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Author Weinstein Dissects the Great American (Jewish) Superhero

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Book cover of Simcha Weinstein’s “Up, Up and Oy Vey!”

With a stand-up comedian’s delivery, Simcha Weinstein, author of ‘Up, Up, and Oy Vey!,’ lectured on November 6 at Chabad Jewish Community Center on Sunset and Monument about the connection between superheroes and their Jewish creators. The Manchester, England-raised Weinstein, today a Brooklyn resident, came as a guest of Rabbi Shloime Zacks, Chabad’s director of adult education.   After Friday night services and dinner, Weinstein delivered his entertaining recap of the history of the American comic-book superhero. From the creation of the first superhero by two Cleveland teenagers in 1938 (Superman) and the trio behind 1939’s Batman (Joker creator Jerry Robinson had met Batman co-creator Bob Kane on the Borscht Belt circuit at Grossinger’s in the Catskills) to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, architects of the ’60s superhero renaissance known as Marvel Comics Group (Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, The X-Men) which today rakes in billions as Hollywood blockbusters, the superhero is an idiom almost exclusively created by Jewish-Americans as ‘assimilation fantasies,’ Weinstein said.   Weinstein used Superman to point out how the character, a Moses-like exile from the planet Krypton who arrives on Earth and adopts the less-ethnic name Clark Kent, resembled what Jewish immigrants did upon arriving at Ellis Island (Lee and Kirby themselves were born Stanley Leiber and Jacob Kurtzberg). Weinstein joked that even the names ‘Superman’ and ‘Spider-Man’ resembled Jewish surnames such as Silverman and Goldman.   He quoted a passage from Quentin Tarantino’s 2004 movie ‘Kill Bill Vol. 2’ in which David Carradine’s character delivers a monologue on how Superman’whose birth name is Kal-El (Hebrew for ‘voice of God’) and whose costume was fashioned from his Kryptonian blanket’was his real identity while his awkward, bespectacled alter ego Clark Kent was how this alien viewed us Earthlings.   Weinstein recalled a conversation with Spider-Man co-creator Lee in which the writer said the signature line he conceived for the origin issue of ‘Spider-Man,’ ‘With great power comes great responsibility,’ sounded biblically influenced.   On November 7 at Chabad JCC, Weinstein followed up his comic-book speech with a talk about Jewish contributions to American comedy, as derived from his book ‘Shtick Shift: Jewish Humor in the 21st Century.’

Acting Carries “Things We Do For Love”

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Theater Review

Members of the cast of “Things We Do For Love,” (left to right) Skip Pipo, Mary Dryden, Kristen Hansen and Michael Keith Allen, at a dinner party which ends in disaster.

