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Pali Tennis Tops LACES, 6-1

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Dalia Shamsian prepares to slice a backhand return in Palisades' Western League opener against LACES last Wednesday. She and Katie Pfannkuche won 8-1 at No. 3 doubles.
Dalia Shamsian prepares to slice a backhand return in Palisades’ Western League opener against LACES last Wednesday. She and Katie Pfannkuche won 8-1 at No. 3 doubles.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

From the moment the first ball was struck, it was clear that the Palisades High girls’ varsity tennis team was playing with a little extra motivation in last Wednesday’s Western League opener. In a showdown against defending league champion Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies, the Dolphins used a doubles sweep and a gutsy comeback by Jessie Corneli to rout the visiting Unicorns 6-1. Katie Takakjian and Charlotte Farrant, who went undefeated in league last season, continued their streak with a 8-0 victory at No. 1 doubles; Julie Takakjian and Emily Wettleson won by the same score at No. 2; and Dalia Shamsian and Katie Pfannkuche won 8-1 at No. 3. In singles, junior Yvonne Lokomanova scored the only point for LACES when she overcame a 4-1 deficit to beat Pali’s Samantha Kogan at No. 1 singles. However, Perri Zaret won 8-4 at No. 3 singles and Katie Vincent won 8-2 at No. 4 singles for the Dolphins. Corneli had to wait over two hours before stepping on the court to face LACES senior Daisha Matthews, whom she played as a freshman in a match that got so contentious that Dolphins’ Coach Sean Passan was forced to halt the match before it was completed. This time, the Palisades junior fell behind 6-1 but changed her strategy in time to win 8-6. “I started hitting more forehands crosscourt,” Corneli said. “When I was ahead 7-6 I felt confident but you can’t really ever think you’ve got it won or you’ll lose. Honestly, it’s just good to win in general. We know we’re the better team.” After holding serve for a 7-6 lead, Corneli broke Matthews to close out the 8-6 victory. Volleyball Monday was the hottest day in Los Angeles in 20 years, but the temperature outside could not match the heat inside the Palisades High gym, where the girls varsity volleyball team fell to Venice, 25-23, 9-25, 25-23, 13-25, 15-9. Palisades gets another crack at its archrival October 18. Two days earlier, at the La Jolla Beach Invitational, the Dolphins edged Woodland Hills Taft, 25-23, 25-27, 15-8, in a battle of teams that could meet in the City Section Division II finals.

Palisadians Punt, Pass & Kick

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Palisadian Caroline Douglas kicks off on her way to first place in the girls' 8-9 age group at last Saturday's NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition.
Palisadian Caroline Douglas kicks off on her way to first place in the girls’ 8-9 age group at last Saturday’s NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

A new tradition was started last Saturday morning when the Palisades-Malibu YMCA conducted the National Football League’s Punt, Pass and Kick qualifying competition at Palisades High. Despite the 8 a.m. start time, 31 Palisadians made up most of the 41 Los Angeles-area participants in this year’s event, which the YMCA hopes to make it a yearly occurrence in the community. “This was the first time we’ve offered it here and we’re excited to make it an annual event like the track meet,” YMCA Director of Administration Lionnel Zaragoza said. “We had a good turnout and it was a lot of fun for everybody.” The event consisted of five age divisions (ages 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 14-15) and the winners of the four older divisions will advance to the sectional round for a chance to advance to the national finals, held at a real NFL game. Palisadians had the home field advantage so naturally they dominated Saturday’s competition. Participants’ scores were determined by adding up the total distances in each of the three categories–punting, passing and kicking (off a tee). Jessica Rubin won the girls’ 6-7 age group with a combined distance of 39 feet, while fellow residents Nathan Russell and Zane Danton placed second and third in the boys’ 6-7 age group. Nathaniel Broidy of Los Angeles won the boys’ 6-7 age group with a distance of 146 feet, 10 inches. Miller Moss won the boys’ 8-9 division with a total combined distance of 203 feet, 10 inches while fellow Palisadians William Coquillard and Sam Swartz were second and third. Palisadian Caroline Douglas won the girls’ 8-9 division with a mark of 103 feet, one inch. Palisadians took first place in both the boys’ and girls’ 10-11 divisions. Mila Danton won the girls (84 feet, two inches) and Collin Flintoft won the boys (286 feet, 10 inches), followed by locals Benjamin Jacobs and Kai Padden in second and third. Brandon Ordonez of North Hollywood won the boys’ 12-13 age group with a combined distance of 265 feet, nine inches and Palisades resident William Winkenhower came in second with a total distance of 232 feet. In the boys’ 14-15 age group, Benjamin Kreitenberg of Tarzana measured out best with a distance of 317 feet, six inches. Accuracy was also factored into the scores, so if a ball was thrown 50 feet but landed 10 feet outside of the specified zone, the distance was recorded as 40 feet, subtracting 10 feet from the total of 50. “Our Optimist Club is dedicated to serving our youth, and we’re looking forward to sharing more great days of football and fun in the future,” Pacific Palisades Optimist Club President Geoff Shelden said.

