the Everest Challenge. Living in close proximity, the two might meet at Temescal Canyon or Sunset Boulevard and ride through Malibu or Topanga. When pressed for time, Kogon often pedaled up and down Lachman Lane for extra practice on hills. “I started racing BMX bikes when I was 12 years old and I’ve loved cycling ever since,” said Baak, who moved to Los Angeles while attending UCLA and has lived in the Pacific Palisades for over six years with his wife and three children (two of whom go to Marquez Elementary School). “I’ve surfed ever since sixth grade. In fact, one of the reasons I moved here was because of the Palisades’ proximity to great surfing–that along with the fantastic mountain and road biking in our backyard.” The more experienced of the two riders, Baak was impressed that Kogon was able to finish the Challenge. “He’s one tough, dedicated kid!,” Baak said of his new young teammate. The first climb on the first day was 22 miles long with almost 6,000 feet of climbing, starting in Bishop and ending at Mosquito Flat at an elevation of 10,250 feet. The second climb was an eight-mile ascent up to Pine Creek (elevation 7,425 feet) with 3,000 feet of climbing. The third and final climb of Day One was 20.4 miles with a maximum 17.5 percent grade, finishing at South Lake (elevation of 9,835 feet) with about 5,400 feet of climbing Day Two consisted of three more climbs, first to Glacier Lodge at 7,800 feet, then across the Owens Valley to Waucoba Canyon at 6,545 feet, then on to the Bristlecone Forest at 10,100 feet. Total climbing was 13,570 feet over 65 miles. “I definitely want to do it again next year with more of a time goal,” Kogon said. “The season’s over now so this is the time to rest and relax.” On the first day, Baak had finished in 12th place out of about 50 riders in his category. On the second day, he made a late push to finish eighth, moving him up to 11th overall in Category 5. Of the 360 people who signed up, approximately 130 failed to finish. “Many times I’d tell myself to remember how much it hurt so I wouldn’t make the mistake of coming back another year,” said Baak, who will have the option of moving up to Category 4 or the 35+ age group next year. “But soon after the finish you begin to feel an enormous sense of accomplishment and quickly forget about the pain.”

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 14, 2010

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

SANTA MONICA CANYON BEACH HOUSE. Updated Cape Cod 3 bd+3 ba. 4 blks to ocean + cafes. MLS #S611839. $1.85 mil. FSBO. Open Sun. 1-5. (310) 230-8605.

GREAT DEALS. Homes Steps from Sand. Right in the Palisades! $125-450,000. Fab ocean views. For use as homes/offices/weekend retreats/ condo alt. Terrific opportunity! PCH between Sunset and Temescal. 8 sold last year. Heated pool and rec center. Agent: Michelle Bolotin, (310) 230-2438, www.michellebolotin.com

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR SALE 1e

Remodeled Lrg 2 Bed Townhome * Functional floorplan. Private & quiet. $629K. No agents please. (310) 882-8262

LOCATION! LOCATION! Stunning Palisades village 2 BD, 2 BA under $500K. Unique open floor plan, quiet/pvt unit w/ upgrades, greenbelt vu & pool. Amenities. Great value! $495K. Don, agt, (310) 230-1981

FURNISHED HOMES 2

EXECUTIVE RENTAL! MOVE RIGHT IN! Immaculate, fully furnished, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath. Pool, gym, spa, near trailheads, mountain view, minutes to the beach. Also avail: separate lg studio w/ garden patio. (310) 459-9111

WONDERFUL LIGHT & SPACE. Extensive peaceful canyon views. 1 bed/bath w/ flowing living areas (1400 sf). Protected patio w/ spa. Totally equipped for immediate move-in with a suitcase. Minutes to village, beach or hiking trails. No smoke, pets. Monthly @ $2,400-$2,900/mo. (310) 454-2568

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

DUPLEX FOR RENT. 2 bdrm + fireplace, 1 bath, quiet residential area near village. $2,450/mo. (310) 738-4400

HIGHLANDS PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN w/ ocean view, bright, 3 bdrm, 2 ba, high ceilings, fireplace, 2 decks, stainless steel appliances, olympic pool, tennis, gym, gardener incl. $3,990/mo. Marty, (310) 459-2692

