CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 10, 2010

June 10, 2010

LAND WANTED 1f

LONG-TIME PALISADES FAMILY seeks land to build home (one or more). Contact Howard at (310) 454-3704

FURNISHED HOMES 2

LIGHT, AIRY SPACE IN THE TREETOPS. 1 bed, bath w/ flowing living areas (1,400 sq. ft.). Protected patio w/ spa. Totally furnished & equipped for immediate move-in. Flexible terms. (310) 454-2568

EXECUTIVE RENTAL! MOVE RIGHT IN! Immaculate, fully furnished, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath. Pool, gym, spa, near trailheads, mountain view, minutes to the beach. (310) 459-9111

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

DUPLEX FOR RENT. 1 bdrm + fireplace, 1 bath, quiet residential area near village. $2,650/mo. (310) 738-4400

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

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

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

PALISADES GUEST COTTAGE: Small & charming studio apartment with separate entrance. Built-ins, stove & fridge. $900/mo. Utilities included, street parking only, no pets. (310) 210-8455

CHARMING DUPLEX, walk to village. 2 bedroom, 1 bath. New kitchen, jacuzzi tub, hardwood floors, private yard. $2,995/mo. Consider pets. (310) 454-4599, (310) 266-4151

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

LOVELIER LEASE CAN’T BE FOUND! * Highlands end-unit townhm w/ gorgeous views, move-in cond, custom remodeled kitchen & baths. Custom & top-of-line. Enjoy tennis, pool, weight rm. 2+2.5+den. $4,400/mo. Agt: Betty-Jo Tilley, (310) 255-5445

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

CORNER WINDOW OFFICE, cathedral ceilings, 2nd floor, First Federal Bank building on Sunset, in Palisades Village, 320 sq. ft. $1,300/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

CHARMING COURTYARD SPACE approx. 200 sq. ft. on Via de la Paz. Good location in heart of village. No Triple Net or Cam chgs. Shared parking. $950/mo. (310) 395-7272

MISCELLANEOUS 6c

FREE COLLEGE CONSULTING. Limited time offer: Free 1-hour consultation to families of high school juniors. Helping Palisades families for more than a decade. Go to ninaswan.com, (310) 396-9106

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

PART TIME BOOKKEEPER TO GO! F/C Bookkeeper specializing in small businesses & private individuals. QB, QUICKEN & PEACHTREE PROFICIENT. PC or MAC. Excellent refs. Call Joanie, (310) 486-1055

WE OFFER BOOKKEEPING, assistant services and project management. Home or office. Organize180@aol.com,(310) 456-0157

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

Lady4Tech. In-home technology needs. Email, banking, internet searches. Teresa, (323) 293-9911; Lady4tech@aol.com

GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f

PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? an estate sale? a moving sale? a yard sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. ‘ BARBARA DAWSON ‘ Estate/Garage Sale Specialist ‘ (310) 454-0359 ‘ bmdawson@verizon.net ‘ www.bmdawson.com ‘ Furniture ‘ Antiques ‘ Collectibles ‘ Junque ‘ Reliable professionals ‘ Local References

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

FORMER LAW FIRM MANAGER can help you get organized. Executive level business or personal assistant services. Office organizing, writing, project and event planning. Concierge services on a project or weekly basis. Call Patty, (310) 394-3085

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

EXPERIENCED NANNY & HOUSEKEEPER. Reliable, caring & flexible. Bilingual and I provide my own transportation. Great local references. Call Nancy at (818) 209-6024

NANNY AND/OR FRENCH TUTOR. Local references, experienced w/ newborns to teens, light housekeeping, strong work ethic. CA license, available now. (310) 849-0133, josiannesileu@yahoo.com. Merci!

AFTERNOON NANNY NEEDED. Family seeks afternoon help; M-F 3-7, Sat. 3-10. Driving, lt. meal prep., errands & lt. hsekpg. Must be flexbl w/ clean drive rec, excellent refs. Call Jo, (310) 454-5450

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & weekends. Excellent w/ animals, speaks English, 43 yrs. experience. Available now. Call Angela, (323) 732-9720 (h), (323) 383-6574

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

GREAT HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE! Experienced and reliable, wonderful with children and pets. Excellent English. Wednesdays and/or alternate Tuesdays. Please call Raquel at (213) 736-5362

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER. Experienced, speaks English & good with animals (will walk dog). References available. Available anytime/any day. (323) 445-3124, (323) 671-0678, leave a message

HOUSEKEEPER. Looking for part-time job. Over 12 yrs. experience, excellent references, reliable, own transportation & drivers license. Willing to do errands & school pick up. Call Maria, (310) 977-0142

HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE. We clean your house or apartment. Dependable, low rates. Francis or Ramon, call us. (310) 869-3079, centenocleaning@yahoo.com

GREAT HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday through Friday. Good references, 30 years experience, own car & drivers license, speaks English. Please call Sofia, (323) 697-7076

HOUSECLEANING: Confidential, honest and reliable. I can use my cleaning supplies or yours. I have experience, references & transportation. Feel free to call: Mariana (310) 435-2510, moni.hemo@hotmail.com

LOOKING FOR A HOUSEKEEPING JOB. Available now. Monday through Friday, good references & experience. Please call Celia, (323) 384-6392. celiahurtado31@yahoo.com

HOUSECLEANING. Alicia, available Thursdays and Saturdays. Cleaning supplies furnished. Call (310) 367-3214

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

CERTIFIED CAREGIVER. Medicine administration, CPR. 10 years experience in L.A., letters of reference. Available hourly, daily, nightly or 24-hour live-in. Call Lina, (323) 770-6744

CAREGIVER ‘ In-home care. CNA. HHA. State certified. Pacific Palisades resident. Free assessment with no obligation. P/T or F/T. (310) 592-6695

CAREGIVER/PERSONAL ASSISTANT. Active, retired ex-diplomat. Experienced with elderly. Palisades resident. Own car. Flexible hours. Call (310) 488-0269

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

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

MOVING & HAULING 11b

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

POOL & SPA SERVICES 13e

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

STEREO, TV, VCR SERVICES 13g

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

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.