Riley Takes Pride in Defense

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Rookie of the Year Ali Riley was a stalwart on defense all season for the FC Gold Pride, who blanked Philadelphia 4-0 to win the WPS championship on Sunday. Photo courtesy of FC Gold Pride
Rookie of the Year Ali Riley was a stalwart on defense all season for the FC Gold Pride, who blanked Philadelphia 4-0 to win the WPS championship on Sunday. Photo courtesy of FC Gold Pride

Once again, Ali Riley will return home to Pacific Palisades with a new championship to celebrate. Not that she’s coming back anytime soon. She and her Bay Area teammates put forth a dominant performance last Sunday in the Women’s Professional Soccer championship game, scoring twice in each half and en route to a 4-0 shutout of the Philadelphia Independence at Cal State University East Bay’s Pioneer Stadium in Hayward. A week earlier, Riley was one of three Bay Area players to receive a year-end award when she was named WPS Rookie of the Year. As FC Golf Pride’s left side defender, she started 23 games and tallied three assists for the regular season champions, who had a bye into the final but showed no rust during their week off. Bay Area topped the league in team defense, allowing only 19 goals, and Riley’s speed up the wings gave opposing teams fits all season. The Pride’s stellar season included league records for the longest winning streak (5 games; twice), most goals in a game (6) and most goals in a half (5). Winning Sunday’s final also extended the team’s record 14-game unbeaten streak. The Pacific Palisades resident and former Pali Blues and Stanford University star was picked 10th in the first-round of the 2010 WPS Draft by FC Gold Pride, the league’s Bay Area franchise. She led her hometown Blues’ march to their second straight W-League title last August, then captained Stanford University to its first College Cup final. The 22-year-old Palisadian played for New Zealand in both the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China. In high school, she led Harvard-Westlake to the 2006 Southern Section Division I finals and was named Mission League Offensive Most Valuable Player two times. She also starred for the Westside Breakers and SoCal United club teams. Riley barely took time to celebrate her latest triumph before hopping on a plane for New Zealand to train with the national team, which travels to Korea in two weeks to play in the Peace Queen Cup.

Lagana Sets for St. Monica

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Setter Cambria Lagana is the only non-senior starter for the St. Monica varsity girls volleyball team, which swept Buckley in its season opener.
Setter Cambria Lagana is the only non-senior starter for the St. Monica varsity girls volleyball team, which swept Buckley in its season opener.

The time is now for the St. Monica High girls’ varsity volleyball team. Nine of 12 players on the Mariners’ roster are seniors, yet much of the team’s success this season rests in the hands of its only sophomore, Cambria Lagana. Lagana, the setter, is St. Monica’s only non-senior starter, but so far the Pacific Palisades resident is filling her role expertly at the Santa Monica school. Her crisp passing and accurate sets helped the Mariners to a 25-14, 25-14, 25-19 win over Sherman Oaks Buckley in their nonleague opener September 16. St. Monica is ranked No. 5 in the CIF Southern Section Division V-AA poll and will try to reclaim the Camino Real League title this fall. The team finished 19-9 last season and reached the second round of the playoffs. A multi-dimensional athlete, Lagana also plays basketball and runs track. In fact, she medaled in the 4 x 100 relay at the Southern Section finals last spring. Another Palisadian, Kaylie Ward, plays for St. Monica’s JV squad.