3 BDRM, 2 BA ALPHABET STREET HOUSE on a quiet tree-lined street near Village. Den, hardwood floors, fireplace, newer appliances, paid gardener & a white picket fence. $3,995/mo. (310) 266-9387

PACIFIC PALISADES. Bright 3 BR, 1 ‘ BA. Walk to Village. Yard with some citrus trees, HW floors in living rm/dining area. No dogs. $3,600/mo. (310) 454-7275

3 BDRM, 1 BA. $3,500/mo. Utilities included, 2 car parking, close to Village, schools, shops & beach. Pets ok. Appliances, W/D, D/W & refrigerator. Min. 1 year lease. By appt. only. Eric, (310) 428-3364

2 BDRM, 2 BA, 2 car garage, private deck & fenced in yard. W/D, new kitchen, dishwasher, hrdwd., quiet. Pets ok. Reduced to $3,550/mo. 16754 Edgar St. (310) 454-4599, (310) 266-4151

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

HOME-LIKE, SPACIOUS 1 bd, 1 ba, 800 sf. in triplex near bluffs & Village. Fireplace, bay window, hardwood, garage, laundry, garden. Non-smoker, no pets, 1 yr lease. $2,200/mo. (310) 804-3142

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.

CHARMING DUPLEX overlooking the Village. 1 bdrm, 1 ba. Quiet and quaint. Fantastic location. Walk everywhere. $1,695/mo. (310) 459-1220

CHARMING 2 BED APT IN PAC. PAL. 2 bed, 1 bath lower unit. Hardwood floors, front patio. $1,850/mo. Doug, (424) 242-4570, mclaughlin.mngmnt@gmail.com

ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT 1/2 block from Gelson’s and ‘village’ shops, two blocks from Temescal Cyn hiking. Quiet building, little street traffic. Call Michael, (310) 883-8049

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. $3,350/mo. (310) 395-1073

PALISADES CONDO ON SUNSET. 2 bedroom, 2 bath on the 1st floor. Available now. 2 fireplaces, AC, W/D in unit. Private jacuzzi. Quiet building. $3,295/mo. (310) 456-0047

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.

VACATION RENTALS 3e

VACATION RENTAL. Beautifully furnished, fully equipped large, airy 1 bed/bath home in treetops. (310) 454-2568

LOST & FOUND 6a

KEYS FOUND!! Apparently not for a vehicle or a house. Found 10/5 on Via Bluffs. (310) 459-1387

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

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

PERSONAL ASSISTANT/ORGANIZER: Outgoing & cheerful individual available for office or home organization. Office skills, errands, event & travel planning. Part time or temporary OK. 3 hour min. Reasonable rates. Pam, (310) 733-8433

STYLIST/CLOSET ORGANIZER. Personal stylist building clientele in Palisades. Styled for Kardashian family and individuals in Palisades for 3 yrs. Styling for daily outfits, evenings out, etc. or basic closet organization, utilizing those clothes you never know what to do with. Call Chelsey, (425) 344-3895.

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

AFTERSCHOOL HELP. School pick-up, activities, errands, homework. Own car & excellent driving record. Part-time parent toddler teacher. References available. (310) 459-9149

NANNY AVAILABLE Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. Has experience & references. Has own transportation. CPR experience. 7 hrs/day, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Call (310) 845-9170 or (310) 936-3480.

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

LOOKING FOR A HOUSEKEEPING JOB. 2-3 days. 12 years experience, own transportation, legal, local references. Call Delmy, (323) 363-9492, delmycleaning.com

EUROPEAN CLEANING SERVICE. Reliable, local references. Experienced. Own supplies. Call today. (818) 324-9154

HOUSEKEEPER. Looking for work. Excellent work and references. Good English. Call Raquel after 5 p.m. at (213) 736-5362.

HOUSECLEANING. 20 years experience & very good references. Available to work Thursday every week and Tuesday & Wednesday every 2 weeks. Please call Blanca, (323) 463-1330 or leave a message.

