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Boesch Earning His Stripes

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Former Palisades Pony Baseball Association standout Brennan Boesch is now a rookie outfielder for the Detroit Tigers.
Former Palisades Pony Baseball Association standout Brennan Boesch is now a rookie outfielder for the Detroit Tigers.

Outfielder Brennan Boesch, who grew up playing in the Palisades Pony Baseball Association and enjoyed a stellar prep career at Harvard-Westlake High, is nearing the end of a productive rookie season with the Detroit Tigers. Through Tuesday, Boesch had played in 120 games with a .261 batting average and .430 slugging percentage. He had 111 hits with 24 doubles, three triples, 14 home runs and 63 RBI. The 6′ 4,” 235-lb. left-hander made his major league debut on April 23, going 2-for-4 with a double in a 5-4 loss at Texas. His first homer was a grand slam one week later off of Angels’ starter Joel Pineiro. Boesch was named the American League’s Rookie of the Month in May. In 2006, his junior year at UC Berkeley, Boesch hit .313 with 35 runs, 11 doubles, 10 homers and 42 RBI in 54 games, earning All-Pac 10 Conference honorable mention. * * * * * Schwartz Starts Carolina?s Opener Palisades High graduate Geoff Schwartz started at right tackle for the Carolina Panthers in their NFL opener last Sunday against the New York Giants. The 24-year-old Palisadian, who won the Post Cup Award as outstanding senior athlete at PaliHi in 2004 and went on to be a three-year starting tackle at the University of Oregon, started the last three games for the Panthers in 2009–all victories–when Jeff Otah went down with a season-ending knee injury. Carolina lost, 31-18, Sunday in the first game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. He played the first 13 games last year on special teams, even returning a kickoff 16 yards. Drafted by Carolina in the seventh round in 2008 (241st overall), Schwartz made the practice squad that season. The 6′ 6,” 331-lb. Schwartz wears No. 74 and is slated to start this Sunday’s home opener against Tampa Bay (kickoff at 10 a.m. Pacific time). Meanwhile, Geoff’s younger brother Mitchell, a starting tackle at California, is off to a fast start for the Bears, who have opened the season with blowout wins over UC Davis and Colorado. Mitchell, a 6? 5,? 310-lb. junior, has started all 28 games possible since the beginning of the 2008 season after he red-shirted in 2007. At PaliHi he was voted L.A. City Offensive Lineman of the Year, Western League Lineman of the Year and made the PrepStar All-West Region team as a senior.

Pali Football Season Kicks Off Friday

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Quarterback Branden Sanett and the Palisades High varsity football team open the season against El Camino Real this Friday night at Stadium by the Sea.
Quarterback Branden Sanett and the Palisades High varsity football team open the season against El Camino Real this Friday night at Stadium by the Sea.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Coach Perry Jones said there are no “free lunches” for the Palisades High football team this season. Every game is a challenge–starting with tomorrow night’s opener against Woodland Hills El Camino Real, which reached the City Section Division II finals last year. “They played [Newhall Hart] last Friday night and they are really big and really strong,” Jones said. “We definitely have our hands full. The key for us will be to control the ball on offense and keep their running back off the field because he’s capable of breaking a big run at any time.” El Camino Real’s Wing-T offense is led by Kawan Rally, who rushed for nearly 1,100 yards and scored 14 touchdowns as a sophomore last season. The Dolphins may not be able to completely shut down the Conquistadores’ running game, but containing in it is a must if they hope to emerge victorious. “Their offensive line is huge, so we’re going to have to come off the ball quick and tackle well,” Jones said. “If they score, we at least want to make them have to drive the length of the field. On defense, they like to attack and try to get the quarterback to speed up his throws.” Although El Camino Real lost its opener 21-7, it will come into Friday’s contest with a game under its belt, unlike the Dolphins. Jones, however, said Palisades’ scrimmage with Kilpatrick will better help his team deal with “first-game” jitters. “We ran 53 plays in our scrimmage, which is probably more plays than ECR had on offense all night,” said Jones, who scouted the game with fellow coaches. “They only attempted three passes but the bottom line is that team plays hard. The offensive and defensive lines are their strength.” In an effort to restore pride in the football program–the kind of pride that generated so much excitement back when he was a student there in the 1970s–Russ Howard, Palisades High’s assistant principal in charge of athletics, and the Quarterback Club have organized a “Football Fest” in the quad from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., leading up to the frosh/soph kickoff at 4 and the varsity kickoff at 7 p.m. under the lights at Stadium by the Sea. The PaliHi Marching Band will perform at 3 and again at 5:30 and varsity players will be on hand to meet and greet fans from 4 to 4:15. Volunteers are welcome for the dunk tank and discounted pre-sale tickets can be purchased. Week 1 Palisades (0-0) vs. El Camino Real (0-1) Friday @ Stadium by the Sea F/S Kickoff at 4 p.m. / Varsity at 7 p.m.