AUTO DETAILING 13i

DOES YOUR CELL PHONE WORK? Are you tired of going outside to use your cell phone at home? We may be able to boost your cell phone to work indoors. Call us, we can help! Stanford Connect, (310) 829-3115

CATERING 14

CHEF & EVENT MANAGER! Cordon Bleu Chef and 15 year veteran event manager wants to help you plan your event! $60 per hour. Please call or email Danielle . . . (310) 691-0578 or daniellesamendez@gmail.com

COOKING/GOURMET 14a

PART TIME IN-HOME CHEF. Experienced in home chef available part time. References available upon request. Please call Roni @ (818) 307-3117

HOUSESITTING 14b

HOUSESITTING/PETSITTING. Available for short or long term. Sharp, reliable, recently retired professional. References. Susi, (310) 963-5269, susi824@aol.com

HOUSESITTER. Responsible, honest, clean, female non-smoker looking for housesitting position. Available now. (413) 672-1896

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

CLARITY’. NEED HELP ORGANIZING? Office, Kid’s Rooms, Photos, Storage, Etc. Personal Organizer Lisa Viscardi can help. Call (310) 702-7314. Email Lisa@ClarityLV.com. Visit www.ClarityLV.com

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

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

HAVE FUN! GET FIT! NORDIC WALKING CLASSES. Certified Advanced Nordic walking instructor, Palisades 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

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

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

‘ 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

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

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

BEST ELECTRIC. Lowest rates. 7 day. 24 hour service. Lic. #695411. Over 30 years experience. (310) 621-3905

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

HANDYMAN 16o

HANDYMAN ‘ HOOSHMAN ‘ Most known name in the Palisades. Since 1975. Member Chamber of Commerce. Non-Lic. Experience do it, not lic. 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

PETER PAN HOME REPAIR. Serving all of the Westside!! (310) 663-3633. Non-lic.

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

‘NOW’S THE TIME!’ to take care of your painting projects with a contractor that has 35 years of experience and great local references. ALL SEASONS PAINTING, (310) 678-7913. Lic. #571061

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

A PACIFIC PAINTING. Residential, commercial, industrial. Interior/exterior. Drywall, plaster, stucco repair, pressure washing. Free estimates. Bonded & insured. Lic. #908913. ‘Since 1979’ (310) 954-7170

OWEN GEORGE CRUICKSHANK ‘ Paperhanger ‘ Removal ‘ Repair ‘ Painting ‘ Handyman services as well. Lic. #576445. (310) 459-5485

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

HELP WANTED 17

MANICURIST & HAIRSTYLIST WANTED for rental with clientele. Contact Nikki, (310) 459-1616

THE SKI CHANNEL & THE SURF CHANNEL located in the Palisades village have immediate openings for interns in programming, production & marketing. (310) 230-2050

WANTED: SECRETARY with medical transcription ability for a humorous psychiatrist. Please contact Stanley Goodman at (310) 230-7826 or (818) 300-0102

WANTED: BOOKKEEPER for local Palisades office for a humorous physician. Please contact Stanley Goodman at (310) 230-7826 or (818) 300-0102

SITUATIONS WANTED 17a

PERSONAL ASSISTANT. Palisades resident seeking Personal Asst. position. 15 yrs. exp. in film prod. mac, pc, light acctg., comfortable in high profile situations. Good refs. Lisa123102@gmail.com, (310) 454-0861

AUTOS 18b

CLEAN 2003 MAZDA MPV for family or nanny. Good condition; 65,000 miles; blue, leather, sunroof, racks, power everything. Detailed in/out. $7,500 OBO. Lara, (310) 617-3112

FURNITURE 18c

FURNITURE SALE’QUALITY ITEMS. MOVING SALE: Beautiful well made furniture for sale by Baker, Milling Road & Barbara Barry. Tables, chairs, chests, lamps & more. (310) 463-6323, Liz.

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

BABY GRAND PIANO! ‘ Hi gloss black Horugel piano. Beaut finish. Needs tuning. Moving, must sell. $2,500 OBO. (310) 614-7371

‘Summer of Color’ Splashes the Beach

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June 10, 2010

The 14 lifeguard towers at Will Rogers Beaches are part of the largest public art display in the country, “Summer of Color.”
Photo by Rich Schmitt, *Staff Photographer*

