Home Blog Page 2004

Saluting ‘Citizen Rose’

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Palisadian-Post publisher Roberta Donohue with Palisades High teacher Rose Gilbert, who was honored as the Post
Palisadian-Post publisher Roberta Donohue with Palisades High teacher Rose Gilbert, who was honored as the Post
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

‘What’s in a name? That which we call a rose/By any other name would smell as sweet.’ If emcee Sam Lagana wanted to sound scholarly by quoting Shakespeare while paying tribute to Palisades High English teacher Rose Gilbert at the Citizen of the Year dinner last Thursday evening, it’s understandable. Gilbert, 91, has raised the bar high during her 54 years in the classroom. And over the past four years she has donated $2.1 million to help build the Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center on the campus at PaliHi, in memory of her late daughter, Maggie, who died in 2004.   In recognition of Gilbert’s extraordinary career and a vision (backed by her generosity) that will soon result in a 12-lane swimming pool available to the entire community, the Palisadian-Post presented her with the 2009 Citizen of the Year award in the banquet hall at American Legion Post 283. ‘We have sponsored this award for 62 years,’ said Post Publisher Roberta Donohue. ‘It’s the most prestigious honor that can be bestowed on a resident, and is given to a person (or persons) who has made an outstanding contribution to our community and to the welfare of its people.’ ‘I’m wordless, which is so rare for me,’ Gilbert said upon accepting her award, but she nevertheless went to deliver thoughtful, heartfelt remarks as a sold-out audience of 180 looked on.   Attendees included her identical twin sister Lily Kompaniz, son Michael Gilbert with wife Karen, grandson Cezanne Farris-Gilbert and wife Sarah, and granddaughters Fabienne Shknevsky, Savannah Farris-Gilbert and Sheila Gilbert.   The evening began during the cocktail hour at the Legion when the Post caught up with Gloria Stout Nedell (Citizen of 1978), who was walking in with her husband, Jack Nedell. They had driven up from Coronado. ‘It’s always nice to see old friends like Dotty Larson and Dr. [Mike] Martini,’ said Nedell, who owned a camera store on Swarthmore with her first husband, Jim Stout, when they won ‘Citizen’ honors in 1978. ‘John Prough was the emcee,’ she remembered of her big night. ‘He successfully roasted us. That was quite a funny bit.’ Community Council member Haldis Toppel arrived with her husband, Kurt (Citizen 1998), and recalled how four years ago they had helped bring the Citizen dinner back to it’s inaugural 1948 setting, after years at the Riviera Country Club and other venues. ‘We negotiated a very affordable cost at the Legion the year there was no ‘Citizen’ to honor,’ Haldis said. The following year (2007), the nominating committee named a popular honoree (Emil Wroblicky), and the event has remained at the Legion.   ’We brought everything back to the heart of the Palisades, back to the community,’ Haldis noted.   The Post also spoke to local historian Randy Young, a native of Pacific Palisades and the only person to win the Citizen award twice (in 1991 and 2000).   ’This is the hoi polloi of the Palisades,’ said Young, gazing around the room.   Lagana opened the program by asking for a moment of silence on behalf of two Citizen dinner stalwarts who had passed away this past year: Babs Lebowsky (who for many years choreographed the traditional Citizen roast following dinner) and actor Peter Graves, who often provided amusing on-stage cameo appearances.   State Senator Fran Pavley, Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, City Councilman Bill Rosendahl and Flora Gil Krisiloff, senior field deputy for County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, introduced and honored the three Golden Sparkplug Award winners (Eric Bollens, Marge Gold and Linda Jackson Vitale) with their certificates.   While emceeing the Sparkplug ceremony on behalf of the Community Council, which has presented the award since 1974, vice chair Janet Turner praised the behind-the-scenes work by volunteers from the Council and the Palisadian-Post who had organized the festivities. ‘I’d like to note that Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers and the Titanic was built by professionals,’ she quipped.   Moving on to the Citizen award, Lagana read a pair of letters that Rose Gilbert had received praising her efforts. One was signed by Congressman Henry Waxman. The other was from ‘Dewey and Dolly, a pair of dolphins now residing in Sea World,’ in reference to PaliHi’s school nickname and the evening’s watery theme.   After dinner, the show kicked into high gear with a musical revue written by Post Publisher Roberta Donohue and dubbed ‘Mrs. Gilbert’s Lovely Hearts Club Band,’ with choreography by Emily Kay (the show’s producer) and Jeanette Mills of Fancy Feet Dance Studio and accompaniment by pianist Dr. James E. Smith.   Singer Paige Kamin played Rose Gilbert and joined the ‘Just Off Via’ chorus line’comprising Donohue and Ed Lowe of the Post, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Arnie Wishnick, SRF Lake Shrine’s Brad Lusk, longtime activist Bob Locker, Sparkplug winner Gold, and historian Young”to present an amusing show parodying the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper epoch.   The 15-minute Beatles medley/dance number began when Young comically emerged in a purple ‘Sgt. Pepper’-style vest. ‘She’s on fire alright! She’s the original Energizer bunny,’ quipped Gilbert’s former student, and the colorfully outfitted group sang about building the pool ‘With A Little Help From My Friends.’ Wishnick wore a bright yellow sweater and wielded a guitar, while Lusk and Locker wore tie-dye shirts lifted from a Grateful Dead concert. And to the tune of ‘A Hard Day’s Night,’ the group sang how tough it was ‘to raise the money to build a pool.’ Donohue, in a flower tiara, led a cover of the solo Paul McCartney rocker, ‘Band on the Run.’   So why did the Beatles playbook magically and mysteriously detour into ‘You Are My Sunshine’ when the Beatles had not one but two famous ‘sun’ songs (‘Here Comes the Sun’ and ‘Good Day Sunshine’)? As Donohue explained later, ”You Are My Sunshine” and a ‘South Pacific’ tune (‘Bali Ha’i morphed into ‘Pali High’) were meant to entertain Rose’s generation.’   Before a room packed with 16 previous Citizens (including 95-year-old Phyllis Genovese from 1952, Dr. Martini ’67, Joan Graves ’87, Flo Elfant and Kit Festa ’89, Bobbie Farberow ’95, Hal Maninger ’96, Carol Leacock ’99, Mitzi Blahd ’01, Stuart Miller ’04 and Marie Steckmest ’08) Donohue brought the evening to a close when she called Gilbert to the dais.   She described the longtime resident as ‘a very special angel,’ whose ‘unique kindness’ and ‘inspired vision’ came from her heart and yielded ‘a state-of-the-art aquatic center on the Palisades High campus that will benefit both community and school.’   Gilbert, no stranger to awards during her long and productive career, stepped up to the podium.   ’That’s a tough act to follow,’ she said, referring to Donohue’s introduction and the revue. ‘Those are the kids I taught [Randy Young]. I always performed for them, and now, they’re performing for me!’   She paid tribute to her late husband Sam, who died in 1987, and spoke of her late daughter, who loved swimming.   ’As I stand here before you,’ she said, ‘I feel like a magician, for I remember when the Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center was just an embryo and now it will open and fully operate by mid-June, 2010!’   ’I’m so proud to be a member of this community,’ Gilbert said in closing, recalling that when her husband developed Pacific View Estates in 1962 (where she continues to live, above the Getty Villa), ‘He told me, ‘Bubs, Pacific Palisades is God’s country.’ Well Sam was right’this is truly God’s country.’

