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Madsen Cashes in at Borgata Open

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Palisades High Grad Wins Poker Main Event in Atlantic City

Poker champion Jeff Madsen displays his first-place trophy, his winning cards and his mountain of chips.
Poker champion Jeff Madsen displays his first-place trophy, his winning cards and his mountain of chips.

Even as poker players go, Jeff Madsen is one cool customer. He is known to be at his best when the chips are down and he showed why yet again last Friday by winning the main event of the Borgata Winter Poker Open at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Madsen finished in first place out of 766 players in the $3,500 No Limit Hold’ em tournament, pocketing the winner’s prize of $625,006 to push his career earnings over the $3 million mark. “It was a long five days but I’m happy I came out on top,” said Madsen, a 2003 graduate of Palisades High who burst onto the scene four years ago when he became the youngest player ever to win a World Series of Poker event. “This shows me why I’m doing what I’m doing. When you get to the final table you really want to win.” Now 24, Madsen has a house minutes from the strip in Las Vegas. He splits his time between there and Los Angeles, where he used to live near Riviera Country Club. He will be playing the next few weeks in the L.A. Poker Classic at Commerce Casino in the City of Commerce. “I’ll probably play 80 to 120 tournaments in a year, depending on how much I win,” Madsen said. “I’ve played all of the best players by now and I hold my own. They’re my buddies. Sure, the more I play them the more they know me but I know them better too so it works both ways.” Madsen has enjoyed remarkable success so far, but he knows he must keep practicing so he stays mentally sharp. He began honing his skills during his freshman year at UC Santa Barbara, playing primarily at the Chumash Indian Casino in Santa Ynez where the legal gambling age is only 18. “It’s just like any other sport in that you have to keep improving and working on your game,” he said. “Especially now with the internet there’s forums, chat rooms and online poker so you’re always trying to stay one step ahead.” Madsen displayed veteran poise and patience last week en route to hitting his biggest jackpot since the two World Series bracelets he collected back in the summer of 2006 when he was just 21. Showing his usual calm under pressure, Madsen finished Day 2 with the most chips. He was fourth entering the final table and proceeded to take command, eliminating Borgata regular Al Grimes of Miller Place, New York and later Tom Marchese of Boonton, New Jersey on river cards. Madsen turned small pot after small pot into a huge stack going one-on-one for more than an hour and a half against eventual runner-up Sirous Jamshidi of Broomall, Pennsylvania. With only 10 big blinds left, Jamshidi, who had begun the second day as the chip leader, dumped his last 1.9 million into the pot. Then, after a brief count, Madsen called and won with a pair of kings. Despite all of the money and attention that has accompanied his success, Madsen does not take his good fortune for granted. He is among the most liked and well respected young players, often paying his own buy-ins and travel expenses and participating in numerous charity events. Winning the City Invitational Division baseball title at Dodger Stadium his senior year at Palisades remains one of the biggest thrills of his life. “I haven’t been back there [PaliHi] in awhile but it’s about time I visited,” he said. “Maybe I’ll have a chance on this next trip to L.A.” Madsen celebrated his latest triumph in Philadelphia, where he watched the Super Bowl at a friend’s house before catching a flight home the following day: “I was rooting for the Saints so it was cool to see them win. I’ve never been to New Orleans but it’s definitely on my list of places to see.” sports@palipost

Soccer Squads Score Big Wins

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Kathryn Gaskin scored four goals against Westchester and added another at LACES last week, upping her season total to 23.
Kathryn Gaskin scored four goals against Westchester and added another at LACES last week, upping her season total to 23.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Maybe it was the rainy weather. Maybe it was the overmatched opponents. Whatever “it” was, the Palisades High boys and girls varsity soccer teams scored goals by the bucketful in games against Western League rivals last week at Stadium by the Sea. It started on Wednesday when the girls’ squad routed Westchester 13-1 to remain in first place in the league standings. Junior co-captain and scoring leader Kathryn Gaskin netted four goals, raising her season total to 22, while freshman Marika Lundeberg and sophomore Katie Van Daalen Wetters each added two goals and senior Grace Jameson, sophomore Zoe Aliado, freshmen Jacklyn Bamberger and Grady Gitlin and senior co-captain Yasmin Tabatabai each added one for the Dolphins, who improved to 13-5-1 overall and 8-0 in league. Two days later, Palisades’ boys blanked LACES 9-0 to move into first place in the league standings. Senior striker Max Ledesma netted four goals, giving him a team-best 8 this season. Shane Centkowski, Alex Anastasi, Kevin O?Connell and Kevin Guevara also scored for the Dolphins, who improved to 6-1-4 overall and 5-1-4 in league. Both teams wrap up league play this week with games against Hamilton and University. sports@palipost.com

