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2010 L.A. MARATHON RESULTS

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Diane Bleak, a Palisades Highlands resident and mother of two Calvary Christian School students, holds up her medal at the finish line in Santa Monica shortly after completing her first L.A. Marathon last Sunday.
Diane Bleak, a Palisades Highlands resident and mother of two Calvary Christian School students, holds up her medal at the finish line in Santa Monica shortly after completing her first L.A. Marathon last Sunday. “For a novice like me the great thing is not racing the clock but simply enjoying the experience,” she said. “When I got to the VA Hospital I hit my wall but when I saw San Vicente [in Brentwood] my second wind kicked in and I just finished with ease. It was absolutely the most difficult yet gratifying activity I’ve ever done.” Photo: Brian Bleak

Below is a list of Pacific Palisades residents who completed last Sunday’s 25th Los Angeles Marathon. The 26.2-mile course began at Dodger Stadium and ended on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. Overall, 22,229 runners and walkers finished the race. Name Sex Age Time Place Gary Bub M 44 2:58:57 110 Nell Stephenson F 35 3:02:39 143 Chris Stephenson M 45 3:04:19 163 Todd Martin M 40 3:07:39 213 Jesse Erwin M 27 3:16:35 379 Ken Heisz M 52 3:25:57 629 Richard McAndrews M 51 3:28:22 718 Matthew McKinney M 33 3:34:50 969 Paul Silka M 48 3:37:54 1,118 Laird Malamed M 42 3:38:55 1,165 Tricia Baak F 40 3:39:54 1,214 Romney Resney F 41 3:41:13 1,271 Damir Pavec M 57 3:45:34 1,490 Matthew Powell M 37 3:45:44 1,497 Eleanor Keare F 41 3:46:01 1,520 Rebecca Martin F 45 3:46:10 1,529 Susan Harbert F 52 3:47:10 1,593 Jill Fischer M 48 3:47:58 1,647 Zachary Treadwell M 34 3:49:13 1,740 Michael Ewbank M 47 3:50:38 1,831 Claudia Campos F 48 3:58:40 2,433 Peter Longo M 42 4:00:06 2,560 Rick Rivera M 43 4:03:45 2,821 Chiara Santagostino F 44 4:04:42 2,910 Alexander Bentley M 45 4:05:15 2,959 Janna Kohl F 46 4:09:35 3,298 Diana Vogel F 42 4:10:10 3,336 Angela Caprioli F 45 4:13:55 3,695 Jacqueline Pack F 36 4:18:22 4,133 Joshua Bingham M 39 4:20:57 4,379 Gunnar Kohl M 18 4:23:47 4,705 Felicia Alexander F 34 4:30:08 5,467 Cameron Crane F 22 4:33:13 5,806 Harry Johnson M 41 4:34:12 5,913 Charles Crane M 52 4:35:31 6,039 Roshen Goshen M 50 4:36:13 6,126 Michael Creamer M 56 4:40:30 6,670 Kim Schaefer F 40 4:45:32 7,279 Erik Schaefer M 46 4:45:32 7,280 Robert Scheff M 27 4:47:07 7,475 Karen Warner F 55 4:51:37 8,030 Craig Fischer M 47 4:52:45 8,178 Ren Sun M 45 4:54:41 8,411 Bev Lowe F 56 4:58:28 8,926 Sean Ryan M 33 5:01:15 9,215 Caroline Bird F 46 5:02:46 9,387 Rick Garcia M 43 5:03:05 9,422 Nazly Westernoff F 34 5:04:09 9,515 Billy Jones M 39 5:04:26 9,547 David Brittain M 48 5:08:11 9,988 Neil Smith M 53 5:08:12 9,991 Melissa K. Davis F 37 5:09:35 10,123 Veronica Nol F 24 5:12:16 10,418 Rumi Mayeda F 31 5:12:24 10,430 Jim Cooper M 40 5:12:36 10,471 Andrea Arena F 39 5:17:05 10,989 Kristen Boling F 42 5:23:13 11,729 Jean-Baptiste Nadal M 49 5:25:12 11,958 David Martorano M 39 5:32:20 12,830 Sue Kohl F 59 5:35:37 13,180 Sharon Brecher F 42 5:35:58 13,221 Helga Jessen F 66 5:41:38 13,820 Samantha Lloyd F 41 5:43:17 13,990 Jeffrey Tipton M 48 5:49:48 14,719 Rachel Burch F 42 5:53:49 15,149 Melissa Fasano-Burns F 43 5:58:22 15,581 Alysha Nizam F 41 5:58:28 15,593 Jane Holmes F 35 5:59:18 15,681 Vee Cristobal F 57 6:13:54 16,739 Jami Cimbolo F 41 6:19:13 17,148 Jodi Senk F 39 6:20:42 17,259 Joe Cirillo M 69 6:23:59 17,508 Dan Mellinkoff M 59 6:24:28 17,535 Diane Bleak F 48 6:25:20 17,596 Ronald Levenson M 67 6:25:33 17,620 Scott Wendelin M 55 6:28:46 17,868 Marycarmen-Guzman F 49 6:35:22 18,324 Pauline Stevens F 27 6:40:27 18,630 Leonard LaBella M 69 6:47:09 19,003 Gary Burdorf M 45 7:21:35 20,552 Rachel Burdorf F 13 7:21:36 20,554 Deborah Fried F 49 7:50:57 21,353 William Masters M 59 8:10:50 21,690