PaliHi Board Explores Hiring Process

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Palisades Charter High School’s board has begun the search for an interim executive director to replace Amy Dresser-Held, who leaves June 30. After a lengthy discussion at the April 20 meeting, the board charged Dresser-Held, interim Principal Marcia Haskin, Chief Business Officer Greg Wood, and Human Resources Director Jennifer Avant Eustice (who is out on maternity leave) to review applications and bring a short list of candidates to the board for consideration. Board chair Karen Perkins told Dresser-Held, ‘It would be important to have someone to start soon to work with you, so you can do some explaining, and it’s seamless when you go.’ Dresser-Held has accepted a position at a start-up charter school, and she told the Palisadian-Post on Monday that she will announce the name of the school soon.   To provide continuity in leadership, Haskin (who came out of retirement to fill the position) will stay through the 2010-11 school year.   The board will continue to search for a permanent principal and/or executive director with the assistance of consultants from the UCLA School Management Program. Perkins stressed at the April 20 board meeting that the hiring of an interim executive director would not circumvent that process.   At a March 9 meeting, the board agreed to hire the consultants for $5,000. The faculty had asked for an objective third party to facilitate the selection process.   ’It’s so we can do some soul-searching and reflection, and it’s to help us learn how we can select what we need and want,’ Haskin said at a board meeting.   The consultants will help decide how upper management should be structured at the school. Should the executive director supervise the principal or the board oversee both positions? Would the school function optimally with both a principal and an executive director or should those roles be consolidated? Right now, the principal reports to the executive director.   The consultants met with the parents on April 7 and worked with the faculty (approximately 120 teachers) this Tuesday and on two other occasions. They will confer with the classified staff and student senate this Friday and the board on May 11.   Dresser-Held and Haskin will be available to the teachers on May 5 and 6 to answer questions about their roles and responsibilities as administrators.   Haskin explained that the consultants are working with the teachers more than the other campus groups because ‘the teachers are going to be evaluated by the leaders and will deal with them on a daily basis. It’s important to have as much of a consensus as we can garner from that stakeholder group.’   Stakeholders are asked to analyze what attributes they want in a leader and what kind of structure they want for upper management. They are also asked to share their vision for the hiring process and to consider what obstacles have prevented PaliHi from securing permanent leadership. In the past two years, the school has had turnover of its principal, director of instruction, operations manager and human resources director for reasons other than retirement.   ’Once all this input is garnered, we will have a terrific snapshot,’ Haskin said.   Haskin plans to present a full report of the compiled information to the board at the May 18 meeting or the first meeting in June. Then, she imagines that a selection committee will be formed and trained. She envisions the interviewing process taking at least two days.   ’As my legacy, I want to leave knowing the school is in good hands,’ Haskin said.   As for the immediate search for an interim executive director, Dresser-Held said that those interested in nominating someone should contact her or Haskin at (310) 230-6623.