Pali Blues GM Bids Farewell Sol

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Los Angeles Sol and Brazilian national team star Marta signed autographs at halftime of a Blues playoff soccer game last year.
Los Angeles Sol and Brazilian national team star Marta signed autographs at halftime of a Blues playoff soccer game last year.

By JASON LEMIRE Special to the Palisadian-Post All of us associated with the Pali Blues Soccer Club are greatly saddened to hear that the Los Angeles Sol of Women’s Professional Soccer was forced to discontinue operations after one season. The news reaffirms our resolve to do whatever it takes to keep our own team, the Pali Blues, playing, winning, and inspiring young players right here in Pacific Palisades for years to come. It is no secret that the Blues, an amateur women’s organization dedicated to nurturing top collegiate and international talent, shared a special bond with the Sol. Blues co-founders, the Mansouri family, were one of the Sol’s original owners and Blues coach Charlie Naimo served as the Sol’s General Manager. Sol players, including FIFA Player of the Year Marta, were on hand to sign autographs at halftime of the Blues’ thrilling playoff victory over the Colorado Force at Stadium-by-the-Sea last year. However, the bond between the two organizations ran much deeper. Both the Blues and Sol were founded with the goal of inspiring a generation of girls and young women who are playing soccer in record numbers. This new generation enjoys unprecedented acceptance and celebration of the female athlete. Yet, if the shuttering of the Sol proves anything, perhaps it is that there is still much work to be done. Olympic track and field star Jackie Joyner-Kersee once said: “If a young female sees my dreams and goals come true, they will realize their dreams and goals might come true too.” Most young soccer players will not get full-ride college scholarships. Fewer still will go on to careers as pro athletes. Yet we all hope the young women in our lives will grow up believing in their capacity to pursue their own goals and dreams. And for those gifted and dedicated few who do reach the highest heights of women’s soccer, we must continue to live by our motto: “Where Tomorrow’s Stars Play Today.” We are planning a variety of fantastic game-day events, including our “Beat 627” initiative to break the world record for most people in one stadium juggling soccer balls, while sending thousands of balls to needy children here in L.A and around the world. We will host our second annual “Teddy Bear Toss,” collecting stuffed animals for FirstStar to distribute to disadvantaged kids. There will be a Free Summer Camp Showcase at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, February 28, at Palisades High and we are hoping to begin in-school presentations with our players this spring. Though we will never be able to replace the Sol, together we can help keep the passion for women’s soccer and women’s athletics burning bright. Together we can continue to offer the girls and young women of Los Angeles the heroes and role models they deserve. (Jason Lemire is the General Manager of the Pali Blues Soccer Club. He can be reached at 310-867-0977 or by e-mail at Jason@bluesoccerclub.com.)

Martin on Track for Wake Forest

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Erika Martin will take her blazing speed to Wake Forest in North Carolina, where she hopes to compete for the Demon Deacons' track and field team next year.
Erika Martin will take her blazing speed to Wake Forest in North Carolina, where she hopes to compete for the Demon Deacons’ track and field team next year.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Palisades High senior Erika Martin has accepted a track and field scholarship from Wake Forest University, signing the national letter of intent last Wednesday. Top track schools took notice of Martin last summer when she won the Bronze Medal in the heptathlon at the 2009 AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa. Last spring, Martin qualified for four events at the City Section finals and she placed 18th in the 100-meter hurdles with a personal-best time of 14:88 seconds at the state track and field meet in Sacramento. Wake Forest is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, which includes some of the top NCAA Division I track programs in the country–Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Martin also considered offers from Duke, Vanderbilt, Syracuse and Penn.

