Home Blog Page 2003

Actress Leah Allers Advances Her Career on Stage and Screen

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Leah Allers got the director’s call at 3 a.m. She knew that by taking part in a 48-hour film festival the pace would be intense, and it was, day and night. The rules of this speedball contest stipulate creating a quality short film from start to finish within a 48-hour time limit. Joining her willing participants, including executive producer Allan Guia, lead actor Alex Rosenkreuz and director Shant Hamassian, Leah literally had to have command of her role as a police lieutenant from the moment she stepped in front of the camera. ‘We were assigned a genre, ‘crime drama,’ and from the first minute, we had to create the concept, write a script, find locations, and shoot the scenes, while the composer was in the next room writing the score,’ Leah recalls. The next day, her team completed the editing and post-production and drove the film to the judges in Riverside minutes before the time was up. The film, ‘Drain Desert Tanner,’ collected five awards in the 2009 Inland Empire 48 Hour Film Festival, and was entered as an official selection in the 2010 Cannes Film Festival as well as being selected the ‘Coup de Coeur’ (the best entry) in the Short Film corner. Allers, whose father, animator Roger Allers made his directorial debut with Disney’s ‘The Lion King,’ fueled her own interest in drama at the Academy of Music at Hamilton High School. She later enrolled at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia to study animation, but transferred to Otis College of Art and Design, with an illustration major. ‘My first job was working at Disney in production, but I finally concluded that my true passion was acting and singing,’ Allers says. In 2003, she tested herself in this ambition by writing, producing and starring in her own musical, ‘The Waiting Room,’ staged at the Pierson Playhouse, in her hometown. She grew up in Rustic Canyon. ‘As soon as I stepped onto the stage, a light switch went on,’ Allers says. ‘After that I quit my waitress job at Gaucho Grill and worked on my craft, trying to educate myself at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.’ After completing her first SAG film, her career matched her ambition and she booked the part of the Egyptian princess Amneris in both the U.S. National tour and China tour of Disney’s Broadway musical ‘Aida.’ ‘I had done some regional theater, before I auditioned for the tour,’ says Allers, who beat out more than 1,000 people in the L.A. auditions. But, that was not the final hurdle; she had to wait for the New York audition results, because it was with Disney theatrical. ‘It was nerve wracking; I knew I was number one in L.A., but had to wait months.’ Nine months on tour in 2006-7, Allers says that she couldn’t describe the multiple cities she visited, but ‘I know about hotels and gas stations all across America.’ Her favorite stop, however, was Santa Barbara near the end of the tour, where her family and her vocal coach drove up to see her. Subscribing to the faith implicit in the Walt Disney quotation, ‘If you dream it, you can do it,’ Allers is moving ahead step by step with her career. Film and TV work keep her busy. She had a starring role in the indie thriller ‘Captives,’ and has a recurring part on ‘Days of Our Lives.’ But what’s on her dream board? ‘I’d like to be the female George Clooney,’ Allers reveals. ‘He has done so much respected work in film and TV, and he’s a humanitarian. He has brought his talents and success to make a difference. For me, one or the other isn’t fulfilling; I am excited to combine my environmental and animal-rights work with my career.’

‘Cash on Delivery!’ Delivers Laughs

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Theater Review

(Left to right) Dr. Champan (Ken Jagosz) moves to intervene as Linda Swan (Yvonne Robertson) accuses her neighbor Norman McDonald (Dylan Seaton) and husband Eric (Kelly London) of being cross-dressers. Photo: Joy Daunis
(Left to right) Dr. Champan (Ken Jagosz) moves to intervene as Linda Swan (Yvonne Robertson) accuses her neighbor Norman McDonald (Dylan Seaton) and husband Eric (Kelly London) of being cross-dressers. Photo: Joy Daunis

