Home Blog Page 1968

Actor Greg Bryan Engages His Passion on Stage, Screen

By
dev
-

Greg Bryan loves the actor's life.
Greg Bryan loves the actor’s life.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Actor Greg Bryan follows a circuitous road for his dream, accustomed to both the euphoria and the disappointment of the career, yet through it all still imagining the best of all possible worlds in his dream scenario where is the producer.   ’I’d call all my friends and I’d say ‘I have a role for you, and I can pay you more than you need.”   Bryan’s fantasy reveals the complex orbit of passion, imagination, bonhomie and limitless confidence that defines a complete actor. He is also an actor who over the course of years has developed an expansive group of friends’actors, directors and writers who survive on the inexplicable magic of the stage.   A native Palisadian, Bryan recently returned to the Mark Taper Forum for the second time in an understudy role for two actors in the production of Irish playwright Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Lieutenant of Inishmore.’ While he didn’t make it on stage, he said he loved the experience and thinks McDonagh’s play is the ‘greatest play of the 21st century.’   Securing the understudy role with a Taper production added another valuable credit to Bryan’s resume, which also includes roles with L.A. Theatre, Deaf West Theatre, Theatre @ Boston Court, plus three seasons with the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival and four seasons with the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.   Every actor has a creation story. Bryan’s must have been gestating throughout a childhood of exposure to the arts. His parents took his sister Wendy and him to theater, musicals and opera. ‘I remember seeing the play version of ‘The Wrong Box,’ and being entertained, but not inspired to be an actor,’ he recalls.   It was in high school at Crossroads that the spark was ignited. ‘My friend, Max, was in ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle,’ and he dragged me to an audition, getting the word from the director that they needed more people.   ’It was fun. I remember thinking, This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.’   The hurdles were yet to be surmounted, beginning with the ‘discussion’ with his parents, Nancy and Ed Bryan.   ’The family has been supportive, but not in a blind way,’ he says. ‘Having arguments with them really solidified it. To be an actor, you have to have a diehard belief in yourself. Belief is critical’self-love and a strong ego.’   Bryan, 38, is not unusual in his dogged pursuit of his craft. After graduating from Pitzer College in 1994, the choice for him was graphic design or acting. He moved to San Francisco and his decision was made. He landed jobs with Bay Area companies, including the San Jose Repertory, San Francisco Shakespeare Company and the Marin State Company.   ’My plan was to see how much I could learn before going to grad school. When my career hit a plateau, I enrolled in the post-graduate acting program at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in 2001.’   Acquiring technical skills was key, but more important, Bryan says, was to acknowledge the brilliance of Shakespeare while remembering that the language is not highfaluting. Diction training was critical, and he learned through Shakespeare what would work and wouldn’t work.   ’I learned to keep Shakespeare down to earth. To be true when reciting that language, recognize he was great, but not a god. He’s just a guy telling a cool story.’   One of Bryan’s favorite roles is Leontes, the king in ‘The Winter’s Tale,’ who became obsessed with the belief that his wife had been unfaithful, only to learn, after tragic consequences, that he was mistaken.   ’I loved playing this role because you watch a man falling apart in front of you. His emotional life is so raw.’   Understanding which roles are right for you is another valuable asset when navigating an acting career, Bryan says.   He believes that he’s not quite ready for ‘Lear,’ because of age and life experience but he is ready for ‘Macbeth.’   ’I love the idea of bringing a little bit of comedy through to dramatic roles. I think that anybody who focuses entirely on the grim aspect of the role is boring. Macbeth was a complex man.’   Bryan auditions for stage, commercial and film roles in Los Angeles, and admits that he is getting better at being more realistic about the whole audition process.   ’Rejection makes you stronger,’ he says, somewhat wanly. ‘A regular ‘no’ is whatever, but a close ‘no’ is unbearable because it’s a part you almost got.   ’You know, in your heart and in your body when you nailed it,’ Bryan continues. ‘And, if I don’t get the part, I am comforted by the knowledge that it was the best me I could be.’   Bryan admits that he is often typecast for TV commercials as the ‘Home Depot Guy,’ or the ‘Funny Cop.’ He recently scored with a commercial for the ESPN awards that was aired during the World Cup. But for theatrical auditions, Bryan knows his strengths and pursues his roles with clear eyes.   ’A director friend of mine was auditioning roles in ‘Henry IV, and I thought, ‘I’m the right age, I’ll go for Prince Hal.’ My friend said, ‘Greg, you’re not the fantasy.’ That was the most honest thing anyone could have said. Be honest with yourself.’   Interested in all aspects of acting, why not? Bryan has recently begun writing his own material for TV.   He and his college friend, Carl Strecker, have written a modern take on ‘Barney Miller’ (the 1970’s comedy series set in a New York City police station) set in West Hollywood. The team has developed a compatible working style, Bryan says, referring to himself as a ‘pacer’ and Strecker as a ‘sitter-downer.’ Bryan is great at dialogue, but too much Aaron Sorkin, he admits and the two edit one another’s copy. With his ego intact, endless enthusiasm and delight in life at all levels, Bryan supplements his income analyzing desktop ads for Google. But, he remains good-natured about the capriciousness of the industry. ‘San Francisco and New York are not great towns to be unemployed in,’ he says. ‘Here, it’s a great town to be unemployed in because I have my family and friends.’