‘When I Married My Mother’ Author at Village Books

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When author Jo Maeder declares that her mother had cared for her mother, and her grandmother had in turn cared for hers, but ‘I was Ms. Independent from a new generation,’ the reader knows right away what will be Maeder’s certain job.   In her memoir, ‘When I Married My Mother,’ Maeder relates a familiar circumstance for many adult children who find themselves in the situation of taking care of an aging parent. She will discuss her book on Friday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore.   In Maeder’s case, the transition not only necessitated reconnecting with her mom, Mama Jo, with whom she’d maintained a safe distance, but also a move from New York City to Greensboro, North Carolina.   The obvious sea change encompasses leaving her hip, fast-paced, single life in New York, where she works as a DJ on WKTU, K-ROCK (as ‘The Rock ‘n’ Roll Madame’), and Z100, to take up residence in the Bible Belt.   In her journey, which Maeder reluctantly undertakes’her only sibling, Arthur, has both family and job obligations in Richmond, Virginia’she explores, as she says, a tsunami of emotions: anger, guilt, heartbreak and helplessness. Along the way, Maeder recalls various chapters in her childhood and younger years wherein she captures the quirkiness and lovability of her father and mother as well as various neighbors. While she was still in grammar school and presented with a choice to live with her father in Florida (where his new job took him) or stay in Washington, D.C. (which her Mama Jo refused to leave), she packed for Florida.   The book is well observed, and lively, while conveying a number of profound lessons that ultimately lead to insight and a strengthened bond between mother and daughter.   Along the way, Maeder learns to savor every moment of the three years she spent with her mother, from watching old Andy Griffith episodes to dancing with drag queens.   She is frank when relaying her broken relationship with her mother (‘I strongly suspect if you’re not right with your mama, you’re not going to be right with anyone’) and is just as honest in sharing how much she enjoyed caring for her mother.   ’Occasionally, someone would make a comment to me about how I was earning a halo or angel winds by taking care of my mother, as though it were an unpleasant obligation. It felt strange to hear that. I didn’t deserve any special recognition. I enjoyed doing this. It was an honor.’

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 4, 2010

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CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR SALE 1e

$247,000. 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)

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

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.

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

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

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

UNUSUAL, HOME-LIKE, SPACIOUS 1 bed, 1 bath, 800 sq. ft. in triplex near bluffs and village. Fireplace, bay window, hardwood, garage, laundry, garden. NS, NP. 1 yr. lease. $2,300 (310) 804-3142

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

CLOSE TO THE BEACH & SHOPPING. One bedroom, one bathroom, wood floors, in a great complex with fabulous grounds in P.P. Appliances are included. Must be over 62 years of age. (310) 979-4170

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

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

$1,750/MO. ‘COZY & ELEGANT’. Brentwood best location near Gretna Green on Montana Ave. @ golf course. Charming one bedroom lower. Hardwood floors, woodburning fireplace, french doors to petit private patio. Beaut. Tuscan garden courtyard setting. Stainless appliances, security bldg. No pets, one year lease. (310) 826-7960

TWO UNITS AVAILABLE, two blocks from Starbucks in the village. Two bedroom $2,400/mo., studio $1,250/mo. lease. Quiet, sunny, small pet considered. (310) 883-8049

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

CHIC PALISADES VILLAGE CONDO. Remodeled 2 BR, 2 BA, stainless appliances, includes wshr/dryr, storage, security building. Small pets considered. $2,750/mo. 1 year lease. (310) 454-6058

REMODELED PALISADES TOWNHOME. Mt views, 2+2.5, hardwood floors, granite kitchen, marble bathroom, fireplace, 2 car private garage, community pool, tennis & spa. (310) 383-7455

PAC. PAL. $2,100/mo. 1+1 condo. Maple floor, 800 sf., pool/tennis, view, gardens, sec. bldg., utilities inc. Across from beach. No pets. Avail. 4/1, earlier. (310) 230-7737, eskovner@aol.com

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

LOVELY BRENTWOOD HOME (North of Sunset). Private garden level, furnished rooms with bath. W/D, pool, kitchen privileges, N/S, N/D, No pets. $850/mo. Includes utilities. (310) 472-6466