Sparkplugs Bollens, Gold, Vitale Praised

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Left: Community Council vice chair Janet Turner presented a Golden Sparkplug Award to Eric Bollens for his efforts to promote safe driving. Right: The Community Council also honored Linda Jackson Vitale (seated) and Marge Gold with Sparkplug Awards for their community service.
Left: Community Council vice chair Janet Turner presented a Golden Sparkplug Award to Eric Bollens for his efforts to promote safe driving. Right: The Community Council also honored Linda Jackson Vitale (seated) and Marge Gold with Sparkplug Awards for their community service.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Rather than giving an acceptance speech, Linda Jackson Vitale captivated the crowd with her own rendition of Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Caro Nome’ from ‘Rigoletto’ during last Thursday’s Citizen of the Year dinner.   Vitale changed the lyrics to show her appreciation to the Pacific Palisades Community Council for selecting her as one its annual Golden Sparkplug Award winners. She sang, ‘In a lovely, sleepy town called Pacific Palisades, there’s a wondrous Community Council, a group deserving praise.’   The Council honored Vitale for co-founding and voluntarily operating the Los Angeles Metropolitan Opera in the Palisades, so that residents could experience live opera locally. Vitale, a soprano, has staged performances of ‘La Boheme,’ ‘La Traviata’ and ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ this past year.   In addition to Vitale, the Council recognized Eric Bollens for his efforts to promote safe driving among teens and Marge Gold for mobilizing Palisades Charter High School students and others volunteer to help maintain the Village Green, a park on Sunset Boulevard between Swarthmore Avenue and Antioch Street.   ’Each year [since 1974], the Council presents the distinguished Golden Sparkplug Award to deserving members of the community whose volunteer efforts were above and beyond the call of duty,’ said Council vice chair Janet Turner. ‘As many of you know, it’s called the Sparkplug Award because like the sparkplugs in a car, these people ignited ideas, provided energy that revved up others, and zoomed forward with projects that helped beautify, protect and preserve our wonderful town.’   L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, California Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, State Senator Fran Pavley and Flora Krisiloff, representing L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, presented the three winners with certificates.   ’Linda, Marge and Eric, thank you for your service to this community, your service to the greater good,’ Brownley said.   Master of ceremonies Sam Lagana also read a letter from U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman congratulating the honorees.   Turner praised Gold, president of Palisades Village Green Board, for working with PaliHi to start a program that allows the students to earn community-service credit for volunteering.   ’It has turned into a win-win for everyone,’ Turner said. ‘The kids have a fun way to get credit, and you have fresh recruits each year.’   In Gold’s acceptance speech, she thanked her board and paid a special tribute to board member Joan Graves for her mentoring and vice chair Fred Zolan for his creativity and enthusiasm. The community purchased the Village Green property in 1972 with a vision of converting it into a public park.   ’I want to thank most importantly, my husband Bob,’ Gold said. ‘I couldn’t do this job without the help and support he gives me.’   She also expressed her gratitude for the PaliHi students who volunteer. Teen volunteers Noah Martin and Marcella Ablaza attended the dinner.   Turner commended Bollens for his efforts with Safe Westside, which formed to discourage reckless driving after Palisades Charter High School senior Nick Rosser died on January 31, 2009 in an automobile accident on Palisades Drive in the Highlands.   Bollens, now a junior at UCLA, designed the group’s Web site and has spoken at high schools about driving safely. He also volunteers with a group of community members using radar speed guns to identify speeders. The group’s findings are reported to the Los Angeles West Traffic Division, which sends out warning letters to the registered owners.   ’You’ve become a major advocate for teenage safe driving, and your appearances at the high school have inspired hundreds of PaliHi students to take the pledge: slow down and drive safer,’ Turner said.   After Bollens accepted his plaque, he said ‘It’s all in memory of my friend and others who’ve died on the road; I want to dedicate this to Nick and all those other people.’

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 29, 2010

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CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR SALE 1e

$248,000. IMMACULATE SENIOR UNIT. 1+1 condo + patio on Palisades Dr. Quiet, park-like setting, lots of trees. Min age 62. 2 car gar, elevator, 1/2 mile to bch. Broker, (310) 795-3795 (c), (310) 456-8770 (h)

FURNISHED HOMES 2

LOVELY 4 BED. FURNISHED HOME. Beautifully furnished home on desirable Las Casas Ave. 4 Bed., 2.5 Baths, 2,700 SF. $5,900/mo. (310) 463-6323

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

CUSTOM HOME IN HUNTINGTON PALISADES. 6 bd, 5 ba, complete theater room, large lot and pool. $16,500/mo. Call Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706. Lic. #00416255

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

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. $2,100/mo. (310) 459-5576

BRIGHT, LARGE, 3 BD+2 BA, 1,500 sq. ft., top floor, 1 garage+1 tandem, new carpets. Great closet space. 1 yr lease. N/S. $2,500/mo. (310) 498-0149

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

UNUSUAL, unique, spacious 1 bd, 1 ba (800 sq ft). Mucho charm, all appliances, fireplace, hardwood, garage, garden, lndry. 1 mile from bch & village. No smoking, no pets. 1 yr lse. $2,250/mo. (310) 804-3142

PETITE CHARMER studio-cozy, like a dollhouse (500 sq ft) full kitchen & bath. Hardwood, shutters, ceiling fans, carport, in quiet garden ambiance. 1 mile from bch & village. No pets, non-smoking. 1 yr. lease. $1,450/mo. (310) 804-3142

STEPS FROM THE BLUFFS. Fabulous large studio, newly designer decorated. Full kitchen, granite, stainless appliances, full bath, private patio entrance, partially furnished. Laundry. Utilities, WIFI & HDTV included. No pets. 6 mo. lease minimum. N/S. $1,700/mo. (310) 454-3806