Smith Moves Volleyball Academy

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Sinjin Smith has relocated his volleyball academy to the Westside and will begin indoor volleyball programs this fall for boys and girls ages 8-18.
Sinjin Smith has relocated his volleyball academy to the Westside and will begin indoor volleyball programs this fall for boys and girls ages 8-18.

Pacific Palisades resident and beach volleyball legend Sinjin Smith, has relocated his Sinjin Smith Volleyball Academy, which he founded in 2008, to the Westside and will begin indoor volleyball programs this fall for boys and girls ages 8-18. An Olympian and past President of the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Council, Smith also offers a summer beach volleyball program and tournaments through the Beach Volleybal Camps he runs with fellow Palisadian and former playing partner Randy Stoklos. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me to expand our volleyball programs and offer kids on the Westside a new opportunity to learn the sport that I enjoyed so much in my own childhood,” says Smith, father of three sons ages 11-15, who will be playing on boys’ club teams in the Academy this season. Smith will operate his first boys club teams this Fall while continuing to operate his girls club volleyball teams, started in 2008. All will compete in the Southern California Volleyball Association (SCVA) region of USA Volleyball, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), and selected friendly events with Sinjin Smith Volleyball Academy programs in Northern California, Hawaii, and Japan. Smith and USA Men’s National Team assistant coach Gary Sato (Santa Monica), will also headline a series of beach and indoor clinics in Hawaii this January with 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Misty May-Treanor. For more information, contact the Sinjin Smith Volleyball Academy at 888-750-SSVA (7782) or visit www.SinjinSmithAcademy.com. Girls tryouts for 10/11/12/13 and 14 age divisions will be Friday (7-8 p.m. for 10-12 age groups and 7:30-9 p.m. for 13/14), October 1, and Saturday (9-10 a.m. for ages 10-12 and 9:30-11 a.m. for 13-14), October 2, at the Santa Monica Boys’ & Girls’ Club (1238 Lincoln Blvd. in Santa Monica). Visit the Web site at http://scvavolleyball.org/girls_tryouts.htm to download all required forms. PPVBC Girls Tryouts Sunday The Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club will be conducting its girls tryouts this Sunday, October 3, at Palisades High School. The tryout fee is $20. Girls’ 12-and-under tryouts will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the gym. Girls’ 13-and under and 14-and-under tryouts will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., also in the gym. Make-up tryouts for 12s, 13s and 14s will be next Sunday, October 10, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Palisades High gym. Visit the PPVBC Web site at ppvbc.com or call club director Charlie Stennett at 310-266-3182.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

$699K. 4 BD, 2 BA. Palisades native’s home, 5 min. from Yosemite. Solid, quiet, forested 1/3 acre, big garage/shop/deck, pure untreated water, near Tenaya Lodge. A pleasurable investment. AlbostaRealty.com, (559) 676-7444

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

2000+SF. 4+3 HOME NEAR VILLAGE. Cute 4 BR Spanish fixer w/ great potentl. PRICED TO SELL! $1,179,000! 947 Galloway; Agent: Rick Mills, (310) 729-4738. MLS 10-477103. Open Sun. 2-4.

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

LIGHT, AIRY SPACE IN TREE-TOPS. Exceptional 1 bd, ba, huge living areas for non-smoker, no pets. Avail. 10/1. FULLY equipped. Short/long term. $2,770/mo. for everything. (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

CHARMING CAPE COD in the Palisades. 2 bedroom, office/den open to patio and garden. 1.5 baths, hardwood floors, quiet & secluded on wide Alphabet St. Ample off st. parking. Gardener incl. $3,600/mo. lease. (310) 454-7826

COUNTRY ENGLISH IN ALPHABETS! * Charming 4 bed + 3 ba. Remodeled, spacious, light/ bright, fam rm, lush lndscpd yards. Spa. Walk to Village. $6,500/mo. (310) 230-3719

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

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

PALISADES 1 BEDROOM apt. Large, remodeled, carpet, gas stove, refrigerator, one year lease, new paint, laundry, storage, covered parking. No pets, Non-smoker. $1,335/mo. (310) 477-6767

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

1 BEDROOM 1 BATH IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE. Hardwood floors, newly remodeled kitchen, stove & refrigerator. Price negotiable. Call Bob at (503) 807-3956

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.