The real reason to see the new Theatre Palisades production, ‘Things We Do For Love,’ is the actors.   In this four-character play at the Pierson Playhouse, directed by Michael Macready and produced by Cindy Dellinger, there is not one misstep. A single woman, Barbara Trapes (Mary Dryden), owns a flat in London and rents the lower level to Gilbert Fleet (Skip Pipo). The upper level is rented to an old school chum, Nikki Wickstead (Kristen Hansen), and her new lover, Hamish Alexander (Michael Keith Allen).   Trapes, 40, says she is quite happy with her life, although she has never been romantically involved. She likes that she doesn’t have to pick up after anyone, that she finds things exactly where she left them. There are hints that she is in love with her boss but that her attentions have gone unnoticed.   Her downstairs renter, Fleet, is a widower, and it is quite obvious that is he is smitten with his landlord.   When Wickstead arrives at the flat, she tells Trapes that she has left her abusive husband and has now found true love with a man who treats her well. She divulges that she has idolized Trapes ever since they met at a girl’s boarding school many years ago.   The loathing between Wickstead’s lover and Trapes is apparent from their first meeting, but, as Shakespeare wrote in ‘Hamlet,’ ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks.’   British playwright Alan Ayckbourn wrote ‘Things We Do For Love’ in 1997, and it originally premiered at the Stephen Joseph Theater in Scarborough, where he is also the artistic director. ‘Things’ opened in London in 1998.   In a 1997 newspaper interview, Ayckbourn said: ‘It’s like a lot of my shows, in that I think it’s quite dark, and in the end quite upsetting. There are people who sit there and laugh quite unconcernedly; I look at them rather quizzically and wonder where they’ve been. I always say you enjoy my plays more if you’ve been round the circuit a couple of times.’   I guess I’m a person who has been ’round the circuit a couple of times,’ because even though ‘Things’ has comic moments, I would characterize this as drama rather than comedy. Some topics, such as hurting people, aren’t something I enjoy watching.   But in this production, it is the acting, which is, exquisite and reaches perfection, and that is what would entice me to see this play again. Pipo’s character comes from within. As an actor, he has made his art invisible, which means that as audience members, we feel the pain that he doesn’t show. We care about this person, even though the playwright seemingly tosses him aside as inconsequential. Dryden’s delivery of lines is introspective, amusing and, at times, offhand, but the actress gives depth to her character, giving an outstanding performance. Hansen is a ‘wounded’ person, but rallies with optimism and never asks for our pity, so that when the play ends, we feel bad for her. Allen, as the center of the triangle, appears strong, but perhaps he’s just as confused as the rest of us when it comes to love’and we feel that in his performance.   Macready has encouraged the actors to be larger than life, which works with comedies and especially in this play. Simply put, it is excellent directional work.   Sherman Wayne, who designed the three-level set, has probably just designed himself another theater award as well. The lower level (Pipo’s flat) allows us to see just the actor’s head. The upper level (rented by Wickstead and Alexander) allows us just to see the actors’ legs and a bed.   Sherry Coon should be complimented for her first-rate costume design.   This top-notch production runs through December 13 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd., Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets: (310) 454-1970 or visit: www.theatrepalisades.org.

Runners Show Strong Finishing Kick

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Palisades High Cross Country Teams Qualify for City Finals; Bamberger Seeks Girls’ Crown after Fastest Time at Prelims

Palisades High freshman Jacklyn Bamberger (right) had the fastest time at Thursday's City preliminaries, running the Pierce College course in 18:20. Photo: Eric Lopez
Palisades High freshman Jacklyn Bamberger (right) had the fastest time at Thursday’s City preliminaries, running the Pierce College course in 18:20. Photo: Eric Lopez

Perhaps the official timekeepers should have checked to make sure there were no wings attached to Jacklyn Bamberger’s powder blue running shoes following her race in last Thursday’s City Section cross country preliminaries at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. The Palisades High freshman seemingly glided over the three-mile course, taking command from the start and maintaining a 40-yard lead the rest of the way, crossing the finish line in a personal-best 18:20 and establishing herself as the favorite to win Saturday morning’s final. “Coach [Ron] Brumel said just run how you feel–if you want to go all-out you can,” Bamberger said after breaking her previous best time of 18:26, which she clocked two weeks prior in the Dolphins’ last Western League dual meet against Venice. “I went out pretty fast but it was okay. I still had a little left in the tank.” Bamberger not only won her heat, she had the fastest time of the day, 22 seconds better than Venice senior Jaclyn Walles, who had beaten Bamberger in the dual meet but was sick and not running her best in the prelims. Still, she easily won her heat and could be ready to challenge Bamberger come Saturday. “To be honest, I was more concerned with winning my race than my time,” admitted Bamberger, who predicted it could take another PR to win the City. ‘I’m gonna’ have to run under 18 [minutes],’ she said. “Jaclyn is a fierce competitor. When she’s at her best she’s amazing.” Bamberger’s performance is a big reason why the Dolphins also qualified as a team, though she couldn’t do it alone. Only the top four teams in each of three heats advance to the finals and Palisades took third in Heat 2 with 100 points, one better than Santee. Sophomore Sophia Stone finished 15th in 20:30, senior Michelle Colato was 18th in 20:57, junior Wendy Gomez was 35th in 21:56 and junior Amber Greer rounded out the scorers, placing 38th in 22:10. Sophomore Melissa Tallis ran 47th in 22:53 and junior Amy Moulthrop came in 64th in 25:13. Bamberger, who turned 15 in August, will play varsity soccer at Palisades this winter and plans to run track in the spring. The present goal, however, is to win City or, at the very least, earn a berth to the state finals in Fresno. “I definitely think she can do it,” Brumel said. “The times she’s running for her age are just incredible.’ Palisades sophomore Grant Stromberg finished sixth in Heat 1 of the boys’ competition as the Dolphins secured the fourth and last team spot for Saturday’s finals with a total score of 128. Stromberg conquered the dusty switchbacks in 16:22 and was followed by freshman Drake Johnston (17th in 17:03) and senior Carlos Bustamante (19th in 17:06), who started the season as the Dolphins’ top runner and a City contender but has been slowed by injury. Junior Danny Escalante ran 33rd in 17:44, sophomore Daniel Hernandez was 55th in 18:47, junior Evan Shaner was one place behind in 18:48 and junior Alex Hernandez finished 59th in 18:52. “Only two teams qualify for state and there are three or four teams ahead of us so we’re all going to have to drop time,” said Johnston, whose PR at Pierce was 16:56 at the Venice meet. “It’s fun to be on a team with guys like Carlos and Grant because we all push each other.”