If you haven’t had a good laugh lately, then dash to Theatre Palisades to see ‘Cash On Delivery!’ a British farce written by Michael Cooney that opened last Friday at Pierson Playhouse. This is easily the best comedy performed at this theater since ‘Noises Off’ several years ago. Zingy one-liners, double takes, physical comedy, sight gags and impeccable timing had the audience in stitches from the opening scene until the final curtain. Word of mouth for this play may make it hard if not impossible to get tickets, so call now for reservations. Congratulations to director (and set designer) Sherman Wayne for bringing this top-notch production to Pacific Palisades.   As in any good play of this genre, when the main character Eric Swan (Kelly London) tries to undo a situation he’s created, he only makes matters worse. After losing his job two years ago, Swan inadvertently received a government check for a tenant who had moved, which led him to apply for and collect government checks for tenants (imaginary and real).   Swan’s scheme begins to unravel when a government agent, Mr. Jenkins (Philip Bartolf), shows up to have ‘tenant’ Rupert Thompson and his landlord, Eric Swan, sign a form. They two men are one and the same, which means Swan has to find someone to pretend to be him, since he’s pretending to be Thompson   Unwillingly, the upstairs neighbor Norman McDonald (Dylan Seaton) is pulled into the subterfuge. Then it becomes more complicated as the department sends a bereavement counselor Sally Chessington (Dena Jaquillard) and an undertaker Mr. Forbright (Jack Coppeck), but of course there is no dead body’unless one counts Uncle George (Richard Little), who has passed out on the sofa.   Dr. Chapman (Ken Jagosz) tries to provide marital counseling to Eric and his wife who mistakenly thinks her husband is a cross-dresser. The head of social security, Ms. Cowper (Martha Hunter), comes to the residence looking for Jenkins. The lovely Miss Dixon (Robin Jones) arrives; only to be told her fianc’e McDonald is ‘dead.’   It’s hard to single out a best actor or actress because they were all top-notch, starting with London. who had just the right amount of frantic energy with matter-of-factness mixed with silliness to pull off line after line. There are few words to describe Hunter (a Palisades favorite), but hysterical and formidable are probably most apt. McDonald, with just the right amount of daftness and physical comedy, became the perfect foil for the nuttiness around him. The author of the play, Michael Cooney, had nothing but praise for McDonald, noting that he was perfectly cast.   Yes, it was really one of those nights, because the author of the play was also in the audience. Although Cooney is British, he moved to Los Angeles to write screenplays, and tries to see productions of his play if they are local. (He lives in the Valley.)   ’They [the actors] understand that although their purpose is to elicit laughter, there has to be a truth to the drama running throughout (if Eric gets caught, there needs to be a real fear that he will be punished). And that was in evidence at the show this weekend,’ Cooney said. ‘They had all worked hard in rehearsals and kept the energy up during the two hours on stage, so from my perspective, they served the piece extremely well. There was a lot of laughter! I had a wonderful evening.”   The play is Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 11 at 941 Temescal Canyon Road. Call (310) 454-1970 or visit: www.theatrepalisades.org.

George Lissandrello, Active in Life and the Community

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George Joseph Lissandrello, a Pacific Palisades resident, passed away on June 4 with his family by his side after a yearlong battle with cancer.’He was 72 years old.’   Born in Brooklyn, New York, George attended Brooklyn Tech, and graduated from Manhattan College with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He enjoyed a successful career in telecommunications, working for IBM for many years, which involved extensive world travels.’He lived in Japan, France, England and Switzerland, among other places.   George was one of the founders of the Pacific Telecommunications Conference (started in 1978), which continues to this day.’He was also lifetime member of IEEE, the largest professional association for the advancement of technology. More recently, he worked as an entrepreneur and consultant.’His words and work have had an impact on many lives and continue to influence people around the world.’   After moving to Pacific Palisades from Hawaii in 2003, George quickly became part of the local scene.’He enjoyed getting together at Tivoli Cafe with his friends from the Sons of the Roman Empire club or participating in Chamber of Commerce events.’He could also be counted on to sing and dance at the American Legion or at Corpus Christi senior events.   Performing since his 20s, George was active with Theatre Palisades, appearing in numerous productions, including ‘A View From the Bridge,’ ‘Plaza Suite’ and ‘Anything Goes.’ He was a member of the Palisades Republican Party and the Palisades Tennis Club.’   George was a force to be reckoned with and always had a story to tell. He was a man full of life, songs and lively debate’all done with a twinkle in his eyes. He touched many people’s lives, whether through work, family or simply meeting a stranger on the street.’He had the gift of the gab and could learn your life story in less than 15 minutes.’As an avid fisherman, he visited Ireland, Scotland, the Bahamas and Alaska, and always enjoyed returning to his beloved Catskill Mountains in New York.’   Survivors include his 94-year-old mother, Connie; his wife, June; his daughters, Nicole and Joy; their husbands, Dennis and Mark; his grandsons, William and Jack; his sisters, Joyce and Joan; and his brother, Johnny.’   A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 19, at 11 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, 880 Toyopa.’ ‘   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George’s name to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or one’s favorite cancer-fighting organization.’   Those who wish to share a memory or picture of George can visit george.lissandrello.muchloved.com to keep his memory for all those who loved him and for future generations of the family.