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. $3,400/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

3 BED, 3 BA plus office. Walk to restaurants and Sunset Beach. Gated community with pool/spa and yard. 4-car parking. $5,500/mo. unfurnished. $7,000/mo. furnished. (310) 459-1199

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.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 3f

SHL MANAGEMENT BOUTIQUE FIRM ‘ Manage apartments, houses, and commercial buildings. Experienced, reliable, honest & local. Member of IREM. (310) 392-1757, ask for Loren.

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

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

DO YOU NEED HELP GETTING ORGANIZED? Executive level business and personal assistant services available. Office organizing, writing, project and event planning. Concierge services on a project or weekly basis. Call Patty, (310) 394-3085

DAYCARE CENTERS 8

PALISADES LEARN & PLAY ‘ Now enrolling for Fall! Educational themes, Art & Socialization. Ages 16 mo.-5 yrs. Balanced nutritious meals provided. Come & see what all the fun is about! (310) 459-0920

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

LOOKING FOR NANNY POSITION. Mon. thru Sat. 13 yrs experience, own car, good references, honest. Loves babies & children. Light housekeeping, good English. Please call Saula, (213) 393-1779

EXTRAORDINARY NANNY * Reliable, kind, capable, experienced with taking care of families, drive, shopping, organize schedules & household. Great w/ kids. Call: Nancy, (818) 209-6024

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

HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING. Available Tuesday. Experienced, good references, own transportation. Speaks English. Call anytime, (818) 770-8401

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING. Available Monday through Friday, 10 years experience, good references, honest, live-out. Call anytime. Marcela, (213) 924-1229

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER AVAILABLE: Good local references, own transportation, friendly w/ pets. Speaks English. Available Fri. & Sat. Marlene, (c) (323) 423-2558, (h) (323) 750-1957

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

HOUSEKEEPER & BABYSITTER ‘ Available Monday through Friday. Has own car, CA DL & insurance. Local references. 10 years experience. Daisy, (323) 732-8192 or (323) 793-8287

GREAT HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE. Looking for a position for a very professional, talented, lovely, sweet, legal, non-driving, organized, full-time housekeeper. She is one of the best housekeepers around and if you have a big, busy household and really need help with cleaning and laundry, you will be happy that you hire her. She is excellent with the best possible references. Also a skilled CNA. Please call Maricela at (323) 255-0127 or (323) 387-2608

HOUSEKEEPER & BABYSITTER. Available Monday through Thursday, 3 years experience, references available, own transportation, live-in or out. Great with pets. Judith, (323) 535-1098

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)

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

HAULING, PACKING & garage clean-out. Organized, experienced, patient & honest actor/writer available for all your moving needs! Call Richard, (310) 663-7364

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.

AUTO DETAILING 13i

AMAZING DETAIL ‘ MOBILE CAR WASH & DETAILING SERVICE ‘ Cars ‘ Trucks ‘ Vans ‘ Boats ‘ RVs and more! Why go to the car wash, when WE COME TO YOU with better prices? Call today and ask about our specials! (323) 402-7199

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

EXPERIENCED FRENCH INSTRUCTOR tutors JHS, HS, AP & SAT French students. Excellent references. Masters in Education. Native French speaker, Malibu resident, very enthusiastic. Cate, (310) 456-5398

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

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

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

EXPERT PHYSICS TUTOR. Physics tutoring from an award winning high school physics teacher. (310) 408-9520. www.westsidephysicstutor.com

MATH TUTOR ‘ BEYOND MATH TUTORING ‘ UC Berkeley Engineering graduate. 4.3 GPA. 800 Math SAT. All ages. Local resident. In your home. ki@beyondmathtutoring.com, (310) 266-1585

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

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

GROUP MUSIC LESSONS for 3-6 y.o. children. Develop rhythm, ear & memory. Learn about composers & prep for potential instrument playing. For more info: www.palisadesmusiclessons.com, (310) 454-9697

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

PHILLIP SPRINGER, COMPOSER of ‘Santa Baby’ & other hits, is offering classes in elementary theory & sight reading for 5-10 yr olds only. Classes Sat. morning. For further information please call (310) 459-3372

PIANO LESSONS are offered by a local studio with 22 years experience. Ages: 5-adult, all levels. For more info: www.palisadesmusiclessons.com or call (310) 454-9697

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

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 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 avail.)