Always on Top of His Game

By
dev
-

Curt Toppel Is a Giant in the World of Professional Volleyball

Pacific Palisades native Curt Toppel partnered with Jesse Rambis to place 13th out of 64 teams at the Manhattan Beach Open last week. This year, he played indoors with Lamia, a club in Greece. Photo: Greg Keenan
Pacific Palisades native Curt Toppel partnered with Jesse Rambis to place 13th out of 64 teams at the Manhattan Beach Open last week. This year, he played indoors with Lamia, a club in Greece. Photo: Greg Keenan

For an athlete who never stays in one place for very long, coming home to Southern California is a vacation to international volleyball star Curt Toppel. Okay, so it’s more like a “working” vacation, but after seven years of playing indoors all over the world he’s happy to be back on the beach near his Pacific Palisades roots. “It’s crazy, but I don’t really consider this my home,” says Toppel, who rents a room at the home of his current beach partner Jesse Rambis in Playa Vista while they train. “I’m not in the States very often, so it’s good to be back for a little while.” On the pro beach volleyball tour, it’s not uncommon for players to change partners frequently and since getting back into the beach game last year, Toppel had two partners (first Jeremy Holmes, then David McKienzie) before joining forces with Rambis. “Jesse and I won a CBVA tournament in Zuma Beach three weeks ago and that got us into last weekend’s Manhattan Beach Open,” Toppel said. “They brought back side-out scoring and switched to larger courts and a different ball than what we’re used to, but it was a lot of fun.” Toppel and Rambis literally played until the sun went down on Saturday, fighting fatigue and the competition through six long, grueling matches (including four in a row) in eight hours to finish 13th out of 64 teams. “This is only my second year on the beach so I’m still adjusting to it,” says Toppel, who will be entering his eighth season indoors–the first seven of which he spent overseas. “I actually prefer the beach because it makes me have to be good at every aspect of the game and I’m involved every single point. In indoor, I may not touch the ball for three, four, five plays.” Only 29, Toppel has already endured his share of knee, back and shoulder injuries throughout his career, but he believes the beach game is less taxing on the body. “Playing on the sand is easier on the joints, that’s for sure,” he says. “It works your muscles more, yes, but it’s definitely easier on the joints and that’s where most of the stress is.” Though he agrees there are fewer upsets in the traditional side-out format, Toppel actually prefers rally scoring because he thinks it could prolong his career: “I was hitting 80 balls a game my freshman year in college and I was constantly having to take anti-inflammatories. The matches went on forever. At least with rally scoring, you know there’ll only be so many points. It’s also made our sport better to watch on television.” Toppel, who was a three-time All-American at Stanford, has become good friends with his current beach partner, son of former Los Angeles Lakers forward and current Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Kurt Rambis. “I was at his house during the NBA Finals in 2008 when the Lakers were playing the Celtics,” Toppel recalls. “They took me to Game 3 at Staples Center and we had floor seats right in front of the Celtics players’ wives. I’d never been to an NBA game before and the Lakers won so it was an incredible experience.” Even taller than most of his peers at 6′ 9,’ Toppel has played opposite hitter ever since making the switch from middle blocker in college. He prefers his present position because it allows him more flexibility: “Opposite lets me play defense, which I like. And you’re sort of the guy who gets the ball when the set isn’t so good. Hitting and attacking have always been my strengths.” The son of Kurt and Haldis Toppel grew up in Marquez Knolls and went to St. Matthew’s from, as he says, “mother toddler through eighth grade.” He played with fellow Palisadians John Selgrath, John Beckwith and Jordan Wadsworth at Loyola High, where he was among the most highly-recruited prep players in the country. His one regret is that he never led the Cubs to a CIF title. “[Coach] Michael Boehle arrived there my senior year and that’s when the program really took off,” Toppel says. “And they’ve been good ever since.” Toppel’s biggest thrill came in 2001, when he led the United States to a gold medal at the World University Games in Beijing, China. “That was between my freshman and sophomore years [at Stanford] and Beijing had just gotten the bid to host the Olympics,” Toppel recalls. “We’d never won the tournament prior to that and I don’t think the U.S. has won it since. We went undefeated but we had to beat some really strong teams, including Russia in the semifinals and France in the finals.” Always on the go, Toppel does his best to keep in touch with his childhood friends. Billy Strickland (who played at Harvard-Westlake High and was Toppel’s teammate all four years at Stanford) still plays professionally. He also keeps in touch with fellow Palisadian Chris Mortimer, who played for Brentwood School and then UC San Diego. Through all of his travels, Toppel said his favorite place is Thessaloniki, a major port city in Greece that he describes as “friendly, clean and beautiful.” While living and playing in foreign countries has certainly broadened his horizons, being single comes with the territory. “After trying some relationships both overseas and in the U.S., I’ve found it too difficult for both myself and them,” Toppel confesses. “I’d like to have a family someday, but right now I’m concentrating on volleyball.” Toppel began playing club in 2004 for Caguas, a Division A1 team in Puerto Rico. Since then, he’s played for Almeria (A1) in Spain; Crema and Genoa (both A2) in Italy; Lares (A1) in Puerto Rico; Alexandoupolis (A1) in Greece, Hyundai (A1) in Korea; Unterhaching (A1) in Germany; Carolina (A1) in Puerto Rico; Al-Arabi (A1) in Qatar; and he played the 2010 season with Lamia, a Division A1 club in Greece. “Fifth place was the best [Lamia] had ever done until this year,” says Toppel, who speaks Spanish, Italian, German and Greek. “No one expected us to do well, but we ended up beating the second-ranked team twice on their home floor in the playoffs to reach the Final Four.” Toppel estimates he made $110,000 last year, but players are given extra perks like a house, a car and food while under contract with a team. One problem is getting paid, however. “With Lamia, I was supposed to receive money (Euros) every month, but after the first time it kept getting delayed. The good thing is, because most expenses are paid for, you can live off of one month’s salary.” Although he has yet to sign with a team for next season, Toppel is one of the most marketable players in the sport. Every year, he’s played for a different team and has had to weigh three factors: salary, location and the quality of the team. “I really don’t know my next step,” Toppel admits. “I could get the call next week and I’m out of here, but I’ll probably end up waiting for the next signing period in December.” No matter where he plays next, Toppel is anxious to do what he has always done–work hard, have fun and, most importantly, help his team win. “There’s not much more I could ask for,” he says. “I’m doing what I love and getting paid pretty well for it, so I want to keep doing it as long as I can.”