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 19, 2009

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EARLY DEADLINE: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be an early deadline for classified ads for the issue of December 3, 2009. The classified ad deadline will be Wednesday, November 25, at 11 a.m.

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

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR SALE 1e

$249,000. IMMACULATE SENIOR UNIT, very cheerful and quiet. 1 bd, 1 ba. Minimum age 62, 2 car parking, elevator, patio, close to everything. Broker, (310) 795-3795 (c), (310) 456-8770 (h)

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

2 BDRM, 2 BA, 2 car garage, private deck & garden, lndry, new kitchen, dishwasher, microwave, hardwd floors. Nice quiet area. Pets o.k. Reduced rent to $3,500/mo. O.B.O. (310) 454-4599, (310) 266-4151

2 BD, 1.5 BA, FIREPLACE, hardwood floors, appliances, gardener. Walk to schools, village, bluffs. No dogs. $3,400/mo. Leave message. (310) 454-0054

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

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

GUEST HOUSE FOR RENT. Single. Price: $1,250/mo. Fully furnished, utilities included. Hardwood floor. Available now. No pets. No smoking. One person. Maid service. (310) 459-3650

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

CUTE & COZY SINGLE mediterranean triplex near village & bluffs. Full kitchen, bath, laundry, 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

NOVEMBER 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

SPACIOUS, LIGHT UPPER UNIT in unique mediterranean triplex. 1,850 sq. ft. 2 bdrm, 1 ba + office, fireplace, fans, shutters, balconies & garden. Perfect for a couple. $2,900/mo. No pets, non-smoker, 1 year lease. (310) 804-3142

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

LARGE VIEW TOWNHOME * Beautiful ‘villa’ with mtn/cyn views! Great floorplan features high ceilings, skylite, A/C, shutters, wood floors, and private 2-car garage. 2 bd + 2 1/2 ba. Plus FR, FDR. Large master suite with FP, balcony, W.I.C., and views. $3,200/mo. Sharon/John/Victoria. Coldwell Banker Company, (310) 573-7737

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

SEEKING APARTMENT FOR HOLIDAYS. We are looking for an apartment, condo, or house to rent for out of town guests (2 adults, 1 child) from Dec. 24-Jan. 4. Contact Daniel, (310) 562-1615

COUPLE LOOKING FOR RENTAL in exchange for a reduction in rent. Management rental experience. Please call Eugenia, (310) 557-6881 or (310) 458-0030

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

LARGE FABULOUS OFFICE in private, quiet, intimate setting. Tons of storage and light. Available October 1, 2009 at $849/month. Parking available. (310) 991-9434, ask for Jessica.

PALISADES OFFICE, RETAIL SUITES & EXECUTIVE SUITES NOW AVAILABLE in the heart of the village: Office suites up to 3,235 sf and 700 sf retail suite. Executive suites now available with conf room, kitchen, copy machine, etc. Building has amazing views of the Santa Monica mountains, private balconies. Amenities include high speed T1 internet access, elevator, and secured underground parking. CALL BRETT AT (310) 591-8789 or email brett@hp-cap.com

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

LOST & FOUND 6a

LOST: CAT. Orange and white. Near Via de la Paz and Friends. Collar. His name is ‘Mister.’ Please call (310) 454-5147 if you see him.