PALISADES 1 BEDROOM apt. Large, remodeled, carpet, gas stove, refrigerator, one year lease, new paint, laundry, storage, covered parking. No pets, Non-smoker. $1,325/mo. (310) 477-6767

Santa Monica ‘Delightful’ COUNTRY COTTAGE. Montana and 14th street neighborhood. Charming designer’s 1 bedroom. Wood burning fireplace, hardwood floors, high beam ceilings, shutters, French doors to private vine covered brick garden patio. Stainless appli., wash/dry, limestone bath. Security and privacy with gated entry & intercom. Enc. garage, no pets. $2,650/mo. Call (310) 826-7960

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

ROOM FOR RENT in a big 2 story house. Close to Sunset Blvd. in the village area. WiFi, utilities & cable included. $800/mo. (310) 454-7665

ROOM FOR RENT: Newly refurbished room w/ bathroom. Separate entry. French doors open onto patio & garden. Cable, WiFi, utils, W/D. Female preferred, quiet, N/S. $900/mo. Avail. now. (310) 459-3609

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING in Pacific Palisades village for lease. Lovely and spacious suite available. 750 square feet. Reasonable rent price. Excellent lease hold improvement allowance. Please call Ness, (310) 230-6712 x105, for more details.

4 DELUXE WINDOW OFFICES with cathedral ceilings. 2nd floor of First Federal Bank building on Sunset in Palisades village. $700-$1,400/mo. Call Ev Maguire, (310) 600-3603 or (310) 454-0840

OFFICE AVAILABLE IN VILLAGE. Light & bright, recently remodeled 4-office psychotherapy suite has office available. Private waiting room, kitchen & bath to share. Parking negotiable. Email srl@ucla.edu with interest. (310) 230-2236

SPACE FOR LEASE. (310) 230-9902, (818) 458-4454. Ask for Bella.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5

YARN SHOP FOR SALE. (310) 230-9902, (818) 458-4454. Ask for Bella.

ATTORNEYS 7a

WHY GIVE IT ALL TO UNCLE SAM? Use an attorney who is an experienced CPA. Probate, trusts & wills, income tax. John R. Ronge, Attorney at Law. (310) 441-4100

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

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USER FRIENDLY’MAC CONSULTANT. User friendly. Certified Apple help desk technician and proud member of the Apple consultant network. An easy approach to understanding all of your computer needs. Offering computer support in wide variety of repairs, set-ups, installs, troubleshooting, upgrades, networking, and tutoring in the application of choice. Computer consulting at fair rates. Ryan Ross: (310) 721-2827 ‘ email: ryanaross@mac.com ‘ For a full list of services visit: http://userfriendlyrr.com/

EXPERT COMPUTER HELP ‘ On-site service’no travel charge ‘ Help design, buy and install your system ‘ One-on-one training, hard & software ‘ Troubleshooting, Mac & Windows, organizing ‘ Installations & upgrades ‘ Wireless networking ‘ Digital phones, photo, music ‘ Internet ‘ Serving the Palisades, Santa Monica & Brentwood ‘ DEVIN FRANK, (310) 499-7000

GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f

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

MESSENGER/COURIER SERVICES 7n

MESSENGER & COURIER SERVICES (S. Cal.). Direct, same day or overnight, PU & Del. 24/7 guaranteed, on-time service. All major credit cards accepted. Santa Monica Express Inc. ‘ Since 1984 ‘ Tel: (310) 458-6000 www.smexpress.com

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

LOOKING FOR A HOUSEKEEPING or babysitting job. Experienced, drivers license & excellent references. Available Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. (323) 394-5901, ask for Alicia

NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER/CAREGIVER. Available daily or weekly. Live in or live out, references available, 10 years experience. Loves children, very flexible. Irma, (213) 447-8170

MY OUTSTANDING NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER of 10 yrs is avail. this July Mon.-Fri., 8:30-5pm., as our kids are in school full time. She drives her own SUV w/ a perfect driving record. Speaks fluent English. Does all cooking, shopping, errands & light housekeeping. She is simply the best w/ children of all ages & all household responsibilities! Please call Natalie at (310) 467-3769 or call Lorena directly at (323) 572-5306

NANNY: Looking for a full time job Monday through Friday. Live out. Experienced with newborns & all ages. References, drives, legal & responsible. Available for babysitting also. Esther, (310) 903-7174

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

SISTERS HOUSECLEANING. Would you like your home and business so clean they shine? Call us, we have good references. Serving the community for over 20 years. We offer final cleaning. For free estimate, call Flora at (310) 720-7751. (310) 677-1398. cleaning411@gmail.com

HOUSEKEEPING/NANNY, 20 yrs experience. Available Mon. thru Thurs. & Sat. Live-out. Own car. CA license. Excellent English. Local refs. Please call Miriam, (562) 644-5288 (cell.)