Why I Love Living in the Highlands

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Joyce Simmons, her husband Greg Fuss and their teenage son Daniel savor canyon and mountain views in the Palisades Highlands. Photo: Joyce Simmons
Joyce Simmons, her husband Greg Fuss and their teenage son Daniel savor canyon and mountain views in the Palisades Highlands. Photo: Joyce Simmons
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

By JOYCE SIMMONS Special to the Palisadian-Post It’s late afternoon on a spring day. I’m heading home with my teenage son on PCH and the traffic is slow, almost a crawl. It seems every day the roads are more crowded than they were the day before. The fog has rolled in, covering the sun and sky, and has made everything, including me, a sad color of gray. As I make a right onto Sunset, I notice the usual chaos of this area. The cars are coming from every direction and are heading straight for me. It reminds me of high school, sitting behind the wheel of a simulated car during driver’s ed. I get flashbacks to those silly films where you are driving along and then all of a sudden, cars, people and stuff are coming out of nowhere flying towards you. ??At last I make my left onto Palisades Drive and head home. Up the hill I drive and with each bend of the road, I climb higher and higher. I can see the sun breaking through the overcast sky as I move up the canyon. Everything becomes bright, colorful and peaceful; my mood lifts like the fog. I watch the external temperature gauge in my car go up and up as I get closer to the top. I’m reminded how much I love driving home every day and leaving the craziness of the world behind at the bottom of the hill. I make a right onto my street and smile. Yeah! I’m home. My husband, Greg, and I moved here to the Highlands with our son, Daniel, and our dog, Dylan, in April 2002. It had been our dream to live here ever since we moved to Pacific Palisades in July of 1994. Our first home was in the Alphabet Streets, where we lived for seven years. When it was time for a bigger place, we remembered the beautiful homes and spectacular views we had seen when we first moved to our new town. The Highlands was the only place we considered in our new house hunt. ??It’s impossible to live up here and not be moved by the surroundings. During the day, the quality of the light is incredible, but some of my favorite times of the year are on warm summer nights. You can sit outside and see thousand of stars above you in the night sky and listen to the sound of crickets everywhere. In the late spring, or early summer at dusk, we can look out from our backyard and see the fog come creeping up from the coast below. It looks like a beautiful white blanket rolling up the canyon, tucking the town in for the night. In the Highlands, you are never really alone. We are right on the edge of the Santa Monica Mountains and nature is always close at hand. There is something so special about being able to hear the hoot of an owl coming down your chimney as he calls to his other owl friend across the canyon. The coyotes also like talking to each other, and you can usually hear their howls echoing in the night air. The deer are quiet, of course, but occasionally come walking down the street or stray into someone’s backyard. ??The other type of animal that you find here in the Highlands is the domestic kind. I’m not sure that having a dog is a requirement to live here, but if you want a social life, it really helps. A dog will give you endless opportunities to meet other people as you walk around the neighborhood, to the fire road, or to the dog park. It’s not an exaggeration to say that more people know Dylan than know us. ??When the Fourth of July comes to town, many neighbors head down the hill to see the fireworks at Palisades High. But you can also see fireworks from the Highlands and I think it’s a fun option. After a short hike with your big flashlight, and sturdy shoes, you come to the top of the hill by the fire road at the top of Lachman Lane. The show below is amazing. Not only can you see the fireworks at PaliHi and the Bel-Air Bay Club, you can view another 15 or more shows going off at the same time across the L.A. basin. ??Halloween on Piedra Morada Drive and its surrounding cul-de-sacs is the year’s biggest event. What started out as a large party has only grown larger over the years. When we first moved to the Highlands, our neighbors warned us that a lot of trick-or-treaters would come down our street. We thought, OK, how much is a lot’ 75? 80? Really, how hard could it be to have 80 kids come by? Well, that year, the first 80 showed up before 6 p.m., and we had another two more hours to go. Greg made a fast run to Vons down at PCH, yelling as he ran through the store, ‘Give me all your Halloween candy, ASAP! I have angry trick-or-treaters storming my house!!’ ??Back at the house, I was trying to stay calm and hold off the trick-or-treaters at the gate. ‘Come back in a few minutes, we will have more candy.’ I told them. By the end of the night, there were two more Vons runs. You never want to see the disappointed faces of little trick-or-treaters who haven’t received their treat! By now we have learned. Last October, we had over 600 trick-or-treaters, big and little, coming to our house, and this time we were prepared. It is a night when the whole neighborhood comes alive; it’s crazy and great fun. ??We have had so many (too many to count) wonderful memories with family, friends and the people who live around us, that have helped make our life in the Highlands so great. Every now and then, I just step outside, take a deep breath and look around. And, even after eight years, living up here still takes my breath away. ??The author’s husband, Greg Fuss, is an investment specialist. Their son, Daniel, is a freshman at New Roads High School.

