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Thursday, September 17 – Thursday, September 24

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

  Editor Barbara Harris Cury and photographer Meg McComb discuss ‘The Gamble House Cookbook,’ which brings the spirit of this legendary Pasadena home into the modern kitchen, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books. The book is presented in Mary Gamble’s original handwriting and reinterpreted for today by celebrity chef Mark Peel.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

  The Palisades Branch Library presents a free screening of ‘Chocolat,’ the tantalizing tale starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, 1 to 3 p.m. in the library’s community room, 861 Alma Real. Theatre Palisades presents Larry Shue’s ‘The Nerd,’ 8 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. The character-driven farce centers on a dinner party interrupted and brought down by the titular houseguest from hell. Performances continue Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through October 11.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

  Autumn equinox hike, 7:30 p.m. in Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset. Parking at the park entrance is $7. Contact: (310) 454-1395.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

  The’Pacific Palisades Art Association hosts guest speaker Amadea Bailey, 7 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Her large abstract oil paintings reflect her unusual life experiences and creativity.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Pacific Palisades author Teresa Anne Power presents an interactive reading of her book, ‘The ABCs of Yoga for Kids,’ 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. This free program is suggested for children ages 3 and up. Sunrise Senior Living hosts a free Alzheimer’s support group on the second Monday and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at 15441 Sunset. RSVP: Bruce Edziak at (310) 573-9545.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Monthly Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce mixer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., hosted by CalNational Bank, corner of Sunset and Swarthmore. Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room. The public is invited. Longtime Pacific Palisades resident Blanche Rosloff reads and signs her book of poetry, ‘We Bloom,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Palisadian Denise Doyen reads and signs her children’s book, ‘Once Upon a Twice,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. In the tradition of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Jabberwocky,’ this beautiful picture book (by award-winning illustrator Barry Moser) presents a harrowing night in a swamp for Jam, a ‘mouseraskal.’ Doyen’s agile rhythms and nifty near-nonsense language heighten the sense of being adrift in a threatening world.

Former Dancer Now Leads Canyon School

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Joyce Dara, Canyon Elementary's new principal.
Joyce Dara, Canyon Elementary’s new principal.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

By SUE PASCOE Staff Writer After the first week of school, Canyon Elementary’s new principal, Joyce Dara, was enthusiastic and thrilled about her opportunity to lead a school that has been around since 1894. ‘It’s been a little challenging,’ she said, ‘but it has been all fun and good.’ Dara cited the dedicated parent involvement at Canyon as a major reason for wanting to come to the charter school and replace Carol Henderson. ‘I enjoy interacting with the parents,’ she said. ‘Their involvement is critical to a child’s success.’ Dara, who was an assistant principal at Walgrove Elementary for three years (where she focused on special education), is clear about her leadership style: ‘I will be available and approachable, and a collaborator to any issues that may arise, always putting the needs and best interest of our students first.’ Although she didn’t officially start until August 12, Dara was at the school frequently over the summer, setting up her office and organizing, which enabled her to spend the first week on campus with parents and students. ‘I don’t want to be in my office talking; I want to spend time in the classroom,’ she said, explaining that her main role is to supervise instruction. ‘There’s no way to provide real feedback unless you’re in the classroom, and there’s no way to provide feedback to a parent unless you know their child.’ Dara grew up in Hicksville, New York, where her mom was a librarian and a teacher in the Wantaugh School District, and her father, in addition to being a New Yorker cartoonist, also taught art at Farmingdale College. After graduating from State University of New York at Buffalo with a degree in theater and dance, Dara began teaching undergraduate dance at that college for two years. But the lure of Broadway proved too strong and she moved to New York City, where she worked as a dancer. She was in the national tour of ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ and later toured with Joel Grey in ‘Cabaret.’ Appearing in national commercials and studying with famous tap teachers Gregory Hines and Henry LaTang, Dara also took classes, and taught dance. Eighteen years ago, she tired of the winter weather and moved to Hollywood, where she signed up to substitute teach in LAUSD schools. Her first assignment was a second-grade classroom in East L.A. ‘I fell in love that day with elementary teaching,’ said Dara, who joined LAUSD’s intern program to earn her certification. While working towards her credential, she subbed for almost a year at Broadway Elementary School. The following year, the principal hired her as a teacher, even though he didn’t have a classroom for her. He hoped that by October he would have enoughenrollment to give Dara her own class. While she was waiting, a fourth-grade opening came up at Charnock Elementary in Mar Vista. She interviewed and was hired that same day. Her first classroom had 37 students, with about half not knowing English. ‘That’s when theater training helped,’ Dara said. ‘I found it was the best way to communicate.’ As part of the credentialing program, she completed the UCLA Math Content program, which is specifically designed to help elementary teachers reach their students with hands-on learning. She felt the teaching method was so important that she wanted to share it with other teachers, which led her to become a math coach for Local District D (now Three), which she did for five years. Dara’s job as a coach meant she interacted on a different level with administrators, which piqued her interest in that field. She proceeded to complete a master’s program in administration from Cal State Northridge in 2005. Canyon is currently in the re-writing process for its charter renewal, which is providing a different kind of education for the first-year principal. ‘It’s a challenge, but at the same time it’s given me time to interact with teachers and learn more about the school,’ Dara said. She feels her ultimate challenge this year will be too little time to do everything she wants. ‘I like to give my heart and soul in everything I do,’ she said. ‘And there’s so much to do.’ Dara rises most mornings at 4:30 a.m. at her Westside residence and goes for an eight-mile run along the beach. ‘Sometimes you see the moon drop in the ocean.’ After leaving school, she likes to do yoga, spend time with her boyfriend, Todd Lesner (a coordinator for the magnet program in Westminster) and play with her 10-year-old calico cat Lulu, before finishing work she has brought home, and answering her e-mail. ‘I don’t wait more than one day to respond,’ Dara said. ‘It’s a pet peeve when people don’t get back to me. I hate it.’