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

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

DECORATING 7d

HOLIDAY DECORATING SERVICES. Starting with the 2009 Christmas season, we are offering our very special and personalized holiday design services. Let us do all the work and create a Winter Wonderland for the interior and exterior of your home. We proudly feature the use of low energy lighting and unique decor. We are the only creative design team that knows what it takes to make a home look beautiful for busy people who love to celebrate in style! (424) 227-9210. www.dbholidaydecor.com

GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f

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

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

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 overnite, 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

BABYSITTER/HOUSEKEEPER available Monday-Friday. Good references, drives, certified in childcare, honest. Please call Valentina, (213) 268-6356

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/BABYSITTER: Experienced, own transportation, excellent references. Available Tuesdays and Fridays in the Santa Monica area. Call Elena, (323) 793-2862

HOUSEKEEPER & BABYSITTER available Monday-Friday. Has own transportation, experience, and excellent references. Call Maria at (310) 869-9121

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Live out. Speaks English, good references, 3 years experience, DL & good w/ newborns. Call (310) 721-5622 or (323) 455-0708, Jeanette M.

HOUSEKEEPERS AVAILABLE. References. We work as a team to clean your house. Many years experience. Please call Amanda or Ruben, (213) 481-2545 (h) or (213) 422-6746 (c), call anytime.

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

HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER available Thursday and Saturday. Live out. Local Palisades & Santa Monica references. Own transportation. Call Marta, (213) 365-6609. Please leave a message.

FULL TIME HOUSEKEEPER. Available Monday-Saturday. 3 years experience, speaks English. Call Ester, (818) 523-4835

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. 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

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

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

DRIVER WANTED. Dependable, careful driver wanted to take professor from Palisades home to UCLA and back 3x/week. Call Betsy at (213) 891-2880

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

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH & SCIENCE teacher. Pomona College graduate. Has lived in Palisades for 8+ years. Has coached football and soccer. Willing to travel to your home. (310) 384-4507

SCIENCE & MATH SECRETS . . . expert teacher offering after school help for elementary, middle school, and high school. Loc: CoAmericaBuilding in BRENTWOOD 90049. M.A. Columbia University, Teachers College. Credentialed in NY AND CA. FREE PRACTICE TESTS! SAT/SAT II/BIO/CHEM/PHYSICS/MATH. Individual or group sessions (4 students max) available! Call now’space is going fast! (310) 295-8915. www.310Tutoring.com

ENGLISH TUTOR. Elementary, HS, college students. Specializing in writing skills, study habits. Will tutor all humanities and social sciences. 10 yrs. teaching experience. PALISADES resident. Northwestern, MA LCTS. Samantha, (626) 864-7444

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

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

PIANO LESSONS. Kids: gain an academic edge! Adults: increase your brain plasticity! Have fun and learn to play with passion. Conservatory Grad/Music Therapist, 20+ years exp., ages 4-up, all levels. Karen, (310) 230-7804

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

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

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

AUTOS 18b

1999 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. 86,000 miles. Power, CD, air, runs great. $3,500 OBO. (310) 434-1510

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

PAC. PAL. Whole house! Antique furn/furnishings/art/silver/crystal/collectibles/linens/china/jewelry/holiday gift ideas. Clothes, jewelry! FRI.-SAT., Nov. 20-21; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 509 Las Casas. Photos/details: www.bmdawson.com

PAC. PAL. House full of contemp. furn/furnishings/ top of the line gym/fitness equip. Clothes/linens/kitch stuff. Jewelry! Collectibles/linens/china/jewelry/Think Xmas! FRI.-SAT., Nov. 20-21; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 14909 Bollinger. Photos/details: www.bmdawson.com

Dolphins Can’t Pass Semifinal Test

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Senior libero Tait Johnson served three aces and added eight digs in Palisades' four-game loss to Taft in the City Division II playoffs.
Senior libero Tait Johnson served three aces and added eight digs in Palisades’ four-game loss to Taft in the City Division II playoffs.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