Ping Pong Is a Hit at Paul Revere

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Paul Revere Middle School P.E. teacher Paul Foxson keeps his eyes on the ball during the school's first annual Ping Pong tournament.
Paul Revere Middle School P.E. teacher Paul Foxson keeps his eyes on the ball during the school’s first annual Ping Pong tournament.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

As the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament enters the Sweet 16, so too does Paul Revere Middle School’s own version of “March Madness.” It is a new single-elimination ping pong tournament for students and faculty, with the first two rounds played in Revere’s Town Hall on the school’s three tables. The tournament started with 64 players consisting of 19 faculty members and 45 students. Now only 10 students and six teachers remain. The students are eighth-graders Ryan Potter, Anthony Poulos, John Collier, Luka Kosanin, Wes Gallie and Nicholas Jackson, seventh-grader Erel Israel and sixth-graders Jack Carpenter and Jack Ginsberg. Faculty members still alive are English teachers John Slaven, John Hyman and Robert Schwartz, history teachers Darren Bates and Michael Fulling, P.E. teacher Marty Lafolette and assistant principal Peter Hastings. The winner will be crowned this week before the school goes on Spring Break. The idea for the tournament came from Fulling and Bates, who wanted to give students the opportunity to interact with faculty in a non-academic setting. Unlike the NCAA Tournament, the Revere draw did not seed, but P.E. teacher Paul Foxson, an early favorite to make it to the finals, was “upset” by Lafolette in the Round of 32. Students who weren’t playing offered cheers and handmade signs such as “Korean Club supports Mr. Hyman,” and “Go Blake Beitler.” A glass display case on campus as well as morning announcements has kept students and faculty informed of the players moving to the next round. “I think the most interesting aspect of the tournament has been the buzz among students and teachers concerning matchups and predictions,” Bates said. “It’s really helped bring students and faculty together in friendly competition. It’s been a wonderful experience.” Bates said Pacific Palisades residents donated two of the tables being used for the tournament. Anyone who wants to donate a table in good condition can e-mail Bates: dxb9334@lausd.net.

Tennis 6th at All-American Tourney

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Joseph Silvers follows through on a forehand winner. He and the Dolphins finished sixth at the National All-American Invitational in Newport Beach.
Joseph Silvers follows through on a forehand winner. He and the Dolphins finished sixth at the National All-American Invitational in Newport Beach.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

It was a busy week for the Palisades High boys’ tennis team, which took sixth out of 16 teams in the National All-American Invitational at Corona del Mar in Newport Beach. Considering that the Dolphins were seeded 11th and were up against a field of local and national powerhouses, it was a better result than Coach Bud Kling expected. “We played very well and playing teams of this caliber will definitely serve us well come playoff time,” Kling said. “Every one of those teams is loaded with ranked players.” Palisades got off to a good start by upsetting Waccamaw of Pawley’s Island, South Carolina, on Friday, then fell to Northern California titan Saratoga, the Division I winner at the California Classic in February. After a 6-2 victory over Beverly Hills on Saturday, the Dolphins met San Jose Bellarmine Prep for fifth-place and lost 5-3 despite a strong effort by Oliver Thornton at No. 1 singles. The Dolphins lost to Harvard-Westlake 12-6 in a intersectional match at Studio City Tennis Center on Monday and lost 10-8 at Brentwood last Tuesday. Baseball Clinging to a 4-3 lead with the bases loaded and one out in the top of the seventh, closer Dylan Jeffers got Westchester to hit into a game-ending double play as Palisades won its Western League opener Monday at George Robert Field. The Dolphins took a 4-2 lead on two hits by freshman Julian Harrison and a double by first baseman Phillip Joseph. The varsity lost 9-3 at San Pedro last Thursday despite three infield hits by Harrison and a double off the wall by fellow freshman Sam Wasserman. On Saturday, the Dolphins lost a Redondo Tournament game to Westlake Village Oaks Christian. Lacrosse The boys’ varsity crushed Los Angeles Jordan 23-0 on Monday at Stadium by the Sea as Evan Shaner netted four goals and Charles Black, Nathan Cutler and Vince Van Norden each added three for the Dolphins. Track & Field Palisades competed at the USC Invitational last Saturday and the varsity boys’ foursome of Carlos Bustamante, Solomon Israel, Eric Lopez and Grant Stromberg ran the Distance Medley in 10:50.6, the fifth fastest time in school history. The girls’ varsity relay of Sophia Stone, Amber Greer, Kendall Gustafson and Jacklyn Bamberger ran the Distance Medley in 13:06.7 and the foursome of Erika Martin, Gustafson, Greeg and Bamberger ran the Sprint Medley in 4:22.3.