Jones Starts Rebuilding Process

By
dev
-

Head coach Perry Jones gives instructions during football practice last week. He is trying to turn around a program that is 26-65 over the last nine seasons.
Head coach Perry Jones gives instructions during football practice last week. He is trying to turn around a program that is 26-65 over the last nine seasons.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

It’s been 10 long years since the Palisades High varsity football team enjoyed a winning season. Given the stockpile of talent on campus it’s hard to believe the Dolphins haven’t had more victories than defeats since 2000, when they went 8-3 in Ron Price’s last season. That was a decade and five head coaches ago. Sure, the numbers over the last nine seasons aren’t pretty: a record of 26-65 (an average of 2.8 wins per season) and no higher than a fourth place finish in the Western League. For first-year head coach Perry Jones, however, it’s all about the here and now. “We can’t do anything to change the past, the only thing we can do is move forward and that’s where the focus is,” said Jones, who served as the defensive coordinator under Kelly Loftus last fall. “If we’re going to turn this program around, the first thing that has to happen is the players need to be accountable.” Jones set the tone back in November, barely a week after last season ended and long before he was even hired as the new coach. He organized a weight and conditioning schedule for returning players. “What I want to do is coach these guys to the standard of doing what they can do,” Jones said. “That’s to have solid schemes, be well-conditioned and play disciplined football.” Jones has assembled a cadre of coaches to help him lead the varsity back to respectability. His dad, Pat, Jones will be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; Kyle Cassels and John Aken are the offensive and defensive line coaches; Tony Ryan will handle special teams and running backs; Rocky Montz will work with the tight ends and defensive ends and Donnel Williams will be defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. “This is a rebuilding year for us,” Jones admitted. “It’s not about the wins and losses, but rather how we play and how much we improve.” Ray Marsden is back to coach the junior varsity after leading the Dolphins to a 8-2 record last fall. Bill Jacobson returns to coach the offense and Miguel Perez the defensive coordinator. “I like this coaching staff,” Jones said. “From the top down, we’re all on the same page in terms of what we expect and what our goal is. Everyone is committed to the process of making these kids fundamentally better.’ Palisades had its first intrasquad game last Saturday and Jones liked what he saw: “We’ve got great competition at almost every spot on the field. Branden Sanett is looking good at quarterback. Nate Dodson has been pushing him, though, and Branden has responded really well.” The Dolphins will have another open scrimmage Saturday morning at Stadium by the Sea (JV at 9 and varsity at 11). Continental breakfast will be served and the public is invited to attend. “Hopefully, fans will find our up-tempo style exciting and will want to come to some games this year,” Jones said. “This is an opportunity to get a sneak peek at what they’ll see Friday nights.” Palisades hosts El Camino Real in its season-opener September 10. It is the first on a slate of difficult games for Jones’ team. The Conquistadores lost to Hamilton in the City Division II finals in December and return several key starters, including 235-pound running back Kawan Rally, who rushed for 1,094 yards and scored 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. “We’ll be a little more run-oriented this year, but if they give us the pass we’ll take it,” Jones said. “The main thing is to control the ball a little more, manage the pace of the game and give the defense time to rest.” AT A LOSS Palisades’ varsity team hasn’t had a winning season since 2000 and last won a playoff game in 1999. A year-by-year glance: Season Record Coach 2009 1-9 Kelly Loftus 2008 5-5 Kelly Loftus 2007 1-4 Kelly Loftus 2006 5-6* Leo Castro 2005 3-7 Leo Castro 2004 1-9 Leo Castro 2003 4-7 Jason Blatt 2002 5-6* Jason Blatt 2001 1-7 Carter Austin * Made City playoffs

Mikkelsen Defends Referees

By
dev
-

Peter Mikkelsen polls attendees with a show of hands at the SoccerOne Peter Mikkelsen Referee Event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Culver City, CA on July 19, 2010. (PROREFEREE/Jason Sholl) Visit the PROREFEREE website at http://www.proreferee.com
Peter Mikkelsen polls attendees with a show of hands at the SoccerOne Peter Mikkelsen Referee Event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Culver City, CA on July 19, 2010. (PROREFEREE/Jason Sholl) Visit the PROREFEREE website at http://www.proreferee.com