Learning About the ‘Global’ Game

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My Experience as a Working Sports Journalist

Pepe (facing camera) and Marcelo congratulate Gonzalo Higuian (#20) after his goal against the Galaxy. Palisadian Elana Hutter interviewed Pepe following Real Madrid's 3-2 victory at the Rose Bowl. Photo: Elana Hutter
Pepe (facing camera) and Marcelo congratulate Gonzalo Higuian (#20) after his goal against the Galaxy. Palisadian Elana Hutter interviewed Pepe following Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory at the Rose Bowl. Photo: Elana Hutter

By ELANA HUTTER Special to the Palisadian-Post In 2008, a year after graduating from UC Berkeley, I moved to Barcelona, Spain where I had spent a semester abroad during college. While there to learn the Spanish language, I quickly fell in love with the country’s favorite past time, f’tbol. I spent numerous games in the bleachers at the top of Camp Nou, the soccer stadium in Barcelona. This summer, however, I had a field pass at the Rose Bowl when the Real Madrid soccer team came to Los Angeles to play a soccer exhibition against the Galaxy. Working towards my goal of hosting a philanthropy driven sports travel show, I started studying broadcasting at UCLA Extension and Santa Monica College. Entering the world of sports reporting takes more than a golden ticket these days. Networking, persistence, and talent are necessary, but what about the added difficulty of breaking into a male dominated profession? I was granted media credentials for Real Madrid’s training sessions at UCLA based on my being a broadcasting student with the boldness to call myself “press.” I attended a press conference with Jose Mourinho, said to be one of the best soccer coaches in the world. The press room had a long table set with microphones, photographers on their knees in the front, chairs in rows filled with writers from well known magazines like Sports Illustrated to small sports blogs, and video cameras lined the back walls. The writers all seemed to have known each other for years, chatting, comfortably and casually. With this exclusive access, I initiated conversation with my “colleagues.” Their well-known company names were less intimidating to me once we were joking around, or when Mourinho referred to ESPN Los Angeles soccer reporter Scott French as “Steven Spielberg” for his silver beard and moustache combo look. I did notice, however, that I was one of the few women attending the conference. The next night at the Rose Bowl, I made the point of checking the list of the press seat assignments and counted only eight women out of 55 radio and print media covering the game. Was this merely because it was a sporting event involving two men’s teams? I know women are interested in sports reporting, so are we not encouraged to enter what appears to be the “old boys network?” I was fortunate enough to spend time with a European reporter who explained to me the ins and outs of the job. He commented on the contrast between journalists in London and those he met in Los Angeles. In London, he observes a cooler and openly competitive nature amongst writers, while in the U.S. there is a friendlier, more inclusive rapport. Disturbingly, he also mentioned how difficult it is for women in the United Kingdom to be sports reporters. He admitted that harsh rumors are often spread about the female reporters who secure key interviews. Part of the draw of this event for me was the opportunity to speak in Spanish. Almost everyone in the press, and those working with the teams, was bilingual and appreciated my efforts to converse in Spanish. I went from having a press box pass, to having a field pass. This meant I was about four feet away from the players at the start of the game and taking photos of Cristiano Ronaldo smiling into my camera. Throughout the day, I found that my assertiveness, curiosity and a smile, took me far in my first experience as a reporter. During the game I stood behind the goals with all the other photographers. Note to self, next time wear better shoes for standing with heavy equipment for so long. My camera lens is not sufficient for sports photography. “This one may work better for you,” joked the Associated Press photographer next to me, as he offered me his large Canon zoom lens. I picked his brain about cameras, past experiences, and tips on getting into the business. Then I raised the issue of being one of the only female sports photographers present. I explained that people have been so helpful with me at the game, and he admitted that he had never let anyone borrow a lens before. I do not know if this was simply my experience and I happened to meet very generous individuals, or if perhaps these men simply do not see women as threatening competition. Either way, it is possible for women to break into this male-dominated field. Though once in the door, everyone’s work speaks for itself. After the game, players passed by a “press mixer” on the way to their team bus. All the press was invited, so this was when the print and radio media got the opportunity to question the passing players. Not every player stopped for an interview and not all of the journalists’ questions were answered. However, Pepe, a Portuguese Real Madrid player was one of the last to leave the locker rooms. He was rushing to the bus and he passed up all the reporters trying to secure interviews with him. He had also just injured himself during the game. I called his name, and he seemed to recognize me from taking photos of him on the field, perhaps because I was one of the few females. We had a quick back and forth in the little Portuguese I speak, then I thanked him and he left. I was the only reporter he stopped to speak with, which was both exciting and encouraging. Sports reporting is a dream job, but it is a very competitive and demanding business. These are talented individuals who have so much love and passion for sports, for their jobs, and for writing and broadcasting. They have quick deadlines and demanding followers. I merely want other women not to feel intimidated in this male-dominated environment. It is all about getting a foot in the door and maximizing on opportunities. (Editor’s note: Elana Hutter graduated from Palisades High in 2003. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley, majoring in International Civil Rights and Social Movements, she moved to Barcelona, Spain, in 2008 and is now back in the Palisades. She is currently a Jeremiah Fellow, focused on social justice organizing.)