LOOKING FOR A HOUSEKEEPING/NANNY JOB. 23 years experience, legal, good references & own transportation. Full or part time. Monday-Friday. Call Evila, (323) 997-9157

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

HOUSEKEEPER. 23 years experience, live in or live out. Available 7 days a week, day or night. Good references. Cooking, cleaning, great w/ children & seniors, pet friendly. (323) 333-9741 or (323) 252-0052

15 YEARS EXPERIENCE in housecleaning, childcare & petcare. For 1 day or 5 days of the week. Good references, D.L. & own transportation. Ask for Marina, (562) 408-2068

HOUSEKEEPER. Housekeeper. Good local references, own transportation, available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Call Rosalba, (323) 377-2485

THE BEST HOUSEKEEPER. 25 years of references in the Palisades. Bilingual. Tuesday and/or Thursday. Call Paula, (310) 454-5199

MY FABULOUS HOUSEKEEPER is available Wednesdays & Saturdays. Excellent cleaner, great with kids, honest & reliable. 19 years local experience. Excellent references available. Call Barbara, (310) 454-4030

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

PERSONAL ASSISTANT & CAREGIVER. Great with kids, elderly & dogs. 25 year Pali resident with car & great insurance. Call or email Susan. sbisness@aol.com or (310) 633-3088

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

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.

EXPERT WINDOW CLEANER ‘ Experienced 22 yrs Westside. Anything under 25 feet. Clean & detailed. Can clean screens, mirrors, skylights & scrape paint off glass. Free estimates. Brian, (310) 289-5279

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

HORSE STALLS FOR RENT. Horse stalls for rent near Will Rogers Park. Easy park access, rent neg. dep. on feed and cleaning needs. Call Bob, (949) 235-4761

MISCELLANEOUS 14k

MUSIC MAJOR seeks summer work. Prefer music industry. Trumpet lessons to beginning students. Drives. Aaron, (310) 626-2590

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

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

HOMEWORK CLUB ‘ Math, Chemistry, Physics. M.-Th., 8:30-9:30 pm. in Atrium Bldg. (310) 459-3239

SPANISH. Palisades resident from South America, patient & friendly, offers Spanish tutoring to all student levels. Learn, improve & gain self confidence at school, traveling, work, etc. (310) 741-8422

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

LEARN TO PLAY GUITAR * Become a better player. ‘ Chords ‘ Scales ‘ Lead ‘ $25-1/2 hour, $45-hour ‘ I drive to you. (310) 871-1163 ‘ james.lewis@vanguard.edu

CARPENTRY 16a

RESTORATION & MAINTENANCE. Home improvement. No job too small! Carpentry of any kind. Bathrooms, kitchens, doors, cabinets, decks & gates. State license #822541. Reasonable prices. Contact Ed Winterhalter at (310) 213-3101

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

DRAPES/BLINDS 16g

LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE SHUTTERS, blinds, or indoor/outdoor drapes? Available locally @ Carpets West. Call for a free estimate. (310) 454-0697, 874 Via de la Paz

ELECTRICAL 16h

PALISADES ELECTRIC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437 Insured Professional Service

ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local service only. Non-lic. Please call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286

LICHWA ELECTRIC. Remodeling, rewiring, troubleshooting. Lighting: low voltage, energy safe, indoor, outdoor, landscape. Low voltage: telephone, Internet, CCTV, home theatre, audio/video. Non-lic. Refs. LichwaElectric@gmail.com, (310) 270-8596

FENCES, DECKS 16j

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

FLOOR CARE 16m

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

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

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

HARDWOOD FLOOR INSTALLATION & Refinishing Services available locally @ Carpets West. Call (310) 454-0697 for a free estimate. We carry a large selection of hardwood samples. 874 Via de la Paz

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

HAGGAI’THE HANDYMAN. General Construction and Repair Services. 25 years experience. Non-lic. Local references. Call Shannon, (310) 367-5529. T&M $35/hr.

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

THE ULTIMATE PAINTING CO. 36 yrs int/ext residential & TI painting/wood staining/ drywall & plaster/metal coatings/wood decks/powerwashing. Ask for Tim, (818) 815-7464. Lic. #522464

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

REMODELING 16v

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

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

HELP WANTED 17

MYSTERY SHOPPERS earn up to $150 per day. Undercover shoppers needed to judge retail and dine-in establishments. No experience required. Call (877) 648-1571

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

PERSONAL ASSISTANT WANTED * Local busy in-home business needs part-time ass’t. Billing, light phones, copying, filing. Female. Must be personable; flexible duties. Refs req’d. Dianne, (310) 729-3291

COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENT with knowledge of Pro Tools & Digital Performer for MAC and/or Windows. Pay & hours flexible. Email: tamirmusic@verizon.net (no attachments please) (646) 707-1235

FURNITURE 18c

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

RANCHO PARK. Houseful of treasures/collectibles/ surprises! Great antiques, furn/furnishings/clothes/ jewelry/books. 10575 Ayres Ave. (So. of Pico bet. Manning & Prosser). TG 632 D5. Fri.-Sat. Apr. 30-May 1; 8 a.m-4 pm. Visit www.bmdawson.com for photos.

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

1990 ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA volume 6. Complete set. Excellent condition. Gold leaf pages. $250. Also 1990-1994 Britannica Annuals, $100. Palisadian. Call (310) 266-4651

HOSPITAL BED. Single, electric or manual. $200. (310) 454-9894

Jean Leng Howe: Journalist, Volunteer and Amazing Spirit

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Jean Leng Howe attributed her long life to “attitude”.