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

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FURNISHED HOMES 2

PICTURE PERFECT LEASE, Huntington Palisades. Beautifully decorated 3 bd, 3 ba, LR w/ FP, FR w/ FP, FDR, den, lovely garden, pool. Furn or unfurn at $11,000/mo. Contact Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706

LIGHT, AIRY, SPACE IN THE TREE-TOPS. 1 bed/bath, huge living areas for 1-2 non-smoker, no pets. Laundry, spa, cable, internet, dishes . . . Avail. October. Monthly with 3 mo. min. $2,800/mo. includes all. (310) 454-2568

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

OCEAN VIEW near Pali schools. 4 BDRM, 3 BA, LR & master BDRM w/ frpls. W/D, 2 car garage. Jacuzzi bath. Gardener incl. 1 yr lease min. $6,400/mo. (310) 908-8390

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

LOVELY 3 BDRM, 3 BA apartment at Edgewater Towers, across from beach, ocean view. $4,000/mo. Call or e-mail for pictures, (310) 887-1333, s@90210law.com

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

RARE, CHARMING FIND in lovely neighborhood. Large, upper unit, 2 bd + bonus room, 1 ba. Plantation shutters, fireplace, ceiling fan, balcony, garden, garage, light & airy. 1 yr lease. Cooperates w/ brokers. N/P, N/S. $3,500/mo. (310) 804-3142

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

BRENTWOOD ‘ITALIAN VILLA’ QUIET & SERENE. $2,450/mo. Spacious 2 bedroom 2 bath on Montana Ave. overlooking GOLF COURSE. Near Santa Monica shops and coffeehouses. Gorgeous style building with a sense of character. Beautifully maintained with a sense of ‘ZEN.’ HAS EVERYTHING! * Security building * Spacious terrace overlooking garden courtyard * Wood-burning fireplace * French doors, shutters and crown moldings * Designer carpets * New stainless steel appliances and washer-dryer in unit * Air conditioning * Enclosed garage. Unlimited street parking (no permit required). No pets, one year lease. Call (310) 826-7960

LIVE IN BEAUTIFUL RUSTIC CANYON. Two rooms, bath, quiet, woodsy setting. Nice. $1,500/mo. 1 person only. Call (310) 454-6781

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

WALK TO P.P. VILLAGE. WOODSY VU, 2 br, 2 ba, open den, AC, WD in unit, security bldg. 2 car parking, storage, pool, jacuzzi, gym. $2,850/mo. Avail 9/1/09. Nancy, (310) 454-5257

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

$900/MO. ROOM IN CONDO on Albright St. Utilities and cable included. Pool. Walk to village and shops. (310) 890-2961

GARDEN VIEW: Master bedroom & bath. Private entrance, patio, fireplace, cable, WIFI, w/d. $950/mo. Available now. (310) 459-8751

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

OFFICE TO SHARE, $950/MO. Two treatment rooms in Holistic Chiropractic Center in village on Sunset. Light filled, cheerful, healing environment. Includes use of large reception, front office, kitchen. Utilities included. Convenient parking. (310) 612-9111

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

PALISADES OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE, $900/MO.: In the heart of the Village. Single room office with large window & private restroom. Building amenities include high speed internet access, elevator & covered parking garage. Office has a/c, beautiful hardwood floors & is professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Call Catherine at (310) 573-4245 x104, please leave your contact info.

OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT. Individual offices for rent in Pacific Palisades Village. $750 to $1,250/mo. Call (310) 230-8335

IN VILLAGE QUIET UPSTAIRS OFFICE with soft natural lighting. Available September 1, 2009 at $849/mo. $2,300 security deposit. (310) 991-9434

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING in Pacific Palisades village for lease. Lovely and spacious suite available. Lease hold improvement allowance. 850 square feet conveniently located in the village. Please call Ness, (310) 230-6712 ext. 105, for more details.

VACATION RENTALS 3e

THREE FULLY SELF-CONTAINED trailers for rent across from Will Rogers State Beach & about 2 miles from Santa Monica Pier. $1,195/mo. & $995/mo. (310) 454-2515

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

PART-TIME BOOKKEEPER TO GO! * F/C bookkeeper specializing in small businesses & private individuals. QB, Quicken & Peachtree proficient. PC or MAC. Refs upon request. Call (310) 486-1055

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

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

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

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/

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 ‘ Garage Sale Specialist ‘ (310) 454-0359 ‘ bmdawson@verizon.net ‘ www.bmdawson.com ‘ Furniture ‘ Antiques ‘ Collectibles ‘ Junque ‘ Reliable professionals ‘ Local References

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

ORGANIZE IT! Clean your clutter. Organize your home, office, playroom, garage, and closets. Garage sales. Shopping. Create your space without clutter. (310) 245-5002, Courtney

SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7l

SOLAR ENERGY with ALTERNATIVE ENGINEERING SOLAR. Go green, save 40% to 50%! Huge rebates and tax incentives! Call for free estimate or questions. Local Palisades contractor. Lic. #912279. (877) 898-1948. e-mail: sales@alternativeengineering.net

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

FULL-TIME NANNY/CAREGIVER 20 years experience, plus newborns. Speaks English, safe driver, employer references available. Kind, reliable, and punctual. Call Blanca, (323) 770-3600

ADORING, CARING, & LOVING GRANDMA available to babysit your precious little one. For more information, please call Grandma Ellen at (310) 459-8670 (local resident).

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

MY FABULOUS HOUSEKEEPER is seeking employment. Speaks English. Naturalized citizen. Excellent cleaner. Honest. Cooks. Drives. Wonderful with children and pets. Call Mary, (310) 230-0503

HIGH & MIGHTY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE for homes, apts. & offices. Construction, painting, elec., gen. maintenance. Honest, reliable. Refs. Teresa, (323) 823-8947, or Jose, (310) 713-1250

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE every Friday and every other Monday. First day is free! Good references, experience, own transportation, speaks English. Call Zoila or Francisca, (323) 336-1649

HOUSECLEANING or HOUSESITTING. Experienced, own transportation, local references. Please call Delmy, (323) 708-4327

PROFESSIONAL CHILDCARE/HOUSEKEEPING. M/W/F, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., flexible hours. Great references. CPR certified. Own transportation. Call Sandra at (310) 449-0170

HOUSEKEEPER looking for a job. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Speaks English, has references, drives her own car. Call Francis, (818) 472-8119

HOUSEKEEPING, EXPERIENCE, REFERENCES, has own transportation. Available Monday through Friday. Call anytime. (323) 979-6853

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE for 1 or 5 days of the week. Good references. Drivers license & own transportation. 15 years experience. For more information, call Marina, (562) 408-2068

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

ELDER CARE EXERCISE W/ DEBORAH STERN. Certified personal trainer with positive attitude & smile. Offers companionship along w/ walking, gentle stretching & movement. Refs avail. (310) 623-0361

WE OFFER COMPASSIONATE CARE to clients in their home, hospital, or residential facility. Live-in or hourly caregivers will provide hygiene & grooming, light housekeeping, transportation. (213) 368-3880

NURSING CARE 10b

CAREGIVER/MAID. Young, energetic, experienced nurse. Great references. Have car. Zula, (323) 812-3135

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

GARCIA GARDENING * Landscape, planting, maintenance, sprinkler systems, cleanup, low voltage lights. Everything your garden needs! Many yrs exp. Free estimates. Call Efren, (310) 733-7414

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

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

HOUSEMAN/DRIVER. BODYGUARD. Personal contact for all your needs including catering, plumbing, electrical. Excellent references. 10 years experience. Full time, part time. Salary negotiable. Call Big John Mueller, (310) 709-9143

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

CLEARLY MATH & MORE! Specializing in math & now offering chemistry & physics! Elementary thru college level. Test prep, algebra, trig, geom, calculus. Fun, caring, creative, individualized tutoring. Math anxiety. 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. SAT, ISEE, HSPT, ACT, ERB, STAR. Caring, meticulous service. GrozaLearningCenter.com ‘ (310) 454-3731