Olympics Day at Canyon School

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Two days before the Los Angeles Marathon, Canyon Charter School students participated in a marathon of their own last Friday at the school’s annual Olympics Day. Fifth-grader Olivia Allchorn proudly led the parade of classes in her wheelchair because for the first time ever the theme honored the Special Olympic Games. Many banners celebrated the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Ms. Hamilburg’s kindergarteners were amazed: “To them it’s just P.E.,” she said laughing. “They’ll understand it better when they’re actually running.” Olympics Day also serves as a school fundraiser and parents mobilized support for public education with preprinted letters addressed to federal, state and local government officials. Dressed for the occasion, Principal Joyce Dara opened the assembly. Fourth-grader and Junior Olympics rhythmic gymnastics candidate Desiree Webb encouraged good sportsmanship by reciting the “Olympic Oath.” Then Allchorn returned to the spotlight, placing the homemade torch into position. Parent Ellie Laita announced “this torch will burn for the duration of these games. Never ever give up in the spirit of this flame.” Students warmed up with stretches before hitting the two tracks on the grass field in 10-minute intervals. “Thirteen laps on the big course is a mile and it’s about 17 laps on the smaller one,” Coach Joey Medaglia claimed. “I know they’re ready because I’ve built them up to run for six minutes and we’ve been playing a lot more running games like Capture the Flag.” First-grader Owen Cooper called it “my favorite day at school because I love sports.” Fourth-grader Cameron Shine felt he reached a new personal-best of 20 laps and third-grader Jade Hosoi said Olympics Day is exciting because “I didn’t know what was going to happen.” Everyone got a special Olympics Day t-shirt, water, a popsicle and a ribbon necklace. Instead of gold, silver and bronze medals, an iPod Touch and two iPod Nanos will be randomly raffled off to lucky students after spring break. The class with the most pledges will get to an enjoy an ice cream party. “It’s all about the kids and that’s what makes Olympics Day so worthwhile and special,” said outgoing chairperson Karen Parcell. Experiencing the event for the first time, Dara was beyond impressed: “It was an incredible community event exemplifying fitness, community, spirit, and peace! What a joy to see the children run together with parents and staff cheering them on–all to help support our school and its student body.”

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 18, 2010

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LOTS FOR SALE 1a

MALIBU LA COSTA BEACH RIGHTS * Malibu residential vacant land at PCH and Carbon Cyn. Burn-out site w/ good geo. Activated La Costa Beach Club & tennis court rights including showers, kitchen, courts, doggie gate, private beach, etc. $129,000. (310) 317-0700

FURNISHED HOMES 2

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

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

CUSTOM HOME IN HUNTINGTON PALISADES. 6 bd, 5 ba, complete theater room, large lot and pool. $18,500/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

CHARMING HOME in great neighborhood of Cheviot Hills. 3 bd, 2 ba plus den. $3,950/mo. Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706. Lic. #00416255

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

$2,000/MO. SPACIOUS MASTER BEDROOM SUITE + DEN (ENTIRE 2ND FL.). Use of beautiful pool and gardens, kitchen including laundry facilities and maid service once a week. Parking available. Short (3 months) or long term rental accepted. Personal and professional references required. Ideal for single professional female. No pets. Reply to: swyndon@aol.com (for fastest response); or may call (310) 478-4495 between hours of 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. or between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.

BEAUTIFUL & QUIET 2 BDRM, 2 BA. (1,400 sq. ft.) AC, 2 car garage parking, fireplace, pool, balconies, W/D. Walk to village. No pets, non-smoker. $2,875/mo. (310) 454-0593

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

Santa Monica ‘Delightful’ SMALL COUNTRY HOME. 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 appliances, limestone bath. Security and privacy with gated entry & intercom. Enc. garage, no pets. $2,650/mo. Call (310) 826-7960

PALISADES SINGLE/STUDIO apt. New paint, full kitchen, new carpet, gas stove, refrigerator, laundry, covered parking, storage, Non-smoker, no pets. One year lease. $1,085/mo. (310) 477-6767

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

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

WALK TO P.P. VILLAGE. Woodsy view, 2 bdr, 2 ba, open den, AC, W/D in unit, security bldg. 2 car parking, storage, pool, jacuzzi, gym. $2,700/mo. Available now. Nancy, (310) 454-5257

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

PALISADES (near restaurants/cliffs) Charming, unfurn 12′ x 15′ sq.ft. ROOM. Small kitchenette, bthrm/ shower. Utils paid, new carpet, street prkg. No pets. $900/mo.+sec dep. Call: Melissa, (310) 454-1573

LARGE BEDROOM, den w/ kitchenette, private bathroom & private entrance. W/D, furnished or unfurnished. Best rental deal in Palisades! Available 4/4. $850/mo. (310) 454-1159

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PACIFIC PALISADES OFFICE SUITE: Atrium Bldg., 860 Via de la Paz. 900+ space, reception, two offices & bathroom. 18 month sublease. Call (310) 459-5353 to see.

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.

OFFICES FOR RENT on 2nd floor in First Federal Bank building on Sunset Blvd. in Palisades Village. Call Ev Maguire, (310) 600-3603 or (310) 454-0840

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) 699-9972

ATTORNEYS 7a

WHY GIVE IT ALL TO UNCLE SAM? Don’t use an ordinary income tax service when you can use a tax attorney who is an experienced CPA. Also probate, trusts & wills. John R. Ronge, CPA. 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

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

MARIE’S MAC & PC OUTCALL. I CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE WITH: ‘ Consultation on best hard/software for your needs ‘ Setting up & configuring your system & applications ‘ Teaching you how to use your Mac or PC ‘ Upgrades: Mac OS & Windows ‘ Internet: DSL, Wireless, E-mail, Remote Access ‘ Key Applications: MS Office, Filemaker, Quicken ‘ Contact Managers, Networking, File Sharing, Data backup ‘ Palm, Visor, Digital Camera, Scanner, CD Burning ‘ FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL ‘ BEST RATES ‘ (310) 262-5652

