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ACLU Honors Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter

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Sundance's Michelle Satter will be honored by the ACLU on December 7 in Beverly Hills.
Sundance’s Michelle Satter will be honored by the ACLU on December 7 in Beverly Hills.

As the founding director of the feature film program of the Sundance Institute, Michelle Satter is used to seeing filmmakers and screenwriters honored at Sundance’s film festival. But next week, it will be Satter, a longtime Pacific Palisades resident, who will be honored. The American Civil Liberties Union will honor Satter, along with her colleagues, Cara Mertes and Sundance Institute founder Robert Redford, at its annual Bill of Rights Dinner on Monday, December 7 at 6 p.m. at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. (Redford will not be appearing in person.) ‘Michelle has influenced many of the Institute’s programs, including its international initiatives supporting next-generation filmmakers and cultural exchange throughout the world,’ said Ramona Ripston, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. ‘Her efforts have helped foster an exchange of ideas that has raised public consciousness and shed light on the restriction of civil liberties.’ This decade has been rough waters for independent fare, but Satter told the Palisadian-Post, ‘It’s always been tough and it’s always been cyclical. I’m actually excited by the opportunity. It’s in a transitional state.’ Even though these movies have had a difficult time of late, with studios shutting down their boutique film divisions, Satter felt that ‘there have always been exciting filmmakers.’ She pointed out the high-grossing, shoestring-budget horror flick ‘Paranormal Activity’ (‘this generation’s ‘Blair Witch Project”) and ‘Precious,’ which premiered at Sundance’s prestigious film festival in Park City, Utah, and is currently enjoying the support of Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. ‘There are movies out there with a range of budgets which are independent in spirit,’ Satter noted. This year’s Oscar-worthy films which came through Sundance under Satter’s auspices include ‘Sin Nombre’ and ‘Amreeka.’ Both were announced on Tuesday as Best Picture contenders at the Independent Spirit Awards, to be held in Santa Monica on March 5. In hindsight, independent film exploded 20 years ago following Steven Soderbergh’s triumphant Sundance Film Festival moment with his groundbreaking debut, ‘Sex, Lies and Videotape.’ ‘The ’90s were an exciting time,’ Satter said of the days when David O’ Russell, Paul Thomas Anderson and Wes Anderson went through Sundance’s programs. Tarantino polished his first film, ‘Reservoir Dogs,’ there, while Kimberly Pierce developed ‘Boys Don’t Cry.’ Other notables crafted in Park City include Darren Aronofsky’s ‘Requiem for a Dream’ and recent critical darlings ‘Maria Full of Grace’ and ‘Half-Nelson.’ Prominent female filmmakers who have benefited from Sundance include Allison Anders, who worked on ‘La Vida Loca’ there, and actress/filmmaker Miranda July, whose well-received ‘You and Me and Everyone We Know’ was produced by Palisades native Gina Kwon. Satter noted the Institute’s extensive, intensive documentary program, its relatively recent marketing and distribution program, and its embrace of international talent. ‘American filmmakers can learn from their counterparts from all over the world,’ she said. ‘We also have a robust documentary program as well as an American theater program.’ She listed ‘Spring Awakening’ and ‘Passing Strange’ as examples of Sundance-developed stage works. Writer-director Tamara Jenkins, who workshopped ‘The Savages’ (starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney ) at Sundance, said in a 2007 speech before Satter received her Women in Film Award, ‘When Michelle called me, I was stuck and self-loathing and I was scared to call her back. But she was persistent. In her impossibly gentle way she managed to coax me out of my postgraduate stupor. She made me feel that my stupid ideas weren’t stupid.’   For 20 years, Satter has divided her time between Utah and Upper Bienveneda. ‘My husband [producer David Latt] owned a home in the Palisades,’ she said. ‘When we got married, I moved here. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to live.’ Latt has won an Emmy for ‘Hill St. Blues’ and was also nominated for ‘Twin Peaks.’ He produced ‘EZ Streets’ with Paul Haggis and ‘Citizen Baines’ with John Wells. Satter and Latt have two children, both graduates of Paul Revere and Palisades High: Michael, a sophomore at UC Davis (and former PaliHi football player), and Satter’s stepson, Franklin, an assistant agent at Creative Artists Agency, in the motion picture talent department. There are times each year when Satter travels to Utah, such as in January for the screenwriters’ lab and the film festival; in June, when directors’ and screenwriters’ labs happen, and in August, for the film music program, run by a fellow Palisadian, composer Peter Golub (‘Frozen River’), and the producers’ program. ‘I also travel to New York,’ Satter said, ‘and other parts of the world (Brazil, Mexico, France, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Jordan) where I’ve helped to launch creative labs, modeled on the Sundance Lab, in support of a new generation of screenwriters, directors, and producers.’ But ‘Pacific Palisades is my home,’ Satter continued. ‘I walk on the beach every day and I feel so lucky that I live in this incredible place.’ Originally from the town of Elberon on the Jersey shore, Satter attended Northeastern University, where she majored in art history. After graduating, she recalled, ‘I had several odd jobs before co-founding ArtiCulture, Inc., a nonprofit performing arts production company with two of my friends. We were all recent graduates who completely learned on the job and got to produce hundreds of performing arts events throughout Boston and Cambridge. We did this for three years. ‘During that time, I fell in love with film, spending many afternoons at the Orson Welles Cinema, where they had a steady program of foreign language, classic, and independent films.’ Satter worked briefly at Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art as the director of public relations ‘waiting to find that perfect job in film,’ she said. In June of 1981, it arrived. ‘I was invited to the inaugural program of the Sundance Institute, the June Directors Lab,’ Satter said, ‘where I had the opportunity to provide organizational help to the first creative lab supporting the work of emerging independent filmmakers.   ’At the time, it was a very small operation with several full-time staff and a temporary office. Everything was makeshift and new.’ The Institute and its attendant festival, the most prestigious in independent cinema, was famously the brainchild of actor-cum-filmmaker Robert Redford. ‘I got to meet with Robert at the end of that first lab and pitch him a proposal on how I could extend my run. He was like, ‘Sure,” she said, laughing. ‘I opened the L.A. office [in September 1981] and became the founding director of the feature film program. ‘His commitment is unflagging and has been consistent,’ Satter continued of Redford. ‘He’s still very hands-on. The great moments for him are working directly with the filmmakers. It’s his vision, his leadership, his generosity of spirit that has been the drive of the Institute.’ It doesn’t hurt to have one of Hollywood’s handsomest, most charismatic celebrities on hand. ‘Sundance depends on the generosity of many,’ Satter said. ‘Of course, with his lead, a lot of creative people have come forward and we couldn’t run the institution without them.’ But it’s the filmmakers who keep Satter sated: ‘I’m really excited, and Sundance is always excited by the next generation of artists.’   For tickets and information regarding the ACLU gala, call (213) 977-5250 or e-mail meegan@aclu-sc.org.