Dolphins Make Strides in Scrimmage

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Wide receiver Kevin Mann makes an over-the-shoulder catch along the sideline in Palisades' scrimmage against Kilpatrick last Friday at Stadium by the Sea.
Wide receiver Kevin Mann makes an over-the-shoulder catch along the sideline in Palisades’ scrimmage against Kilpatrick last Friday at Stadium by the Sea.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

It was merely a practice game, but the way Palisades High football players approached last Friday’s scrimmage against Kilpatrick one would think the Western League title was on the line. The spirited contest was more than a dress rehearsal for Friday’s season opener–it was a measuring stick that head coach Perry Jones and his staff can use to evaluate where the Dolphins are at–and where they need to be come kickoff tomorrow. “Overall, I’m okay with how we did,” Jones said. “I was impressed with our speed on defense. We ran and hit and played physical with those guys, which is what I wanted to see.” Each team got to run four sets of 12 plays each, starting at its own 40-yard line. Once inside the opponents’ 25, the game is played out until the offense either scores or runs out of downs. Kilpatrick got the ball first and proceeded to march 60 yards in 13 plays, scoring on a 2-yard run. Palisades needed just four plays to answer as senior running back Hakeem Jawanza took a pitch around left end for a 42-yard touchdown. Then, Branden Sanett capped a 10-play march with a 6-yard quarterback keeper to put the Dolphins on top. Senior cornerback Lawrence Villasenor intercepted a pass on Kilpatrick’s next series. Wide receiver Kevin Mann caught an over-the-shoulder catch from Nathan Dodson along the sideline, setting up a score by junior running back Willie Anderson, who rolled an ankle in Palisades’ third set of plays and was taken to the hospital by paramedics. “Willie had surgery Saturday and he’s doing okay, but he’s done for the year,” Jones said. “He fractured a bone in his foot and had ligament and muscle tears. It’s unfortunate because he’s such a great kid.” When play resumed, senior running back Malcolm Creer scored on a 6-yard run as Palisades outgained the Mustangs by a significant margin and won the scrimmage, four scores to two. Coach Ray Marsden was pleased with the play of his frosh/soph squad, which outscored the black-clad visitors three touchdowns to one despite playing without top receiver Jack Jordan. Sema’j Harris scored on a 44-yard run, Tyler Hildreth caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Elijah Thomas and Rico Bircher returned an interception 70 yards for another score. “These guys love hitting,” Marsden said. “I’m still concerned about our depth, but this gives us a good indication of where we can improve.”