YOUR OWN TECH GURU * EXPERT SET-UP, OPTIMIZATION, REPAIR. Problem-Free Computing Since 1992. Work Smarter, Faster, More Reliably. If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! ALAN PERLA, (310) 455-2000

THE DETECHTIVES’ ‘ PROFESSIONAL ON-SITE MAC SPECIALISTS. PATIENT, FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE. WE COVER ALL THINGS MAC ‘ Consulting ‘ Installation ‘ Training and Repair for Beginners to Advanced Users ‘ Data recovery ‘ Networks ‘ Wireless Internet & more ‘ (310) 838-2254 ‘ William Moorefield ‘ www.thedetechtives.com

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

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f

PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? an estate sale? a moving sale? a yard sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. ‘ BARBARA DAWSON ‘ Estate/Garage Sale Specialist ‘ (310) 454-0359 ‘ 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

BABY NURSE/NANNY * Specializing in newborn, baby care & sleep training. 15 years experience, excellent refs, trilingual. Own car & very flexible. Please call Nina, (310) 500-8896

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

HOUSEKEEPER EXTRAORDINAIRE. Loyal, trustworthy, meticulous . . . Ticvah is available full or part-time for childcare and/or keeping your house sparkling! Bright, loving, educated, has own transportation, lives close by, and comes with highest recommendations from current local Palisadian family of 12 years. Call Ticvah at (310) 207-4894

PALISADES HOUSEKEEPER, 15 yrs. experience. Excellent references, honest, dependable. Legal resident. Child & pet care. Available every Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat. & Sun. Carmen, (323) 460-6473

EUROPEAN CLEANING SERVICE. Relaible, local references. Experienced. Own supplies. Call today. (818) 324-9154

EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER. Available Mon-Sat. Good refs. Own transportation. CDL. Over 19 yrs exper in Malibu & Palisades. Speaks English. Call Yolanda, (h) (323) 731-6114, (c) (323) 580-2859

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

GOOD COMPANY SENIOR CARE. Provides in-home care and companionship to help you remain independent and happy at home. March special $49 for 3 hrs of service to new clients. For more information please call (323) 932-8700

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE 12a

CUSTOMIZED SUPPLEMENTS ‘ Well-known billionaire partners with health products related company to provide unique customized supplementation, healthy energy drink alternatives, adult weight management products and healthy snacks for children. Anti-aging skin care and cosmetics line coming soon! Eva Baez, (310) 722-8651, http://www.TrumpNetwork.com/EvaBaez

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.

MISCELLANEOUS 13j

ANTIQUES. Italian professional restorer specializing in waxing your home furniture. For an estimate call Lamberto at (310) 994-2986

CATERING 14

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

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

PERSONAL ASSISTANT/EXTRA HANDS. Help with errands/children. Excellent references. Longtime Palisadian, ready to go. (310) 459-3222

DID YOU EVER WISH someone could do that for you? Let HOMEBUDDY Wait for your deliveries or repairmen. Visit palisadeshomebuddy.com or call (310) 459-2374 for more ideas on how HomeBuddy can help you.

GIRL FRIDAY/PERSONAL ASSISTANT/HOME ORGANIZER. Excellent references, 10 years experience. Reasonable rates. Pacific Palisades resident. Call Michelle, (310) 433-6362

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

PRIVATE DOG WALKER/housesitter, Palisades & Santa Monica. S.M. Canyon resident. Please call or email Sherry, (310) 383-7852, www.palisadesdogwalker.com

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

HAVE FUN! GET FIT! NORDIC WALKING CLASSES. Certified Advanced Nordic walking instructor, Palisades resident teaches private/group classes in the Palisades. Weekends. (310) 266-4651

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, ALL LEVELS thru Calculus. 10 years tutoring experience in West LA. Michigan MBA. Former college adjunct professor. References available. Call (310) 454-9281

LET ME PUT YOUR ANXIETY TO REST. Call the best, Ms. Petz! (310) 597-9601. Credentialed teacher. SAT, essay, ESL, K-12 and adults. References available upon request.

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

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

A-1 SUPER CONCRETE & BLOCK. Concrete patio, blockwall, stucco, foundation, driveway, painting, stamp concrete. FREE ESTIMATES. Lic. #902840. Call Tangi, (310) 592-9824 or (818) 793-4415

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

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. FREE ESTIMATES

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

ALL SEASONS PAINTING. Kitchen cabinets, garage doors, deck & fences. Interior/exterior painting specialist. ‘Green’ environmentally friendly paint upon request. Excellent referrals. Free estimate. Lic. #571061. Randy, (310) 678-7913

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

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

PALISADES FAMILY SEEKING live-in housekeeper with car Monday to Friday. No childcare, just cleaning. Cooking experience a plus. Some English required. Please call (310) 459-1310

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

AUTOS 18b

2006 SCION xb Release series 4.0. Limited edition plaque. 30K miles. Excellent cond. A/C, auto., tinted windows. Copper penny paint job. Hip car! Great MPG! $12,000. (310) 455-1155

FURNITURE 18c

HOSPITAL BED. Twin, extra long, works perfect, electric or manual. $550. (310) 454-3883