MUSIC THEORY TUTOR ‘ AP Music Theory ‘ MTAC all levels ‘ MTAC Guild Artist. (310) 454-8276

HSPT/ISEE PREP CLASSES. Central Palisades Location. Small class size, 12 classes. September 25th Start. (310) 459-3239

EXPERIENCED TEACHER AVAILABLE FOR TUTORING. Reading, math, social studies, science, high school french, swimming, and piano. References available. Mrs. Davis, (818) 880-8178

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

SAXOPHONE LESSONS By professional. All levels and ages welcome. Call (310) 283-9975

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

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

ELECTRICAL WORK. 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. Lic. #560299. 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

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

PLUMBING 16t

$50 HOUR!! ‘ Water heaters ‘ Wall heaters ‘ Repipes ‘ Remodels ‘ Disposals ‘ Toilets ‘ Vanities ‘ Pumps ‘ Faucets ‘ CDM, (310) 739-6253. Lic. #629651

REMODELING 16v

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

LABOR OF LOVE HOME REPAIR & REMODEL. Kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, tile, doors, windows, decks, etc. Work guar. Ken Bass, General Contractor. Lic. #B767950. (310) 487-6464

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

PACIFIC PALISADES patent law firm with a busy practice concentrating in high profile medical devices and internet related technologies seeks a patent legal secretary. Candidates must be organized, detail oriented, and have at least two years experience in patent application preparation and prosecution. We are seeking an individual with immediately transferable skills who can work independently. We offer competitive compensation and benefits in a collegial and fiendly enviroment. Please submit resume and salary requirements in confidence to patenthiring@gmail.com

P.P. DENTAL OFFICE SEEKING Administrative staff scheduling client follow-up & care. Answering multiple telephone lines. MUST BE: Friendly, well-organized professional able to multi-task. Word and Excel experience. Compensation commensurate with skills and experience. Email resume to info@palismiles.com

‘Friends’ Release Temescal Pool Plan

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The former YMCA-operated swimming pool in Temescal Canyon, filled in by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy in January, now looks like a grass court for tennis as Friends of Temescal Pool seeks a solution that will restore the pool as a public facility.
The former YMCA-operated swimming pool in Temescal Canyon, filled in by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy in January, now looks like a grass court for tennis as Friends of Temescal Pool seeks a solution that will restore the pool as a public facility.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