So much for getting another shot at Venice. Taft of Woodland Hills snapped Palisades’ 12-match winning streak in the City Section playoffs with a stunning 25-17, 20-25, 25-17, 25-15 victory Tuesday night in the Division II semifinals. It wasn’t so much that the Dolphins lost the match, but rather the way they lost that miffed Coach Chris Forrest. For once, his team didn’t bring its ‘A’ game when it was required to advance. “We weren’t able to pass the ball tonight, it’s as simple as that,” Forrest said. “If you can’t pass, that’s it, you’re done.” The #2-seeded Dolphins were looking forward to meeting Western League rival Venice in the finals for the second time in three years. The Gondos defeated Palisades two out of three times this season–both wins coming on the Dolphins’ home floor. The #3-seeded Toreadors, however, had an agenda of their own. They arrived at Palisades’ gym with a losing record (15-16-1) but a winning mentality. “We’ve played a really tough schedule and ultimately I think that’s helped us in the playoffs,” Taft Coach Arman Mercado said. “We’re used to having the crowd against us. We’re used to facing strong teams. We do that every week in the West Valley League. If you have an off night, you’re going to get beat.” Freshman outside hitter Katie Kaufman led the Dolphins with seven kills, senior outside hitter Emily Cristiano added five kills, senior libero Tait Johnson had three aces and eight digs, senior middle blocker Hannah Fagerbakke had three blocks and senior setter Lauren Gustafson had 28 assists. Taft will play Venice for the City Division II championship on Saturday afternoon at Roybal Learning Center in Los Angeles and Forrest predicted a close match: “If they pass that well and their girls step up like they did tonight, Taft has a good chance. They outplayed us. I have to give them credit.”

Loftus Resigns as Football Coach

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Kelly Loftus is stepping down as head coach of Palisades High's varsity football team. The Dolphins were 7-23 in his three seasons.
Kelly Loftus is stepping down as head coach of Palisades High’s varsity football team. The Dolphins were 7-23 in his three seasons.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Moments after his last game as head coach of the Palisades High varsity football team, Kelly Loftus gave one last speech to his team. The message was short but sweet: apply what you have learned in football to the real world and you will be successful. He is stepping down as coach but he leaves on his own terms and with no regrets. The search has already begun for a new coach and Loftus has asked to be on the committee to choose his successor. He hopes offensive coordinator (Kris Hawkes) and defensive coordinator (Perry Jones) will remain with the program. “I’ll still be around to help but right now my knee is shot and I’ve got to get it fixed,” said Loftus, who has paced the sidelines in pain and with a noticeable limp all season. “Being around young people keeps me young and it’s been a wonderful experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. The thing I’ll miss the most is the comaraderie.” Loftus will continue his role as Palisades High’s head dean. The Dolphins posted a 7-23 record in his three seasons.