Thursday, June 10 – Thursday, June 17

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THURSDAY, JUNE 10

  Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards Dinner, 6 p.m. (dancing and social hour), followed by dinner at 7 p.m., Riviera Country Club. John Petrick, CEO of Perennial Financial Services, will be sworn in as the new Chamber president and Gavin MacLeod will begin his unprecedented third term as honorary mayor.   Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited.   Roma King reads and signs ‘Footsteps in the Snow,’ a book written in memory of her Polish father, Romuald Michniewicz, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. This love story is the true account of Michniewicz’s amazing quest (after he survives imprisonment by the Russians early in World War II) to find his wife and daughter, who had been transported to Siberia, and their daring and dangerous journey to escape from Siberia.

FRIDAY, JUNE 4

   ‘Cash on Delivery!’ by Michael Cooney, a Theatre Palisades production directed by Sherman Wayne, 8 p.m. at the Pierson Playhouse on Temescal Canyon Road. Also Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through July 11. Tickets: call (310) 454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org. (See Sue Pascoe’s review, page 13.)

‘FRIDAY, JUNE 11

  The Palisades High spring musical, ‘City of Angels,’ plays tonight at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 and 6 p.m. in Mercer Hall on campus. Tickets are $10 at the door. (See Michael Aushenker’s review, page 12.)

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

  Pacific Palisades resident M.L. Malcolm reads and signs her mystery, ‘Heart of Lies,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.   The Formalist Quartet performs works by Villa Aurora Fellows and California composers, 8 p.m., at Villa Aurora, 520 Paseo Miramar. Shuttle service starts at 7:30 on Los Liones Drive. For reservations, please leave names and contact information at 310-573-3603 or e-mail invite@villa-aurora.org. Tickets are $20.

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

  Palisades Symphony presents the winners of the annual Young Artist Competition in concert, 7:30 p.m., at Palisades High School’s Mercer Hall. Admission is free.

MONDAY, JUNE 14

  Moonday, a monthly Westside poetry reading, features poets Chris Crittenden and William Archila, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

TUESDAY, JUNE 15

  Temescal Canyon Association hikers and friends will take Mandeville Canyon up to the 1950s missile site on San Vicente Peak. The public is invited. Meet at 6 p.m. in the front parking lot at Temescal Gateway Park for carpooling. Contact: (310) 459-5931 or visit temcanyon.org.   Sunrise Assisted Living hosts a free Alzheimer’s support group on the second Monday and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at 15441 Sunset. RSVP: the front desk (310) 573-9545. ‘

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16

  Snap Shots Literary Troupe presents Bloomsday, a commemoration observed annually on June 16 in Dublin and elsewhere to celebrate the life of Irish writer James Joyce and relive the events in his novel ‘Ulysses,’ all of which took place on the same day in Dublin in 1904, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

THURSDAY, JUNE 17

  Chitra Kallay discusses and signs ‘Flat on Malabar Hill,’ an ethnic novel that spans two continents and three decades, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 3, 2010