With hopes of resurrecting the Temescal Canyon swimming pool, a group of about 70 community members and political aides gathered at Aldersgate Retreat Center last Wednesday evening to hear the details of Friends of Temescal Pool’s business plan.   Friends, a nonprofit organization formed in August 2008 with the goal of preserving the pool for the community to enjoy, is hopeful that the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the property’s owner, will consider its proposal.   ’The Conservancy has said that it has not made a final decision on what to do with the pool,’ Friends President Jane Albrecht told the Palisadian-Post. ‘It has also consistently said to Friends and the Pacific Palisades Community Council that, if presented with a viable business plan and a qualified operator, it would consider reopening the pool.’   The Palisades YMCA-operated pool was initially closed in February 2008 because of leaky pipes, the repair of which would cost an estimated $400,000. In the following months, the YMCA and the Conservancy were unable to reach a lease agreement.   Last December, the Conservancy board decided to develop a long-term plan for Temescal Gateway Park before possibly offering a new pool lease to the YMCA or any other entity. The board also chose to temporarily fill in the empty pool with gravel and dirt, declaring liability concerns.   Friends, along with a group of 12 elderly and/or disabled residents, filed a lawsuit against the Conservancy and its partner, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, demanding the pool be reopened and that the Conservancy pay the costs. This spring, the Conservancy filed a motion to dismiss the case, and L.A. Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Allen White ruled in the Conservancy’s favor on June 30. Friends appealed the ruling to the California Court of Appeals.   Friends invited the Conservancy’s Executive Director Joe Edmiston to Wednesday’s meeting, but he declined to attend. In an e-mail to Friends on August 30, he wrote that ‘the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is many steps away from being able to consider your proposal.’ He noted that the lawsuit between Friends and the Conservancy must be settled first and that the Conservancy has not even started work on an overall plan for Temescal Gateway Park. The planning process is halted because state legislators froze all bond-funded expenditures. (See Edmiston’s complete comments in the Editorial, page 2.)   ’I very much appreciate Mr. Edmiston’s reply, and the information he provided on the process,’ Albrecht said, noting that she will send Edmiston a copy of the plan. ‘I hear with open ears his concerns. We are willing to work with the Conservancy and are genuinely interested in finding a solution that works for, and will benefit, the Conservancy as well as the people.’ In the living room at Aldersgate last Wednesday, Friends presented a 12-minute documentary created by Palisadian Lee Kovel, a partner in the advertising agency Kovel/Fuller in Culver City. Kovel told the crowd that he decided to make the film because he used to swim at the pool and he wanted to give community members a chance to explain what the pool meant to them.   Then, Albrecht presented the business plan to representatives from the offices of L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, State Senator Fran Pavley, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl.   According to the plan, the pool will be open year-round, seven days a week. There will be masters swimming, swimming lessons, aquatics fitness programs, lifeguard training and physical therapy. Unlike when the YMCA operated the pool, access will not be based on membership.   Friends estimates it will cost about $700,000 to renovate the pool’$70,000 to remove the fill from the pool; $60,000 for engineering services; $400,000 to repair the leaky pipes; $45,000 to remodel the locker rooms to conform with the Americans with Disabilities Act; $58,000 for equipment to improve the ecology and energy efficiency of the pool; $60,000 to paint, clean, and replace furniture and equipment that was lost or discarded when the pool closed; and $7,000 for a modern card scanner and laser counter to keep track of the number of people using the pool.   According to the plan, ‘The money for repairing the facility and returning it to operation will be provided from public and private sources rather than the operating revenue of the pool.’   Friends is asking the Conservancy to pay about $555,000 of those repairs. ‘Assuming the Conservancy wants the pool, we think it’s only fair,’ Albrecht said. ‘The Conservancy will benefit from the pool financially and otherwise,’ as detailed in the business plan.   However, Friends is prepared to raise the entire $700,000 from other sources if the Conservancy is not willing or able to contribute to the costs, Albrecht added.   The organization predicts the pool will have 20 to 30 more years of life after the repairs and recommends a minimum 11-year lease with a 10-year option to renew.   ’The lease needs to be long enough to make it possible to raise the $700,000 needed to repair and reopen the pool,’ according to the plan. ‘Whether it be donors or investors, people will not give significant sums of money if a short-term lease is involved.’ The Conservancy was proposing a five-year lease to the YMCA or another entity last year, in order to provide flexibility for the Conservancy following completion of its long-term plan. The Friends plan also proposes that the lessee pay $1 a year in rent and assume all costs for maintenance, liability insurance, utilities and daily operation of the pool. The YMCA operated the pool under these terms. Friends assumes it will take six months after a lease is signed to repair the pool, with private fundraising covering start-up costs. The organization suggests that the pool will be staffed by a full-time executive director (who will also serve as an aquatics director), part-time employees and independent contractors. Friends forecasts that the pool will operate at a loss during the first year, but will be profitable by the second year. The plan projects a net profit before taxes of about $126,000 on gross revenues of approximately $930,000 in the second year.   Friends proposes offering the Conservancy 10% of the net operating profits each year, meaning about $12,600 the second year (if projections hold true), and $24,240 in year three (based on net income of $242,400).   According to the business plan, the pool will be profitable because it will offer varied aquatics classes, provide food concessions and house a swim shop that sells specialty swim equipment. Friends will also help seek grants from government and private organizations, as well as host two annual fundraisers.   After Albrecht’s presentation, she introduced Palisades Tennis Center owner Steve Bellamy as the pool’s potential operator. The Palisades resident, who help found cable’s Tennis Channel, told the audience he was eager for the challenge and opportunity.   ’I am an evangelist for lifetime sports,’ Bellamy said, adding that he doesn’t think Pacific Palisades has enough sports facilities.   ’I have gone over the whole plan, and it’s a sustainable, viable, reasonable plan,’ Bellamy told the Post afterwards. ‘I also have no issue with the financial situation,’ referring to the proposed annual payout to the Conservancy if the pool makes a profit.   The Friends plan also seeks to help the Conservancy meet its obligations to provide programs for at-risk youth. The Conservancy purchased the park with Proposition A funding, which requires the government agency to provide at-risk youth programming. The plan calls for summer camps and five Swim-For-Life programs, which will teach children (including at-risk youth) how to swim.   Overall, Albrecht thinks that Friends has developed a sound plan, and she is hopeful the organization can now work with the Conservancy.    ‘When the government and the people put their minds and efforts together, hurdles dissolve and wonderful things happen,’ she said. ‘There is almost no limit to what can be achieved.’