Robert Berke, 61; Attorney, Fighter for Human Rights

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Robert (Bob) Berke, a Pacific Palisades resident and prominent attorney who tackled life with passion and intelligence, passed away on November 28 from meningoencephalitis, complicated by pneumonia. He was 61.   Born in the Bronx, New York, on March 18, 1948, Bob came to California in 1954. He attended John Burroughs High School in Burbank, where he was a debater and president of the senior class. At Pomona College, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Bob was valedictorian and organized anti-Vietnam War demonstrations.   He graduated from UCLA Law School in 1973 and began his legal career as a deputy public defender. After eight years, Bob became a staff attorney with the Center for Law in the Public Interest. He then joined the Los Angeles firm of Overland, Berke, Wesley, Gits, Randolph and Levanas as a managing and litigation partner.   After founding his own law office in 1991, Bob continued his brilliant professional career as a criminal law and civil rights lawyer. He also served as president of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) and as president of the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club.   In that latter role, Bob led efforts to open a Democratic headquarters office in Santa Monica in 2008, which he proudly boasted made hundreds of thousands of calls on behalf of Barack Obama and the state initiatives’more than any other headquarters in Southern California; organized two bus trips to the crucial state of Nevada; and hosted events featuring Senator Barbara Boxer, political commentator Robert Scheer and Assemblywoman Julia Brownley. He was co-chair of the club’s annual Anne Froehlich Awards Dinner for Political Courage, which began in 2006.   An active member of Death Penalty Focus, Bob was a staunch fighter for human rights and dignity, and a tireless advocate for the downtrodden. He was an inspiration to some, a mentor to many, and a beloved friend to even more. He devoted his career and the better part of his life to battling the government on behalf of those whose rights had been trammeled by the system.   Many people, including those who called him father, son, uncle and brother, will greatly miss Bob Berke.   He is survived by his mother, Sylvia Berke (husband Emanuel Forster) of Pacific Palisades, and by his son, Chad Berke, of West Hills.   Memorial services will be held Sunday, December 6, at 1 p.m. at Kehillat Israel Synagogue, 16019 Sunset Blvd., in Pacific Palisades.   In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Death Penalty Focus, the ACLU or the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club (P.O. Box 343, zip code 90272).

Van Allen, 91; Naval Veteran, Businessman

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Van Allen (Thornton Van Nuys Allen, Jr.), beloved father of Terry V. Allen of Port Ludlow, Washington, and Sarah Lee Allen and her husband Raymond Poblick of Brentwood, passed away at home in Pacific Palisades on November 22, 2009 at age 91 of natural causes.   He was the devoted husband of Julia (‘Dickie’) Searle Allen, who predeceased him, loving brother of James Pendleton Allen and his wife Joyce Dayton Allen of Los Angeles, and cherished uncle to several nieces and nephews. Van was born in Los Angeles on September 15, 1918, to Thornton Van Nuys Allen and Elizabeth Katharine Connely Allen. He graduated from Los Angeles High School and Stanford University with a major in economics and minor in poetry, and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. In 1943, Van met the love of his life Dickie in the control tower while both were working for Pan American Airways at Treasure Island near San Francisco. Van was a flight navigator aboard the China Clipper seaplanes flying all-night trips from San Francisco to Hawaii (‘hopefully non-stop’ as he loved to say). His flying took him throughout the islands of the South Pacific and as far west as Australia. Dickie and Van corresponded while he was on active duty and they married on December 2, 1944. They moved to Southern California in 1947, settled in Pacific Palisades in 1957 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary together in 2004. He was most proud of his lifelong commitment to the Navy and his service to country. Van was commissioned an officer in the Naval Air Reserve prior to the U.S. involvement in World War II. While on active duty he served in the Pacific Theater as a flight navigator for a seaplane squadron based at NAS Alameda for the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS). He continued his military service in the Reserves for 20 years, with cruises aboard the USS Hancock, USS Kitty Hawk, and USS Ticonderoga, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander.   Van and his brother Jim managed the T. V. Allen Company, a family business started by their father in 1912 that manufactured fine stationery and personalized greeting cards. The company furnished products to retailers worldwide for over 75 years before being acquired by Crane & Company. Van was president of the company for 23 years, past president of the Engraved Stationery Manufacturing Association, and past president of the Bel-Air Bay Club. Van loved to entertain people by singing, reciting poems of Robert Service and Rudyard Kipling, telling stories in Lancashire dialect, and doing impressions of Winston Churchill, Maurice Chevalier and Frank Sinatra. He also wrote poems about his flying experiences and a personal memoir entitled ‘Brown Shoe Navigator’ or ‘Unheard of Tales of the South Pacific.’ He touched the lives of everyone he met and lived up to the description in his school yearbook as ‘Everyone’s Friend.’ Bravo Zulu! A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades, on Sunday, December 6, at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palisades-Malibu YMCA.