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FURNISHED HOMES 2

LIGHT, AIRY SPACE IN THE TREETOPS. 1 bed, bath with flowing living area (1,400 sq. ft.) Move with suitcase for 2 mos. or years. NS, no pets. $2,700/mo. includes ALL. (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

NEWLY REMODELED 2 BD, 1 BA with canyon views on quiet street. $3,400/mo. Call Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706. Lic. #00416255

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

CAPE COD NEAR BLUFFS WITH VIEW. Super charming, sunny, 1-level, 2 bed, 1 ba (sep tub/shower) + den + lg living rm. 1,700 sq feet. 2-car garage. $4,000/mo. (310) 770-3940

MALIBU LEASE: Spacious, beautiful Topanga Canyon & Santa Monica mountain view architectural, 4 BR, 2.75 BA, 3,499 sq. ft. Near Palisades and Getty Villa. $6,750/mo., 1-yr lse. Pets considered. Call Marta Samulon, CB (310) 230-2448. Lic. #01030209

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

REDUCED PRICE! CHARMING, sunny upper unit. 1 bdrm.+office/den. Hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, 2 baths, 1 car garage, on-site laundry, small pet considered. $1,985/mo. (310) 459-5576

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

2 BDR, 2 BATH HIGHLANDS TOWNHOUSE. New/remodel, bamboo floors, new granite kitchen & baths. Pool, tennis, 2 car garage plus storage & fireplace. Available immediately. $2,950/mo. (310) 387-6696

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

LOST & FOUND 6a

LEXUS KEY FOUND! On Depauw, east of Swarthmore. Contact the Post, (310) 454-1321

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

ACCOUNTANT/CONTROLLER. Quickbooks/Quicken setup. Outsource the hassle’all bookkeeping needs including tax prep for home or office. Get organized now! (310) 562-0635

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

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!

MOTHER’S HELPER/driver/babysitting: Div. 1 scholar/athlete college student home for summer looking to assist w/ driving, babysitting &/or playing sports. Resp, good w/ children. PT or FT. Avail now until end of Aug. Susie, (310) 459-3914 or (310) 560-5442

PALISADES BABYSITTER! College sophomore available during the day and some evenings, May through July 2010. Much experience, references available upon request. Call cell: (310) 400-4684

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

Nanny/Housekeeper/LiveIn/Cook ‘ I am experienced and come with impeccable references. I currently live in the Edgewater Towers; but I am wanting to be a live-in cook/nanny/housekeeper/manager and/or personal assistant. I am very familiar with very high profile people and their agencies, as I have a grown daughter of my own that is a celebrity supermodel. I would very much like to send you a resume, pictures, and references. Please contact: noblepoint@yahoo.com for further information. (310) 428-8126

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

GIANT MOVING SALE! June 5th, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Furniture, artwork, kitchenware, bedding, free standing basketball hoop, printer, backpacks, misc. knick-knacks & much much more! 630 Baylor Street, P.P.

Palisadian Robert Flutie Hopes to Challenge Waxman

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Pacific Palisades resident Robert Flutie, on the campaign trail.
Pacific Palisades resident Robert Flutie, on the campaign trail.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