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

AFFORDABLE CONSTRUCTION SERVICE ‘ Roofing ‘ Windows ‘ Painting ‘ Tile ‘ Siding ‘ Concrete ‘ Fences ‘ Decks ‘ Carpentry. All types of home repairs. State License #B-1 746866. Insured. 1 (800) 806-8688

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

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

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

PALISADES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES. All jobs and calls welcome!! All phases of const. and home repair. A fresh alternative from the norm, very courteous, very safe, very clean!! Call for a free estimate and consultation. Please call: Kevin, Brian Nunneley, (310) 488-1153. Lic. #375858

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

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

CALIFORNIA BEST PAINTING ‘ Interior ‘ Exterior ‘ Residential ‘ Commercial ‘ Plaster ‘ Drywall & Repair ‘ FREE ESTIMATES! Lic. #854322. Bonded & Insured. (877) 430-1112, (213) 382-0020

REMODELING 16v

KANAN CONSTRUCTION ‘ References. BONDED ‘ INSURED ‘ St. Lic. #554451 ‘ DANIEL J. KANAN, CONTRACTOR, (310) 451-3540 / (800) 585-4-DAN

HELP WANTED 17

WANTED: Male live-in caregiver for active 92-year-old man. Please call (310) 454-1956, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., ask for Wendy.

AFTERNOON NANNY. M-F, 2:30-7 p.m.; school pick-up, activities; homework help; dinner prep; errands; lt housekeeping. Use own car, exclt refs and drv record. $15/hr. + car. (310) 454-5450

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: Reliable, congenial, can dedicate 4 hrs. 1 X a week for American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, SM. Sorting, merchandising, retail duties, pressing. 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

AUTOS 18b

2003 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. 68K, excellent shape. Recently serviced. $10,500 or best offer. All records available. Call John, (310) 999-8052

SILVER TINTED 2000 S80 VOLVO. 96,400 miles. All servicing at Santa Monica Volvo. In very good condition. Price: $5,250 (EasyCare extended warranty incl. in sale price). Call Louise, (310) 405-3164

FURNITURE 18c

MOVING’MOTIVATED SELLER. Beautiful custom handpainted children’s bedroom set. Call for details: (310) 456-4666 or (310) 387-7722

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

ESTATE SALE: Beautiful Ethan Allen dining room table w/ 6 chairs, seats 8. Excellent condition. $2,500 OBO. Brand new Airloom queen size bed w/ pillowtop. $1,500 OBO. Crate & Barrel cream leather chair. $950 OBO. Shown by app. only. (310) 991-0080

FURNITURE SALE! Brown and Jordan patio chairs, dining room chairs, coffee table and more! 1024 Chatauqua Blvd. Saturday, September 25, 9 a.m.

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

HORSE BOARDING. Horse boarding near Will Rogers State Park, access to trails, 10×10 pipe corral stall with partial shelter. $275 per month. Feeding/cleaning twice a day/6 days a week for $125 per month. Available late Sept., early Oct. Call Bob, (949) 235-4761

‘Rollerball’ Defends His PCH Home Turf

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Tachowa Covington, whose nickname is Rollerball, has made a water tank at the mouth of Potrero Canyon his bedroom and living quarters for the past seven years. In the foreground is a construction shed that Covington calls his office. He hopes to withstand efforts by Community Council member Stuart Muller to have these structures along Pacific Coast Highway razed.    Photo: Ed Lowe
Tachowa Covington, whose nickname is Rollerball, has made a water tank at the mouth of Potrero Canyon his bedroom and living quarters for the past seven years. In the foreground is a construction shed that Covington calls his office. He hopes to withstand efforts by Community Council member Stuart Muller to have these structures along Pacific Coast Highway razed.    Photo: Ed Lowe