Jean Leng Howe, who for 55 years lived, volunteered and enjoyed life in Pacific Palisades, passed away peacefully on April 13 at the age of 97.   Skilled at writing and possessed with a keen attention to the events and people around her, honed from her years as a journalist, Jean often served as publicist for many of her volunteer organizations. For the annual Pacific Palisades Methodist Church rummage sale and bazaar, she would create copy that was whimsical, often themed, and she even offered photo suggestions. She also served as newsletter editor for Angels Attic in her later years. Jean enjoyed telling people that she was born four months after the Titanic sank in 1912. While the worst peacetime maritime disaster in history did not touch her l’ife directly, it did in a way provide an appropriate context for her destiny. Her father, James, a Scotsman drawn to the sea, worked as an engineer for the White Star Line, the very company whose most famous flagship was the ill-fated RMS Titanic. In 1908, her father found work in the U.S. government’s Department of Steamboat Inspection Service and moved to Brooklyn with his wife Agnes and Jean’s older sisters. Jean grew up in the family home in Brooklyn and spent summers in the Catskills or Bay Side, Long Island’to avoid ‘infantile paralysis,’ now known as polio. When she was 13, Jean and the family moved to Staten Island, where Jean would begin her life-long love of journalism and meet the love of her life, Dick Leng, a fellow student at Port Richmond High School. Following two years of business school, Jean was lucky to find a job in the midst of the Depression, when she was hired in the classified department of the Staten Island Advance, S. I. Newhouse’s first paper. ‘It was a way to get my foot in the door, and eventually I submitted some stories to the night editor, who liked them and gave me my first byline,’ Jean recalled in an interview with the Palisadian-Post in 2008. ‘The excitement of covering a variety of stories, from confessions of a bigamist to a day in the hospital emergency rooms, was added to the fun of writing about the arrival of the circus and the backstage interviews with well-known theater personalities,’ she said. After convincing Jean’s father that he was worthy to be his son-in-law, Dick married Jean in 1936 and they honeymooned in Bermuda before setting up home on Staten Island. Dick’s position as an engineer executive in the electronic industry meant a peripatetic life for the couple, who subsequently lived in Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Los Angeles for the next 30 years. The couple was unable to have children, so Jean continued freelancing for various newspapers on and off throughout her husband’s active career. In 1955, the Lengs landed in Pacific Palisades when Dick started his own company. They moved into film and TV composer Lionel Newman’s former home, where Jean found the joys of homemaking and community. She had become quite adept at assisting Dick in entertaining businessmen, scientists and government officials from all over the world. She also continued her major interest in the Children’s Home Society, which entailed organizing an auxiliary and serving as president of the Los Angeles Council. Along the way, Jean always looked at each new experience as another delightful adventure’getting to know her city, making new friends and having the fun of golfing, bowling and swimming. Widowed in 1983, Jean carried on alone for five years, until at the urging of her friend and fellow Palisadian Martha Patterson, she met and married Alden Howe, a former vice president of Bank of America. The two enjoyed two and a half years together before his death in 1991, and Jean happily gained a stepson and daughter-in-law, Jim and Patty Howe. In her later years, Jean enjoyed the friends she made along the way while always eager to meet new people. At a social gathering, a luncheon or reception, she would always sit down next to someone she didn’t know so she could learn about them and their world. One word, she said in 2008, described her longevity: attitude. ‘I’ve been lucky. I had good parents, a good life. If I didn’t like something or someone, I didn’t bother with them.’ Jean is survived by Jim and Patty Howe and their children, Nolan and Steve Howe and grandnephew Douglas Yorkson (wife Susan). A memorial will be held on Sunday, May 2 at 11:45 a.m. at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Contributions may be made in Jean’s name to Angels Attic Doll Houses, (310-394-8331); The Salvation Army, (213-896-9160) or the Community United Methodist Church, (310-454-5529).

Gregg Peters, 84; A Hollywood Pro

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Gregory (Gregg) Peters, who enjoyed a 38-year career in radio, television and film production, passed away peacefully on March 27 at his home in Pacific Palisades, after complications resulting from a longtime battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 84. Born August 2, 1925, in Los Angeles to silent-film star Robert House Peters, Sr. and Mae King Peters, Gregg spent his childhood living in Beverly Hills, Big Bear Lake, Pasadena and San Marino, and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his older brother, House. He attended Washington State University before entering the Army Air Force (1943-45) and becoming a pilot.   After his honorable discharge to active reserve duty, Gregg attended UCLA (1946-50) and received his degree, studying business administration and theatre arts.   During his career in Hollywood, he held such positions as stage manager, associate producer, first assistant director and unit production manager, remaining an active member of both the Directors and Producers Guilds of America. He was one of several pioneers in live and tape production at NBC Burbank, working on ‘The Milton Berle Show,’ ‘The Bob Hope Show,’ ‘The Dinah Shore Chevy Show,’ ‘The Tonight Show,’ ‘This Is Your Life,’ Academy and Emmy Award telecasts, and Rose Parade and Rose Bowl telecasts.   After working on two feature films (‘The Music Man’ and ‘Gypsy’), Gregg returned to television as associate producer of the original ‘Star Trek’ series, and also worked on ‘Here’s Lucy,’ ‘Love American Style,’ ‘The Immortal,’ ‘The Bob Newhart Show,’ ‘Taxi,’ ‘The Best of the West,’ ‘The Associates,’ ‘Maggie Briggs,’ ‘Foley Square’ and ‘Easy Street.’   In retirement by 1988, Gregg enjoyed world travel with his wife Elaine, golf, oil painting (he was a member of the Palisades Art Association), gardening, reading, cooking and being a docent at The Museum of Flying in Santa Monica.   In October 1978, Gregg and Elaine’s home on Las Canoas Road (above St. Matthew’s) burned down during the brushfire that swept westward from the 405 Freeway to Malibu. ‘The Palisadian-Post ran a photo of us in front of the house, looking at the ashes,’ Elaine recalled. ‘Charlie Brown [the co-publisher] lived next door, but his house survived. We later built a new house on our property.’   In addition to his wife, Gregg is survived by his daughter Cynthia (‘Cindi’) Peters of Burbank, stepson Mark Dickinson (wife Letizia) of Tucson, grandson Liam Mawhinney, and sister Patricia (Peters) Mattson.   His family and friends will miss his zest for life, incredible inner strength and wicked sense of humor.  Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 in Gregg’s name and memory.