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE. Excellent worker, dependable, trustworthy, excellent cook & excellent references. Call Arlina, (323) 229-9327

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

INDEPENDENT LANDSCAPE GARDENER. Expertise in: Planting ‘ Plumbing & Irrigation Drip Systems ‘ Sprinklers ‘ Timers & Repairs on existing systems ‘ Landscape Lighting, Fencing, Arbors & Trellises ‘ Pruning & Trimming ‘ Sod Removal or Installation ‘ Soil Preparation ‘ Right plants for given conditions ‘ Regular maintenance. Client refs upon request. Bulmaro, (310) 442-6426 or cell, (310) 709-3738

MOVING & HAULING 11b

HONEST MAN SERVICES. All jobs, big or small. Moves and hauls it all. 14 foot truck. 20th year Westside. Delivery to 48 states. (310) 285-8688

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

MONSTECH AUDIO & VIDEO ‘ HDTV’s & Custom Home Theater Install ‘ Whole House Audio & Video ‘ Pre-wiring, Phone Systems, Surveillance & much more! FREE ESTIMATES! Roberto, (310) 357-4010

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.

MISCELLANEOUS 13j

PRESSURE WASHING ‘ Walkways ‘ Patios ‘ Driveways ‘ Stone ‘ Tile ‘ Concrete. (310) 459-9000

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

EXCELLENT PERSONAL ASSISTANT to help w/ tasks of the day. Organizing, driving, appointments, shopping, errands, property manager, banking deposits, etc. Excellent references. Evelyne, (310) 395-4660

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

MISCELLANEOUS 14k

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

PERSONAL TRAINER 15c

Peak Performance Fitness Training. Ivan Baccarat, N.S.C.A., A.C.E. Cert. Personal Trainer. Body Shaping ‘ Strength ‘ Fat Loss ‘ Prenatal/Post Partum ‘ Cardio ‘ Kickboxing ‘ Stretch/Flexibility ‘ Plyometrics ‘ Endurance ‘ Core Work. Individualized Program Design. Balance training for older adults. 20 yrs. experience ‘ Insured ‘ Excellent references. Call for a free consultation, (310) 829-4428

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

MATH & CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS: COLLEGE ESSAYS, SAT/SAT II/ACT/ISEE/HSPT MATH PREP. All math subjects thru calculus. Jr. high thru college level writing skills. Fun, caring, creative, individualized tutoring. Local office in Palisades Village. Call 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 ‘ Assesment ‘ Motivation ‘ Remediation. Personalized academic, cognitive, & behavioral support. ADD, Gifted, LD, School & Family Challenges. Free Consult ‘ Pre-K – Adult ‘ Local office 10+ years. Arlana J. Morley, MS, MFT, BCET. (310) 459-4125

ARE YOU FRUSTRATED? Want a new system of learning for children with AUTISM that really works? Private in-home sessions. WORLD TOURS TECHNIQUES, (310) 455-2505

MATH & SCIENCE TUTOR. Middle school-college level. BS LAUSD credentialed high school teacher. Test prep. Flexible hours. AVAILABLE to help NOW! Seth Freedman, (310) 909-3049

STANFORD-EDUCATED MATH & SCIENCE TUTOR. Young-ish (30s) & personable, 7 yrs exper, algebra thru calculus, physics, chemistry, SAT. References. www.westsidestanfordtutor.com, (323) 309-6687

MATH TUTOR. 15 years in-home tutoring experience. Have excellent skills to deal with lack of motivation & experience to make math fun. Palisades resident. Call Jelica, (916) 302-6129

WORLD’S BEST TUTOR is now available in the Palisades. All ages, most subjects. Let me help your child succeed. References on request. Jan, (310) 454-6774

MATH TUTOR, 10 years + in West L.A., Geometry, Algebra 1 & 2, Statistics, Calculus. Michigan MBA. Very reasonable rates. Call Bill, (310) 454-9821

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

Alex Van Name, a NAME you can TRUST! for k-12 Science and Math Tutoring. www.310ScienceMath.com. Summer Assignments, S.A.T. and A.C.T. Prep, Academic Tutoring and Support. Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, pre-Calc, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Honors and AP too! ‘Mr. Van Name is such a patient and creative instructor. He explains the material thoroughly and is always ready to explain it in different ways until it makes sense.’ Call: (310) 295-8915. Email: alexvanname@tmo.blackberry.net. 12011 San Vicente Blvd. Suite 540, Los Angeles, CA 90049

MATH/SCIENCE/SAT TUTOR. Widely used by Palisades residents. Excellent references. Dozens of satisfied clients at top schools. Call Will at (510) 378-7138