Football Contest Results Week 1

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WEEK 1 SCORES: Winner: Adam Stryer (+10, 47 points) +10: Robert Scheiperpeter, Stephen Messer, James Ryan +9: Carla Galias, Jim McArthur +8: Sally Jacobsmeyer, Sam Swartz, Julie Elder, K.C. Douglass +7: Andrew Rhames, Richard Olsen, Charles Ryan, Brett Elder, Bill Elder, Doris Gustafson, Drew Daniele +6: Don Galias +4: Aaron Heisen, Donna Pekar, Charles Carr +3: Daniel Roth Sports Editor Steve Galluzzo: +9 Managing Editor Bill Bruns: +6 Note: Overall standings will be updated week by week, starting with the results from this Thursday’s contest.

Pali Spikers Set for City Title Run

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Setter Meghan Middleton and the Dolphins have their sights set on a City Section championship. They open the season next Tuesday against Narbonne.
Setter Meghan Middleton and the Dolphins have their sights set on a City Section championship. They open the season next Tuesday against Narbonne.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The Palisades High girls’ varsity volleyball team saw its first action last weekend at the Clovis West Tournament in Central California, reaching the semifinals in the Silver Division and finishing 11th out of 30 schools. After going 2-1 in pool play on Friday (beating Exeter and Sanger and losing to Bakersfield Stockdale), the Dolphins lost to Bakersfield, beat Central and lost to Clovis Buchanan in Saturday’s elimination phase. “We did really well,” Palisades Coach Chris Forrest said. “We should be a lot better than last year. I’ll be surprised if we’re not in the finals.” The other City Section school to make the trip north was Granada Hills, which lost to Bakersfield Centennial in the semifinals of the Gold Division. Forrest predicted the Highlanders will not be challenged in the City this year. ‘They’re really good–I’ll be surprised if anyone gets a game off them.” Of course, the Dolphins won’t have to face Granada Hills in the playoffs because the schools are in different divisions–Granada Hills in Division I, Palisades in Division II, where it could be headed for a showdown with Taft. As for the starting lineup, Forrest said Meghan Middleton will be the setter, sophomores Molly Kornfeind and Katie Kaufman will be the outside hitters and Kasey Janousek will play libero. Middle blockers are senior Yanise Joseph and freshman Jennifer Krems. Laura Lemoine may also play libero, which would move Kaufman to opposite hitter. 2010 SCHEDULE Date Opponent JV/V Time 9/14 Narbonne 2:30 / 4 9/16 San Pedro 2:30 / 4 9/22 LACES* 2:30 / 4 9/27 Venice* 2:30 / 4 9/29 at Hamilton* 2:30 / 4 10/4 University* 2:30 / 4 10/6 at Fairfax* 2:30 / 4 10/7 West.* 2:30 / 4 10/13 at LACES* 2:30 / 4 10/18 at Venice* 2:30 / 4 10/20 Hamilton* 2:30 / 4 10/21 at Uni* 2:30 / 4 10/25 Fairfax* 2:30 / 4 10/27 at West.* 2:30 / 4 * Western League

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 9, 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

RANCHO MIRAGE CALIFORNIA FAIRWAY ESTATES. Beautiful custom Mediterranean 4,000 sf. 4 bedrms, all suites. Powder room, formal dining, 3 large European fireplaces. French Country furnished, salt water pool, misting system, 3 car garage, 17 double French doors, 4 spectacular views. $1,790,000. Apple/Tobin, Coldwell Banker, (760) 567-3809, (760) 408-4374

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

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

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

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

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 ba (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

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 (818) 304-4146. 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) 392-1757

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

MY OUTSTANDING NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER of 10 yrs is now avail Mon.-Fri., full time/flexible hours, as our kids are in school full time. She drives her own SUV with a perfect driving record. Speaks fluent English. Does all cooking, shopping, errands & cleaning. She is simply the best w/ children of all ages & all household responsibilities! Please call Natalie at (310) 467-3769 or call Lorena directly at (323) 572-5306

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

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

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 Monday through Friday. 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

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. Babysitting also. Honest & hardworking. Over 20 years experience. Great refs. Call Julia, (310) 828-8842 or leave msg., (310) 463-8584

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, Caregiver. State certified CNA, HHA. P/T or F/T. FREE assessment with no obligation. Pacific Palisades resident. (310) 592-6695

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

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

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

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 ‘ HDTVs & 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

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

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

PROFESSIONAL GUITAR TEACHER. BA graduate, 2003. (UK) Rock, blues, funk, music theory. All ages, individual tutoring. (310) 454-6962 or (310) 745-2792

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

AUTOS 18b

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

FURNITURE 18c

STEARNS & FOSTER CA KING mattress & boxspring Winterthur. Only slept on 2 weeks. Wonderfully comfortable. $1,000. Call Carol at (310) 454-4476

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!! ‘ Waterford ‘ Wedgewood/Antique Spode ‘ Mirrors ‘ Fine Stickley Welsh dresser ‘ Royal Doulton ‘ Antique etchings ‘ Cut glass ‘ Garden furniture ‘ Household items ‘ 1925 Mandeville Canyon. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. SATURDAY ONLY! Sept. 11.