Suzanne Hogan Joyce, 88; Traveler, Former Palisadian

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Suzanne Joyce, a former 40-year resident of Pacific Palisades and local real estate agent, passed away on October 16. She was 88.   Born on November 26, 1920 to Roma and Gus Hogan in Santa Monica, Suzanne graduated from Santa Monica High. Quite a maverick in her time, she received her pilot’s license at age 17.   Suzanne started in the real estate business, first as an associate in Santa Monica, then as a broker in Beverly Hills and in Pacific Palisades. She also held an Idaho real estate broker license.   Her husband, the late Joseph P. (Joe) Joyce, worked in the aeronautical engineering field and Suzanne’s experience as a pilot strengthened their bond. She married Joe in 1940 and they moved to Pacific Palisades in 1950, where she raised her family and resided for 40 years. Thereafter she moved to the Bay Area to be closer to her daughters; then in 1992 she moved to Hayden Lake, where the family had vacationed since 1960. She loved the beauty and serenity of the area, the clear lake, the kindness of the people and the fulfillment of nature in its peaks and valleys and its wildflowers and birds.   Suzanne was a traveler. With her husband she traveled to those states that supported the aerospace industry. They made lifelong friends during that time. After Joe’s passing in 1976, Suzanne traveled with family to Europe, England and Ireland. In 1979 she traveled to Japan with the L.A. Folk Art Museum. In the early 1980s she traveled to Alaska, taking ferries to visit various glaciers and national parks. She and her daughters also visited Yosemite, Glacier and Yellowstone. Her favorite vacation was a 10-day trip down the Colorado River, floating and shooting rapids through the Grand Canyon.   In 1960, Suzanne and Joe visited Hayden Lake for the first time at the invitation of the late Sallie and Jim Sutherland. This became a constant summer trip and led to the purchase of their first home, a log cabin on Lakeview Drive in 1973. Suzanne spent the last 18 years of her life at a second Hayden Lake home, where she spent countless hours in the garden. She loved sharing her home and time with family and friends, and enjoyed golf, boating, fishing and the horse races at the Kootenai County Fair.   Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, and her brother, G. William Hogan. She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Sue Thomsen (husband Dale) of Belvedere, California and JoAnne Joyce of Hayden Lake, and her twin sister, Mary McDonell of San Clemente.   Her life was celebrated at a Mass at Pius X Catholic Church on November 28. She will be buried with her husband Joe at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City at 10 a.m. on December 16. A celebration at the Santa Monica Beach Club will follow the burial service.   Suzanne will be remembered for her grace and beauty, her elegance and eclectic style, her devotion to family and friends, her respect for nature and all that is beautiful and her love of God.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 3, 2009

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HOMES WANTED 1b

NEWLY MARRIED COUPLE seeks to assist you in readying your home, with guesthouse, for the market in exchange for a 1 year lease with option to buy. (310) 823-6380

FURNISHED HOMES 2

EXECUTIVE RENTAL. Immaculate, fully furnished, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath. Pool, gym, spa, near trailheads, mountain view. (310) 459-9111

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

3 ROOM GUESTHOUSE, Full kitchen, balcony, hardwood floors, quiet garden setting. Washer & dryer in garage. Cat o.k. 1 year lease. $2,200/mo. Utilities included. (310) 454-8150

CHARMING 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH. Spanish. Close to the village with hardwood floors, fireplace, and canyon view. $4,975/mo. Contact Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706

3 BDRM, 1 BA. $3,300/mo. 1/2 utilities, 2 car parking, close to village, schools, shops, & beach. Pets o.k. Appliances, W/D, D/W, & refrigerator. Min. 1 year lease. By appt. only. Eric, (310) 428-3364

ONE LEVEL REMODELED bright home 3 bd, 2 ba, PL, TC, gym, private backyard, $4,500/mo. Judy, (310) 454-0696

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

CUTE & COZY SINGLE mediterranean triplex near village & bluffs. Full kitchen, bath, laundry, hardwd flrs, garden, and carport. 1 year lease. Non-smoking building. No pets. $1,500/mo. (310) 804-3142

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

2 BD, 1 BA UNIT AVAILABLE. $1,850/mo. upper unit available now. Vintage 6 unit building. Includes water. Approx. 800 sq. ft., Hardwood, tile floors. Lite & brite. Shared laundry. Pet o.k. with approval. 1 year lease. (424) 228-4570

DECEMBER SPECIAL, one month free. One bdrm. $1,285/mo., or large studio $1,125/mo. refrigerator, gas stove, laundry, covered parking, storage. No pets, non-smoker. (310) 477-6767

CHARMING, SUNNY UPPER UNIT. 1 bdrm. + office/den. Hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, 2 bthrms., 1 car garage, on-site laundry, small pet considered. $2,300/mo. (310) 459-5576

SANTA MONICA ‘COTTAGE,’ $2,950/MO.!!! A rare find in lovely 4 unit complex on Yale and Montana. Perfect for those who love their gardens and desire privacy. This unique and charming one bedroom has the feel of an East Coast Hamptons Cottage. Beautifully maintained w/ a feeling of Zen. HAS EVERYTHING; ‘ High wood beam ceilings ‘ Peg and grooved hardwood floors ‘ Brick wood burning fireplace ‘ French windows and shutters throughout ‘ New stainless appliances with washer-dryer in unit ‘ Surrounded by spacious private garden patio ‘ Fenced and gated entry with intercom ‘ Security & completely separate from other units ‘ Enclosed garage and unlimited street parking (No permit required). No pets, one year lease. Call: (310) 826-7960