If you want to view the most extensive public art display in the country, you simply need to visit Will Rogers State Beach, where 14 lifeguard towers are part of the 156 Los Angeles County towers that have been transformed with colorful panels for ‘Summer of Color.’ This project is the brainchild of brothers Bernie and Ed Massey, who grew up in Pacific Palisades. Ed a sculptor, painter and children’s book writer, partnered with Bernie, a producer of high-profile public education and civic leadership programs to found Portraits of Hope in 1995. The idea for the nonprofit, which enriches the lives of children and adults who are coping with serious illness through participation in creative projects, came to Ed at the Children’s Hospital in Orange, while he was reading his book ‘Milton’ to patients. ‘I saw kids doing art in their hospital bed on little sheets of paper,’ he said, and he wondered how he could bring art and beauty to children who were hospitalized. Using water-based acrylics and large sheets of paper, Ed formulated his first project, the ‘Tower of Hope,’ which involved covering the oil derrick next to Beverly Hills High School with colorful panels. He invented a shoe paintbrush for those who couldn’t use their arms, a telescope paintbrush (which allows a child to paint from the bed) and a mouth-held paintbrush. ??After the oil derrick, the Massey brothers’ additional projects have involved a blimp, a boat, a NASCAR car, the airport control tower in Long Beach and taxicabs in New York City. Portraits of Hope’has since grown’to include creative therapy methods developed for persons with a variety of disabilities, and civic leadership education sessions for students in third grade through’high school and college.’ Ed, who lives in Pacific Palisades, came up with the idea for the lifeguard towers after returning from New York after the ‘Garden in Transit’ taxi project. He was walking along Will Rogers Beach with his wife, Dawn, and their children, Felix and Georgi. ‘I saw these beautiful architectural structures [lifeguard towers], but it was gray after gray,’ Ed said. The Masseys approached the Los Angeles County Supervisors about the towers in early 2009, and the project was approved for this summer. ‘We were told that the towers were going to be covered with children’s art work,’ said Will Rogers Lifeguard Captain Robert Torres. ‘We wondered what it was going to look like, and some had reservations.’ When the first towers were unveiled in Santa Monica on May 18, Torres summed up the feeling of many guards: ‘I think they’re awesome and I feel proud to be part of it.’ Around 2,200 panels (4 foot by 8 foot) and 156 vinyl pieces (14 sq. ft. in size) were painted by more than 6,000 children in hospitals and schools, including students at Marquez Elementary. ‘We got involved because I am a personal friend of Eddie and Bernie, and huge fan of their previous works,’ said third-grade teacher Susan Schwartz. ‘Two third-grade classes, one second and several fifth grades worked on panels, which include painting fish, flowers and geometric shapes. My students participated in the blimp project as well.”(An earlier Massey project that involved painting panels, which were placed on the blimp.) Students at Calvary School, Village School and Palisades Elementary (where Ed’s children attend), Paul Revere Middle School and Palisades High also participated. ‘We had almost 800 local students helping,’ Ed said. ‘About a dozen students from PaliHi spent more than six months working with us. They drew outlines of the flowers and figures. They also accompanied us to the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, which has teens who have been injured in sports or auto accidents.’ In addition to painting the individual panels, which are on foam-cored board and vinyl (which covers the roof of the towers), the railings of the towers were painted first, on April 25 along the coast from Long Beach to Zuma. With supplies donated by Vista Paint and Benjamin Moore, more than 1,500 volunteers of all ages, 10 at each tower, completed the railings. In May, the Santa Monica-based Morely Construction Company, which donated labor for installation on 40 of the 155 towers, installed the panels. The company worked along Will Rogers the last week in May. Painted panels were cut to size on site and workers attached them to the lifeguard tower using stainless steel screws. The vinyl-painted panels were stapled on tower roofs. ??’Owner Mark Benjamin does a lot for nonprofits,’ said Morely Company Superintendent Tony Carrasco, who supervised the installation at Will Rogers Beach. ‘It’s a good cause and we’re all grateful [to the Massey brothers]. ??’We’ve been getting faster as we go along,’ Carrasco said on May 25, noting that they could now do one tower in about 90 minutes. The crew started the Will Rogers towers on Monday and finished the 14 towers that stretch from Chautauqua Boulevard to Castellammare on Wednesday. ??Portraits of Hope initiatives are privately funded, and some might notice a name tucked on the eave of a lifeguard tower, which is a way of acknowledging sponsors who gave $10,000 or more. ‘We’re always looking for partners,’ Ed Massey said. ??Artwork will remain in place until the fall. Once the panels are taken down, volunteers (including UCLA freshmen and Starbucks employees) will repaint the towers and railings the original blue color. The art panels will be donated to participating institutions and to social-service agencies around the world, including some places in Haiti to beautify interior and exterior facilities. ??’I looked out of my [apartment] window and never noticed the lifeguard towers before; they blended into their surroundings,’ said Santa Monica resident Steven Ricci, who has worked with the Masseys as a spokesperson and ‘utility man’ on this project. Now, ‘the towers are phenomenal; they pop out of the sand.’ Visit: www.portraitsofhope.org

PaliHi Hosts Annual Pali Spirit Awards

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June 10, 2010

Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan (left) congratulates Pulitzer Prize-winning author A. Scott Berg for receiving PaliHi's Gilbert Award. Riordan hosted the Pali Spirit Award dinner at his Brentwood home on Sunday. — Former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan (left) congratulates Pulitzer Prize-winning author A. Scott Berg for receiving PaliHi’s Gilbert Award. Riordan hosted the Pali Spirit Award dinner at his Brentwood home on Sunday.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, *Staff Photographer*