Lions Roar into City Section Playoffs

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Palisades' Preon Morgan leaps over a tackler on a kickoff return in last Friday's season finale at Fairfax High. The Dolphins suffered their worst loss of the season, 55-7.
Palisades’ Preon Morgan leaps over a tackler on a kickoff return in last Friday’s season finale at Fairfax High. The Dolphins suffered their worst loss of the season, 55-7.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Knowing last Friday night’s football game would be the last for Head Coach Kelly Loftus, Palisades High players wanted to show their appreciation by sending him out a winner. Although the effort was there, the execution was not, resulting in a 55-7 trouncing by host Fairfax–by far the Dolphins’ most lopsided loss all year. Fairfax had the ball eight times and scored eight touchdowns. Quarterback Clyde Paschal threw for four touchdowns and ran for one and Matt Bowen rushed for over 200 yards as the Lions (5-5, 2-3) clinched a playoff berth and dropped Palisades (1-9, 1-4) to fifth place in the Western League. “The score doesn’t show how hard we played,” PaliHi senior fullback Joe Brandon said. “This one kind of got away from us early. Their zone reads are tricky and tough to defend. Coach Loftus is a great motivator and we wanted to win this for him. He can be tough at times but he just wants us to succeed.” Malcolm Creer’s 6-yard touchdown run on the final play of the first quarter cut Fairfax’s lead to 14-7, but the Lions responded with 20 unanswered points before halftime to put the game out of reach. Palisades quarterback Branden Sanett attempted only seven passes but completed two for 85 yards. “They executed the hell out of us,” Loftus said. “They were successful running counter plays and once we committed to stopping the run, they exploited us over the top.” Frosh/Soph Coach Ray Marsden’s squad added the exclamation point to its season with a hardfought 15-12 win that wrapped up the league title. The Dolphins led 7-6 at halftime courtesy of Spencer Sawai’s 20-yard run and the point-after kick by Ricky Lynch. Fairfax took a 12-7 lead on the first drive of the third quarter. With time winding down in the fourth quarter Palisades drove 70 yards in seven plays to go back on top, capped by Jauan Tate’s 1-yard quarterback sneak. He threw to Tyler Hildreth for the two-point conversion. On the Lions’ next possession, Christian Hawkins stripped the ball and ran to the 40-yard line with 2:05 left. After a punt, Fairfax drove to Palisades’ 30 with five seconds remaining but Bryce McSorley got a sack as time ran out. “It was a pleasure coaching this group all season,” said Marsden, whose team went 8-2 and outscored its opposition 249-84. “We had 15 different players score touchdowns. By the end of the year, our freshman were all contributing. We scored every which way you can–on kick returns, punt returns, offense, defense and even a safety. The defense had 15 interceptions, two shutouts and scored five touchdowns. When we were clicking in all phases we were unstoppable.”

Three’s Company for Local Spikers

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Tonight’s NCAA Division III women’s volleyball quarterfinal between #13 Colorado College and #4 Washington University of St. Louis features three Palisadians–Laura Goldsmith of Colorado and Ali Hoffman and Drew Hargrave of Washington. A starting outside hitter for the Tigers (35-4), Goldsmith was named L.A. City Player of the Year last fall and won the Post Cup Award as the outstanding female athlete at Palisades High. As a freshman she is third on the team in kills (237) and first in aces (49). Her sister Zoe is a junior opposite hitter at PaliHi. Hoffman, a junior, is the starting defensive specialist for the Bears (31-4), who reached the quarterfinals for the 20th time in school history. She had 194 digs and 11 aces in 49 games when Washington won the Division III championship her freshman year. She won the state title her senior year at Marymount High and played on Sports Shack’s 18-1s club team. Her sister Lauren won three straight City titles at PaliHi from 1997-99. Hargrave, a starting outside hitter for the Bears, was an All-CIF player last fall at Brentwood, which won the Southern Section Division III-AA title and finished third in the state. Only a freshman, Hargrave is fourth on the team in kills (133) and also has 51 digs and 24 blocks. She and Goldsmith were teammates on Sports Shack’s 17-1s squad that finished 10th in the Open Division at the 2008 Junior Olympics.

Falcons’ Flaggers Fall in Finals

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St. Matthew’s 7th and 8th grade flag football teams both reached the Pacific Basin League finals last week, losing to Windward in the championship game. In the 8th-grade division, St. Matthew’s beat Wildwood 22-14 in thge quarterfinals as Tyler Newman scored on a punt return and a kickoff return and Brandon Kupfer added the final touchdown on a 35-yard run. Alex Kahn and Peter St. John anchored a defense that deflected a pass in the end zone with 15 seconds left to preserve the win. The semifinals saw Preston Clifford throw two touchdown passes to Newman and another to St. John and a key two-point conversion by Truman Hanks. Newman and Kieran Sheridan intercepted passes on defense while St. John and Alex Kahn had sacks in the Falcons’ 20-12 victory over Crossroads. The championship game pitted the Falcons against a Windward team led by Palisadian Drew Pion. Clifford threw to Newman to tie the game 8-8 early but Windward ultimately prevailed 30-8. The Falcons’ 7th-graders won their quarterfinal game 34-0 over Turning Point, as Matt Douglas passed for two touchdowns, ran for another and added a two-point conversion run. Hudson Ling passed for two touchdowns and caught a two-point conversion while James Mann, Dylan Cotter and Cameron Schiffer each added a touchdown reception. Cotter, Hank Algert and Hunter Price were the leading flag-pullers on defense. In the semifinals, St. Matthew’s edged Willows 21-18 when Chase Aldridge and Douglas batted down passes in the end zone to thwart a late Willows drive. Douglas caught a touchdown pass from Nicholas Moreno and threw one to AJ Peyrot in the first half. He then found Mann for a touchdown in the fourth quarter and Peyrot for a two-point conversion to give St. Matthew’s a 21-12 lead. In the finals, Douglas threw a touchdown pass to Matt Kaufman and added the two-point conversion pass to Peyrot. After Price made an interception, Douglas hooked up with Kaufman again for a touchdown and the two-point conversion pass to Aldridge made it 16-6 in favor of the Falcons. Windward scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second half to won 28-16. Girls’ Volleyball St. Matthew’s 8th-graders fell to Marlborough in the semifinals of the Delphic League playoffs, 27-25, 25-22, despite strong performances by Marielle Bagnard, Jo Kremer, Emma Sanderson and Jackie Carr. The Falcons’ 7th- and 8th-grade teams are a combined 18-3 over the last two seasons under coaches John Caravella and Kate Sauerhoff. s St. Matthew’s coaches John Caravella and Kate Sauerhoff.