BRENTWOOD $1,750/mo. Adjacent GOLF COURSE. Charming designer’s 1 bedrm lower. Has everything!! ‘ Beautiful ‘Italian Paladin style’ security building ‘ Hardwood floors ‘ Wood-burning fireplace ‘ Shutters throughout ‘ French doors to patio ‘ Spacious bedroom w/ lots of closets ‘ Stainless appliances ‘ Enclosed garage, unlimited parking (no permit). Beautiful, manicured garden w/ lush landscaping & trees. No pets, one year lease. (310) 826-7960

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

SPACIOUS 3 BDRM, 3 BA TOWNHOME in Pacific Palisades. Tennis court & swimming pool. $3,500/mo. Call Judy, (310) 454-0696

RENTALS TO SHARE 3a

LOOKING FOR FURNISHED BEDROOM in house or large condo/apartment. Middle aged, professional, single man. Quiet, neat, non-smoker, responsible. (240) 461-3643

WANTED TO RENT 3b

LOOKING FOR GUEST HOUSE or small house. Longtime Palisades resident. Mature single woman. Quiet, non smoker. Great tenant. (310) 454-4950

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

THE SKI CHANNEL in the 881 Alma Real building has 2 offices and 2 cubes for sub-lease featuring shared use of many amenities. (310) 230-2050

ONE OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT in Pacific Palisades Village. $1,250/mo. Call (310) 230-8335

SUBLET OFFICE(S) WITHIN EXISTING LAW FIRM. Two adjacent offices (14×14 & 11×11) available within confines of existing estate and trust law practice in the Atrium Building on Via de la Paz. Excellent opportunity for a synergistic relationship with the right practitioner. Month to month rate negotiable depending on needs. Internet available. Call (310) 459-5353 to arrange to see.

VACATION RENTALS 3e

MAMMOTH SKI CHATEAU RENTAL. Blocks from Canyon Lodge, brand new 2400 sq. ft. premium luxury townhome with limestone and hardwood floors throughout. Sleeps up to 14 people. Call: (310) 454-7313

FOUR FULLY SELF-CONTAINED trailers for rent across from Will Rogers State Beach & about 2 miles from Santa Monica Pier. $1,095/mo. & $895/mo. (310) 454-2515

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5

SALON FOR SALE’$38,000. Salon for sale in Pal’i’sades Village for $38,000. Gross revenue is $91,680. Rent is only $2,520. Owner is moving and will introduce clients to new owner. (310) 488-3270

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

QUICKBOOKS. Approved accounting principles. Personal or business record keeping by local Palisadian. (310) 570-6085, www.bigsisterworkshop.com

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

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

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/

PALISADES COMPUTER REPAIR. Based in Pacific Palisades. Prices posted online. (310) 454-6912. www.palisadesrepair.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

NOTARY PUBLIC 7g

NOTARY SERVICES. Will travel. Rachel Schwartz, (310) 699-1464

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

CONFUSING MEDICAL BILLS? Let personal organizer put your insurance paperwork and medical records in order. Save money by letting me deal with insurance company. Perfect for year end accounting. Call Nicole, (310) 428-6037

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

CONFUSING MEDICAL BILLS? Let personal organizer put your insurance paperwork and medical records in order. Save money by letting me deal with insurance company. Perfect for year end accounting. Call Nicole, (310) 428-6037

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

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

HOUSEKEEPER, 15-20 years experience. Excellent local references. Warm, reliable, hard-working, great with kids & pets! Please call Raquel at (213) 736-5362

HOUSEKEEPER: References, many years experience, own car. Days available Monday-Friday. Please call Martha, (213) 675-4113 or (909) 232-0623

HOUSECLEANING/HOUSEKEEPING: Experienced, own transportation, local references. Please call Delmy, (323) 708-4327

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

GOOD COMPANY Senior Care. A premiere private duty home care agency. Provides in-home care and companionship to help people remain independent and happy at home. If you are a caring individual who would like to join our team, please call (323) 932-8700. joni@goodcopros.com. CAREGIVER. Responsible adult living in Pacific Palisades available for caregiver tasks. Call (949) 573-7247

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

HAULING. Local students will haul your stuff. References. (310) 922-8475

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE 12a

PALISADES PERSONAL TRAINER! I’m certified, fully insured & eager to help you become stronger, leaner & more energized. Holiday special: 50 minute sessions for $30. Contact Jennifer, (310) 403-9548

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. 10% new customer discount. Next day service available. Free estimates. Lic. & bonded. Insured. (310) 926-7626

CATERING 14

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

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

ORGANIZER HOME AND OFFICE. There’s no place like home for the holidays’unless it’s a mess. Let me help you get organized. Call Char @ (310) 562-3372 or cbcoaching@gmail.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

PUPPY HEAVEN ‘ TRAINING/WALKING ‘ Play groups and hikes. 30 years Palisades resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog!