WANTED TO RENT 3b

WANTED: APARTMT/GUESTHSE/ROOM FOR RENT. Financially reliable, single, male Palisadian-Post reporter and indoor cat-owner is looking for an apartment/bachelor/studio/guest house to rent. Preferably in the $700-$800 range (negotiable). Palisades/Santa Monica area preferred. Looking for a quiet environment relatively close to the village. Please contact Michael at: Michael@palipost.com or (424) 645-3709

NURSE. RN, middle-aged female, quiet, non-smoker desires guest house/apartment/rooms unfurnished for rent. Call Vita, (310) 826-7894 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PACIFIC PALISADES OFFICE SUITE: Atrium Bldg., 860 Via de la Paz. 900+ space, reception, two offices & bathroom. $3,000/mo. 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.

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 and restrooms. Amenities include high speed T1 internet access, elevator, and secured, underground parking. CALL (310) 591-8789 or email leasing@hp-cap.com

LARGE, BRIGHT EXECUTIVE OFFICE suite for rent/share in Palisades Village. Fully furnished including fax, copier & internet. $625/mo. Call (310) 573-2175

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

FURNISHED OFFICE ON SUNSET, near village. Mountain view, quiet, light & bright. $800/mo., terms negotiable. (310) 459-3493

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

THREE FULLY SELF-CONTAINED trailers for rent across from Will Rogers State Beach & about 2 miles from Santa Monica Pier. $795/mo. & $695/mo. 2 bedrm mobile, $1,995. (310) 454-2515

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 3f

HERITAGE REALTY & INVESTMENTS. Property management services, sales & leasing, commercial & residential. (310) 459-3493

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

Local Bookkeeping Service. WWW.BIGSISTERWORKSHOP.COM. (310) 570-6085

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

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

NEED TO GET ORGANIZED? * Simplify and find more balance in your life. Let me help you get organized and stay organized. Call me, Jennifer Brook, Professional Organizer, (310) 916-7745 or visit BeeOrganized.la

WE OFFER BOOKKEEPING, assistant services and project management. (818) 591-7729

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

EXPERIENCED NANNY & HOUSEKEEPER. Reliable, caring & flexible. Bilingual and I provide my own transportation. Great local references. Call Nancy at (818) 209-6024

NANNY EXTRAORDINAIRE. Smart, kind and capable 46-year-old woman with a lifetime of experience taking care of families seeks full time, live-out employment. Can drive, organize schedules and household, and is a gifted cook. Great with kids. Call Mary at (713) 478-5624

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE every other Monday and every other Thursday. Speaks English, good local references. Call Lupe, (310) 454-7383 (local number Mon.-Wed.) or (323) 898-2766 (cell.)

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

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

HOUSECLEANING: Looking for Thursday & Saturday. Cleaning, own transportation, local references, good English. Please call Maria, (323) 737-1382

MY NAME IS ALICIA. I’m looking for a job as a housekeeper or babysitter. Available Mon., Wed. & Fri. Experience, drivers license, good references. Please call (323) 394-5901

EXPERIENCED NANNY & HOUSEKEEPER. Reliable, caring & flexible. Bilingual and I provide my own transportation. Great local references. Call Alba, (323) 928-0581

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

SPECIALIZE WITH SENIORS. Friendly/patient personal trainer. I can customize workouts to fit your needs. Call Karen for a free phone consultation & GET STARTED! (818) 626-8670

CAREGIVERS $15 ‘ Professional/exper/reliable. Also lic. nurses/notary ‘ yourextraspecial.com ‘ Jim, (310) 795-5023

FANTASTIC CAREGIVER. Kind, gentle and highly capable woman with 20 years of experience caring for elderly woman seeks full time employment. Can drive, cook, and nurse. Smart, fun. Call (713) 478-5624

SCANDINAVIAN LADY W/ EXPERIENCE & great references. Available 1 up to 5 days per week as your private chef, companion, driver, etc. for active senior/s, F/M. Please call Ms. Anna, (310) 312-6099

CAREGIVER/PERSONAL ASSISTANT/COMPANION. Mature, experienced & reliable female with own transportation. Flexible. Good local references. Please call (310) 442-3524 or (310) 383-6593