Low-Flow Diversion Projects to Begin on PCH in October

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Starting in October, the five low-flow diversion (LFD) structures located along Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades will be simultaneously upgraded. About $30 million from Prop O funds will be spent for the upgrades, which will allow the structures to operate year-round during dry weather, as well as for the installment of a new sewer line. All five LFDs (Santa Monica Canyon, Palisades Park at Potrero Canyon, Temescal Canyon, Bay Club Drive and Marquez Avenue) will require traffic disruptions. Construction will occur Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the dry season (April to October), water run-off funnels into these structures before traveling to the Hyperion Water Treatment Plant near El Segundo, where it is cleaned and released into the ocean. To date, the five LFDs have been successful in helping three Will Rogers beaches earn high marks from Heal the Bay during the dry season this past year. A fourth beach, Sunset (near Gladstone’s) nabbed the highest grade possible, A+, and a spot on the honor roll as being one of the cleanest beaches statewide. The fifth beach, the Santa Monica Canyon drain by Chautauqua, received an A for dry-season weather and a D for dry-weather days from October through April. With such high grades, some residents are wondering why the LFD structures need to be upgraded. ‘That may translate to a more consistent ‘A’ from Heal the Bay instead of an ‘A’ average,’ said Department of Public Works Public Information Officer Michelle Vargas. ‘With increased capacity and system reliability, we will have the LFD structures function year-round, and we can prevent any kind of dry-weather flow, summer or winter, from going to the ocean.’ Heal the Bay President Mark Gold said, ‘The LFDs historically have had operation and maintenance problems with undersized pumps that often break. And we haven’t had a wet year since 2005. The new diversions can capture some small fraction of storm flow.’ Last year, pumps shut down six times, five of which occurred because of Department of Water and Power electrical outages. The sixth, near the Bel-Air Bay Club, occurred because of an explosive gas monitor, which shut down that LFD for nearly three hours.. The first structure slated for construction is the Marquez Avenue LFD, built in 2006 near the road that leads into Malibu Village, a 29-unit condominium mobile home park. Work will be on the inland side of PCH with no anticipated lane closures; the estimated construction time is three to six months. At the Bay Club LFD, Arno Way will be closed from Trino Way to Bay Club Drive. Motorists accessing Trino Way must take alternate routes, with construction time placed at six months. Temescal’s LFD construction, budgeted at $3.4 million, will last 10 to 12 months. There will be temporary lane reductions, but at least one lane in each direction will be maintained at all times. There will be sidewalk closures along the canyon and a temporary removal of street parking along Temescal. Santa Monica Canyon and Palisades Park LFD construction is also slated for this fall at a cost of $5.3 million. The Los Angeles County Flood Control District will install an air-inflatable rubber dam (6 ft. high by 40 ft. wide) in the Santa Monica Canyon flood channel, and an adjacent control building (about 10 ft. x 10 ft.), which will house the rubber dam’s air compressor and control panel. The dam will be inside the channel between PCH and the bike path near Parking Lot 1 (just south of West Channel Road) at Will Rogers State Beach. The dam will capture and redirect the water into the LFD. The existing LFD will be used as a backup to the new system. With LFD structures working year-round during dry weather, a new sewer, the Coastal Interceptor Relief Sewer (CIRS), is planned along PCH in 2010 to accommodate the added dry-weather flow. The cost is estimated at $13.3 million, with a projected 18-month construction time. The 4,500-foot-long CIRS will run from the parking lot adjacent to the Will Rogers lifeguard headquarters (across from Potrero Canyon) to Santa Monica’s existing sewer. The remaining portion of the sewer that is not built under the parking lot would lie within the PCH right of way.

Palisades Students Return To School This Week

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Mark Holscher brings his children Luke (second grade) and Gemma (kindergarten) to their classes.
Mark Holscher brings his children Luke (second grade) and Gemma (kindergarten) to their classes.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The quiet summer idle in Pacific Palisades shifted to overdrive as the nine private and public elementary schools, Paul Revere Middle School and Palisades High started school this week with most schools filled to capacity. Corpus Christi and Calvary Christian School students returned to classes on Tuesday. The following day, students from St. Matthew’s, Village, Westside Waldorf, Palisades, Marquez, Canyon, Revere and PaliHi started their first day. The last school to open was Seven Arrows, which resumed classes today. Calvary Christian celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and Teresa Roberson returns for her 11th year as head of school. St. Matthew’s Head of School Les Frost returns for his 26th year. At Village School, Nora Malone marks her 11th year. Canyon Elementary welcomed a new principal, Joyce Dara, after long-time principal Carol Henderson retired last spring. Significant administration changes also occurred at PaliHi, which lost both a principal and director of instruction. Marcia Haskin, who served as interim principal in 2007-2008, will return this year and be joined be Richard Thomas, who will serve as director of instruction.