During Pulitzer Prize-winning author A. Scott Berg’s junior year at Palisades High School, he had to write a 10-page report and give a one-hour lecture on an American author as part of English teacher John Drury’s class. ??Berg, a 1967 graduate, chose to write about F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the piece became his first mini-biography. ‘This has been my fascination, my passion and my career, and it goes right back to Room 201 in the A Building,’ said Berg, the author of four bestselling biographies, including ‘Lindbergh,’ for which he won a Pulitzer Prize. He is currently writing a biography of Woodrow Wilson.’ ??To recognize his literary achievements, Berg received PaliHi’s Gilbert Award on Sunday as part of the school’s second annual Pali Spirit Awards dinner at former L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan’s home in Brentwood. ??The Gilbert award, named in honor of legendary English teacher Rose Gilbert, recognizes a distinguished’PaliHi alumnus or alumna.’ ??During his speech, Berg paid tribute to 91-year-old Gilbert, who could not attend because she is recovering from a broken hip. Berg described Gilbert, who has taught at the school since it opened in 1961, as a formidable force on campus. He never took a class from her, but he heard about her power-reading class, which was a training course for the SATs. ??’I didn’t take it because I was so fearful of what it would do to my GPA,’ he said. ‘Only the hardiest souls took her class.’ ??PaliHi also honored the Pacific Palisades Junior Women’s Club (PPJWC), Dick and Debbie Held and Palisadian-Post Managing Editor Bill Bruns with Pali Spirit Awards, which are given to those who have made a positive contribution to PaliHi and its students. ??PaliHi’s Executive Director Amy Dresser-Held thanked JWC President Ariane Sawyer and Vice President Diane Morgan-Shimanovsky for the club’s ongoing support. ??Members have donated to education for the past 75 years, and in 2010 alone contributed to’PaliHi’s College Center, the Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center, the Booster Club and Every 15 Minutes, a program to discourage drinking and driving. ??’As citizens and mothers, we are so proud of our schools and want to help,’ Sawyer said, noting that the club gives $75,000 to $100,000 to the community annually, a third of which is donated to schools. ??Dresser-Held reminded everyone that she is the daughter-in-law of Dick and Debbie Held before honoring them for their years of volunteerism. ??’I am sure you know more about their great work than I do,’ Dresser-Held told the crowd. ‘They are very humble.’ ??She acknowledged Debbie, who has been actively involved with AYSO Region 69 for the past 30 years, for contributing to the transformation of PaliHi’s athletic field and running track in 2008, and to the installation of lights at the baseball field. ??She expressed her gratitude to Dick for serving as Booster Club president. Since Dick became the club’s leader in 1999, he has increased the amount of money raised from $50,000 annually to $350,000. ??Dresser-Held also praised Bruns for leading a staff that provides ‘compelling, balanced and in-depth coverage’ of PaliHi. In addition, she acknowledged his wife, Pam, for playing an instrumental role in the school’s campaign to gain charter status 17 years ago. ??Bruns explained that when he became editor in 1993, he wanted to feature articles about teachers and students in the town’s 10 public and private schools. During that first year, he asked photographer Patricia Williams (who attended Sunday’s dinner) to shoot a photo essay about Angelica Pereyra, an exemplary senior who traveled by bus every day from her home near Cal State Los Angeles to PaliHi. Bruns also wrote an editorial about her. ??’I wanted to put a face on the kids coming to our schools from all over the city,’ Bruns said, adding that Pereyra is now an art teacher at PaliHi. ‘It shows why the traveling students are so vital.’ In fact, all of the proceeds from the dinner will support transportation’for students traveling from other parts of Los Angeles to PaliHi. In February, LAUSD proposed eliminating busing for 1,180 PaliHi students for a savings of about $2 million annually. ??Since then, LAUSD and PaliHi have reached an agreement to bus the current freshmen through juniors to provide continuity in their education. The agreement will cost PaliHi as much as $600,000 in 2010-11. ??School officials are hosting fundraisers and asking parents of traveling students to contribute toward the transportation costs, Dresser-Held explained. ??’Despite the fact that half of these parents live below the poverty line, they have collectively pledged $120,000,’ she said. ??She noted that it’s important these students are provided transportation to a school with exceptional teachers. PaliHi’s African Americans and Latinos are earning Academic Performance Index (API) scores 200 points higher than their peers at their neighborhood schools. API is based on test results from standardized testing and the state’s high school exit exam. ?? ‘That’s the difference an education can make,’ Dresser-Held said. ‘Given the opportunity, students will achieve at higher levels.’ ??To provide the evening’s entertainment, singer and songwriter Lucy Schwartz played ‘Darling I Do,’ which she co-authored with Landon Pigg for the ‘Shrek Forever After’ soundtrack. Accompanied by her father, David, on the bass, the 2008 PaliHi graduate also performed two songs, ‘Gone Away’ and ‘Help Me! Help Me!’ from her albums as well as ‘Seven Hours,’ a new song she wrote last week.