CAREGIVER: CNA with 20 years of experience in adult care, child care, babysitting, housekeeping, etc. If interested, please call Miriam at (818) 454-3207

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

PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP, PHOTOGRAPHY, airbrush tanning, hair and eyelash extensions, for all ages. Affordable prices! Will come to you! Shannon, (310) 310-2668, www.jankulaimages.com

STEREO, TV, VCR SERVICES 13g

1 REMOTE CONTROL THAT WORKS! Is your entertainment system not entertaining you? We can tune up your system, bring it up to date, hide wires, mount TVs, install speakers, etc. We can even reprogram or replace your remote control so it is easy to use. Call us, we can help! Lic. #515929. Stanford Connect, (310) 829-0872

WINDOW WASHING 13h

THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Detailed interior/exterior glass & screen cleaning. High ladder work. Solar panels/power washing also avail. Owner operated. Lic., bonded & insured. Free estimates. (310) 926-7626

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

GIRL FRIDAY/HOME ORGANIZER/personal assistant. 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

HORSE STALLS FOR RENT ‘ 3 horse stalls for rent near Will Rogers Park. Easy park access, rent neg. dep. on feed and cleaning needs. Call Bob, (949) 235-4761

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

TUTORS 15e

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION. Children & adults. 20+ years teaching/tutoring exper. MATH, GRAMMAR, ESSAY WRITING & STUDY SKILLS. Formerly Sp. Ed. teacher. Call Gail, (310) 313-2530

MS. SCIENCE TUTOR. Ph.D., Experienced, Palisades resident. Tutor All Ages In Your Home. Marie, (310) 888-7145

PROFESSIONAL TUTOR. Stanford graduate (BA and MA, Class of 2000). Available for all subjects and test prep (SAT & ISEE). In-home tutoring at great rates. Call Jonathan, (310) 560-9134

MATH & CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS: COLLEGE ESSAYS, SAT/SAT II/ACT/ISEE/HSPT MATH PREP. All math subjects thru calculus. Jr. high thru college level writing skills. Fun, caring, creative, individualized tutoring. Local office in Palisades Village. Call Jamie, (888) 459-6430

EXPERIENCED SPANISH TUTOR ‘ All grade levels ‘ Grammar ‘ Conversational ‘ SAT/AP ‘ Children, adults ‘ Great references. Noelle, (310) 273-3593, (310) 980-6071

SCIENCE & MATH TUTOR. All levels (elementary to college). Ph.D., MIT graduate, 30 years experience. Ed Kanegsberg, (310) 459-3614

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

MATH/SCIENCE TUTOR * Credentialed tutor with 15+ years experience. Will tutor in your home late afternoons or evenings. Specializing in SAT prep, high school exit exam, etc. Pomona College Graduate. Call Hal, (310) 384-4507

EXPERIENCED FRENCH TUTOR tutors JHS, HS & AP students. Excellent references. Masters in education. Native French speaker, Malibu resident, very enthusiastic. Will come to you. Cate, (310) 456-5398

STANFORD MATH & SCIENCE TUTOR, 7 years exp. tutoring Pali kids. For my bio, list of classes tutored, and contact info, check out my new site: westsidestanfordtutor.com. Call (323) 309-6687

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

SINGING & PERFORMANCE COACH ‘ All ages ‘ Singing ‘ Songwriting ‘ Recording ‘ Demos ‘ Talent Shows ‘ School Plays ‘ Laurie, (310) 457-4661 ‘ Native Palisadian ‘ soundeyes@aol.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. (800) 800-0744 or (818) 203-8881

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.)

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

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

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

ALL AMERICAN HANDYMAN! Quick home/office repairs. Furniture assembly, plumbing, appliances, electric & fixtures. F/T technical student. Local refs. Non-lic. Thomas, (310) 985-2928

PALISADES HANDYMAN & CONST. 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

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

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

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

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

ROOFING 16w

AFFORDABLE ROOFING & General Contracting Co. (800) 806-8688

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

GARDENER. Professional for residence. References. (310) 459-4746

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

BRENTWOOD ESTATE SALE. 591 S. Burlingame Ave. Feb. 6 & 7th, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Antique mirrors, china, silver, crystal, bedroom suite, mahogany tables, major artworks, old & new, lamps, garden furniture & more.