Thursday, April 29 – Thursday, May 6

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29

Lisa Oz, a frequent co-host of her husband’s ‘Dr. Oz’ show on XM radio, will speak about her national best-seller ‘Us: Transforming Ourselves and the Relationships That Matter Most,’ 7 p.m. at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, corner of Sunset and La Cruz. Tickets ($35) include a copy of Lisa’s book and a coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase tonight.   Psychotherapist Ronald Alexander, Ph.D., discusses and signs ‘Wise Mind, Open Mind: Finding Purpose and Meaning in Times of Crisis, Loss and Change,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Alexander is a leadership consultant, clinical trainer and licensed MFT in California and Colorado.

FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Pacific Palisades resident Giada de Laurentiis will sign ‘Giada at Home: Family Recipes from Italy and California’ at Village Books on Swarthmore. The bestselling author and Food Network star shares her favorite Italian dishes, including those inspired by her generations-old family recipes. Village Books will close at 4 p.m. and reopen at 5 p.m. for the book signing.   David Auburn’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama ‘Proof’ continues tonight, 8 p.m., at the Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. The Theatre Palisades production runs Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon through May 9. Tickets: visit theatrepalisades.org or call the box office at (310) 454-1970.

SATURDAY, MAY 1

  Pacific Palisades author Betsy Rosenthal reads her children’s book, ‘Which Shoes Would You Choose?’ at 2 p.m. in Village Books on Swarthmore. With a wonderful blend of vibrant artwork and playful text, this perfect read-aloud is written in a page-turning, question-and-answer format that is sure to tickle the toes of even the youngest readers.

SUNDAY, MAY 2

  Chamber Music Palisades Scholarship winner Andrew Ohanian and Young Musicians Foundation ensembles offer a concert, 4 p.m. at the Aldersgate Retreat Center, 925 Haverford. Free admission.   Conductor Joel Lish leads the Palisades Symphony and Brentwood Palisades Chorale and soloists in Dvorak’s Requiem Mass, 7:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Free admission.

MONDAY, MAY 3

Author and historian Richard Reeves will discuss and sign ‘Daring Young Men:’ The Heroism & Triumph of the Berlin Airlift, June 1948-May 1949,’ 7:30 p.m., at Village Books. The Palisades Garden Club hosts Urban farmer John Lyons talking about healthy soils and vermiculture, 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. The public is invited.

THURSDAY, MAY 6

Palisadian Lester Wood, head of Castlefinancial and a docent at Will Rogers State Historic Park, will give a talk titled ‘Meet Will Rogers,’ 7:15 a.m. at the Palisades Rotary Club meeting in the Oak Room on Swarthmore. Contact: (310) 454-2418. Rustic Canyon resident Betsy Brown Braun reads and signs ‘You’re Not the Boss of Me: Brat-Proofing Your 4- to 12-Year-Old Child,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. (See story, page 10.)

Chamber Expo Returns May 16 with Vendor Booths, Car Show

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Jon Stokes
Jon Stokes
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce will hold its second annual Community Expo on Sunday, May 16 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. along Antioch Street, Via de la Paz and Swarthmore Avenue (below Sunset).   The ambitious day will include booths promoting health, the environment, education, financial issues, camps, home and garden, religion, travel and technology.   Another feature will be a display of classic and exotic cars on Via de la Paz that proved popular last year. This attraction is made possible by gold sponsor Stokes Tire Pros, located in Santa Monica and owned by longtime Pacific Palisades resident Jon Stokes.   The Expo’s other gold sponsor is Altour Palisades, the travel advisory firm at 15309 Antioch. Wells Fargo Bank, now merged with Wachovia Bank at 15240 Sunset Boulevard, is the silver sponsor.   Come May 16, the streets will be alive with music when Patrick Hildebrand takes to the bandstand at the corner of Antioch and Via with his Amazing Music band, comprising students of all ages who have learned to play at his 867 Swarthmore studio. Also roaming the Expo will be one-man-band Michael Cladis.   Currently, businesses participating with booths at the street fair include Aldersgate Retreat Center; Barry Shaw & Associates; Brett Bjornson, Esq.; Carpets West; Chabad Palisades; Cognitiatives Brain Training; Ford’s Plumbing; Zara Guivi of Oppenheimer & Company; Innate Chiropractic Center; Kitchen Design Group; Sean Leo of New York Life; One West Bank (formerly First Federal Bank); Pacific Palisades Pediatric Dentistry; Pacific Coast Pilates; Palisades Lutheran Church; Palisades Screen & Glass; Perennial Financial Services; RLB Architecture; Spectrum Athletic Club; St. Matthew’s Parish; Tanya Starcevich of Keller-Williams; Suntricity, Inc.; Technology for You!; The E-center; The Maids Home Services; Time Warner Cable; Tumbleweed Camp; Village School Summer Camp; and Vital Force Chiropractic.   Members of the Pacific Palisades Art Association will display works of art on the Village Green.   The hard-working Expo committee is co-chaired by Joyce Brunelle (Suntricity, Inc.) and Roberta Donohue (publisher of the Palisadian-Post). Members include Brett Bjornson, Rena Bornstein (Cognitiatives), Chris Erickson (Aldersgate), Zara Guivi, Maisha Perry (Palisades Charter High School), Carol Pfannkuche (Palisades-Malibu YMCA), Shannon Watson (Vital Force Chiropratic), and Greg Wood (PaliHi’s chief business officer). For more information about the Expo, call the Chamber office at (310) 459-7963.   Stokes Tire Pros, located at 1117 Santa Monica Blvd., has been fitting tires for Vipers, Lamborghinis, Porsches and BMWs, as well as family cars and vans, for more than 30 years. The shop also provides vehicle maintenance and oil changes.   The Stokes family has been in the car-related business since the late 1930s, when Jon’s grandfather, Bill, opened a gas station on Pontius and Idaho in West Los Angeles. Jon’s father, Jack Stokes, eventually opened four stations, the last of which was located at 10th and Wilshire. Beginning at age 9, young Stokes worked in that station, helping to wash windows and check tire pressure. Some 35 years ago, Jack Stokes bought a retail tire store at the present address and asked Jon to come aboard. ‘What was supposed to be short-term turned into my life career,’ Jon Stokes told the Palisadian-Post in January 2009. Staff writer Sue Pascoe contributed to this story.