Thursday, September 10 – Thursday, September 17

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library Community Room, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited. Rabbi Sheryl Lewart of Kehillat Israel discusses and signs ‘Change Happens,’ a beautifully illustrated ‘how-to’ guide for the Jewish holidays, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. (See story, page 12.)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Pacific Palisades resident Zo Owen discusses and signs her book of poetry, ‘Finding Our Way Back to Eden,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore. Theatre Palisades presents Larry Shue’s ‘The Nerd,’ 8 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. The character-driven farce centers on a dinner party interrupted and brought down by the titular houseguest from hell. Performances continue Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through October 11. (See Michael Aushenker’s review, page 13.)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Kehillat Israel holds a free community social-action fair, 1 to 3 p.m. at the temple, 16019 Sunset. The public is invited to meet representatives of nonprofit organizations from across Los Angeles. (See story, page 11.) Sunrise Senior Living hosts a free talk by cognitive consultant Britta Schramm, 3 p.m., at the assisted-living facility, 15441 Sunset. RSVP required by calling Bruce Edziak at (310) 573-9545.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Sunrise Senior Living hosts a free Alzheimer’s support group on the second Monday and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at 15441 Sunset. RSVP: Bruce Edziak at (310) 573-9545. Hosted by the Pacific Palisades Historical Society, ocal historian Eric Dugdale lectures on Thomas H. Ince and Inceville, the motion picture studio he erected in 1911 in Santa Ynez Canyon, 7 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. (See story, page 3.) Moonday, a monthly Westside poetry reading, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. (See story, page 16.)

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

The Groovy Fools Groove, featuring the musical stylings of David Brownstein and Matt Riskam, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. This is the Summer Reading Club culmination for children of all ages and their families. Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association board meeting, 7 p.m. at the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. The public is invited.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Baby and Toddler Storytime, a lap-sit mix of songs, finger plays, stories and flannelboards for children under the age of 3 and their grown-ups, 10:15 a.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Villa Aurora hosts a free program and reception celebrating author Lion Feuchtwanger, 8 p.m. at the Villa, 520 Paseo Miramar. RSVP required by calling (310) 573-3603 by September 14.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Palisadian Hunter Payne, founder of ‘Aid Still Required,’ will speak about ‘Darfur: What We Can Do’What Only We Do,’ 7:15 a.m. at the Palisades Rotary Club meeting, Gladstone’s restaurant. Editor Barbara Harris Cury discusses ‘The Gamble House Cookbook,’ which brings the spirit of this legendary Pasadena home into the modern kitchen, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books. The book is presented in Mary Gamble’s original handwriting and reinterpreted for today by celebrity chef Mark Peel.

Margaret Jose, 75; Palisades Booster

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Former Pacific Palisades resident, environmental activist and stalwart town booster Margaret Jose died on September 3 in Santa Barbara. She was 75.   Margaret was born in 1933 in Cardiff, South Wales, to Clare and Harry Lilly. Despite the Depression and World War II, her childhood was made wonderful by caring parents.   From 1952 to 1956, Margaret trained as a nurse at The Middlesex Hospital in London, where she met and married Anthony D. Jose, M.D. A two-year fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore was followed by a Howard Hughes fellowship at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, where their daughter Helen was born in 1959. The following year, the family moved to Sydney, Australia, where Margaret worked at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Her two younger daughters, Penny and Sandy, were both born in Sydney.   After the family moved to California in 1969, Margaret returned to nursing, at the Tyler Clinic for Infertility, and then at UCLA. The 18 years she spent at UCLA, despite the death of her husband Tony in 1978, and three young daughters to support, were stimulating and rewarding.   For over 25 years in Pacific Palisades, Margaret applied her ample amounts of energy and forthrightness to maintaining the Village Green, protecting street trees, building trails and shaming leaf-blower operators.   She was the first to arrive at the Red Cross station in Santa Monica on the morning of the Northridge earthquake in 1994, and she was always happy to offer her home for charity fundraisers. She was also active in senior services issues, and was a regular volunteer in Yosemite every summer, helping to mend trails. In 1996, she was honored by the Palisades Community Council with its annual Community Service Award.   Following retirement in 1990, volunteering seven days a week finally overwhelmed Margaret, and in 2000 she moved to Santa Barbara, where she enjoyed new friends and a new life.   In 2008, she discovered Hearts Therapeutic Riding, the new program for U.S. Veterans with physical or emotional disabilities. This became her passion and gave new meaning to life. The breast cancer, which had been diagnosed in 2004, took a back seat to the veterans’ more pressing needs.   In her memory, Margaret urges all Americans to commit to supporting these brave young men and women.   Margaret was always good-natured; she lifted the spirits of those around her.   She is survived by daughters Helen Herrick of Manhattan Beach, Penny Bahn of Woodland Hills and Sandy Belcher of San Marcos, and eight grandchildren.   A memorial for Margaret is planned for Sunday, September 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. in Los Liones Gateway Park.