This year, in the aftermath of such controversial issues as the government’s financial stimulus spending and President Obama’s healthcare reform bill, incumbent politicians in Washington, D.C., are under enormous pressure from unhappy voters in both parties.   Here in Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades resident Robert Flutie is one of five candidates seeking the Republican nomination on June 8 and the opportunity to challenge one of Washington’s most entrenched incumbents: Congressman Henry Waxman, a Democrat who has represented the 30th District since 1975.   The 30th is one of the most affluent districts in the state, stretching from Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Agoura Hills and Northridge.   ’When I told my friends in the entertainment business that I was doing this, their reaction was that Henry Waxman is a pretty great fighter. But I’m confident I can win,’ said Flutie, who first must defeat his Republican primary rivals’David Benning, Ari David, Charles Wilkerson and Chris Kolski.   Hollywood knows Flutie as the head of Flutie Entertainment, a talent and brand company. To his fellow Palisadians, he’s an active family man and community member, who lives in the Alphabet streets with his wife of 16 years, Marianne, son Alexander, 14 (who will attend Loyola in September), and daughters Catherine, 12, and Ava, 6 (both at Corpus Christi). For years, he has been a parishioner of Corpus Christi Church and a head coach in the Palisades Pony Baseball Association and AYSO.   Outside of the business world, Flutie has evinced much problem-solving determination’and in one instance in 2008, it was a matter of life and death when he was relentless in having a lump in his throat examined.   ’A third doctor diagnosed me [properly] with Hodgkin’s lymphoma,’ Flutie said.   Today, ‘it’s completely gone. I’ve been scanned and rescanned and unscanned,’ he said, laughing. ‘One-hundred percent. It was because I was so persistent to find out what this lump was that I detected it early and knocked it out quickly.’   Last year, his trek to raise money in a charity bike ride in Texas after he had conquered Hodgkin’s was chronicled in the Palisadian-Post (see ‘Robert Flutie Listened to His Body,’ October 22, 2009, palisadespost.com archives).   However, after all his training and preparations, he had to cancel out when he received an invitation he could not refuse.   ’I got a phone call in October from [Texas Congressman] Pete Sessions,’ Flutie recalled. ‘He said, ‘Let’s have lunch,’ and I was like, ‘Wow, of course!’ But of all the weekends in the world. I had raised $12,000 for the bike ride, and I had to cut my trip short.’   Flutie, who had earlier decided to run for office, lunched with Sessions and they talked about ‘creating a coalition addressing what’s going on in Washington.’ This meant taking on Waxman, which Flutie considers is a meaningful cause.   ’From a constituency point of view, we do not have a congressman who is connected,’ Flutie said. ‘He’s disenfranchised. Waxman doesn’t have the real world decisions to make that I do [in the business world].’ ‘I’ve been involved with the Republican party my entire life,’ said Flutie, who grew up in New York and Florida.   At Mercer University, where he graduated in 1983 with a degree in international relations and psychology, Flutie founded the Republican Club and met President Reagan and Vice President Bush during the 1984 campaign.   ’I graduated from college and started working in banking,’ said Flutie, who later acquired a master’s degree in international relations and business from Adelphi University, and took film classes (not a degree program) at New York University.   Since founding Flutie Entertainment in 1998, he has represented the likes of Food Network chef Ellie Krieger and actors Kaitlin Olson and Michaela Watkins.   Last summer, after his cancer went into remission, Flutie was on his way to vacation in Martha’s Vineyard when he got a call from his friend, Mike Mihalke, founder of Meridian Strategies. Flutie mentioned his political aspirations and Mihalke connected him with former Luxembourg Ambassador Peter Terpeluk.   Flutie: ‘[Terpeluk] asked me, ‘What are you doing to change the world? You’re amazing at how to articulate viewpoints and getting people together and making things happen. Your country needs you. This is your John Adams moment.”   Flutie did some soul-searching with his family. ‘It’s clich’, but cancer changes your perspective,’ he said. ‘I asked myself, ‘Do I want to get the gold watch for 50 years of great service, or do I want to help effect change and put things in action?”   Enter Waxman’s potential challenger to the throne.   ’I know people who’ve written and called Waxman, and his answers have been stock letters from a computer system,’ Flutie said. ‘He’s disconnected.’   In regards to Flutie’s comments, a campaign spokesperson for Waxman responded:   ’Congressman Waxman has a long record of finding ‘real world’ solutions to ‘real world’ problems. His accomplishments include writing the laws that protect our air and drinking water, provide healthcare to children and the uninsured, and make prescription drugs more affordable. He meets frequently with members of the community and handles literally thousands of cases for constituents each year.’   For more on Flutie’s campaign, visit www.Flutie2010.com