Tachowa Covington, whose nickname is ‘Rollerball,’ has been living for about seven years in a construction shed and a watertank along Pacific Coast Highway, near the mouth of Potrero Canyon. He calls the shed his office, which until a recent fire had included a television, a sofa, a chair and a steel desk containing pictures, paperwork and a Bible.   He also fixed up the water tank behind the shed so that he could sleep there. ‘It does get hot in the summer and cold in the winter,’ Covington told the Palisadian-Post Tuesday, ‘but it’s real nice. I saw a lot of dolphins this morning.’   Unfortunately for Covington, his compound has been targeted by several community activists and organizations, including the Pacific Palisades Community Council and the Pacific Palisades Residents Association, who want the City of Los Angeles and Caltrans to clear away abandoned structures, construction equipment and unsightly debris from along PCH, between Potrero and Temescal Canyon.   Community Council member Stuart Muller reiterated those sentiments in a September 16 e-mail to Mayor Villariagosa, City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, the LAPD and Community Council Chair Janet Turner, among others.   Muller wrote that ‘the Potrero Park construction gatehouse/water tank/’caretaker’ situation has gone on way too long’and I ask you to take definitive actions and remove the decrepit gatehouse [and] its longtime inhabitant’ASAP. The shack is not built to code and is not permitted for human habitation. The same man has lived there for many years and the City of L.A. has known this.’   According to Muller (following a conversation with LADP Senior Lead Officer Michael Moore), Covington had apparently worked for the construction contractor who was filling Potrero Canyon to create an eventual park. When the contractor left over the project in a dispute with the City, Covington was given verbal permission to stay in the gatehouse and watch over the area.   On Tuesday, Covington said he had never worked for the Potrero contractor, but that as a transient he had simply taken possession of the gatehouse. He also disputed Mueller’s allegations, stating he now owns the land he is living on because of adverse possession’that traditional common law provides a method for someone to obtain title to land through use.   This means title to another’s property can be acquired without compensation, by actual occupation under circumstances as to constitute reasonable notice to the owner. Possession must be continuous and uninterrupted for a specific length of time and is some cases the holder must pay all taxes levied.   ’When I came here the water tank was abandoned and rusted inside,’ Covington said. ‘I cleaned it up and I’ve lived here seven years.’   He said that officials appreciate that he keeps the graffiti cleaned up in that area and that he keeps it clear of transients. ‘I don’t do anything wrong,’ he said. In fact, Covington told the Post, ‘a company has been making a movie about me and how I live in the water tank. It’s a story about how I made something of nothing.’ (The videos, ‘Something From Nothing’ and ‘Tachowa 2010’ by Cash Productions, can be viewed on YouTube.)   On September 13, a fire in the construction shed caused extensive smoke damage to Covington’s possessions. Thanks to a call from a passing motorist who spotted the fire, firemen from Station 69 on Sunset were able to quickly respond and save the shed.   Captain Jerry Bedoya said that that the cause of the fire was undetermined. ‘It wasn’t a cooking or electrical fire, because he didn’t have any power to the structure,’ Bedoya noted.   Shortly after the fire, Covington sat on his smoke-damaged sofa and puzzled over what he should do next.   ’I need to call the Red Cross; all my clothes are all smoked,’ he told a Post reporter. He asked a local resident who was also on the site how he could contact the Red Cross, and the resident promised to do it for him. Indeed, the resident drove to the Santa Monica office of the Red Cross and spoke to Mark Solnick.   ’We help everybody we can,’ Solnick later told the Post. ‘We have certain rules, and if it doesn’t fall under our guidelines, we’re connected to a vast network of nonprofits that can help.’   On September 14, Solnick called and said that Covington, since he had an address (15145 Pacific Coast Highway), had been given three days in a hotel, plus money for food and to wash his clothes.   ’He may not take the hotel,’ Solnick said. ‘He was worried about his water tank [that someone might move into it].’   Covington, 51, told the Post this week that he had stayed in the hotel and had used the money for food, but not for laundry. He was still dismayed over his smoky clothes.

Chamber’s Breakfast Provides Networking at Pacific Western

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Left to right, Sandra Acosta, Pacific Western Bank branch operations manager; Shela Winston, assistant VP and relationship manager; and Karen Brown, executive VP and commercial/ regional manager hosted the Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast last Friday.
Left to right, Sandra Acosta, Pacific Western Bank branch operations manager; Shela Winston, assistant VP and relationship manager; and Karen Brown, executive VP and commercial/ regional manager hosted the Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast last Friday.