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES 15g

PRIVATE FITNESS FOR KIDS ‘ Coach Corey provides one-on-one sports & fitness training for children 3-13. Specializing in coordination and motor skill development for all levels, including Autistic Spectrum (OT references). This unique program guarantees transformational RESULTS! Featured in London Times, Details & Good Morning LA! Call (310) 712-5758

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

TRUMPET & MUSIC LESSONS. Phrasing, musicality, music theory, ear training, composing, songwriting. USC & Juilliard graduate. (310) 497-2929

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

SEME TILE. License #920238, insured. All phases of tile work. Kitchens, bathrooms, walkways, etc. No job too small! Call Steve, (310) 663-7256. FREE estimates! Email: semetile@gmail.com & website: www.semetile.com

PALISADES HOME REPAIR SERVICE. Super reliable, super clean’over 200 completed home repairs. There is no one better! Lic. #294-272 Call Mark, (310) 622-2773

CASALE CONSTRUCTION CO., LLC ‘ Lic. #512443 ‘ Kitchen and Bath Specialist ‘ General Contractor ‘ Residential ‘ Commercial ‘ New Construction ‘ Additions ‘ Remodeling ‘ (310) 491-0550 (o) ‘ (310) 927-1799 (c) ‘ 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

ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local service only. Non-lic. Please call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286

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

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR ‘ From lamps and chandelier rewiring to house wiring and rewiring. $99 house wiring inspection. Lic. #921997. (310) 801-8361

FENCES, DECKS 16j

THE FENCE MAN. 18 years quality work ‘ Wood fences ‘ Decks ‘ Gates ‘ Chainlink & patio ‘ Wrought iron. Lic. #663238, bonded. (818) 706-1996

CARLOS FENCE COMPANY. Wood & picket fences, wrought iron, chain link, gates, handrails, balconies, decks, pergola, arbor. Custom jobs available. (310) 677-2737, (310) 677-8650 (fax), carlos_fence@yahoo.com

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

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, 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

SAM DE LA CRUZ’EXPERT CRAFTSMAN ‘ Painting ‘ Plumbing ‘ Tile-work ‘ Carpentry ‘ Electrical. No job too small! Rain or shine! Good references & reasonable rates. Sammy, (310) 386-2244

I CAN FIX THAT! ‘ HOME REPAIRS ‘ PALISADES RESIDENT, call today for help today. See ripmx.com/handyman for a list of services or call JOHN now, (310) 745-3200

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). Licensed, bonded and insured. 24 hr/7 days service available also!

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

TILE 16x

Tile. Nancy Lee Douglass, Lic. #742322 ‘ Regrout ‘ Recaulk ‘ Repair ‘ Install ‘ Beautify ‘ Consult ‘ 25 yrs. exp. ‘ References ‘ Local ‘ (310) 450-6427

MISCELLANEOUS 16z

BUILT INS. Former HGTV design/construction team is doing built ins!! Let’s make good use of those walls. Palisades resident. debonairrenovations.com, (310) 877-5577

HELP WANTED 17

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: Reliable, congenial, can dedicate 4 hrs. 1 X a week for American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, SM. Merchandising, retail duties, sorting, steaming. Contact Helene, (310) 458-4490

FUDDRUCKERS HIRING cooks, cashiers, shift leaders! Apply 2-4 p.m. daily. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. 221 North San Fernando. Great Oppty’s! (310) 277-7756

DRIVER WANTED * Driver needed on Fridays to pick up retired prof. in PP at 10, drive to UCLA, and return to PP at 3:30. $35 + your car. Exclt refs & driving record. (213) 891-2880

PALISADES HIGHLANDS COUPLE needs a bookkeeper familiar with Quicken or Quickbooks, pay bills, file, etc. $25/hr. 5-10 hrs/week. Call (310) 454-7125

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

60’S FURNITURE/furnishgs/art/collectibles/clothes/ jewelry/kitch/hsehold goods/books. 18348 Coastline Drive (off PCH) Fri.-Sat., Oct. 15-16; 8 a.m.-4 p,m. www.bmdawson for photos/details.