SM apt. filled with wonderful furn/furnishgs/tchotchkes/hsehold gds. 1311 Euclid, #11 (apt. in rear, upstairs) Fri.-Sat., Feb. 5-6; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Photos/details/ directions: www.bmdawson.com

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

DODGERS SEASON TICKETS! 20 games, 4 seats. Behind home plate, parking included. Call Jill, (310) 459-3458

Bluffs Landslide Threatens PCH

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The storms that soaked Pacific Palisades during the third week of January helped trigger a landslide off the Via de las Olas bluffs that stopped just short of Pacific Coast Highway. A quarter of mile south of Temescal Canyon Road, the dirt, rocks, uprooted trees and shrubs completely covered a trail used by Caltrans and transients.   Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services stacked sand bags on Via de las Olas in an effort to stop rainwater from draining over the cliff (near the Mt. Holyoke viewsite). Yellow tape was also placed at the site to warn people of the danger.   At an outjutting about 100 yards south of the sandbags, a section of the sidewalk and trees adjacent to the bluffs was fenced off. A sign ‘Keep Out, Unstable Ground’ was placed on the chain-link fence.   Albert Androsky, who has lived on the street since 1962, said that since he’s lived there, maybe only a yard of ground has come off the end of the road. ‘It’s been a great place to live despite the geological hazards,’ he said.   There have been several slides along the street, including the infamous ‘killer slide’ in March 31, 1958, when a state Department of Highways supervisor was buried at the foot of Via de la Paz. PCH was subsequently relocated around the toe of the slide, closer to the ocean.

Bus Line 430 Is Threatened

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The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has proposed canceling Commuter Express Route 430, which these Loyola High School students take to school in the mornings.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has proposed canceling Commuter Express Route 430, which these Loyola High School students take to school in the mornings.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Rather than fighting rush-hour traffic in the morning, Pacific Palisades resident Hayley Levy listens to her iPod, sends e-mails on her BlackBerry and reads the newspaper on her way to work.   For the past two years, Levy has ridden Commuter Express Route 430, which makes two round trips Monday through Friday from Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard to the Patsaouras Transit Center near L.A. Union Station.   ’I think it’s the safest, most convenient way to get downtown and a great resource for the community,’ said Levy, who works at the nonprofit organization, Special Service for Groups. She boards the bus at Drummond Street and Sunset and the entire trip takes her 45 minutes.   Unfortunately for Levy and others like her, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation has proposed canceling Route 430. This is the third time LADOT has threatened to terminate the line since 2002.   LADOT expects a $23-million budget shortfall for the 2010-11 fiscal year, and if services and user fees remain unchanged, LADOT predicts a $350-million deficit over the next 10 years. As a result, the department has decided to reduce services, such as Route 430, and increase fares for all of its services.   To determine which services to cut, LADOT looked at Commuter Express and DASH routes with low ridership or with services that may be duplicated by Metro or other carriers, according to a press release from LADOT spokesman Bruce Gillman.   With an average daily ridership of 53 people, Route 430 was rated as a marginal performer with services that are duplicated by taking Metro Line 2 to Commuter Express Line 431. By canceling the route, LADOT anticipates that it will save $179,000.   Westwood Hills resident Jody Litvak, who has taken Route 430 for the past five years, argues that all the other routes to downtown take much longer.   ’It’s the only viable alternative for public transportation on the Westside,’ said Litvak, a community relations manager for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).   Palisades resident Steve Lantz, a rider of Route 430 since moving here in 1995, pointed out that other commuter buses make more than seven round trips a day, and he believes it would be more effective to reduce the number of trips on those routes rather than completely eliminate service to an entire area.   Lantz, who works as the director of communications for Metrolink, added that Palisades and Brentwood residents pay their taxes and deserve service.   ’There needs to be regional equity,’ Lantz said. ‘It’s unfair.’   When LADOT proposed canceling Route 430 in 2005, Lantz fought to save the line and won a Golden Sparkplug Award from the Pacific Palisades Community Council for his efforts. With the help of Community Council member Haldis Toppel, he had the route redirected to Loyola High School, a move that increased ridership enough to keep the bus running. ‘The line was turned from a poor performer to marginal,’ Lantz said.   Thomas Ouligian, a Loyola High School sophomore, has relied on the bus to transport him to school for nearly two years, and he would hate to see it cancelled. ‘It sucks,’ Ouligian said. ‘I think they should keep it up. It’s convenient for the parents.’ Otherwise, parents have to drive their kids to school along the 10 freeway to Venice Boulevard and Normandie Avenue. Ouligian, 16, explained that parents take turns carpooling when school gets out at 2:15 p.m. His peers who participate in after-school clubs or sports are able to take the bus home. The buses stop at Loyola in the evenings at 5:11 p.m. and 6 p.m., and the one-way fare costs $2.20. Lantz and other bus riders are busy trying to save the bus once more. They have received the support of L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl and started a letter campaign. Last Thursday, Lantz pleaded before the Palisades Community Council, which voted unanimously to oppose terminating the route. ‘We urge LADOT to continue to provide this important service, which provides the only Los Angeles City transit linkage between the communities of Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, West Los Angeles, Loyola High School and downtown Los Angeles,’ the Council’s motion read. Bus advocates asked for the support of the Brentwood Community Council at its meeting on Tuesday night. The outcome of that request was not available at press time. LADOT will hold six public hearings to allow the public to comment on the proposed reductions. The hearing in West Los Angeles will be held on February 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henry Medina West L.A. Parking Enforcement Facility (11214 W. Exposition Blvd.) in the Roll Call Room on the second floor. LADOT will accept comments or suggestions until March 3. Contacts: hearingofficer@store.ladottransit.com, (213) 455-0880, and LADOT, 201 N. Los Angeles St., #18B, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Construction Underway at Santa Ynez Reservoir in Highlands