Spikers Extend Playoff Win Streak

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Palisades' senior captain Lauren Gustafson hits through a South East block in Monday' City playoff match. The Dolphins swept 25-10, 25-5, 25-14.
Palisades’ senior captain Lauren Gustafson hits through a South East block in Monday’ City playoff match. The Dolphins swept 25-10, 25-5, 25-14.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Something about the City Section playoffs brings out the best in the Palisades High girls’ volleyball team. The Dolphins seem to shift into another gear when the postseason rolls around and that trend continued Monday night in the second round of the Division II playoffs, as #2-seeded Palisades swept #15 South East, 25-10, 25-5, 25-14. It was the 11th consecutive City playoff victory dating back to 2007 for the defending champion Dolphins, who showed little signs of rust after having a first-round bye. Palisades racked up 21 aces, 15 kills and nine blocks against South East and hosts #23 Reseda in the quarterfinals tonight at 7. Reseda upset #7 West Adams in five games on Monday. If victorious, Palisades would host a semifinal match, likely against #3 Taft, next Tuesday night. The Dolphins are seemingly on a collision course to meet Western League rival Venice, the top seed, in the finals Saturday afternoon, Nov. 21, at Roybal Learning Center. Girls’ Tennis Coach Sean Passan was hoping Palisades’ depth would be the decisive factor against top-seeded Granada Hills in the City Section semifinals Monday, but the host Highlanders proved to be too tough, winning 5’2 and advancing to Friday’s final to face #2 Taft. The Dolphins (11-5), seeded #4 after finishing second to LACES in the Western League, eliminated #5 Carson, 5-2, in the quarterfinals last Friday on the strength of singles victories by Elizabeth Silvers, Perri Zaret and Malina Loeher and doubles wins by Katie Takakjian and Charlotte Farrant at #2 and Dalia Shamsian and Ashley Navas at #3. Zaret, a sophomore, defeated Amy Shigenaga, 6-2, 6-3, at No. 3 for Palisades’ only singles point against the defending City champions (13-2). Takakjian and Farrant rallied from 5-2 down in the third set to prevail at #2 doubles, 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, but Granada Hills had already clinched the match. Cross Country Palisades won the boys and girls varsity races at the Western League Championships last week at Pierce College. Grant Stromberg ran a personal-best 15:54 for first place in the boys race. Carlos Bustamante was second (16:19), Danny Escalante was fifth (17:06), Drake Johnston was ninth (17:19), Daniel Hernandez was 16th (17:53), Alex Hernandez was 22nd (18:31) and Eric Lopez was 23rd (18:39). Freshman Jacklyn Bamberger again led the girls, finishing first in 18:29. Sophia Stone ran a personal-best 20:08 to take third, Melissa Tallis (21:04) was fourth, Michelle Colato (21:09) was fifth, Wendy Gomez (21:42) was eighth, Jamilett Maldonado (22:07) was 11th and Amy Moulthrop (24:13) was 20th. The City Section preliminaries are this afternoon at Pierce.

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