Parade News: Elephant, Pups and Bikes

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June 10, 2010

Katie, an elephant from Have Trunk, Will Travel in Perris, will march in this year’s Fourth of July parade, joined by horses, the Patriotic Pups, Kids on Bikes, floats and more than 15 marching bands. The one-mile parade, organized by PAPA (the Palisades Americanism Parade Association), will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, at the corner of Bowdoin and Via de la Paz, travel up to Sunset, then east to Drummond, and back on Toyopa to Alma Real. The traditional fireworks show will be held at Palisades High School in the evening. This is first time since 1998 that the parade has featured an elephant. But it’s the 16th year for the popular Patriotic Pups brigade. Dog owners who wish to walk in the parade should contact co-founder Marilyn Haaker at (310) 454-6430. The pups and their owners like to gather just before 2 p.m. under the trees at Palisades Elementary, next to where the parade begins, at Bowdoin and Via de la Paz. Each pup’s person must have control of the pup at all times. Owners should also bring water for themselves and their pups. If at any time an owner and pup needs to leave the parade, they are welcome to do so. Parade veterans have found that sometimes pups like to wear socks. Meanwhile, Vicky McKown is volunteering for the second year as coordinator of Kids on Bikes, who gather at 1:45 p.m. on Via de la Paz on parade day. There’s no entry fee, but parents must sign a permission slip/liability waiver. Slips will be available before the event or at the meeting location. No other application is needed. ’Parents may ride along with kids (the more parental supervision the better), but no skateboards, scooters or wagons,’ McKown said. ‘Kids from outside Pacific Palisades may ride, as long as they provide a permission slip. Bike decorations are encouraged, but not required. No prizes for participants. Clothing should be comfortable, red, white and blue. Helmets are mandatory. Everyone must start at the parade starting point; no entry mid-way down the route. Kids can leave the route early if they wish. PAPA will not be responsible for monitoring the kids during any part of the parade route, or ‘babysitting’ in any way.’ Questions? Contact Vicky at (310) 459-4674 or by e-mail: PaliKidsOnBikes@aol.com.

Cell Towers Set for Palisades Drive

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June 10, 2010

Despite community concerns, Verizon Wireless will most likely install four or five cell towers along Palisades Drive in the Highlands. The residents, led by Paul Glasgall, former chairman of the Palisades Highlands Presidents Council and a member of Pacific Palisades Community Council, had hoped the cell company would install one large tower on the Santa Ynez Reservoir property in lieu of the four or five towers. Sprint already has a cell tower, out of public view, on the property. To discuss this option, Glasgall and Highlands resident Joseph Brown met on May 20 with representatives of Verizon and the L.A. Department of Water and Power (which owns the Santa Ynez Reservoir property) as well as Norm Kulla, northern district director and senior counsel for L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl. During that meeting at Rosendahl’s office, DWP offered a five-year lease, but Verizon declined the offer. Rob Searcy of SureSite, which represents Verizon, told the Palisadian-Post that the company would need a longer lease for such a significant financial investment. According to DWP officials, any license agreement extending beyond a five-year term would require the L.A. City Council’s approval as stipulated under the Los Angeles City Charter, Section 606. The Sprint facility at the reservoir has a five-year lease. In addition, Searcy said Verizon wanted 24-hour access to the property. DWP would require Verizon to ask for approval before allowing the company to come onto the site, which would mean that customers could be without service for an entire day if the tower needed sudden repairs, Searcy said. In October 2009, Verizon proposed placing the first tower 0.6 miles north of Sunset Boulevard, the second 1.2 miles north of Sunset, the third near the south end of Palisades Circle, the fourth on a median strip next to the driveway entrance to Homeowners Association Number 4 (adjacent to Brown’s home) and the fifth near Chastain Parkway. Glasgall said residents would like to eliminate the second tower north of Sunset because it would disturb the natural beauty of the canyon, where there are no homes. In addition, ‘We are afraid it could set a precedent,’ Glasgall said. ‘If other cell companies want to install towers, we could have five companies with 10 poles there.’ In response to Glasgall’s request, Searcy responded that ‘We’re still looking at our options to see if there would be a significant gap in coverage. Verizon has not made a final decision at this time.’ In December 2009, Brown, an attorney with a law office in Sherman Oaks, filed an appeal with the city opposing the cell tower near his home, and another Highlands resident filed an appeal against the tower near his home on Chastain Parkway. Verizon agreed to move the cell tower off the median strip near Brown’s home to a sidewalk across the street and to relocate the tower at Chastain Parkway away from the other resident’s home. Searcy said that Verizon is now working with the residents on the design of the towers. They are considering using concrete poles to blend in with the existing light poles. ’It’s not as good as having the tower at the reservoir, but I think they will be unobtrusive,’ Glasgall said.

Tree Branch Falls, Driver Barely Escapes

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June 10, 2010

A eucalyptus tree branch broke off and smashed a car windshield on June 1, forcing westbound traffic into one lane on Sunset Boulevard between Las Lomas and Muskingum. Photo: James Respondek

A large eucalyptus branch fell on Dr. Susan Reynolds’ car last week as she drove west on Sunset Boulevard, cracking her BMW’s windshield. ’This huge branch just missed killing me by seconds,’ said Reynolds, who has lived in Pacific Palisades since 1986. The incident occurred at 3:15 p.m. on June 1, between Las Lomas and Muskingum. ’I was driving in the opposite direction,’ said Sotheby’s International realtor James Respondek, who came to stop when he saw Reynolds standing in the middle of the road in apparent shock. ‘I pulled her car off the road to a little alley and had her sit down. She could’ve been killed.’ Firefighters arrived and cleared the branch from the road. According to Respondek, Reynolds’ convertible had a cracked windshield, holes poked in the doors, and the front end was smashed. Repairs were estimated at $17,000. ’I thought it [my life] was over,’ said Reynolds, who was uninjured. ‘But maybe we can trim these trees so that someone else doesn’t have to face what I did.’ She wondered why a tree would suddenly shed a branch, where there was no wind, rain or recent storm. ‘What’s the condition of these trees [along Sunset]? When was the last time they were maintained?’ she asked. According to Ron Lorenzen, assistant chief forester of the L.A. Urban Forestry Division, the city is currently on a 20- to 25-year tree-trimming cycle. (The basic recommended cycle by arborists is seven years, but this varies from tree to tree.) The city has more than 700,000 trees, but none have been trimmed in the 2009-10 cycle because the contracts have not yet been awarded, said Lorenzen, who is hopeful this can still happen before the July 1 fiscal year ends. He said that any tree can fail and that there is no one reason. When he heard that Reynolds was driving her car when it was struck by the branch, he said, ‘That’s extremely unusual.’ Reynolds is hiring an attorney to deal with the pending case against the city.