One of the most controversial calls of this year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa occurred during a Group C game between the United States and Slovenia in which Mali referee Koman Coulibaly whistled a foul on the U.S. team, negating Maurice Edu’s go-ahead goal in the 85th minute. The Americans were never given an explanation for the call and had to settle for a 2-2 draw. In July, Peter Mikkelsen, a member of the FIFA Referee Committee, spoke to 125 local soccer referees (including representatives from AYSO Region 69) in Culver City. He not only defended the FIFA program, he offered insight into calls, referee selection, referee training and the six weeks he spent in South Africa prior to and during the World Cup. After every match, referees watched tapes of matches with FIFA officials. Of the 145 goals awarded during the 64 matches, 142 were correct and three were incorrect. Of the 15 disallowed, 13 were done correctly and only two decisions were incorrect’one of which was the U.S. goal against Slovenia. Overall, referees were correct almost 97 percent of the time, according to Mikkelsen, a Denmark resident who was voted the best referee in the world in 1993 by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics and, five years later, was named best referee of the decade. “This is a game of human beings–the ref will make mistakes,” Mikkelsen said, explaining that selection of potential referees for the 2010 World Cup started immediately after the 2006 tournament. One question Mikkelsen was frequently asked is why Coulibaly, two days after the U.S.-Slovenia game, was back on the sideline as the fourth official for Italy’s Group F game against New Zealand. “It’s political,” said Mikkelsen, who retired from officiating international soccer in 1998. He pointed out that overall the FIFA refs gave fewer yellow and red cards than prior years and that the accuracy of the decisions was high. After each match referees reviewed the game, then had to fill out self-evaluations with emphasis on how they could learn from their games and experiences. Those chosen were invited to a weekly platform on the Internet and were subjected to a series of physical, psychological and language tests (all are required to understand English, the official FIFA language). They were then monitored for their performance in matches like the FIFA U17 and U20 Worlds Cups. From there, the field was narrowed to 45 referee teams (three per team) and the final selection of 30 teams was made in February. Before the World Cup, every referee had to pass an additional physical fitness test. Members of an African and a South American team did not and were subsequently sent home because every ref on a team must pass for the team to be eligible. This year, a special video, ‘Hot Topics’ was shown to coaches, players and referees before the start of the tournament. “We went over topics, tackles, holding encroachment, delaying the restart of play, celebration of goals and offsides,” Mikkelsen said. “We showed players video clips of tackles and let them use yellow and red cards to decide what should be called. We hoped with the DVD it could help with uniformity in the matches.” There were 29 referee teams in the 2010 World Cup, five of the trios being reserves. According to Mikkelsen, part of the problem in selecting the best referees is that FIFA has to have representatives from all six regional confederations: Asia and Australia; Africa; North America and Central America; South America; Oceana (islands); and Europe. He also noted that some areas don’t have as much talent as other areas. “We had no major injuries, which showed the overall match control,” Mikkelsen said. No referees from the United States worked this year’s tournament. “They just didn’t have the quality this year,” Mikkelsen said. “However, in the future there will be.” Referees were paid $50,000 (in U.S. dollars), which for some African referees is the equivalent of 10 years’ salary, and also received meals and lodging. Mikkelsen acknowledged that ‘Bribes are a big concern.’ “Refereeing has given me so much, so many friends,” said Mikkelsen who is married, has a teenage son, and works for the Human Relations Department at F-Group, a leading retail electronics chain in Denmark. On occasion, he picks up his whistle to volunteer as a referee at his son’s soccer games. And yes, he has been heckled. Residents who would like to try refereeing on a local level should attend a basic clinic at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, at Palisades High School.

PPVBC Tryouts in September

By
dev
-

The Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club will conduct its annual boys tryouts September 12-15 at Palisades High School. Tryouts for boys 14 and under will be on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and tryouts for boys 15 and 16 and under will follow from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tryouts for boys 17 and 18 and under will be held Monday, Sept. 13, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Make-up tryouts for all ages will be Wednesday, Sept. 15, also from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Cost is $20 per player. For more information, call Charlie Stennett at (310) 266-3182. Estavan to Coach at PaliHi Palisades High girls basketball coach Torino Johnson announced that former Dolphin Leilani Estavan will join his coaching staff this winter. Estavan was the starting point guard on Palisades’ Division I state finalist team in 1999 and won the Post Cup Award as the school’s outstanding senior athlete. She went on to a successful collegiate career at Oregon State. Riley Assists Bay Area Win Palisadian Ali Riley assisted Brazilian international star Marta on the first goal in the eighth minute of FC Gold Pride’s 3-2 victory over host Chicago Sunday night. The win assured Bay Area home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Riley, a rookie defender, has three assists in 19 games played. She helped her hometown Pali Blues win their second straight W-League championship last year.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 19, 2010

By
dev
-

OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6. THE CLASSIFIED DEADLINE WILL BE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, AT 11 A.M.

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

LOTS FOR SALE 1a

MALIBU LA COSTA ACTIVE BCH CLUB RIGHTS LOT. 3900 Carbon Canyon Road. Own share in private beach and tennis courts. Zoned residential, legal lot: 6,280 sq. ft. burn-out site. 160 feet of road frontage just off PCH. GREAT INVESTMENT. For sale by owner. $129,000. (310) 317-0700

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR SALE 1e

MALIBU CIVIC CENTER CONDO. Single story garden unit with courtyard and private entrance, quiet and secluded 2 BR, 2 full bath, near Pepperdine, shopping and beaches. Entire complex recently refurbished w/ pool, tennis courts and laundry. Great location. For sale by owner: $439,000. (310) 317-0700

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

MALIBU OCEAN VIEW GUEST HOUSE. Carbon Canyon. 1 BR, 1 bath, laundry, full kitchen and storage. Private tranquil setting with amazing canyon and ocean vistas set in acreage far apart from main residence and other homes. Private entrance and parking, pool. Eames, Noguchi modern interior. Available August 1, furnished or unfurnished. Water & electr. included. For rent by owner. $2,500/mo. (310) 317-0700

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. $4,200/mo. Marty, (310) 459-2692

CHARMING 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN THE PALISADES! 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, light, bright unit in a duplex walking distance from the beach, the bluffs, and into town. This unit has high ceilings and an open floor plan. It has a large private patio, washer and dryer in the unit, and a dish washer. Landlord pays water and gardener. It is available September 1st, 2010. Dogs O.K. $3,600/mo. Please contact Tiffany at (310) 849-9592

CHARMING MID CENTURY STYLE BEACH BUNGALOW. 3 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths, master bath ensuite, natural oak floors, open beam ceilings, front & back yards, close to schools, gardener incl. By appt only. $3,900/mo. Ben, (949) 246-4049