PaliHi Names Tom Stekol as Interim Executive Director

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Palisades Charter High School’s board of directors voted on May 26 to hire Thomas Stekol as interim executive director for the 2010-11 school year.   ’Contract negotiations with Stekol are under way,’ board chair Karen Perkins wrote to the school community on Sunday. ‘His role will be to oversee completion and operation of the [Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center], fundraising and transportation, work with the chief business officer on PaliHi’s budget in light of ongoing instability at the state level, as well as relations with Los Angeles Unified School District.’   Stekol, who is currently a field director in the office of staff relations at LAUSD, has worked as a teacher, assistant principal and principal at elementary schools. If he accepts the job offer, he will replace Amy Dresser-Held, who plans to join another charter school.   PaliHi received 25 resumes for the interim position. A committee comprising Dresser-Held, Chief Business Officer Greg Wood, Human Resources Director Jennifer Avant Eustice and board members Carol Osborne and James Paleno interviewed four candidates. Brian Bauer, executive director of Granada Hills High, also participated by sharing how Granada has built stable leadership as an independent charter.   The committee selected Stekol and Michael Smith (who retired in 2009 after 37 years in education and five years as an LAUSD director overseeing secondary schools for District 7) to meet the board on May 26. They spoke for 10 minutes in open session and then answered questions in closed session.   Stekol, an educator for more than 20 years, told the board in open session that he would strive to understand the school’s culture. ‘I would make sure to get around and meet as many people as I possibly could at the school and in the community,’ he said.   He touted his affiliation with LAUSD as beneficial to the school for collaborating with the district.   Stekol also highlighted what he had learned during his career. As a teacher at 66th Street Elementary School in Huntington Park, he discovered the positive influence he could have on children’s lives. As a principal at Sherman Oaks Elementary, ‘I learned that a vital and involved community where parents insist on the best is very good for a school.’ As an LAUSD director overseeing secondary schools, he gained the skills to help other administrators improve.   At the May 26 meeting, the board also considered asking Interim Principal Marcia Haskin to serve as both interim principal and executive director for the 2010-11 school year, but she did not have to participate in an interview. A group of 120 teachers and classified staff members signed a petition asking that Haskin assume such responsibilities.   The board decided that ‘Marcia will continue as our interim principal,’ Perkins wrote. ‘She will remain focused on the jobs she is doing now, with the emphasis on classroom instruction.’   In addition, the board voted 5-4 with one abstention to pass a salary schedule for administrators. PaliHi now has a system of individually negotiated contracts with the opportunity for merit-based increases or bonuses.   Dresser-Held brought the proposal to the board, explaining that she looked at administrative salaries at Granada Hills, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Malibu to create a comparable and competitive salary schedule.   ’Transparency and equity is the main purpose of [this salary schedule],’ she said, noting that the current salaries at PaliHi are already comparable.   According to the salary schedule, an executive director will receive between $120,000 and $140,000, while a principal will be given $110,000 to $130,000. The salary schedule will include five steps with pay increases averaging five percent or approximately $5,000 per step. Once an administrator reaches the fifth step, his or her pay cannot be increased any higher except by cost-of-living adjustments approved by the board.   ’People would not move up without good standing,’ Dresser-Held said, adding they will also be placed on the scale based on their work experience.   With the new schedule, the work year will be 234 paid days, which is the equivalent of 222 work days and 12 holidays. Students attend 180 days of school per year.   In 2010-11, the administrators will have their salaries frozen like all other employee groups on campus, Dresser-Held reported.   Before the board approved the schedule, board member Alex Shuhgalter said he would prefer that a committee rather than the executive director propose a salary schedule. The teacher moved that the issue be tabled, and a committee be formed. His motion did not receive a second. Board member Julia O’Grady pointed out that the board tasked Dresser-Held four months ago to come forward with a salary schedule.   The board also voted 9-1 to give the administrators one-year contracts with six furlough days. PaliHi’s classified staff and teachers will be required to take four furlough days.