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

TUTORING FOR GRADES 1-8 by a California credentialed teacher and the author of 14 educational books. Affordable prices. Call Linda, (310) 820-7580

GROZA LEARNING CENTER. Tutoring K-12, all subjects & reading. SAT, ISEE, HSPT, ACT, ERB, STAR. Caring, meticulous service. GrozaLearningCenter.com ‘ (310) 454-3731

HELP WITH THE HOMEWORK WARS! Very experienced, private tutor. Exeter/Yale Grad, three children in Pali Schools, leads students of all motivation levels to substantial gains in grades, test scores and overall interest in learning. College application essays, SAT prep, critical reading, essay writing, algebra, AP history, Spanish. Call Justin, (310) 801-1048

ENGLISH TUTOR. College, HS, MS. Writing, reading comprehension, study skills, test preparation. Experienced private school teacher, MA UCLA. Reasonable rate. Arthur, (310) 459-9100

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

PIANO LESSONS/INSTRUCTION for intermediate students. Classical Performance BM honors student UC Santa Barbara. Supportive/creative/engaging methods for pianistic excellence. Pacific Palisades, (805) 231-2958, gavingamboa@gmail.com

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR ‘ 39 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES ‘ New Construction & Remodels. Hardscapes, custom stone, stamped concrete, brick, driveways, retaining walls, BBQs, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, foundations, drainage, pool & spas, water features. Excellent local refs. Lic #309844. Bonded, ins, work comp. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 ‘ WWW.HORUSICKY.COM

CONSTRUCTION 16d

ALAN PINE, GENERAL CONTRACTOR ‘ New homes ‘ Remodeling ‘ Additions ‘ Kitchen & bath ‘ Planning/architectural services ‘ Insured ‘ Local refs. Lic. #469435. (310) 457-5655 or (818) 203-8881

CASALE CONSTRUCTION CO. LLC ‘ General Contractor Lic. #512443 ‘ Residential ‘ Commercial ‘ New Construction ‘ Additions ‘ Remodeling ‘ (866) 362-2573 (o), (323) 503-3049 (c) ‘ www.reemodeling.com

HGTV Design Team (former). HGTV Design Team. We are a full service construction/design team ready to remodel a room for you! Formally on the hit HGTV show, Rate My Space. We revive any room or outdoor space for you. With our inspired, affordable, licensed construction and design staff, we can bring your ideas to life. From simple affordable alterations to extensive overhauls and additions we are the right company for you!! Lic. #858904. 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 ELECTRICAL * Over 25 yrs experience, All phases of electrical. 24 hrs, 7 day service. (310) 621-3905. Lic. #695411

FENCES, DECKS 16j

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

INDEPENDENT SERVICE CARLOS FENCE: Wood & Picket Fences ‘ Chain Link ‘ Iron & Gates ‘ Deck & Patio Covers. Ask for Carlos, (310) 677-2737 or fax (310) 677-8650. Non-lic.

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. 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

ALL AMERICAN HANDYMAN! Quick home/office repairs. Furniture assembly, plumbing, appliances, electric & fixtures. Emergency service available 24 hours. Local refs. Non-lic. Thomas, (310) 985-2928

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 ‘ 55 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

SQUIRE PAINTING CO. Interior and Exterior. License #405049. 30 years. Local Service. (310) 454-8266. www.squirepainting.com

ZARKO PRTINA PAINTING. Interior/Exterior. Serving Palisades/Malibu over 35 years. Lic. #637882. Call (310) 454-6604

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

ALL SEASONS PAINTING. Holiday specials ‘ Kitchen cabinets, garage doors, deck & fences. Interior/exterior painting specialist. ‘Green’ environmentally friendly paint upon request. Excellent referrals. Free estimate. Lic. #106150. Randy, (310) 678-7913

REMODELING 16v

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

HELP WANTED 17

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

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

DEDICATED & TRUSTWORTHY personal assistant needed to handle personal & business errands. Should have good communication skills, both verbal & written. Send resumes to: recruitmentdept101@live.com

15 PEOPLE WANTED to lose 30 lbs. in 30 days! 100% guaranteed! Dr. recommended! Call (888) 213-6863

AUTOS 18b

1999 VOLKSWAGEN WOLFSBURG. White, low mileage, 1 owner, excellent cond. Heat, A/C, CD adaptable radio w/ removable face. Excellent for new teen driver. Very reliable. $4,200 OBO. (310) 823-6380

2002 FORD ESCAPE. 1 owner, black with leather interior, midnight model, low mileage. $6,500. (310) 454-0034

Drawing Judgment

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Veteran courthouse illustrator Bill Robles
Veteran courthouse illustrator Bill Robles