Nancy Winchester, Active Citizen

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Nancy Ziesmer Winchester passed away peacefully at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks on April 22. She was 89. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 20, 1921, Nancy finished high school in Mankato, MN in 1938, then attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, where she received a master’s degree in psychology in 1943. She worked in this field until 1949.   Nancy and Richard Winchester were married in Mankato on September 10, 1947. They moved with their family to Pacific Palisades in 1961 and lived here until 2008. Nancy was active in several organizations, particularly St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, where she served on the Vestry and Altar Guild in addition to working in the church’s thrift shop. She was also involved with the Assistance League of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Breakfast Club.   Known for her gracious demeanor and wit, Nancy will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Survivors include her husband Richard of Thousand Oaks; daughter Elizabeth Allen, who lives in Davis; son Thomas of Fillmore; and son Andrew of Santa Barbara. Services will be conducted at St. Matthew’s Church on Sunday, May 2, at 1 p.m.

Celebrating Artistic Young Minds

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PaliHi junior Max Tinglof, digital photography
PaliHi junior Max Tinglof, digital photography

Palisades Charter High School art and photography students had a chance to experience what it would feel like to have a gallery opening last Thursday. ‘I think it’s important for the kids to have their work on display in a public place,’ said art teacher Susan Curren, adding that it encourages them with their craft. More than 500 students exhibited their artistic talents during the school’s annual art showcase night, which featured ceramics, drawings, paintings and photographs. The theater, choir and band students also performed. Curren, who has taught at PaliHi for 12 years, touted the accomplishments of her advanced placement (AP) art students. So far, at least nine of the 18 seniors have received college scholarships starting at $8,000. Art schools such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Maryland Institute College of Art and the San Francisco Art Institute visit the school to recruit students. According to Curren, representatives are impressed with the students’ work because of the variety. ‘The students all really go in their own direction; the technique and the style are different,’ Curren said. In the first part of the school year, the AP students work on self-portraits and still life, but in the second half, Curren asks them to create a series of artwork around a theme.   Senior Sierra Ragazzo, who has received a full scholarship to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, created interpretive portraits on wood using mixed media. Each piece was dedicated to a friend and included the writings of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Senior Amy Bell painted a series of portraits on wood and then outlined each person’s skeletal system with rope.   ’The sophistication of some of these kids is amazing,’ Curren said. ‘Amy often uses found materials, which is a tradition that goes back to Picasso.’   Meanwhile, Rick Steil, who has taught photography for the past two years, hopes to give his students an artistic outlet along with the skills they would need to pursue photography as a career.   ’I expose them to everything from real world to fine art to self-expression,’ he said.   Steil, a Pacific Palisades resident with 25 years of freelance photography experience, teaches five beginning classes and one advanced course to a total of 190 students.   The students learn how to take photos of urban landscapes and environmental landscapes. For one assignment, Steil asks them to take an advertising photo for a fashion magazine. He tells the students to think about their client and intended audience. Are they photographing for Louis Vuitton or Forever 21?   He also requires students to complete a photojournalism exercise, taking five pictures on a specific subject matter. ‘The photos have to tell us a story visually,’ Steil said. ‘I like photos that upset people. If the students have done that, they have done their job. The goal is to move people emotionally.’   In addition to teaching the students how to use digital cameras, Steil thinks it’s important they also work with film. He finds that this forces them to learn lighting and composition because they can’t correct their mistakes later with Adobe Photoshop.   ’It teaches them to see photographs rather than just take them,’ he said.   Steil said one of his favorite assignments is asking the students to photograph their views on gender. One of his students flipped the gender roles by photographing a young man in the bathroom looking at a pregnancy test, wondering what he was going to do next.   ’I have a lot of creative kids tapping into themselves and really saying something,’ Steil said.

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© Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272