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

UNUSUAL unique spacious 1 bd/1 bth (800 ft) mucho charm apt in Mediterranean triplex. All appliances, frplc, hdwd, garage, grdn, ldry. 1 mi. to village & bch. N/S, no pets, 1 yr lse. $2,250/mo. (310) 804-3142

TWO BEDROOM, ONE BATH, sunny & roomy upper floor, glimpse of bay, walk to daily errands. Small pet considered. Available now. $2,200/mo. Call Michael, (310) 883-8049

ONE BEDROOM in small complex. Small pet considered, walk to daily errands. Pool, laundry room, one year lease. $1,595/mo. Third month free! Call Michael, (310) 883-8049

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

WALK TO P.P. VILLAGE. Woodsy view, 2 bdr, 2 ba, open den, AC, W/D in unit, security bldg. 2 car parking. Just redone w/ recessed lighting. $2,850/mo. Available Sept 1. Nancy, (310) 454-5257

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) 392-1757

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

LOVELY HOME TO SHARE NEAR VILLAGE. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath avail w/ private entrance. Shared kitchen, laundry, storage, garden & spa. Utilities, cable & internet incl. $1,200/mo. (310) 459-7464

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

CORNER WINDOW OFFICE, cathedral ceilings, 2nd floor, One West Bank building on Sunset, in Palisades Village, 320 sq. ft. $1,200/mo. Call Ev Maguire, (310) 600-3603 or (310) 454-0840

SPACE FOR LEASE (310) 454-9606, (818) 458-4454. Ask for Irena.

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 RENTAL. Unique Village office space. Quiet, quaint setting with Village view, 4 rooms including kitchen & bath. Fantastic location. $1,495/mo. Bob, (310) 459-1220

RENTAL SPACE, STORAGE 3d

2 MANICURING BOOTH STATIONS FOR RENT. Rent is negotiable. Excellent Pacific Palisades location. (310) 345-5457 or (818) 322-5812

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

MISCELLANEOUS 7o

IMarketU. Experienced, marketing entreprenuer. Free comprehensive marketing evaluation. Inexpensive, innovative, marketing and PR Strategy and growth plan to meet goals. Meet Joe, call or email, (310) 795-1045, jcir2000@aol.com

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

CERTIFIED NEWBORN SPECIALIST and baby sleep trainer available for overnight shifts of 10, 9 or 8 hours. (310) 226-7097, thebabyguru.com

MOTHER’S HELPER/TUTOR/ELDERLY COMPANION. Out of work University of Michigan graduate is looking to supplement income by assisting families/elderly w/ daily activities, driving, and/or tutoring. Flex hrs. Mature & responsible. Aimee, (310) 560-4084

CHILD & PET CARE. Peace of mind for parents. Former Kindergarten teacher. Experienced with infants through school age. Working in the Palisades for 6+ years. Loving care for children, pets & home. Flexible with days, hours & overnights. References letters & phone numbers available. Phyllis, (818) 340-7183. Leave message if needed.

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

PROFESSIONAL MAID SERVICES. In Malibu! We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Licensed. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419 professionalmaidinmalibu@google.com

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

EXCELLENT, HONEST & RELIABLE HOUSEKEEPER available Monday through Friday. Experienced with children and pets, own car, speaks English, local references. Please call Susie at (323) 299-7186

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER is looking for a job. Speaks English, has own car, and excellent local references. Please call Francis, (818) 472-8119 or (323) 299-1797

HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING, washing, ironing. Available everyday. Experienced, good references, live-out. Has own transportation. Call anytime. (323) 712-5732

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING. 25 years experience. Excellent references. Reliable. Pet friendly. Willing to work weekends. Available now. Call Elizabeth, (323) 463-7889

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

SPECIALIZE WITH SENIORS. Friendly/patient personal trainer. Customize workouts to fit your needs. Enjoy P/T in the convenience of your own home. Call Karen for free consultation and GET STARTED! (818) 626-8670

WESTSIDE HOME HEALTH CARE. Providing quality, compassionate IN HOME CARE. Emilia Polakoff, Caregiver. State certified CNA, HHA. P/T or F/T. FREE assessment with no obligation. Pacific Palisades resident. (310) 592-6695

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

CORTEZ & OLIVERA LANDSCAPING & GARDENING SERVICE. Full gardening service. Pruning, topping, removing, new lawns, sprinklers & brush clearance. ‘ 25% off for the 1st 3 months! ‘ Free estimates! (323) 641-2319

GARDEN SERVICE. Maintenance, clean-up, tree trimming, seed planting, fertilizer, sprinkler systems. Free estimates. Concrete, brick & stone. Weekends. 24 hours. 19 yrs exper. Personal. Free cement work. 7 days a week. (310) 256-0734 (c), (310) 838-2429 (h)

MASSAGE THERAPY 12b

HEALING MASSAGE THERAPY. Enjoy a mini-vacation today! Ten years experience. Deep tissue, Swedish. Excellent references available. Cheryl Baldinger, CMT. (310) 592-8474

POOL & SPA SERVICES 13e

PALISADES POOL SUPPLY. SWIMMING POOL SERVICE & REPAIR. 15415 Sunset Blvd., P.P. 90272 (310) 459-4357. www.PalisadesPool.com

STEREO, TV, VCR SERVICES 13g

1 REMOTE CONTROL THAT WORKS! Is your entertainment system not entertaining you? We can tune up your system, bring it up to date, hide wires, mount TVs, install speakers, etc. We can even reprogram or replace your remote control so it is easy to use. Call us, we can help! Lic. #515929. Stanford Connect, (310) 829-0872

WINDOW WASHING 13h

THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Detailed interior/exterior glass & screen cleaning. High ladder work. Solar panels/power washing also avail. Owner operated. Lic., bonded & insured. Free estimates. (310) 926-7626

MR. CRYSTAL WINDOW CLEANING. Please call Gary: (310) 828-1218 Free estimate, friendly service, discounts. Licensed & Insured.