Local Beaches Rated A+ to F

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When Heal the Bay released its 20th Beach Report Card last Wednesday, Will Rogers State Beach at Sunset Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway (the Santa Ynez drain area) was named to the Beach Bummer List.   However, just south of there, the beach at Temescal Canyon, where non-surfers enjoy swimming, made the Honor Roll.   Beaches up and down California are given letter grades ranging from A to F based on the presence of three indicator bacteria, which are tested weekly by various county officials.   Los Angeles County led Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Bummer List with five locations. The 10 most polluted beaches (starting with the worst) are’Avalon on Catalina Island, Cowell Beach (Santa Cruz County), Cabrillo Beach harborside, Poche Beach (Orange County), Santa Monica Municipal Pier, Colorado Lagoon, Baker Beach at Lobos Creek (San Francisco County), Capitola Beach (Santa Cruz County), Vacation Isle North Cove Beach in Mission Bay (San Diego County) and Santa Ynez Drain beach, which receives runoff from the Highlands.   In previous years, the Santa Ynez beach received A’s and B’s, but ‘here’s the issue,’ said Heal the Bay President Mark Gold. ‘The dry-weather runoff diversion completely failed for a 6- to 8-week period in September, October and November. ‘As a result, the county went in and fixed it (poor maintenance prior to that), but the damage had been done on the grades.   ’This is why the Beach Report Card is so important,’ Gold continued. ‘It brings attention to problem beaches that are usually clean. We won’t be seeing problems at Sunset of this magnitude again.’   He also noted that L.A. County lags in water quality because monitoring agencies, unlike most other agencies in the state, collect samples directly in front of flowing storm drains and creeks.   On a more positive note, Will Rogers at Temescal Canyon drain was one of 76 (out of 326 beaches statewide) with year-round dry weather grades of A+, placing it on the inaugural Honor Roll listing. Four Will Rogers’ beaches (at 17200 PCH, at the Bel-Air Bay Club, at Pulgas Canyon and at Chautauqua) received A grades. Castle Rock Beach (north of Gladstone’s) received a D and Santa Ynez an F.

Los Liones Corners Spruced Up

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Left to right: Pacific Palisades Garden Club president Barbara Wold, Kelly Comras, Barbara Marinacci and Mike Deacon, who facilitated the cleanup and planting at the entrance of Los Liones Drive at Sunset Boulevard.
Left to right: Pacific Palisades Garden Club president Barbara Wold, Kelly Comras, Barbara Marinacci and Mike Deacon, who facilitated the cleanup and planting at the entrance of Los Liones Drive at Sunset Boulevard.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The entrance to Los Liones Drive, north of Sunset Boulevard, had become an eyesore, cluttered with dead vegetation and an uneven tarp fence that surrounded Fire Station 23. A block farther into the canyon, at the intersection of Tramonto, the northwest corner was overgrown with vegetation, and was a lair for the homeless. That changed last week when about a dozen volunteers spent nearly every day digging and clearing out old vegetation, then planting new shrubs and trees at the two sites. Palisades Garden Club member Barbara Marinacci sparked the project by writing two grant proposals to the Junior Women’s Club. She asked for money to install a new vinyl fence cover at Fire Station 23 and for the Garden Club to buy plants to place around the fence and entrance. Additionally, the galvanized steel irrigation system on the perimeter of the station was rusted and ineffective, so Mario Hernandez (working pro bono) installed a new one. Marinacci contacted former Castellammare Mesa Homeowners Association president Kelly Comras, a landscape architect, who created a design using local native shrubs and plants, including sycamore and oak trees and toyon, arbutus, ribes, myrica and prunus shrubs.   ’I linked the two areas together,’ Comras said, ‘and I added blue-eyed grass and native iris as accent plants at the fire station. I also planted two manzanita, which grow 7 to 8 feet high and spread about 12 feet. I’ll shape them like a bonsai, and it will filter out the fence [at the corner of Sunset and Los Liones]. In five to seven years, when people drive by, they’ll have a view of beautiful lacy green.’ Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano supplied plants at wholesale cost. At Tramonto, another transformation took place as volunteers planted 15 trees. ‘This was a trash dump and there was a homeless camp here,’ said Randy Young, who noted that before the clearance, the foliage on the northwest corner had extended to the road. ‘This was park land and the rangers were worried about safety issues.’ The trees will be hand-irrigated by members of the Temescal Canyon Association, just as the volunteers have done the past decade for other new trees in Los Liones Gateway Park. ‘This has been a project!’ said 60-year Palisades resident Lew Whitaker. ‘I thought it would be a few minutes of digging and then we’d plant, but the ground is hard clay, it’s like cement.’ He praised Station 23 firefighters who helped out by chopping and digging. ‘They’ve got strong backs,’ Whitaker said, before rejoining other TCA members Maria Bainbridge, Kim Clary, Shirley Haggstrom, Doug McCormick, Carol Leacock and Norma Spak to finish planting. Comras praised Station 23 firefighter Mike Deacon, who served as a liaison between the volunteers and the fire station, as well as expressing thanks to the Junior Women, the Getty Villa, Ocean Woods Terrace and Sunset Mesa Homeowners Association (SMHA) plus 50 individuals for their donations to complete the project.

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© Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272