Go ahead and call his profession ‘sketchy.’ Bill Robles does not mind. For 40 years, Robles has occupied a unique profession (even among artists) as a courthouse illustrator. From the Manson Family to the O.J. Simpson and Rodney King trials and the Michael Jackson molestation case, his career highlights read like a history of Los Angeles and a sizzle reel of celebrity justice. In addition to the major trials accompanying this article, Robles’ hand has documented”in pen-and-ink and color marker”Roman Polanski on trial in 1977 for unlawful sex with a minor (before he fled the country), Lee Marvin’s palimony case, the Unabomber, the Menendez Brothers’ patricide and matricide trial, Oklahoma City bombers Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, Rodney King, the Anthony Pellicano trial, the Cameron Diaz extortion trial, Alec Baldwin’s battery trial, Charles Keating’s arraignment, Paris Hilton’s 2007 DUI sentencing, and, recently, the doctors and former lover of Anna Nicole Smith and the Frank and Jamie McCourt divorce hearing. Let’s just say that the odds are you would not want to be the subject of a Robles sketch. ‘I read about this stuff in the newspaper,’ Robles tells the Palisadian-Post, ‘and the next thing I know, I’m in court with them with my pad and pens.’ Robles deems Michael Bolton and Paula Abdul among the nicest subjects he’s met in person, and he considers the Michael Jackson molestation trial his favorite assignment. ‘It was also my most grueling and lucrative trial,’ he says.   Robles grew up on L.A.’s East side in Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles and Montebello. His father was born in Mexico. His maternal grandmother was from Beirut, Lebanon. ‘As a child, I always had a passion for art,’ Robles says. ‘My Garfield High School art teacher, Alma Hill Breeze, and my parents, were my inspiration in pursuing my art education.’ After graduating from Art Center College of Design as an illustration major, ‘I worked a few years for a couple of art studios here in L.A. Gaining valuable experience, and making a few client contacts, I became a freelance illustrator in 1965.’ Things took a hard turn nearly 40 years ago. ‘One of my Art Center classmates [Dick Bell] became the art director for the local CBS news and through him,’ Robles says, ‘I was chosen to cover the Charles Manson murder trial. ‘Manson exploded the whole field [of court illustrators]. At that trial, there were seven artists. ‘The Manson trial has been my longest, at nine-and-a-half months. Since that time, I have balanced a career as an illustrator, courtroom artist, and art school instructor.’ When he’s not in a courtroom, Robles teaches. For five years, Robles taught as a drawing instructor at Art Center. And for the past 20 years, he’s been teaching at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. Currently residing in Brentwood, Robles lived in Pacific Palisades from 1989 to 2004 while he was in a relationship with former Palisadian Sandy Derby. ‘She went north and I went east,’ says the sanguine Robles, who has two children, Christian, 40, and Michele, 35, from a previous relationship when he was married. Robles, who currently freelances for media outlets such as NBC and CNN, takes great pride in his artistry. He lists artists Edgar Degas and Gustav Klimt, and illustrators Charles Dana Gibson, Bob Peak and Bernie Fuchs among his influences and inspirations. The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles honored Robles in 2003 (the Society’s 50-year anniversary) with a career achievement award. ‘Bill is a very talented artist and is very well known in our industry,’ says illustrator Keith Batcheller, who is on the Society of Illustrators’ board of directors. ‘Bill is the top court room sketch artist in the country and he has covered many well-known court trials.’ ‘Thank God I have an artistic talent,’ Robles told the Society in an interview, ‘or I wouldn’t have a clue what I would be doing.’ For more on Robles, visit BillRobles.com.

It’s Anchors Away for Jim Giggans

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Dateline Vietnam, 1973. An American military helicopter lifts off from a fire base. En route to Pleiku, the copter is met by an onslaught of Viet Cong. A ‘ping-ping-ping-ping’ rips across the side of the chopper. The co-pilot shouts ‘Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!’ as the helicopter drops out of the sky. In the chair beside him, the pilot sits slumped over, a red stain slowly growing around his heart. Two of the four gunners aboard the helicopter rush over to the pilot and rip open his clothes to see where he’s hit. Also aboard that falling chopper is an ABC news crew: a cameraman, a soundman, and a 20-something foreign correspondent named Jim Giggans. ‘I was shot down in a helicopter,’ Giggans tells the Palisadian-Post point-blank with a bemused grin. Today, he sits not crouched within an Army copter but on the Starbucks patio on Swarthmore. The Bruckheimer movie-worthy story he recalls might not jibe with the avuncular image many may hold of the former news anchor, who worked at KNBC through the 1990s. ‘There were bad guys like from here to Ralphs,’ he says, pointing eastward, as he puts a reporter in the mindset of Giggans the foreign correspondent in the middle of the Vietnam War. ‘You are dressed in battle fatigues, wearing a Kevlar bulletproof vest. And you don’t have a gun!’ Although the pilot died, the helicopter crash did not kill the ABC News crew and, with the aid of an American gunship, the trio was able to escape alive. ‘They set the jungle on fire to get us out of there,’ Giggans says. ‘The soundman was crying, ‘I can’t die, I can’t die! I have eight children!’ The tears were running down his eyes. But we never stopped filming.’ The experience rattled him. ‘I was terrified!’ Giggans says. ‘I thought we were going to die.’ But he stuck out his assignment, straight through the fall of Saigon. ‘I had to get back into a chopper. This is what comes with the territory.’ Giggans covered numerous conflicts: the Greeks and Turks in Cyprus, Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge, the Middle East. In Belfast, ‘The IRA bombed the hotel we were staying in!’ While in Entebbe [Uganda in 1976], ‘The city had fallen. The airport was closed. Luckily, you have a wad of cash that the network gives you, and you bribe your way onto the plane. They were shelling the airplane as we were leaving. ‘Oh, my God, the situations that we were in,’ he continues with a chuckle. ‘But would I trade it for anything? Absolutely not!’ Jim Giggans grew up in Bremerton, Washington, and attended the University of Washington. He pursued his graduate studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, concentrating on international politics. He intended to become an ambassador. However, a chance meeting with ABC News president Elmer Lauer at a dinner party changed that. ‘I knew nothing about journalism,’ Giggans admits. ‘But I guess [Lauer] was impressed. He liked the way I spoke. He said, ‘Come and try it out for six months and if I don’t like you, I’ll fire you. If you don’t like it, you can leave.’ At ABC News, anchored by Peter Jennings, Giggans learned every aspect of producing segments. ‘Suddenly, I was on Easter Island [2000 miles west of] Chile with a population of 1,200,’ he recalls. ‘While we were down there, the French had a nuclear test in the South Pacific, which has nothing whatsoever to do with where I was. They cut to me and said, ‘Elsewhere in the South Pacific” From that point on, I was a foreign correspondent for ABC News.’   Divorce and a new start brought Giggans from New York City to Los Angeles in 1980, when he met his second wife, Rosanna Hill, who works for an affordable-housing organization. He sought the routine of working at a local news broadcast starting at CBS affiliate KNXT, anchored by Connie Chung. ‘When you’re a foreign correspondent, your life is controlled by a phone call,’ Giggans says. ‘You’re there for a month waiting for [Francisco] Franco [dictator of Spain until 1975] to die. You don’t have control of your life. You’re getting older. How much longer can you tempt fate?’ Giggans worked at KNXT for three years before moving to KNBC in 1986, where he worked for 15 years, most prominently as the weekend news anchor and correspondent. He forged many friendships in the industry, among them colleagues Paul Moyer and Colleen Williams, Tracy Savage (whose parents are Palisadians), and Jose Rios, a Fox news director. Early this century, Giggans left broadcast news. He became disillusioned with the industry’s ‘infotainment’ direction. Office politics also diminished his enthusiasm. He singles out Carol Black and Bob Long as ‘great general managers’ at KNBC, but others ‘were not so good.’ Giggans overall enjoyed local news. ‘This is where I live,’ Giggans says. ‘I loved covering the L.A. riots, the Rodney King beating, all the stories that are significant here. I always liked the stories that showed the growth of Los Angeles.’ Part of that growth is L.A. arts and culture. Giggans was on the board of the L.A. Opera for six years. He played a part in the development of the Broad Stage in Santa Monica. ‘The first significant donation came from our home in the Huntington,’ he says of a $50,000 contribution made 12 years ago at a fundraiser the Gigganses hosted. The couple has lived in the Highlands for nearly a decade after seven years in the Huntington. ‘This small-town feeling, it’s wonderful,’ Giggans says of the Palisades. ‘I always see people I know when I’m going to Ralphs or Gelson’s.’ The Giggans have two children: Diana Giggans-Hill, 19, a psychology major at Wesleyan, and Nick Giggans-Hill, 16, a junior at Palisades High and an aspiring filmmaker. A graduate of the Archer School for Girls, Diana has spent summers and holidays working at Village Books on Swarthmore, while Nick worked on PaliHi’s last two productions, the musical ‘Honk!’ and ‘James and the Giant Peach/Edward Scissorhands.’ He played a camera man on the former and worked with the ground crew on the latter, helping with set preparation. He has also done some tech crew work at the Pierson Playhouse on such Theatre Palisades productions as ‘The Nerd.’ After leaving local news, Giggans worked as a marketing executive for a California winemaker and for Club Med. He was an ambassador for Santa Monica College, recruiting for what he calls ‘one of the best community colleges in the United States.’ In 2006, Giggans returned to the air with ‘Local Edition’ on CNN Headline News, interviewing local politicians. Today, Giggans teaches broadcast journalism at UCLA Extension and SMC, where students have a food-centric online rating system for their instructors. ‘Apparently, I’m a hot tamale,’ Giggans says, smiling.