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

ClubHappyDog.com. Doggie Day Camp, Play Group, Excursions. “This is the Club Med for Dogs!’ (310) 359-3433

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 through out the Westside. Reasonable rates. (310) 459-8212

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

HAVE FUN! GET FIT! NORDIC WALKING CLASSES. Certified Advanced Nordic walking instructor, Palsades resident teaches private/group classes in the Palisades. Weekends. (310) 266-4651

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

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

ISEE/HSPT CLASSES START SOON! * Class size limited, central Palisades location. Private tutoring for math, chem, physics also available. (310) 459-3239 or www.clc90272.com

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

CABINET MAKING 16

SMI CUSTOM CABINETS & MILLWORK. Where quality, craftsmanship and customer satisfaction matters.’ Lic. #858954. SMICustomCabinets.com, (310) 537-4674

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

HGTV CONSTRUCTION/DESIGN TEAM. We are a full service construction/design team ready to remodel any room for you. We revive any room or outdoor space for you. We can bring your ideas to life. From simple affordable alterations to extensive overhauls and additions. We are the right company for you. Call (310) 877-5577 & (310) 877-5979. http://debonairrenovations.com/home/home.html

PALISADES HOME REPAIR SERVICES. (25 years) Local resident. Services include: ‘ Carpentry ‘ Electrical ‘ Plumbing ‘ Plaster ‘ Drywall ‘ Concrete. (310) 622-2773. Call us for same day service. Fast, clean, best prices. Lic. #294272

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

FENCES, DECKS 16j

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

FLOOR CARE 16m

GREG GARBER’S HARDWOOD FLOORS SINCE 1979. Install, refinish. Fully insured. Local references (310) 230-4597 Lic. #455608

CENTURY HARDWOOD FLOOR. Refinishing, Installation, Repairs. Lic. #813778. www.centurycustomhardwoodfloorinc.com. centuryfloor@sbcglobal.net. (800) 608-6007 ‘ (310) 276-6407

JEFF HRONEK, 40 YRS. RESIDENT. HARDWOOD FLOORS INC. ‘ Sanding & Refinishing ‘ Installations ‘ Pre-finished ‘ Unfinished ‘ Lic. #608606. Bonded, Insured, Workers Comp. www.hronekhardwoodfloors.com (310) 475-1414

COASTAL HARDWOOD FLOORS. All wood flooring service; installations, sand & refinish, custom designs. Since 1975. Local references available. Bonded & insured. Lic. #824437. www.CoastalWoodFloors.com, (310) 277-0860

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

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

PLUMBING 16t

EXPERT PLUMBER 25 YRS. EXP. Intelligent, cost effective solutions for your plumbing problems. Encompassing all aspects of residential and commercial plumbing. Reasonable, reliable, excellent references. Karl Kolpin, (310) 200-7239. Lic. #776518 B-C36 Bonded, insured.

REMODELING 16v

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

COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION. Kitchen+bath ‘ Additions ‘ Tile, carpentry, plumbing. Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large & small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction, (310) 774-9159

HELP WANTED 17

PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT: Computer data entry, online research, organizing, filing. Multi-tasking self starter, focused, detail minded. Excel/Word. Flex sked. High energy office. Fax resume: (310) 459-3814

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.

WRITER POSITION AVAILABLE. The Palisadian-Post is seeking a full time (35 hrs/week) writer/editor for its Lifestyle section. Candidates must have proven experience writing for a newspaper or magazine (please send three writing samples with your resume and cover letter). Benefits are excellent; the salary is commensurate with other weekly newspapers. Send packet to: Editor, Palisadian-Post P.O. Box 725, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 or email to: editor@palipost.com

NANNY. Permanent. Part time. Twins, boy & girl. 4 yrs. 4-5 days weekly. 20+ hrs. Start time 4 p.m. daily. (310) 454-6271

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

MOV. SALE! High end Contemp. Furn/Furnishgs/ household goods/collectibles/clothes/linens/jewelry, lots more! 16538 Via Floresta, Sunset/Bienveneda, Fri.-Sat., Aug. 20-21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Don’t miss! Visit www.bmdawson for photos/details.

A Soaring Tribute to Will Rogers

By
dev
-

Dennis Quaid (center) poses with Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry (Will Rogers' great-granddaughter) and her husband, Mark, and their two children, Mason and Meeghan last Sunday at the tribute to Will Rogers on the anniversary of his death 75 years ago. Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
Dennis Quaid (center) poses with Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry (Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter) and her husband, Mark, and their two children, Mason and Meeghan last Sunday at the tribute to Will Rogers on the anniversary of his death 75 years ago. Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer

Although summery sunflowers and white linens dressed the tables surrounding the polo fields Sunday at Will Rogers State Historic Park, the morning felt more like fall, with bare arms and shoulders sprouting goose bumps. The bumps erupted again, despite an afternoon warming trend, during a moving closing ceremony that featured a dramatic flyover and soulful delivery of Taps by a member of the U.S. Navy Color Guard.   The day’s fundraising champagne brunch and polo match, benefiting the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, topped off a weekend of events commemorating the 75th anniversary of Will Rogers’ death. The ‘Philosopher Cowboy’ died in a 1935 plane crash in Alaska at age 55. That day, a bereaved nation honored the beloved humorist, writer and entertainer by shutting down all media for one hour.   This past weekend’s activities were decidedly more boisterous, beginning on Friday night with the grand opening of the new Visitor’s Center followed by an outdoor screening of the Will Rogers’ rollicking road trip film ‘Mr. Skitch.’ Cleora Robb and Glorea Robb, 87-year-old twins and co-stars from the film, thrilled the audience with stories about making the movie and visiting the ranch as kids.   In 1928, Rogers moved his wife Betty and three children, Will Jr., Mary and Jim, from their Beverly Hills mansion to the weekend house on 186 acres in Pacific Palisades. In 1944, his widow donated their historic ranch home and expansive grounds to the state of California.   In earlier years, Rogers enjoyed the polo field (now the last one remaining in L.A. County) with friends including Clark Gable, Walt Disney and Spencer Tracy. On Sunday, the tradition continued with two hard-fought polo matches. Honorary event chair Dennis Quaid, clad head to toe in denim and sporting cowboy boots, handled the ceremonial ‘throw-in’ to the legendary field.   ’I’ve been a huge fan of Will Rogers since the time I was a kid growing up in Texas,’ said the actor, an avid horseman who lives nearby with his family and frequently takes advantage of the park trails. ‘I feel the spirit of Will when I ride my horse. This place is truly a little piece of heaven.’   Preserving all those heavenly aspects of the park’from the scenic trails and equestrian atmosphere to tours of Will’s historic home’is the mission of the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, officially incorporated in 2008 as a fundraising arm to the park.   ’Given the current budget crisis facing the state of California and its impact on our State Parks, our fundraising efforts are more important than ever,’ Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, Will Rogers’ great-grand-daughter, said during welcoming remarks to nearly 300 guests at Sunday’s inaugural sold-out gala. Other special guests included Bette Rogers-Brandin (Rogers’ granddaughter); James Rogers (Rogers’ great-grandson); Marisa Brandin (Rogers’ great-granddaughter), Meeghan and Mason Etcheverry (Rogers’ great-great-grandchildren); and actor/producer Wyatt McCrea, a foundation board member and grandson of famed western actor Joel McCrea, who starred with Rogers in several movies. ‘Slow and steady wins the race,’ said Palisadian Trudi Sandmeier, one of the founders, regarding the progress already made by the 300-member Foundation. Sandmeier is head of education at the L.A. Conservancy. Her grandparents, Emil and Trudy, worked for the Rogers family and lived on the ranch in the 1930s. Membership categories range from a $20 ‘Roper’ to $1,000 ‘Uplifters Club’ status that includes a free annual day-use parking pass for the ranch, among many other benefits. The refurbished Visitor’s Center features a new shop, where mugs with famous quotations by Will Rogers, books, DVDs and other memorabilia were selling at a brisk pace throughout the celebration weekend. In addition to many other passions, Rogers crusaded for aviation expansion in its infancy and provided Americans with exotic first-hand accounts of his world travels. The flyover moment by the Condor Squadron’simultaneous with ones in Claremont, Oklahoma, Rogers’ birthplace and home of Will Rogers Memorial Museum, and Barrow, Alaska, where Rogers’ and aviator Wiley Post’s plane went down 75 years ago’aptly symbolized the down-home philosopher’s far-reaching influence. The mounting success of the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation might be summed up by one of Rogers’ famous remarks: ‘People are marvelous in their generosity, if they just know the cause is there.’

Realtor Donates $27,000 to the Parade

By
dev
-

Realtor Anthony Marguleas has lived with his family in Pacific Palisades since 1992. He will present his $27,000 donation check to PAPA (the Palisades Americanism Parade Association) at its annual wrap-up party on Sunday, August 29, at the home of Don and Carolyn Haselkorn. Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
Realtor Anthony Marguleas has lived with his family in Pacific Palisades since 1992. He will present his $27,000 donation check to PAPA (the Palisades Americanism Parade Association) at its annual wrap-up party on Sunday, August 29, at the home of Don and Carolyn Haselkorn. Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer

Anthony Marguleas, a leading Pacific Palisades real estate broker and owner of Amalfi Estates, is breaking the mold with his charitable donations to the local community through home sales.   This week, he announced that he is donating $27,000 to the Fourth of July parade committee (the Palisades Americanism Parade Association) from a Huntington Palisades home that he listed and sold. He divided 100 percent of the gross commission ($54,0000) between the parade committee and a local educational nonprofit. He has now given $90,000 to local nonprofits and schools from the sale and purchase of two homes in the last 12 months.   Not satisfied with donating just a small percentage of his commission, Marguleas hopes to donate his entire gross commission from two home sales each year to a charity/nonprofit organization in the Palisades that has been specified by the home seller or homebuyer.   The donations that Marguleas makes benefit the entire Palisades community, and residents can help by referring him to someone who is ready to buy or sell a home in the Palisades, Santa Monica, Brentwood and Malibu markets.   Marguleas explains his motivation:   ’Many people have asked how I’m able to do this. The way I see it, being referred to a new client through our charitable contribution program is an opportunity to give back to the community by helping a client that I may not have come into contact with otherwise. This year I was happy to help the parade because it represents what living in the Pacific Palisades is all about: a unique sense of community and small-town traditions. The parade is a point of pride for all of us but its expenses have increased as PAPA continually strives to offer more activities each year. I attended a parade meeting this spring and realized there was an opportunity for me to make a difference. Many families, including my own, have participated and enjoyed the parade and we need to keep this tradition going strong.’   Rob Weber, PAPA president in 2008 and 2009, notes that Marguleas has made the single largest donation in parade history. ‘We’re deeply moved by Anthony’s remarkable generosity. His donation will allow us to significantly increase the quality of the parade and rebuild our reserves.’   Current president Scott Wagenseller adds: ‘The parade is a volunteer, privately sponsored event that depends on the generosity of people like Anthony.’His donation will help establish a long-term fund that will be integral for the survival of the parade as the city looks to generate new income from our hometown event.’   Marguleas says he is hopeful that his next donation can benefit Palisades PRIDE, the Field of Dreams at the Palisades Recreation Center, or the new Palisades High swimming complex.   ’There are many worthwhile causes in this town and I am just fortunate to be able to help,’ he says. ‘In these tough economic times, nonprofit organizations need our support more than ever. With the help of the community, I hope I can continue supporting these vital charities.’   Amalfi Estates, founded by Marguleas in 1994, is located at 984 Monument Street, suite 105. He can be reached on his cell at (310) 293-9280. For more information about the company, visit www.AmalfiEstates.com   Marguleas has sold over $350 million in real estate and is considered one of the top real estate brokers in Los Angeles. He has published 90 articles, co-authored the book ‘California Real Estate Client Strategies,’ and has been a guest lecturer at UCLA’s Real Estate Principles class since 2004.