Sunset Apartments Are Sold; Management Makes Upgrades

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The Fontainebleau and Palisades Hawaiian apartment complexes, located on Sunset Boulevard across from Marquez Avenue, offer tenants sweeping ocean views.
The Fontainebleau and Palisades Hawaiian apartment complexes, located on Sunset Boulevard across from Marquez Avenue, offer tenants sweeping ocean views.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The Fontainebleau and Palisades Hawaiian apartment complexes, located on Sunset Boulevard near the Self-Realization Fellowship, offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.   ’This particular property is beloved by everyone who lives here because of its view,’ said Karen Miller, who moved into the Fontainebleau nine years ago.   Miller, however, is saddened by how the 1955 building with 23 units has deteriorated over the years and by the events of the past few months, as evidenced in her opinion piece, ‘Fontainebleau Morphs into Favela,’ published on September 9 in the Palisadian-Post.   The real estate company JSM Tramanto, founded by Craig Jones, used to own the apartment complexes, located at 17010 and 17020 Sunset, and the adjacent vacant lots at 16990 and 17000 Sunset (across from Marquez Avenue). The Palisades Hawaiian, with 16 units, was built in 1953.   In March, First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company started foreclosure proceedings against JSM, alleging that the company had defaulted on its $14.1-million loan, established in June 2007.   According to the lawsuit, ‘Defendants were to make monthly payments of accrued interest until January 1, 2010, when the entire remaining balance, including all principal, interest and other charges was due’As of March 18, 2010, the principal sum of $14.1 million remains unpaid together with accrued interest in the amount of $223,250 and late charges in the amount of $1.41 million. In addition, defendants are liable for plaintiff’s costs, attorney’s fees, trustee’s fees and associated costs.’   A court-appointed receiver was assigned to take control of the properties, and North Oak Real Estate, based in Woodland Hills, was hired to serve as the manager, effective March 22.   This is not the first foreclosure for JSM, which has been sued numerous times in the Superior Court of California for mismanagement, breach of contract and fraud.   According to Interactive Investor (an online financial services provider), 11 of JSM’s properties located in downtown Santa Monica went into foreclosure in July 2009. These properties include Amalfi, Anacapa, Biella, Capri, Livorno, Revello, San Remo, Sorrento, Venezia, Verona and Positano. JSM’s Web site indicates that the company has completed more than 20 projects with more than 700 units in downtown Santa Monica since 1997. JSM made headlines this summer in the Santa Monica Daily Press when the company failed to construct 52 affordable housing units under an agreement with the City of Santa Monica.   The Daily Press reported that JSM had promised to build two 26-unit deed-restricted affordable projects, one at 711 Colorado Ave. and another at 1514 Seventh St., in exchange for building eight market-rate housing complexes in downtown. Instead, the two properties were sold in a foreclosure auction in April.   JSM executives, including chief executive officer Craig Jones, were unreachable for comment because the company’s telephone line is disconnected. The Daily Press reported that Jones had left the country and is living in Southeast Asia.   On July 16, Palisades Hawaiian tenant John Glasgow attended the auction on the steps of the county courthouse in Pomona. He said that the buyer, M&A GABAEE, purchased the property for $8,870,300 (and one cent).   Arman Gabaee and Mark Gabay of the Charles Company (a real estate development and investment partnership) own M&A GABAEE. On October 8, the Palisadian-Post called Gabay at his office and left a message asking about his plans for the properties. Gabay did not return the call.   M&A GABAEE has retained North Oak Real Estate as the property manager. In an interview with the Post on October 1, Steve Rodstein, chief executive officer and founder of North Oak, said he could not speak to the owner’s plans.   Through an anonymous source, the Post obtained an 11-page marketing brochure listing the two apartment buildings (but not the vacant lots) for sale for $11 million. The Charles Dunn Company, a full-service real estate firm in Santa Monica, compiled the information and listed the properties through The Soroudi Group.   When the Post called the Soroudi Group on Tuesday, a company spokesman denied that the properties were for sale. He would not answer any questions.   Since the apartments went into receivership, much maintenance and repair work has taken place.   ’It was obvious that the properties needed some tender loving care that was lacking in the past,’ Rodstein said.   The pools in both complexes were completely renovated during receivership and the Fontainebleau’s driveway was partially repaved. Rodstein said that the new owner’s intent is to continue to make the apartments a comfortable place to live. An on-site manager was hired about three weeks ago to oversee both apartments. ‘We have been working diligently on repairs,’ Rodstein said.

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© Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272