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The Los Angeles DWP began construction work on the interior of the Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Highlands in November. DWP is switching disinfectants from chlorine to chloramine and covering the 9.2-acre open reservoir in order to make drinking water safer for Pacific Palisades residents.
The Los Angeles DWP began construction work on the interior of the Santa Ynez Reservoir in the Highlands in November. DWP is switching disinfectants from chlorine to chloramine and covering the 9.2-acre open reservoir in order to make drinking water safer for Pacific Palisades residents.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Construction to bring the Santa Ynez Reservoir into compliance with new environmental safety measures is well under way and should be completed by August 2011.   The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power is covering the 9.2-acre open reservoir in the Highlands with hypalon (synthetic rubber) and switching disinfectants from chlorine to chloramine to meet two new rules that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established to make drinking water safer.   Environmental Construction, Inc. of Woodland Hills began work in November on the two-year project, which is estimated to cost $17 million. Construction on the inside of the reservoir is being done in two six-month phases and partly in the winter when the weather is wetter and the demand for water is reduced.   In October, LADWP stopped the water flow from Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir to Santa Ynez and allowed the remaining water to drain through normal customer consumption, according to a DWP spokesperson. Santa Ynez holds 117 million gallons of water for domestic use in Pacific Palisades, and residents are now receiving their water exclusively from Upper Stone Canyon Reservoir.   So far, workers have demolished and removed the inlet/outlet tower and steel walkway bridge, completed 40 percent of the electrical contract work, installed a portion of the landscape irrigation system, constructed four concrete vaults at the reservoir bottom and installed holding tanks.   Crews are working Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and an average of six trucks travel along Palisades Drive to the reservoir each day, according to DWP. Work will continue through April 30, at which time the reservoir will be filled for the summer. It will be drained once again on October 1 for the final phase of construction, beginning November 1. On May 1, 2011, the reservoir will be refilled and crews will finish the landscaping, which should be completed by August.   From now until August 2011, the work that remains to be done includes placing new asphalt on the reservoir side slopes and bottom, completing the remainder of the electrical work, and installing the chloramination equipment, an inlet/outlet pipe, drain-line, new fencing, a floating cover and rainwater removal system. The reservoir’s perimeter also needs to be paved.

Barry Blitzer: TV Writer, Post Columnist

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Barry Blitzer with a Burmese python, the subject of one of his columns for the Palisadian-Post.
Barry Blitzer with a Burmese python, the subject of one of his columns for the Palisadian-Post.