Ride the Will Rogers Trails

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June 10, 2010

Westside Riding School owner Dorte Lindegaard is now offering trail-led horseback riding at Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, *Staff Photographer*

On a cool, foggy day, I met Westside Riding School owner Dorte Lindegaard and wrangler Janice Merrihew at the horse stables in Will Rogers State Historic Park. Lindegaard, who has ridden horses for 30 years and instructed for 20 years, explained that since May 9 she has been offering trail-led horseback riding for beginner to expert riders in addition to horseback riding lessons, which she has provided at the park since 2005. In recent years, California State Parks has attempted to offer trail-led horseback riding to the public on a regular basis. Broken P Horse Rentals led rides briefly in 2008. ’Will Rogers loved riding on these trails and the goal [of California State Parks] is that the park resembles Rogers’ life when he lived here,’ Lindegaard explained. ‘Not everyone can take lessons, but they can go trail riding.’ Lindegaard hired Merrihew, who has 30 years of riding experience, to give the one-hour rides along the Inspiration Point loop trail from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and by reservation only Tuesdays through Fridays. Lindegaard and the other three riding instructors who work for her are also available to lead rides. While Lindegaard owns 11 horses, only four of them are trained for trail riding. All of the horses live full-time at the park. During my visit to the ranch, the women offered to take me on a ride, so I took them up on the offer. Merrihew helped me mount a black quarter horse named Arty, and she gave me some basic riding instructions. As we began our ascent to Inspiration Point, Lindegaard chatted excitedly about how much she enjoys sharing her knowledge of Rogers, a vaudeville performer, newspaper columnist, actor and humorist, who lived on the 186-acre property with his family until his tragic plane crash in 1935. His wife, Betty, deeded the property to the state in 1944. Before Lindegaard began offering trail riding, all of the wranglers took a two-hour tour of the property with Pacific Palisades historian Randy Young to learn more about the Rogers family. As a horse lover, Lindegaard said she identifies with Rogers, who owned about 30 horses. The main reason Rogers bought the ranch was so he could pursue his hobbies of polo, roping and riding. Merrihew, a Santa Monica resident, said that she likes working with the public and helping them overcome their fears. A woman who was afraid of heights came out for a ride, so Merrihew walked alongside her and the horse on the trail. ’I was proud of her,’ Merrihew said. ‘It was a brave thing for her to do.’ When we reached Inspiration Point, the ocean and downtown Los Angeles were hidden under a cloud cover. On a clear day, the entire Los Angeles basin is visible. Lindegaard, a Santa Monica resident, pointed to the picnic table and said that riders are welcome to bring along a meal. ‘It’s perfect for a date,’ Lindegaard said, smiling. ‘We will look the other way when they are kissing.’ By the time we returned, I had fallen in love with Arty, who had obediently followed behind Lindegaard and Merrihew the entire time and obeyed the few commands that I gave him. Whenever he saw the other horses in the pasture, he liked to neigh with them. Lindegaard joked that the horses in the pasture were teasing Arty for having to give me a ride. The one-hour trail-led horseback riding costs $45 per person. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Horseback riding lessons for children ages 6 and above are $95 for private and $80 for group. For trail-led horseback riding call (310) 662-3707 or visit the Web site: willrogerstrailrides.com. For lessons, call (310) 904-9846 or e-mail dorte@westsideridingschool.com.