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

BRENTWOOD! Whole hse on Mandeville! Furn/furnishgs/accoutrements/accessories/decorative items. 2738 Mandeville Cyn. Fri.-Sat., Mar. 26-27, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Details/photos: www.bmdawson.com

BRENTWOOD! Antique furn/furnishgs/power tools/ sports equip./TVs/linens/ clothes. 2930 Mandeville Cyn. Fri.-Sat., Mar. 26-27, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Details/photos: www.bmdawson.com

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. Gorgeous black tri’s. AKC and ASCA registered. Born 2/10/10, ready to go 4/10/10. $2,000; includes 6 week obedience training class. Los Angeles Breeder Permit #U09-074617. Call Julie Sterling for more info: (310) 573-1150

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

Sparkplug Bollens Seeks Safe Driving

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Eric Bollens received a Sparkplug Award for promoting safe driving in Pacific Palisades.
Eric Bollens received a Sparkplug Award for promoting safe driving in Pacific Palisades.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Highlands resident Eric Bollens, a self-described adrenaline junkie and former street racer, will receive a Golden Sparkplug Award on April 22 for his efforts to promote safe driving among teens and adults alike in Pacific Palisades.   ’The culture of speed is alluring,’ Bollens, 20, said during an interview on Monday. ‘When you want to have fun or are depressed or want to impress someone, you put your foot to the floor and press the pedal.’   That attitude changed after his close friend, Nick Rosser, a senior at Palisades High School, died in a car crash on Palisades Drive in early 2009. As he drove uphill to his home in the Highlands, Rosser’s car spun out and struck an oncoming vehicle at about 6 p.m.   ’I still remember every second from the first phone call I received about him to the texts that followed,’ said Bollens, now a junior at UCLA. ‘I didn’t believe it; I couldn’t believe it’We got away with it [speeding] for so long.’   On the night of the accident, Bollens gathered with other friends of Rosser to try and understand why the tragedy happened. ‘A year later, it still doesn’t make sense,’ Bollens said. ‘Whenever anyone was involved in an accident before, I could always rationalize that it was because they were drinking or another reason, but this time the cause was speeding.’ As Bollens spoke about the street-racing culture, his eyes became intense. ‘Speed takes everything away,’ he said. ‘It’s just you and your car.’ He and his friends would sometimes drive to the Valley to street race, and have admitted that racing up and down Palisades Drive was not uncommon.   ’I never comprehended until that moment [Rosser’s death],’ Bollens said. ‘I never believed until then that someone I knew would die [because of speeding].’   Bollens and friends attended the first community meeting held in Rustic Canyon to address the speeding problem on Palisades Drive and Sunset Boulevard. ‘We wanted to give a wakeup call,’ he said, remembering how he challenged the police and the city for being lazy about enforcement.   After Rosser’s death, Bollens stopped going to classes at UCLA and said his instructors were sympathetic. He passed all of his courses by getting A’s on the finals. During that time of reflection, he decided that the best way he could honor Nick was to educate other teens.   He then had to make a conscious effort not to speed. ‘Changing myself was the first piece,’ Bollens said. ‘Nick’s death has become part of my life.’   Striving to prevent future tragedies, Bollens became an active member on the education committee of Safe Westside, a newly formed group that was investigating ways to stop accidents and deaths on local roads. He encouraged youth to sign the Pledge to Save Lives and developed the group’s Web site. He organized a panel of experts, including police, defense and prosecuting attorneys, insurance representatives and an advanced driving instructor, that he brought before students and parents at Palisades High and Crossroads.   In the coming year, Bollens wants to expand the program to other high schools. He will be one of the guest speakers for the ninth- and tenth-grade segment of Every 15 Minutes, a two-day safe driving program that will take place in late April at PaliHi.   ’Because speed is so alluring, the only way to get them [teens] to stop is to tell my story and make them understand,’ Bollens said. ‘It’s become one of my jobs.’   Bollens, who is majoring in computer science and technology management, works 20 hours a week as a security analyst in UCLA’s Office of Information Technology (IT) security, which means he tries to hack into their system to show programming weaknesses. Since 2004, when he was a sophomore at Crossroads, he has run Bollens Information Technology, delivering a variety of solutions including office support and training, Web application development, and IT infrastructure deployment. He is also the senior partner and director of core development for AnodyneSoft, a start-up IT firm. After Bollens joined a group of residents who learned to use the speed radar gun on Palisades Drive in conjunction with LAPD West Traffic, he found his attitude about the police changed. ‘Some people don’t like it because they blame us when they get tickets, rather than blaming themselves,’ he said. ‘I would’ve been that way before Nick died.’ When citizens use radar guns, they note the license plate of the speeder and then letters are sent by the LAPD as a warning. ‘If Rosser’s parents had gotten one of these letters, they would have taken away his car,’ Bollens said. Winning the Community Council Sparkplug’s Award is an honor, but Bollens doesn’t feel his work is complete. ‘This has been about getting stuff done,’ he said. ‘I’m asking DOT (Department of Transportation) for K-rails on Palisades Drive. It’s been an ongoing effort.’   When he has spare time, the full-time student likes to surf, work on his Krav Maga (martial arts) and frequent the Habibi Cafe in Westwood. His parents, Gene Lewis and Dr. Ross Bollens, also have a daughter, Katherine, who attends Viewpoint School.