Israel Hosts Art Salon at Her Comfy Iliff Home

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Pacific Palisades resident Jacquie Israel at home with her art, including David Buckingham’s “Come On Baby, Light My Fire.”
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Jacquie Israel has transformed her house on Iliff into a comfortable and expansive gallery where visitors can roam the world of art, from emerging and ‘outsider artists’ and emerging to established painters and photographers. She is inviting the community to an open house on Saturday, December 5, from 3 to 10 p.m., to view the art and enjoy live music featuring the Rave-Ups at 8:30 p.m. This is the third in what Israel calls her ‘art salons,’ where she has accumulated work from galleries all over the city and country with the goal of bringing new work to a wider audience. ‘Many galleries are aware that there is a world of potential collectors who don’t know they exist, and they find my events helpful in giving their artists more exposure,’ Israel says. Last year, she invited an artist to not only exhibit his work but to offer a kind of ‘101’ course in understanding modern art. The event was a fundraiser for Marquez Charter, where the youngest of Israel’s three boys attends.   A 15-year Palisades resident, Israel was formerly gallery curator at Storyopolis, which was dedicated to showing children’s book and editorial illustration, and featured the work of artists from all over the world. After her third son was born, she stopped working at Storyopolis and became a consultant helping people find art for their homes and offices. Israel believes that there is a certain timidity when it comes to buying art. ‘The gallery environment can be intimidating, and people often feel inadequately educated to buy art. ‘People don’t have time to travel looking for art,’ Israel continues. ‘I am constantly visiting galleries in every part of L.A. as well as Santa Barbara and San Francisco.’ She has even gone as far as Alabama looking for folk art. There will be 80 pieces in the current exhibition, which will also be open by appointment through the end of the year. One could bet that when the Israels built their house, they envisioned the large wall expanses in order to accommodate not only large works of art but also small groupings. As one enters the living room, painted a rich, deep brown, several stunning pieces anchor the walls. The archival black-and-white pigment print diptych (40- x 65-in. each), showing a barber and a hairdresser by Mark Laita, straddles one side of the dining area. On the opposite wall are Jill Greenberg’s photos of full-grown polar bears. Greenberg, who has an amazing ability to coax powerful emotions from her subjects, photographed the animals on location against a backdrop. One of the most moving photographs, Nick Brandt’s ‘Elephant with Flaring Ears,’ hangs all alone on the wall between the living room and kitchen. A master at capturing African animals in intimate and quiet poses, Brandt has gained the praise of many naturalists, including primatologist Jane Goodall. ‘Nick’s exquisite photographs arouse deep emotions,’ Israel says. ‘They inspire a sense of awe at the beauty of creation and the sacredness of life. It’s almost impossible to look through his work without sensing the personalities of the beings whom he has photographed.’ Israel possesses a proletarian’s eye for art. On another wall, she has displayed the work of her mother-in-law, Joan Israel, whose charming polymer clay-on-canvas scenes include a colorful bird and a vibrant garden. Two of David Buckingham’s cut and welded found-metal sculptures literally nail the viewer’s attention. ‘Come On, Baby, Light My Fire’ is made up of individually cut letters from polychrome steel detritus. In another piece, Alison Foshee has pressed pushpins into whispy, flower-like shapes on cork. Upstairs, Israel has expanded her photography selections, including Jona Frank’s ‘Boys,’ which is part of a series of four photographs featuring boys. Another large digital c-print explores Mike Tierney’s almost other-worldly destination for a ride on an escalator at LAX, terminal 3. Forever open to new art, Israel has recently discovered ‘low brow’ art at galleries in Silverlake and Echo Park.   In planning the open house, Jacquie and husband David thought about adding music, and coincidently re-encountered a band, the Rave-Ups, which they had loved in their 20s. ‘We found them again on Facebook and invited them to play,’ Israel says. They’ll be occupying a space in the corner of the living room for the party.   ’Bring your friends, bring your kids,’ Israel says. ‘There will be drinks, music and art.’   The open house is at 943 Iliff St.