The Chamber of Commerce held its quarterly members-only breakfast last Friday at Pacific Western Bank (formerly Affinity Bank), 15310 Sunset Blvd.   ’We’re really thrilled to be in Pacific Palisades,’ said Karen Brown, a commercial/regional manager for San Diego-based Pacific Western, which acquired Affinity in August 2009. ‘We’re a business bank, but we’re also community-centric, meaning we work with families, local organizations and nonprofits.’   Friday was a chance to network, enjoy camaraderie with the more than 35 people present, and enter a chance to win one of the three door prizes offered by Pacific Western.   Barbara Allen of Tax Return Preparation won the drawing for the $50 Tivoli Cafe certificate; Brad Dela Cruz, who recently joined MetLife Bank as a reverse mortgage specialist, won the $25 Palisades Garden Cafe certificate; and Carlos Aldana, who was attending his first meeting representing the local UPS store, won a $25 Starbucks certificate.   ’I wanted to see what happened at the breakfast,’ said Aldana, whose two younger siblings attend Palisades High. ‘I met a lot people and I found out what they do for the community.’   Speaking as the emcee, Chamber President John Petrick, the CEO of Perennial Financial Services, reminded everyone about the value of community and how shopping in Pacific Palisades is critical to sustain the business district and help preserve that sense of community.   ’I grew up in the Palisades and I’m a graduate of Palisades High,’ Petrick said, acknowledging the school’s interim Executive Director Michael Smith and Chief Business Officer Greg Wood. ‘My fourth grade teacher, Judi Gold, is also here, as is Flo Elfant, who introduced my parents.’ (Elfant is the Chamber’s disaster preparedness chairman.)   Petrick urged new and old members alike to sponsor booths at the revived Village Fair, which will be held at Palisades High on Sunday, October 31. This move from Antioch and Via de la Paz will enable the Chamber to have food vendors and avoid paying the City of Los Angeles for street closures.   As is the custom at these Chamber breakfasts, each member is given the chance to stand and describe his or her business. New members included De La Cruz, Catherine Campos of Morgan Stanley, Clarissa Costa of Costa Coast Pilates, Adam Glazer of Liberty Mutual, Marge Green (president of the Village Green), and architect Robert Meiklejohn, who after working for large commercial firms has started his own firm, specializing in residential designs.   ’One of my passions is sustainable design,’ said Meiklejohn, who moved to the Palisades in 2002.   Costa and her boyfriend have built a Pilates studio at their home in Marquez Knolls, where she provides private and semi-private instruction with an emphasis on correct body alignment and improved balance.   Glazer is urging all residents to take a fire safety quiz at www.BeFireSmart.com and help Fire Station 69 compete for one of ten $10,000 grants awarded by Liberty Mutual. (See story, page 3.)   Judi Gold, a former longtime teacher at Palisades Elementary, is now working for Pre-Paid Legal Services, which offers small businesses on-call legal advice for a monthly fee. ‘It’s so interesting,’ said Gold, who is not yet a Chamber member. ‘It proves there is life after retirement.’   Introducing himself to the group, PaliHi’s Smith said that completing the $4.9-million aquatic center by the first day of school was his overriding priority this summer. Now he wants to help lead a public relations campaign that raises community awareness about Pali’s many strengths and convinces parents in town to say, ‘This is where we need to send our kids.’   The monthly Chamber mixer will be held this evening at the Cypress Center, 970 Monument St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Members are free; non-members $25.