PaliHi and LAUSD Resolve Busing

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To the relief of more than 1,000 Palisades Charter High School students who have held protests and signed petitions, PaliHi and the Los Angeles Unified School District officials have reached an agreement to continue busing for the next three years.   ’Yay, we have busing!’ exclaimed PaliHi junior Ashley Gomez-Lopez when the Palisadian-Post told her the news. ‘I’m like speechless right now.’   In February, LAUSD, which faces a $640-million budget shortfall, proposed eliminating busing for 1,180 students who travel from various communities all over Los Angeles, for a savings of about $2 million annually.   Gomez-Lopez, who lives in Van Nuys, said she was determined to graduate from PaliHi, but she and her parents hadn’t figured out transportation. Her parents had discussed dropping her off and picking her up at a city bus stop on Sunset Boulevard.   On March 19, PaliHi Executive Director Amy Dresser-Held met with LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines and his senior staff, and they agreed to consolidate PaliHi and Paul Revere’s buses and to streamline PaliHi’s pick-up times in the afternoon for a savings of about $700,000. The buses board students at 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.   LAUSD officials offered to continue busing the current juniors to provide continuity in their education. PaliHi will pay as much as $600,000 next school year and in 2011-12 to transport the current freshmen and sophomores. The school will pay a maximum of $300,000 to bus the current freshmen in 2012-13. Incoming freshmen in September will not receive busing.   LAUSD agreed to charge PaliHi $1,000 annually for each student who rides the bus. PaliHi will not have to pay for current freshmen and sophomores who have other means of transportation this fall.   ’We will finalize the roster [for the kids needing busing] by June,’ Dresser-Held said, adding that each student riding will receive a bus pass.   The cuts would have affected students who attend PaliHi through the Permits with Transportation (PWT) and magnet programs, which are court-mandated and intended to desegregate schools. PWT provides transportation for Hispanic, black, Asian and other non-Anglo-Saxon students to predominantly white schools and vice versa, while the magnet gives students of different ethnicities the opportunity to focus their studies on a specific subject area.   PaliHi’s magnet program, which is one of 173 programs within the district and is geared toward math, science and computer technology, will be phased out over the next three years. LAUSD plans to start a new magnet at University High to replace PaliHi’s for incoming freshmen and build that program over the next four years, Dresser-Held said.   The district will continue to provide transportation to Paul Revere, so PaliHi officials will meet with Revere staff later this week and then with parents to discuss alternative transportation options, Dresser-Held told the Post on Tuesday. Paul Revere students have preference for admissions into PaliHi.   The district will also continue to transport about 150 PaliHi students in all grade levels through Public School Choice (PSC), a No Child Left Behind mandate that requires the district to provide transportation from low-performing schools to higher-performing schools.   LAUSD receives federal funding for PSC, while the PWT and magnet programs are covered under a state grant, the Targeted Instructional Improvement Grant. PaliHi is not eligible for this grant.   Dresser-Held explained that Paul Revere eighth graders who are in the PWT or magnet programs cannot simply re-apply to the PSC program to receive busing next school year. They have to transfer from a low-performing school, and Paul Revere is considered high-performing.   PaliHi, with an operating budget of $22 million, cannot afford to pay for busing beyond the three years. ‘It would redirect funding out of the classroom,’ Dresser-Held said.   In fact, the school faces a budget shortfall of $725,000 next school year. The deficit is down from an earlier projection of $1.1 million because of possible salary reductions and a recent freeze on textbook spending, reported PaliHi Chief Business Officer Greg Wood.   On March 9, PaliHi’s board of directors feared that the school could lose a large number of students if LAUSD eliminated busing transportation, so the board voted to send out letters to 24 teachers and three certificated administrators, warning them that they could be laid off this summer.   PaliHi junior Cecila Placido-Mejia, who would have lost busing transportation from Venice, told the Palisadian-Post that ‘now that we are keeping busing, I hope we get to keep all our teachers’We would be so disappointed since those teachers have been with us since freshman year.’   Dresser-Held explained that according to the contract with the teachers’ union, United Teachers Los Angeles, the board was required to notify teachers and certificated administrators (who work on academics) about potential layoffs by March 15. The final layoff notices must be issued by May 15.   The board postponed issuing layoff notices to classified staff and non-certificated administrators (who work on business and operations, such as the chief business officer, human resources director and operations manager) because they did not have such a stipulation in their employment contracts.   ’My hope is to bring to the board on April 8 a plan to balance the budget and cover the transportation costs and a motion to rescind the layoff notices,’ Dresser-Held told the Post.