Palisades Volleyball: Past Meets Present

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Coach Gayle Van Meter and members of her team hold up the 1979 state championship banner at PaliHi's first girls' volleyball reunion Saturday.
Coach Gayle Van Meter and members of her team hold up the 1979 state championship banner at PaliHi’s first girls’ volleyball reunion Saturday.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Almost 30 former players, representing 40 years of volleyball at Palisades High, reunited on the court in the program’s first alumni match last Saturday, 30 years after the Dolphins won their only state championship. The PaliHi gym was overflowing with pride and tradition, as the alumnae and varsity split four spirited sets. The alumnae squad’s all-star lineup included Lulu (Schwartz) Kaseff (Class of 1980), member of the ’78 City Section champion and 1979 City and state championship teams who was a three-year All American at UC San Diego; Rhonda Stoklos (Class of ’78), who played on the ’77 City title team; and Nancy Cohen Fredgant (Class of ’76), who went on to play beach volleyball and is recognized on the sport’s Walk of Fame in Manhattan Beach. Before the match there were introductions for all of the alumnae and especially former Coach Gayle Van Meter, who piloted the Dolphins to 16 City titles in her 22 years at the helm. “The main reason that I had to come out here today was to say thank you to Gayle Van Meter,” Pai Svenson (Class of ’87) said. “If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have volleyball. She changed the trajectory of my life.” Svenson went on to play at UCLA and for the Swedish National Team after playing under Van Meter throughout high school. Proving the program is still strong as ever, Coach Chris Forrest’s varsity squad started strong, winning the first two sets, 15-13 and 15-4. After the first set, Van Meter and her 1979 state championship team was honored. Back in those days, side-out scoring was still used and the Dolphins defeated Fremont High of Sunnyvale, 15-6, 11-15, 16-14, in the Division I state final at Santa Clara University. Through the 1970s and ’80s, Palisades remained the gold standard in the City, winning the 4A title 13 times in 14 seasons from 1974-87. Demonstrating that their skills have not diminished much over time, the alumnae won sets three and four with great play from Svenson, setter Amber Held (Class of ’02) and last year’s City Player of the Year, Laura Goldsmith, fresh off a stellar rookie season at Colorado College. Goldsmith enjoyed returning to play with other alumnae and against her former teammates. “It was exciting and a lot of fun to see everyone,” she said. PaliHi senior libero Tait Johnson thought the experience was memorable. “I think we had a lot of fun, and that is what the game is all about,” said Johnson, whose older sister Teal won City as a senior in 2007. “It’s a honor to be a part of tradition and it was really cool that they all came out here.” Forrest called the event a great success: “I had a great time and I’m so glad we did this. Congratulations to Korby Siamis and Eileen Savage for putting this together, and to all parents who helped out. It was a great time for everyone and I hope that we can do it next year.”

Chapus Triumphs at State Cross Country Meet

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Sophomore Paces Harvard-Westlake Girls to Team Title

Palisadian Cami Chapus won the girls' Division IV state cross country title in 17:59 Saturday at Woodward Park in Fresno.
Palisadian Cami Chapus won the girls’ Division IV state cross country title in 17:59 Saturday at Woodward Park in Fresno.

In cross country, it is not how you start, but where you finish that counts. Just ask Palisadian Cami Chapus, who overcame a 20-second lead with a mile to go and won the girls’ Division IV state championship last Saturday at Woodward Park in Fresno. The sophomore from Harvard-Westlake High caught Marin Catholic’s Theresa Devine inside 600 meters and won by seven seconds, completing the 5,000-meter course in 17:59 and leading the Wolverines to the team title in a California Division IV record 95:63, breaking the old mark of 95:53 by Corona del Mar in 1999. A team consisting of one senior, one junior, three sophomores and two freshman, Harvard-Westlake finished with 92 points to run away with the trophy. Junipero Serra was second with 129 and La Reina was third with 137. Chapus didn’t have to wait long to greet her teammates. Fellow 10th-grader Amy Weissenbach was fourth overall in 18:24. In becoming her school’s first state individual champion, Chapus cut a full minute off of her time at last year’s state meet, in which she came in 12th place. The victory capped a magical season for the Wolverines, who had won the program’s first Southern Section title in Walnut the week before. Chapus was a standout athlete at St. Matthew’s, winning league championships in track, soccer and softball. She also plays club soccer for the Westside Breakers. Although she has trained hard to reach the level she is at, Chapus has running in her blood. Her mother Victoria was a three-time Kinney National cross country finalist (1979-81) in high school while her father Jean Marc ran the 400 meters at Harvard University. Palisades High freshman Jacklyn Bamberger finished 55th in the girls’ Division I race in 18:56, fractions of a second behind Venice senior Jaclyn Walles, whom she beat at the City Section finals. Both Bamberger and Walles finished ahead of City champion Laura Delgado of San Pedro, who clocked 19:10 for 77th place. Molly Grabill of Rancho Bernardo won Saturday’s race in 17:06.

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