Palisades High to Launch Independent-Study Program

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As early as spring semester 2011, Palisades Charter High School students will be able to take online classes through a distance-learning program.   ’The goal of the program is to offer alternative scheduling options for students,’ said PaliHi’s Director of Counseling Ann Davenport, who is organizing the program in addition to her regular duties.   The program will benefit students who must miss a lot of school as a result of illness, travel or work. Students who have fallen behind in their classes will also be able to enroll in online courses to recover credit.   ’By allowing students to take courses through distance learning, this will open up additional spaces to enroll more students [at PaliHi],’ Davenport said.   The state pays PaliHi a certain amount based on how many students attend on a daily basis (the average daily attendance rate).   ’We would get the same level of funding for distance-learning students as in-seat students on a per-day basis,’ Chief Business Officer Greg Wood said. Although the state has yet to pass the budget, he projects that PaliHi will receive about $6,500 per student this school year.   Depending on students’ needs, they will be able to take a combination of online and direct-instruction courses or all of their courses online, Davenport explained. Students may work on their online courses entirely from home; however, Davenport is also considering setting up an independent-study class for students to work at the school site. A teacher would be assigned to monitor those students.   Classes will be offered in core curriculum areas such as math, English, social studies and non-lab sciences. At this point, PaliHi does not plan to offer foreign language, honors or advanced placement courses online.   Colleges will accept online courses as long as the high school approves them as meeting the required academic standards, Davenport said.   She has just begun the process of determining what materials, equipment and training will be necessary to launch the distance-learning program. She cannot say yet how much the program will cost the school.   On June 15, PaliHi’s board awarded Davenport a contract for $80,000 in addition to her regular salary to launch the program, but she must reach certain benchmarks in order to receive the total amount. The final installment of $20,000 will not be payable unless 80 distance learners are enrolled during the 2011-2012 school year. Her goal will be to implement a pilot program by spring semester.   Davenport plans to visit Granada Hills Charter High School to talk to school officials about their experience using the online company, Aventa Learning, headquartered in Portland, Oregon.   ’We can serve students taking a single class or taking a full-time class load,’ Aventa Learning Vice President Greg Levine told the Palisadian-Post. ‘We do this in a flexible manner tailored to the partner’s requirements. For example, we can teach, the partner can teach or both.’   Aventa’s pricing varies based on the program and number of students served, Levine said. For example, it would cost $598 for one student to take a full-year course where Aventa provides technology, instruction and curriculum.’   The company also allows schools to purchase a block of 10 credit recovery seats for a 12-month period for a cost of $2,000. The seats are reusable ‘ once a student completes a course, a new student can take that seat, or the original student can take a new course. If a school has two semesters and a summer school, one block of 10 seats can accommodate 30 to 40 students during the year.   Davenport is also exploring the possibility of partnering with California Virtual Academy in Simi Valley or Apex Learning Virtual School in Seattle.

Harold Gould, 86; Former Palisadian and a Prominent Character Actor

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Harold Gould, 86, a well-known character actor who played Kid Twist in ‘The Sting’ in 1973, Valerie Harper’s father on the TV sitcom, ‘Rhoda,’ and Betty White’s boyfriend on ‘The Golden Girls,’ died September 11 at the Motion Picture and Television Fund retirement community in Woodland Hills. The cause was cancer. Gould, a former longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, launched his acting career in the 1960s and had roles in many popular films, including ‘Harper’ and ‘Patch Adams.’ For television, he played Martin Morgenstern on ‘Rhoda’ and Miles Webber on ‘Golden Girls.’ He also made scores of guest appearances on top-rated series, including ‘Route 66,’ ‘Perry Mason’ and ‘Spencer.’ Yet theater was Gould’s first love. He appeared in Broadway productions of Neil Simon’s ‘Fools’ and Jules Feiffer’s ‘Grown Ups’ among others. Off-Broadway he won an Obie award in 1970 for his performance as Dr. Eduard Huml in a production of ‘The Increased Difficulty of Concentration,’ by Vaclav Havel. ‘Everybody seemed to like Hal and he got along with everybody,’ said Gould’s wife, Lea, this week. ‘He saw himself as a team player, not a star.’ Born Harold V. Goldstein on December 10, 1923 in Schenectady, New York, Gould served in the Army during World War II before completing his education. After earning a doctorate in theater from Cornell University, he taught for 12 years before taking a one-year leave of absence from UC Riverside in 1960 to follow his passion for acting. ‘I was only 60 miles from Los Angeles, so I left my wife in Riverside, where she taught school,’ he told the Palm Beach Post in 2007. ‘I gave myself a year. All of my colleagues would say, ‘What are you doing? You’re crazy to leave teaching.’ But I had to try. I had to take the leap.’ Gould and his family lived in the Palisades for about 30 years and were members of Kehillat Israel synagogue, where Gould often did readings as part of the religious services. His three children attended local schools, including Palisades Elementary, Marquez Elementary, Revere Junior High School and Palisades High School. His wife directed and acted in productions by Theatre Palisades.   In addition, Gould once rode as grand marshal of the town’s Fourth of July parade, and he helped the Palisadian-Post at one point by posing for an ad to promote subscriptions. The Goulds moved to Santa Monica in the early 1990s and then recently relocated to Woodland Hills. Gould is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lea; his children, Deborah Gould Harris of Glendora, Joshua Gould of Glendale and Lowell Gould of North Carolina; and five grandchildren.

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