Family, Friends Pay Tribute to Peter Graves

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On a beautiful Pacific Palisades afternoon last Friday, hundreds of mourners gathered at St. Matthew’s Church to pay tribute to actor Peter Graves at his funeral service. The longtime resident of the Palisades’who with his wife, Joan, had become an integral part of the community’died on March 14 outside his Santa Monica Canyon home. Graves, whose career in film and television spanned 60 years, was best known for his Golden Globe-winning turn as James Phelps on the classic TV show ‘Mission: Impossible,’ and for his role as Captain Clarence Oveur in ‘Airplane!’ From the podium inside St. Mathew’s, three of the Graves’s six grandchildren shared their remembrances of the man they called ‘Papa,’ fighting back emotion and tears. ‘This outpouring of love is overwhelming,’ Kate McCaslin said to an audience that included ‘Mission: Impossible’ co-star Martin Landau, ‘Mannix’ star and longtime friend Mike Connors, Graves’ ‘7th Heaven’ co-stars Stephen Collins and Catherine Hicks, and Palisadian Tom Hanks, who quietly slipped into the back of the church. ‘I’m the only one crazy enough in the family to follow him into Hollywood, much to his chagrin,’ McCaslin said. ‘Papa loved showbiz but not for his daughters and granddaughters. ‘His advice was always spot on,’ she continued. ‘One time, when I was thinking of throwing in the towel, he walked to the door, turned around, and said to me, ‘There’s no business like show businesses…” McCaslin also quoted him as telling her, ”Sweetie, you were bitten by the bug!” ‘He was not just Peter Graves but my grandfather,’ said Trevor McNabb, who had composed his speech on his flight to Los Angeles. He said he was into ‘the most amazing, unique family that anyone could ask for. I hope to create a family as great as the one he created.’ Paying tribute to her grandfather, Victoria Gaston also shared an amusing anecdote of Peter’s penchant for removing the crust from sandwich bread. ‘It’s the ratio of too much bread for the meat inside,’ she said, doing her best Peter Graves. ‘He was bigger than life,’ Gaston continued. ‘He was always there, especially when we needed him. He was so good at making sure he gave his family his time.’ Autograph hounds would have to take a back seat to the people Graves prioritized, Gaston said: ‘He loved his fans but he very graciously told them to go away.’ In the funeral service program, Graves’ daughters, Kelly Jean McCalsin, Claudia King and Amanda Graves, also shared their feelings for their father. Kelly Jean wrote, ‘I’ve been wearing your sweatshirt, Dad, all week, and I finally realized that this is your way of still enveloping me in your arms.’ Claudia referenced a Graves family breakfast favorite, Cap’n Crunch Crunchberries cereal, and ended off with ‘I love you, Daddy-O!’ Amanda wrote to her dad, ‘You were the glue that held my life together,’ and signed her tribute ‘Mandie Mouse.’ After the grandchildren spoke, ‘Mission: Impossible’ co-star Peter Lupus took to the stage. Addressing his departed friend as ‘Peter G.,’ Lupus noted that ‘The more you got to know him, the more you appreciated him and the more you loved him.’ Lupus recalled that when Graves joined the cast of ‘Mission: Impossible’ on the first day of rehearsals at Paramount, ‘we waited to see if it would work. Peter was a perfect fit. His very quick wit and warm persona won us all over. But we didn’t tell him till the end of the day!’ The final speaker was entertainment manager Sandy Brokaw, who had been Graves’ agent since 1992. ‘Sixty years of show biz, 60 years of marriage,’ Brokaw said. ‘It’s a great story and a press agent’s dream.’ Noting that Graves ‘was very comfortable with his celebrity,’ Brokaw read some of the e-mails he received from fans all over the world following the actor’s death. One from diner owner Frank Hill near Reno read, ‘Peter would stop at my place for a sandwich and a drink on his way to Tahoe [where the Graves family owns a home]. One day, I happened to be playing ‘Airplane!’ on the television set. He sat with us and laughed at us laughing at parts of ‘Airplane!’ So I decided to run ‘Airplane!’ every afternoon just on a chance that he’d come in.’ With Graves, his profession and his personal life were very much kept separate, and by doing so, he was able to be successful at both. McCaslin called her grandparents’ romance ‘the greatest love story ever known.’ ‘In the movie business, where marriage and divorce seems to be a way of life, Peter and Joan shared a marriage for nearly 60 years,’ said The Reverend Dr. George F. Regas, rector emeritus at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena. Regas also commended Graves on his professional choices. ‘We live in a world of violence,’ Regas said. ‘Yet Peter, as an actor, refused to take any violent roles. Peter was a big man.’ As Regas brought the service to a close, he conveyed the family’s wish to invite everyone in attendance to the reception, which followed at a nearby historic setting. ‘The reason Joan picked the Bel-Air Bay Club to hold the reception,’ Regas said, ‘is because you can look one way and see the ocean and you can look the other way and see the mountains. The sea and the mountains: that is why Peter loved to live in Pacific Palisades.’ McNabb had set the tone for the rest of the evening when he said, ‘I will not mourn today, I will celebrate.’ Celebrate they did at the Bel-Air Bay Club reception, where guests dined on Kobe hamburger sliders, salmon, and quesadillas (Peter’s favorites). At the gathering, at once melancholy and festive, a large screen played highlights from Graves’ storied entertainment career. Guests exchanged memories of Peter and lined up to console Joan. And another ‘Mission: Impossible’ star shared his memories of working with Peter Graves. ‘He was one of the best guys on the planet,’ Landau told the Palisadian-Post. Oscar-winning actor Landau”whose classic films include ‘North by Northwest,’ ‘Crimes and Misdemeanors,’ and ‘Ed Wood”’shared memories of working with Graves on ‘Mission: Impossible.’ ‘It was always a pleasure to come to work,’ Landau recalled. ‘Working with him, he was a joy. No temper tantrums. He came prepared. He was creative and fun to be with. It was always a joy to come to work.’ Landau had kept in touch with the Graveses over the years. ‘I’ve seen him at some of the Oscar parties and Joan as well,’ he said. ‘Our paths crossed often. ‘It’s an enviable marriage,’ Landau continued of Joan and Peter’s union. He remarked how lucky it was that Graves was surrounded by family on his final day. ‘They had just celebrated his birthday,’ Landau said of Graves, who would have turned 84 on March 18. ‘It was wonderful serendipity [that the family was there]. They had just celebrated his life.’