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

VIKING 6-BURNER STOVE with oven. Stainless steel, excellent condition. $2,000. (310) 459-1229

Eager Students Return to School

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Drake Wertlieb took the bus to Village School, where he will be a third grader.
Drake Wertlieb took the bus to Village School, where he will be a third grader.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Village School, Calvary Christian School and Corpus Christi Catholic School all started classes on Tuesday morning, bringing energy back into Pacific Palisades after an unusually quiet summer.   As Village Head of School Nora Malone welcomed 290 students arriving on Swarthmore Avenue, she expressed a sentiment felt by many local administrators and teachers.   ’It’s my favorite half-hour of the year,’ Malone said. ‘We miss everyone over the summer, the school seems so empty. I’m thrilled to see everyone back.’   Westside Waldorf (located on Sunset just north of Pacific Coast Highway) got the jump on all the local schools by starting September 1; Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School started yesterday, with Seven Arrows Elementary following tomorrow.   On Monday, four public charter schools begin: Marquez and Palisades Elementary, Paul Revere Middle School and Palisades High, followed by Canyon Elementary on Tuesday.   Once these 11 schools are in session, more than 8,000 students will be attending the six private and five public schools located in the community.   Village School third-grade teacher Eric Wlasak, beginning his 11th year in front of a classroom, started the day by teaching his students how to pronounce his name. His name is German, he said, and the W is pronounced like a V.   He also asked his students if they were nervous about starting school. He confessed he always has jitters on the first day because he worries about having everything in place.   ’Third grade is the best,’ Wlasak said, as he briefly mapped out the year for his students. ‘We’re going to learn multiplication, cursive writing and the kind of math that your parents and older sisters and brothers can do.’