Joan Mercer Bitting, 92; Founding Member of St. Matthew

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Joan Mercer Bitting, a founding member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, passed away on September 2. She was 92. Born in Beechhurst, Long Island, on September 16, 1917, Joan traveled to Los Angeles at the age of 10 with her mother, Beryl Mercer, a stage and screen actress who had important roles in 52 films, including ‘All Quiet On The Western Front.’ They first lived in Hollywood, and Joan got her California driver’s license at the age of 13 because she needed to drive her mother, who was too short to operate the early automobiles. The two moved to Pacific Palisades in 1932, and Joan attended University High School and Woodbury College. She met the love of her life, Richard Bitting, in 1937 at the Palisades Methodist Church youth group. Despite early predictions that the marriage wouldn’t last, they were together for 72 years. They had two sons, Dick and Bill. Starting during World War II and into the 1950s, Joan managed the UCLA bookstore, where among her many duties she assisted fledgling basketball coach John Wooden and football coach Henry R. ‘Red’ Sanders with their players’ academic book needs. After working for the The Rand Corporation in Santa Monica as a research librarian, Joan assisted doctors at UCLA’s Child Amputee Clinic in Westwood and, with son Bill, helped found the Milo Brooks Foundation. She was always a voracious reader. A lifetime Episcopalian, Joan and husband Dick became founding members of St. Matthew’s in January 1945. Joan sang in the choir and served on many committees during the early formation of the church. She eventually became secretary to Kenneth W. Cary, the church’s first rector. Her office was located in the home the Cary family occupied on Via de la Paz. Husband Dick was a member of the Vestry and chaired the committee that started St. Matthew’s Parish School. In 1976, Joan and Dick sold the family home on Chautauqua and moved to Westlake Village, where they resided at the time of her death. She was a volunteer at Westlake Hospital for 12 years. She had many friends at the hospital and the Westlake Yacht Club. A devoted member of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, where she and Dick faithfully attended services, she served as an usher at 8 a.m. services along with her husband. Joan was predeceased by her son Dick in 1989. She is survived by her husband Richard; son Bill (wife Kathleen) of Pacific Palisades; granddaughter Michelle Bitting Abrams of Pacific Palisades and grandson John Pell Bitting of Seattle, Washington; her son Dick’s widow, Marietta Bitting of Poteau, Oklahoma, and grandchildren Cece Bitting Carter of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Debbie Bitting Powell of Memphis, Tennessee, and Mike Bitting of Houston, Texas; and nine great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Patrick’s in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, September 12 at 11 a.m. Joan’s ashes will be interned in the columbarium at St. Matthew’s in Pacific Palisades.

Felix Botell; Cuban Refugee, Methodist Church Employee

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Felix J. Botell, a former longtime resident of Pacific Palisades and 26-year all-around employee at the United Methodist Church, passed away on May 25 in Santa Monica. He was 89.   A native of Cuba, Botell was born on March 31, 1920 and grew up in a large family with 13 brothers and sisters. During his school years, as a young man, he worked for Trinidad & Hermanos Cigar Company, Ford Motor Company and Uriarte Laboratory. After completing his schooling at 21, he entered the Police Academy, worked through the ranks and became Corporal Investigator for the courthouse. These years of his life, the people he knew, met and worked with, remained as vivid and as significant to him and provided many memories and stories he shared with his family.   In 1959, when Fidel Castro came to power, Felix was sent to prison along with 9,000 other political prisoners. He spent the next 12 years in prison for being a member of the armed forces of the Republic of Cuba under the Batista regime, and would not see his three children for 21 years. He was released in 1971, but could not apply for leave from Cuba until 1979.   On May 17, 1980, immigration officials visited him at home, informing him he was free to leave Cuba and to be at Mariel Harbor in one hour. Twelve days later, along with 208 refugees, he and his wife Margarita arrived in Key West, and reunited with his family.   Later that year, Felix and Margarita moved to California with his daughter and her family. He began working for the Methodist Church on Via de la Paz, retiring after 26 years at the age of 85.   In 2006, Felix and Margarita moved to Hallmark Assisted Living in Cheviot Hills. In February this year, he moved to Bella Mar Memory Care Center in Santa Monica. Despite the progression of his Alzheimer’s disease, he recognized his family and loved ones. He eloquently talked about his life, the Cuban Revolution and his beloved Santa Clara, his native town. He remained a man of integrity, discipline, honor and dignity. Felix was predeceased by his beloved wife on June 19. He is survived by his sons, Daniel and Mario; his daughter, Vivian Quiroga (husband Dario); nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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