Veteran television writer Barry Blitzer, who in semi-retirement wrote a humor column and jazz reviews for the Palisadian-Post for 16 years, died on January 27 at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica from complications after abdominal surgery. He was 80. Born on April 21, 1929, in New York City and raised in Washington Heights, Blitzer attended the University of Georgia after being impressed with its Grady College of Journalism. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany, where he worked for Armed Forces Radio. Returning to New York, Blitzer began writing for ‘The Phil Silvers Show’ and shared a 1956 Best Comedy Writing Emmy for the episode, ‘You’ll Never Get Rich.’ He went on to gain writing credits for other hit TV comedies such as ‘Too Close for Comfort,’ ‘McHale’s Navy,’ ‘Good Times,’ ‘Gomer Pyle USMC’ and ‘Get Smart,’ for which he shared a Writers Guild Award nomination in 1968 for the episode ‘What Where Whom Am I?’ with co-writer and frequent writing partner Raymond Brenner. In addition, he was proud of his work on ‘The Jonathan Winters Show’ and ‘The Carol Burnett Show.’ Blitzer also wrote episodes of popular Hanna Barbera cartoons, including ‘The Jetsons, ‘Flintstones,’ and ‘Top Cat,’ as well as children’s programs including ‘Land of the Lost.’ The Writers Guild was close to his heart, and he actively participated in many of its events over the years. In addition, he worked for equal rights for animation writers, and was a guest lecturer at the University of Texas. Fellow writer Sam Bobrick commented of Barry: ‘His sweetness came out in his writing. He was the nicest, nicest man you could imagine, and I’m going to miss him very much. He used to say some very funny things, and somehow they always ended up in my shows. He had such a dry sense of humor, and he never tooted his own horn. I don’t know anyone who has ever said a bad thing against him’and that’s very rare in this business.’ Blitzer and his wife, Elsie, moved to Pacific Palisades in 1973, shortly after their marriage.   ’I was teaching social studies at Palisades High,’ Elsie said, ‘and that’s what brought us here. We rented a house on Charm Acres Place, a name that always amused Barry, and then bought a house on Akron.’   Winding down his television career but eager to keep writing, Blitzer began contributing his Pop Kulture column to the Post in October 1993, starting with these lines: ‘First off let me explain. I’m an irascible Senior Citizen as well as being a long-time Palisades resident and a confirmed Tri-Sexual. At this age, I’ll try anything! Furthermore, the opinions expressed in this column are strictly personal, highly prejudicial, inflammatory and do not reflect the opinion of any person living or of sound mind, including the Editor of the Palisadian-Post, about whom I have serious doubts. So readers, be tolerant and remember that you’re hearing from a borderline retiree with a cranky back and a 16-year-old daughter who thinks I belong in Jurassic Park.’   Every two or three weeks thereafter for many years, Blitzer would bring in his man-about-town column (typewritten at first until he finally broke down and bought a computer) and an occasional All That Jazz piece or theater review. He also enjoyed writing features about various residents and business owners in the Palisades and recounting the amusing moments and misfortunes that seasoned his travels.   In 1997, Blitzer created a spinoff business writing prophecies for his own line of fortune cookies (‘Yenta Blitzer’s Jewish Misfortune Cookies’) that he sold at local outlets. Sample messages: ‘Never fear success’you will not have any,’ ‘Foreign travel awaits you’you are being deported,’ and ‘For you, Passover means no promotion.’   Late in life, even when he was in pain and bed-ridden, ‘Barry never lost his sense of humor,’ said his wife. ‘One day a Medicare nurse came to draw blood. Barry was only semi-conscious, but I heard her say, ‘This won’t hurt’it will just be a prick.’ And Barry responded, ‘Did you call me a prick?’ This upset the nurse, but the caretaker and I just laughed because it was so typical Barry.’   In addition to his beloved wife, Blitzer is survived by his daughter, Amy; his sister Benita, who is a well-known biographer; his cousin Barbara Diamant, an opera singer and music therapist; and his dog, Pilet.   A Celebration of Life is planned for family and close friends; date and location to be announced. Donations may be made to The Writers Guild Foundation. Contact: (323) 782-4692, or visit: www.WGFoundation.org/donate.aspx.

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