Sewer Project Will Mean PCH Lane Closures

By
dev
-

This fall, the City of Los Angeles will begin constructing a Coastal Interceptor Relief Sewer that will result in lane closures along Pacific Coast Highway into 2012.   Andy Flores, project manager of the Proposition O Clean Water Bond Program, told the Pacific Palisades Community Council last Thursday that during construction at least two of the three southbound lanes between the Will Rogers State Beach parking lot across from Potrero Canyon and the Annenberg Community Beach House will be open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. At least one southbound lane will be open from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The three northbound lanes will not be affected.   ’It won’t be [every day during] the complete two years,’ Flores said, explaining that the contractor will construct about 3,100 ft. of the 4,500-ft. relief sewer on PCH and the other 1,400 ft. in the parking lots of Will Rogers Beach and the Santa Monica Beach Club. While working in the parking lots, the contractor will not need to close any lanes on PCH.   Work in the parking lots will occur during the daytime hours in the non-summer months (Labor Day to two weeks before Memorial Day).   The bike path at the bottom of Chautauqua Boulevard where it crosses the Santa Monica Channel will also be affected by the construction. The city will be installing a temporary bridge at that location to create a minor detour.   The $10-million Coastal Interceptor Relief Sewer is a part of Proposition O, which was passed in 2004 by Los Angeles voters to improve water quality in the city’s beaches, harbors and lakes.   The city is nearly finished with upgrading the eight low-flow diversion (LFD) structures in the Palisades area. The LFDs will divert urban runoff to the sanitary sewer system during year-round dry weather, so that stormwater does not reach Santa Monica Bay. The LFDs currently function only during the spring and summer.   A Central Interceptor Relief Sewer is being built to increase capacity of the existing Coastal Interceptor Sewer in PCH to accommodate the additional stormwater from the LFD upgrades.   As a result of the upgrades, less bacteria and pollutants will reach the water and there should be fewer beach closures. ‘With this project, we should be getting ‘As’ from Heal the Bay [which rates beaches],’ Flores said.   Flores told the Community Council that the city is close to hiring a contractor, and he expects that work will begin near the Annenberg Community Beach House.   Concerned about traffic flow, the Council unanimously passed a motion urging ‘the City of Los Angeles, and other entities with projects impacting PCH traffic, to take all possible measures to reduce traffic on PCH.’   The Council asked the city place electronic message boards on the 101 Freeway to inform commuters (who use canyon roads to connect to the PCH) about the construction as well as encourage drivers to carpool and alter their travel times.   Flores responded that the city already plans to use electronic message boards, at locations still to be determined.   Jessyca Avalos, field deputy for L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, said she would work with L.A. Department of Public Works officials on setting up e-mail blasts and Twitter alerts about lane closures.   To help preserve the scenic coastline, the Council also unanimously passed a motion asking that the city move the above-ground electrical wires on the beach side of PCH underground as part of the sewer project. Council member George Wolfberg said that he thinks it would be a good idea, since the city would already be digging a trench at that location.   Flores told the Council that funding for such an option would not be available through Proposition O, which is restricted to clean-water projects.   For more information on the sewer project, visit www.lapropo.org or call (877) 700-3069.

Council Commends AT&T for Its Riviera Cell-Tower Decision

By
dev
-

AT&T and the Pacific Palisades Community Council finally reached a consensus on the placement of a cell tower site in the Riviera neighborhood at last Thursday’s meeting.   John Delavigne, a Technology Associates real estate specialist representing AT&T, announced that the company plans to replace an existing street light standard on the corner of Napoli Drive and Sunset Boulevard with a new, taller pole that will serve as a streetlight and cell tower. The cell antennas will be hidden inside a canister so they are not visible.   ’We have been really trying to come up with a design that makes everyone happy,’ Delavigne said. ‘There is no coverage [in the Riviera]; I think it will be a great thing.’   Council member Barbara Kohn applauded AT&T for its proposal, saying it would mean no new poles creating visual blight in the public right-of-way.   AT&T representatives first approached the Council in January about potential locations for a cell tower, including the Riviera Country Club’s parking lot, which the Council opposed.   The last time AT&T representatives met with the Council on June 24, they proposed placing a 45-foot cell tower disguised as a cypress tree at 13540 Sunset Blvd., east of Capri, with two live cypress trees planted next to it. At that meeting, the Council informed AT&T that it would prefer the company use an existing light standard. The representatives agreed to work with the L.A. Bureau of Street Lighting on the possibility.   To thank AT&T for its efforts, Council member Marguerite Perkins Mautner recommended a motion, which the Council unanimously approved, saying ‘We as the Council extend our appreciation to AT&T for facilitating the best possible tower for our neighborhood. We hope that it will become a model for future installations in other parts of the City of Los Angeles.’   Delavigne told the Council that he would return with more specifics about the exact height and diameter of the replacement pole. AT&T still has to apply for approval for the site through the L.A. Bureau of Engineering.

1...1,9671,9681,969...2,522Page 1,968 of 2,522
© Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272