PaliHi Pools Almost Ready for Water

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A construction worker prepares the 12-lane competition pool at Palisades Charter High School for plastering. The Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center should be open to the public for swimming by October 1.
A construction worker prepares the 12-lane competition pool at Palisades Charter High School for plastering. The Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center should be open to the public for swimming by October 1.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The highly anticipated $4.9-million Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center at Palisades Charter High School should be open to the public for swimming by October 1. Construction workers began plastering the two-lane teaching pool and 12-lane competitive pool yesterday. On Friday, they plan to begin filling the pools with water, which should take one day for the two-lane pool and 36 hours for the larger pool. ‘Both pools should be completely filled with water by the end of the day on Saturday, the 11th,’ Ben Lunsky, owner of Sarlan Builders, reported at the PaliHi Pool Committee meeting on August 31. Lunsky’s crew began work on the state-of-the-art aquatic center in March 2009. While the pools will be glistening with water when school starts on Monday, students and community members won’t be able to swim until the plaster is cured and the water filtration system is working properly. This will take about two weeks, according to PaliHi’s Interim Executive Director Michael Smith, who has focused on completing the aquatic center all summer. Brian Barry, a certified and approved project inspector for the Division of the State Architect, will also need to approve the project. PaliHi officials had to submit plans and specifications to DSA for review and approval before beginning construction. Then they were required to hire Barry to ensure that all work is constructed as indicated in the approved documents and in compliance with the California Building Code. The L.A. County Health Department gave its approval after inspecting the gates and fencing on September 1. The department was required to check the area to ensure it was secure before the pools could be filled with water. Within the next three weeks, PaliHi’s new aquatics director, Andrew Cervantes, plans to release a pool schedule on the school’s Web site, www.palihigh.org. The aquatic center will be open to the public for recreation and lap swimming during non-school hours during the week and on weekends, Cervantes said. School hours are 7:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. ‘The actual times are forthcoming and may include Saturday and Sunday afternoons [for recreational swimming],’ Cervantes said. ‘We are looking to host a Free Family Swim weekend soon after opening to let all our neighbors and supporters come in and enjoy the pool for free.’ The fee for swimming will be $4 for children under 18 and $5 for adults. ‘I am also working on a reduced fee for students and seniors,’ Cervantes said. To pay for ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the aquatic center, school leaders plan to rent the pool to aquatic user groups during non-school hours. Aquatic groups will be required to obtain their own liability insurance. Westside Aquatics has already secured four to seven lanes from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. and the entire competition pool from 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Cervantes is looking to rent out the two-lane teaching pool in the afternoons during that time slot. ‘We are currently in contact with several other groups and should have three or four more secured in the coming weeks,’ Cervantes said. Cervantes is especially searching for an adult water polo team interested in renting the entire competition pool in the evenings after 8 p.m. In anticipation that the aquatic center would be completed this spring, several groups had expressed interest in renting the pool this summer. PaliHi did not collect any money from these groups, Cervantes said. ‘We are looking forward to working with groups that showed interest in renting water time this summer in the summer of 2011,’ he added. The new aquatic center will feature men’s and women’s locker rooms, which will mainly be used by the public, Smith said. PaliHi students will use the nearby locker rooms in the school gym. Each locker room at the pool site will include two bathroom stalls, two showers and a changing area. The pool office will be next to the locker rooms. PaliHi has raised $3.14 million of the $4.9 million needed, according to Chief Business Officer Greg Wood. PaliHi English teacher Rose Gilbert has donated more than $2 million of that money toward construction costs, and the facility will be named after her late daughter and swimmer, Maggie. To complete the project, Gilbert also gave the school a $750,000 loan and PaliHi secured a loan up to $1 million from Bank of the West. Jeanne Goldsmith, a consultant hired to raise money for the pool, said fundraising efforts continue and that PaliHi will host a Swim for Pali event this school year. Individuals, businesses and organizations may still purchase a lane for $50,000 and have their name displayed on it. Two groups may also split a lane for $30,000 each. Six of the 14 lanes are still available. Naming rights for the scoreboard are available for $150,000 and the instructional pool for $350,000. Goldsmith is available to give tours to potential donors. Contact her at (310) 454-9033. Cervantes is in the process of hiring four senior lifeguards and at least 20 lifeguards and junior lifeguards. ‘We will be providing a highly trained lifeguard staff during all rental times, school times and recreational and lap times,’ said Cervantes, who worked for more than 10 years with the Los Angeles County aquatics program. ‘Safety is our highest concern.’ He encourages local residents interested in working as lifeguards, especially adults willing to work during the school day, or aquatic groups interested in renting pool time, to contact him at pool@palihigh.org.