Theatre Palisades’ British Farce ‘Cash on Delivery’ Opens June 4

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June 3, 2010

The British are coming, the British are coming! British farce, that is. When Michael Cooney’s ‘Cash on Delivery’ opens on Friday, June 4”courtesy of Theatre Palisades at the Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Drive”expect a silly good time, says co-producer Martha Hunter. ‘It is a show to just come and laugh and forget the cares of the world,’ Hunter tells the Palisadian-Post. ‘Cash on Delivery’ stars Kelly London, Yvonne Robertson, Dylan Seaton, Philip Bartolf, Richard Little, Dena Jaquillard, Jack Coppoc, Ken Jagosz, Martha Hunter and Robin Jones. ‘We have actors coming from all directions to perform in this well-known English farce,’ Hunter says, ‘from Long Beach all the way up to Oxnard and over to Santa Clarita. Several are from Santa Monica, Playa Del Rey, Brentwood and the Valley, and four have performed at Theatre Palisades before.’ In this production directed by Sherman Wayne and produced by Hunter and Shirley Churgin, mild-mannered Eric Swan has been cheating the Social Security Department for years. What happens when a series of auditors and agents show up unexpectedly at his door? Everything! As in the farce tradition, ‘Cash’ moves at breakneck speed, as complications and misunderstandings tangle and multiply. Author Cooney is a London-raised playwright who currently lives with his wife, Danielle, in Los Angeles, where he also works as a screenwriter (‘Jack Frost’). Other plays by Cooney include ‘Point of Death’ and ‘The Dark Side.’ Cooney’s father, Ray Cooney, was a renowned playwright also known for his farces. ‘We try to have a farce every season since our audience love them,’ Hunter says. ‘We found this one extremely funny with 10 zany characters and very exciting yet challenging special effects. Just reading the play makes people laugh out loud. It is very ‘Fawlty Towers.” As is de rigueur with the farce genre, the comedy is physically demanding on its cast. ‘The rehearsals have been intense and all of the actors have been willing to do almost anything that Sherman throws at us,’ Hunter says. ‘Timing is crucial in any play but especially in a farce. Many of the actors have performed in farces before and love doing them, albeit difficult.’ In addition to directing, Sherman is the set designer, set builder and lighting designer. This particular play presented a unique challenge to the Theatre Palisades veteran. ‘The special effects are very difficult to do,’ Wayne says. ‘It’d be easier on a movie set. We can’t tell you what they are, but when people come and see the show, they will be amazed.’ Wayne and Hunter encourage lovers of broad comedy to come down and enjoy. ‘This is really a family-friendly play although with some innocent sexual innuendos,’ Hunter says. ‘It is really non-stop fun and pretty silly.’ ‘Cash on Delivery’ runs through July 11, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets: Friday and Sunday: Adults $16, seniors and students $1; Saturday: Adults $18, seniors and students $16. Free parking. For reservations, call 310-454-1970; visit www.theatrepalisades.org

Memoir Captures a Palisades Era

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June 3, 2010

“One Step Beyond” author Mike Pearson at age 21, circa 1985, playing bass in his band, Chicken and Fish.

With movie remakes of ‘The A-Team’ and ‘The Karate Kid’ heading our way, the 1980s will be making a comeback this summer. Pacific Palisades native Mike Pearson attempts to recapture the ‘Me Decade’ in his memoir, ‘One Step Beyond,’ which he’ll sign and discuss tonight, June 3, 7:30 p.m., at Village Books on Swarthmore. Kind of a ‘Less Than Zero’ set in the Palisades, ‘One Step Beyond’ borrows its title from a classic Madness song. In fact, Pearson, who grew up playing punk rock, uses song titles for chapter sub-headings (Black Flag’s ‘Wasted,’ Culture Club’s ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?,’ ‘Love My Way’ by Psychedelic Furs) to reinforce the late ’70s/early ’80s era of the book, which is based on journal entries written when Pearson was ages 14 through 20 and living on Chautauqua. ’My original intention was to make it really fun and exciting,’ says Pearson, 45, today a Manhattan Beach resident. ‘Then I figured that wasn’t really enough so I wanted to create something a little more bittersweet. The book shows teens in the Palisades with a lack of supervision, a lack of structure, having a wild life, doing whatever they want to do. There’s a lot of adventurous stuff. It’s entertaining and funny, but it’s also kind of sad because of the lack of parental involvement, the loneliness, and the desperation. ’A lot of the dads are super-successful. They work very hard and they make a lot of money, but their families are not as much [a priority]. And the mothers don’t really know what to do with themselves all day long.’ Today, Pearson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, assists disturbed teens at a Torrance psychiatric facility. ’I went into therapy at 31,’ he says. ‘I enjoyed that so much that I wanted to do that for other struggling teens.’ He adds that writing ‘One’ was cathartic but ‘not a substitute for real therapy.’ Pearson and the book’s illustrator, Robert E. Richards, grew up in the Palisades together. ’He lived on Friends Street,’ Pearson recalls. ‘His dad owned Barrington Hardware. We were both in punk rock and New Wave bands. In my book, I gave the bands fake names because I make [members of the real-life counterparts] look a little silly.’ ’I know Mike from Pali Elementary, Paul Revere and PaliHi [class of 1982],’ Richards says. ‘We reconnected on Facebook a year and a half ago. It was a good rekindling of an old friendship. He admired my artwork and asked me if I’d be interested on working on the book.’ Pearson calls Richards’ playful illustrations ‘really funny. I told Robert I wanted the cover to be like a 1970s movie poster for disaster movies [where you have all these characters], like a Mad magazine cover [by Mort Drucker or Jack Davis].’ Richards contributed 19 illustrations, plus covers painted in acrylic. He says his interior illustrations harken back to W. W. Denslow’s pen-and-ink work in the original ‘Wizard of Oz’ books. For the cover, he studied movie posters for ‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World’ and those 1970s Irwin Allen disaster films. ’I enjoyed [‘One Step Beyond’] a lot,’ says Richards, who now lives in West Los Angeles. ‘Reading it, I felt a sense of the person. It was very easy to comprehend. If you know Mike, it’s the way he speaks. And because I was there as a teenager, I knew a lot about what he was speaking on.’ Another Palisadian, Carlota Atlee, edited the self-published book. Pearson insists that its message, while set in Pacific Palisades, is universal. ’It doesn’t matter if they’re from the Palisades,’ Pearson says. ‘People will relate to the lonely [undertone] underneath the adventures. And people who are into the ’80s will really enjoy it.’

Shanghai

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June 3, 2010

Where Everything Is Happening

Sybil Grieb in front of a distinctive landmark in the Shanghai skyline: the 1,535-ft. Oriental Pearl TV Tower in the busiest part of Pudong New Area. Completed in 1994, it is the highest structure in Asia.