Caroline Bird Is Post’s Travel Tales Winner

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Caroline Bird's entry about her daily morning hike on Mallorca won the Palisadian-Post's 2010 Travel Tales contest.
Caroline Bird’s entry about her daily morning hike on Mallorca won the Palisadian-Post’s 2010 Travel Tales contest.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Caroline Bird, a multi-talented native of England, has won this year’s Travel Tales contest, sponsored by the Palisadian-Post, and will receive a one-night stay at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows in Santa Monica and a dinner for two at Ray Garcia’s seasonal bistro FIG. The Palisades Highlands resident (whose article below competed against 17 other entries) is an athlete, mother and writer, and a volunteer phone counselor at a helpline for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) youth in crisis. On Sunday, Bird completed 22 miles of the Los Angeles marathon as heavy training for the London marathon, which she will run on April 25. She also participates in triathlons. Growing up in Nottingham, Bird swam competitively until age 12, then decided she didn’t like early-morning practices. When her husband, Andy, was transferred from London to Los Angeles in 2004, he signed her up as the swimmer for a team competing in the Malibu triathlon. When she saw the waves off Zuma Beach, Bird remembers thinking, ‘Oh my God, what have I done?’ Nevertheless, she competed and then a month later tackled a complete triathlon. ‘It’s become addictive,’ says Bird, who has signed up to participate in a half Ironman in Kona, Hawaii in June (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and half-marathon run). ‘I’ve become an athlete geek.’ Bird, who speaks French, Italian and Spanish, loves Southern California and the Palisades. ‘I really feel that I have found ‘my people’ here’the athlete community, the writer community and the mums-who-think-like-me community,’ says Bird, who has taken numerous writing classes at UCLA Extension and bases her stories on life experiences. ‘I was a fat chubby kid and one of my essays was about my mother sending me to Weight Watchers. Another was about learning to pole dance from L.A. teacher Sheila Kelly.’ At 19, Bird attended the equivalent of a community college in England and earned a bilingual secretarial degree. While working as a researcher at The Power Station, an MTV-style music channel on British Satellite Broadcasting, she met her husband, who was the producer. She originally refused his offer of marriage, but one day received a fax from him saying he was trapped in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he had been sent on a humanitarian assignment. ‘There had been an explosion near the journalists’ hotel which resulted in Andy’s sound recordist being killed and his cameraman losing an arm,’ Bird recalls. ‘My boyfriend wasn’t entirely sure that he would make it back home. I decided if he got out alive, I was going to marry him.’ Bird admits that writing is tough to fit into her schedule at times because ‘life gets in the way and my days are spent overseeing the minutiae of my overscheduled husband [Andy is chairman of Walt Disney International] and children, Charlie [15] and Toby [13].’ ‘Once the kids are in college, that’s when I hope I can focus on writing,’ Bird says, noting that she may self-publish her essays in a collection called ‘Oh Crap, I Forgot to Go to College.’

Kenneth A. Jonsson, 79; Helped Found Cancer Center at UCLA

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Kenneth A. Jonsson, who along with his late wife, Diana, helped to found UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, died March 15 at his Pacific Palisades home. He was 79.   A longtime supporter of UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jonsson made his first donation to support cancer research in 1967. The cancer center was named for Jonsson and his family after a substantial cornerstone gift was made in 1975. Over the next 35 years, Jonsson and his family contributed millions more to support cancer research at UCLA.   Jonsson served on the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation’s board of directors for 43 years, and was president for several years in the early 1970s. In addition, he served on the David Geffen School of Medicine Board of Visitors for many years, and was a trustee of Harvey Mudd College.   The Jonssons started supporting the cancer research program at UCLA after responding to a letter they received seeking gifts.   ’We took a tour and we were hooked,’ Jonsson told the Los Angeles Times in 2006.   Judith C. Gasson, director of the Jonsson Cancer Center, said Jonsson was a passionate supporter of cancer research and often visited the center personally for updates on the latest advances.   ’When Ken Jonsson and his family made their initial investment in cancer research at UCLA they were visionaries in the truest sense of the word,’ said Gasson, who serves as president of the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation. ‘They were investing in the possibility that research would lead to improved ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer during their lifetime and beyond. Because of their investment in the Center, the lives of cancer patients and families around the world have been improved dramatically. Much remains to be done and the work continues.’   After studying mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduating in 1952, Jonsson worked for Texas Instruments, a company founded by his father. He started out as a production manager and later moved into sales. He eventually became Western regional sales manager, which brought the family to California. He worked for the company for 11 years, before moving to a small electronics firm. Jonsson later started Jonsson Communications Corporation, which owned radio stations, magazines and cable operations in California and Nevada.   In 1959, the Jonssons moved to the Huntington Palisades, where they raised their family and were active in the Presbyterian Church. They embraced 53 years of marriage before Diana passed away in 2006.   Jonsson is survived by four children, Mark, Mike, Erik and Anne, and eight grandchildren.   A memorial service is pending. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation and that you raise a glass in a toast to his remarkable life.

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