Karl Greenfeld’s Memoir: The Autistic Child’s Shadow Sibling

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Author Karl Taro Greenfeld lives with his wife and two daughters in the Alphabet streets.
Author Karl Taro Greenfeld lives with his wife and two daughters in the Alphabet streets.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Karl Taro Greenfeld is at home in Pacific Palisades. His wife Silka is eating toast and jam at the kitchen table. Esmee, 11, is practicing piano, Lola, 8, and a friend are playing dress-up in her bedroom. They all greet me, smiles, engaged.   For Greenfeld, this is a blessing. To have children who look you in the face and talk. So unlike his own childhood, which was dominated by the swirl, the vortex that was his younger brother, Noah, a severely autistic child.   Greenfeld writes about this childhood in ‘Boy Alone: A Brother’s Memoir,’ which he will talk about and sign on Friday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. He will be interviewed by author Kenneth Turan, film critic for the Los Angeles Times.   The book was an unexpected event for Greenfeld, who admits, ‘It’s not the book I thought I’d ever write.’ After all, Noah had already become subject matter for his parents’ work. His father, Josh, had written a trilogy (beginning with ‘A Child Called Noah’) detailing the effects of Noah’s disabilities place on the family. His mother, Fumiko Kometani, also wrote about their son and his developmental disability.   However, around 2005, Greenfeld had just published a book about the SARS epidemic in China, ‘China Syndrome,’ and its publisher, HarperCollins, was interested in doing another book.   ’At that time, autism had become more topical,’ says Greenfeld, who grew up in the Palisades. ‘They wanted a ‘hot zone’ book, something big that went all along the waterfront: science, history and memoir.’   When Greenfeld was some 100,000 words into the memoir, he realized that he didn’t need the science, and that the history would work better woven within the memoir. ‘What we know about the science has already been written, so it wasn’t going anywhere. I’d just be summing up the news.’   What emerges in ‘Boy Alone’ is a family presented with a very big, lifetime assignment: To try and understand a sequential series of questions. ‘Is something wrong? Then, What is it called? Then, What can we do? And most disappointing of all is the fact that as every query is first conceived, then formulated, then verbalized, we all already know the only answers are bad ones,’ Greenfeld says.   Noah was born in 1966, and it was clear early on that ‘something was wrong with him,’ says Karl, whose impressions of his brother, neither fearful nor analytical, present an unusual portrait of a serious disability, but from a kid’s point of view.   ’My father’s book helped me with the external chronology,’ Greenfeld says. ‘His books were bedrock. I couldn’t have written this book, I wouldn’t have the [diary] quotes from my father and mother.’    Two years older, Karl had no quantitative or comparative way of defining his brother. Karl was a just kid, attuned to the Noah-centered family, but mostly living his life with a brother who really didn’t seem to notice him. Noah didn’t see much use in playing with plastic toys, much preferring to chew on them. If Karl wanted to play roughhouse, Noah was no fun, he just lay there giggling.   ’Boy Alone’ allows the reader to experience the crushing intensity of Noah: his capricious behavior, punctuated by uncontrolled thrashing out or sudden bursts of laughter, his developmental stagnation and not reaching the appropriate age-related milestones. His parents’ overarching nightmare was not knowing what to do and dreading that his condition could be permanent.   All of this worry, fear and special treatment meant attention was always on Noah, but for Karl, Noah was his brother, his rival. ‘I am learning’that despite being older, bigger, smarter, faster, I will lose every race for our parents’ time and attention,’ he writes.   ’I never met a brother of sister who is not at times angry with their sibling,’ Karl observes. ‘With an autistic person, you’re not allowed to admit sibling rivalry, because it’s not reciprocated.’   The book is sort of a roman a clef, for Karl. By writing the memoir, he was able to have a conversation with his brother that, of course, was in reality impossible.   ’I was trying to understand what brotherhood was like,’ Greenfeld says. Not having a companionable sibling and its socializing benefits and unique bond for better or worse made it difficult.   ’I couldn’t have written this book without having children of my own. I see that the first way they learn to interact is among themselves. They have their own little government.’ He elaborates in the book. ‘They are learning to negotiate, to compromise, to communicate at the time when, in my life, I was concluding that it was best to keep my ideas and schemes to myself.’ Perhaps it was the 1970s, perhaps being the shadow son, but Karl remained the ‘boy alone.’ School was always a problem for him, where although bright he was a prankster and found a second home in the principal’s office. At Paul Revere, he wrapped is biology book in a Playboy cover and was hauled off to the principal’s office, despite attending to the assignment. He drifted through PaliHi in a cloud of drugs and iffy friends.   ’But in high school, I discovered I had a knack for writing. I could tell when other kids’ writing wasn’t very good; I was able to hear it in a different way. I understood that I could tell my writing was a little better, more authentic.’   At Sarah Lawrence, where he finally graduated in 1986, after a year and a half hiatus in Paris at the American University of Paris, he began to write in earnest. After college, he lived in Japan, where he enjoyed a career mining the newly found American interest in all things Japanese. He returned to the U.S. to write for Time and Sports Illustrated, and is now pursuing a healthy freelance career that includes writing for The Paris Review and Commentary, a genre he much prefers today, as it doesn’t require excessive research and traveling.   Admittedly, these days there are better programs for children with autism, but the situation for autistic adults is dismal. The burden of finding services, caregivers and advocates remains the family’s to deal with. And, ultimately Karl’s. Noah, 44, lives in an assisted-living facility in Lawndale.   ’Now, I am the backup,’ Karl says. ‘That’s why we returned to Los Angeles from New York. When my parents shuffle on. Noah’s maintenance will by my responsibility. But the question remains, how am I supposed to step in for my parents? A sibling’s responsibility is different from that of a parent. The irony is that if Noah were normal and a criminal or a drug addict, I would have no responsibility. I will always be involved in his life to some degree. Often with multiple siblings, there is the one who ends up being the caregiver. Noah’s got me, for better or worse.’

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