By SYBIL GRIEB Special to the Palisadian-Post It all started one night when my boyfriend, Jess (a video-game writer, then unemployed), looked up from his computer exasperated and said, ‘Well, I found the perfect job, but it’s not in this country!’ I thought about it for a second and said, ‘I don’t have kids or a mortgage.’ And with that realization, our lives changed forever. We decided we absolutely wanted to live abroad. Over the next few weeks, we held meaningful conversations such as ‘Spain?’ ‘S’!’ ‘France?’ ‘Ou’!’ And then a call from his agent: ‘How about China?’ We looked at each other. ‘Now there’s a language I can’t fake’Oh, why not? I’m in.’ So in September 2009, armed with our knowledge of how to say ‘hello’ and ‘thank you,’ Ubisoft flew Jess and me to its Shanghai studio for a visit. I expected Shanghai to feel more like parts of New York City’concrete, crowded, intense, unwelcoming’but it is not. The energy in Shanghai is amazing. People smile so frequently and OK, maybe laugh at us foreigners a bit when we try to speak Mandarin, but there is an excitement in Shanghai, like everything is about to happen. At night, huge sections of the city light up like Vegas and the skyscrapers flash as if talking to each other, while the boats on the Huang Pu put on a show that glitters all the way down the river. In the early morning, the numerous parks are filled with people doing tai chi. There are temples and gardens, and ponds filled with ‘lucky’ goldfish, and you can stroll through the old French Concession and watch the tree-lined streets collect leaves’just beware of people riding their bikes and scooters on the sidewalk! There is no shortage of cabs, and as the ‘rules’ of the road seem to be more like ‘suggestions’ here, you get from one place to another rapidly. I often look up to find my cab driver straddling highway lanes at 60 mph for minutes on end. And this appears fine with the five cars driving next to us on the three (suggested in paint) lanes on the highway. Or use the shoulder as a lane, why not? An interesting solution to L.A.’s constant widening of the 405. But it is Shanghai’s architecture that surprises me so much. The colonial buildings abut the occasional ancient temple, with more than 4,000 of the world’s most modern skyscrapers interspersed into the mix. It’s like Paris 1920 meets China 1644 meets ‘Blade Runner.’ I cannot do it justice; it is something you must experience for yourself. There are bars, restaurants and caf’s with every possible item, architecture and environment. Jess, in addition to being a writer, is also quite the foodie. I had concerns about the food in China. Would it be too spicy, taste too foreign, or look up at me from my plate? But the food here is fabulous. (Though, to be fair, occasionally there will be an entire chicken foot giving you the high-five from your bowl of soup.) On our visit we tasted Shanghaiese cuisine, Sichuan, Japanese, French, and there was even a Spanish tapas restaurant next to our hotel. I ate food from carts on the street and consumed all kinds of delicious-but-I-have-no-idea-what-that-was dishes. So after a couple days of interviews and exploring and phenomenal cuisine, we were sold. Jess moved to Shanghai in November while I wrapped up work, packed up home and shipped out, with my cat, in January. There are approximately 20 million people living in Shanghai. It is sweltering hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. I am from L.A.’really from there. Growing up in Pacific Palisades, I had heard stories of snow, but I had never actually seen it. Every Christmas we would decorate the house with doilies and my mother (from Kansas) would tell me, ‘This is what snowflakes look like. They are just beautiful and each one is unique.’ But it wasn’t until I was 19 and living in New York that I finally witnessed this magical event. I was very disillusioned. My mother had left out an important detail. Snowflakes do look like doilies; however, they are not to scale. I thought they would blanket small children! And then there was the whole freezing-to-death-in-my-Gap-cotton-hoodie factor. Having learned from this experience, I departed for Shanghai in November fully armed with every down, faux down and better-than-down alternative coat. My cat, however, had to survive an unexplainable 16 hours of flying beneath the seat in front of me, and a week in cold, solitary confinement in a Chinese cat jail with only his L.A. coat (thanks to a mandatory seven-day feline quarantine). Our Persian, more suited to the cold, had flown out with Jess in November and, despite his long fur and holier-than-thou demeanor, was still struck down with a life-threatening cold that lasted weeks. Oh, we were still excited about two years in Shanghai, but secretly our ‘Sure, why not!’ attitude gave way in moments to ‘Oh God, what if’?’ Upon my arrival, Jess was informed he would be departing in two days for a series of meetings with the studio heads in Paris. So there I was. Two days in. I spoke no Chinese, had no friends, didn’t know where the grocery store was or even how to ask, my boyfriend was off in the City of Lights, and my cat was in jail. And then it started snowing’ There is something magical about doing something so big it scares you; about standing alone in a country you know almost nothing about, in a rented, furnished apartment picked by somebody else. Looking out the window at the miles of buildings reaching into the night sky, you recognize how small you are, and how fleeting. In the three months I have now lived in Shanghai, I have learned survival Chinese, made many great friends, and have continued exploring. My cat has been returned to me (completely unfazed by the whole ordeal) and it feels much more like home. I would love to be nonchalant about the whole thing, but I must confess I am still glued to cab windows watching the world of brilliantly lit skyscrapers flash past. The buildings are like snowflakes; each one is beautiful and unique. Oh, but not to scale. Shanghai is much grander than I imagined. (Editor’s note: This article describes Grieb’s first impressions of Shanghai through February 2010. A Pacific Palisades native, she graduated from Palisades High School in 1995. Her father, Bill, was Citizen of the Year in 1997, and died in 2006. Her mother, Sylvia, is proprietor of The Letter Shop on Via de la Paz.)

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