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Luke Schneider Donates His Lemonade Stand Proceeds

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Luke Schneider, 7, presents Friends of the Palisades Library treasurer Renee Klein a check for $103, which he earned at his July 4 lemonade stand.
Luke Schneider, 7, presents Friends of the Palisades Library treasurer Renee Klein a check for $103, which he earned at his July 4 lemonade stand.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Luke Schneider, 7, has donated $103 to Friends of the Palisades Library, representing the proceeds from his Fourth of July lemonade stand, located half a block from the parade route. Large glasses of lemonade sold for a dollar, but every customer also received a Fourth of July pinwheel and a Tootsie Roll. Chocolate-chip cookies were also available, at three for a dollar. In addition, Schneider received tips from several customers. ‘As in prior years, he gives half of his proceeds to the library and puts the other half in his savings account,’ said Laura Schneider, Luke’s mother. ‘My husband and I matched his donation so the library got the full $103.’ This is the fourth year the Palisades Elementary second grader has had a lemonade stand. The first two years, he split the money between Fire Station 69 and Friends of the Library; the past two years his earnings have gone solely to the library. ‘A few years ago, we talked as a family about giving,’ Laura said, explaining how her son came up with the idea. According to Laura, her son has loved books from a young age and the family goes to the library at least once a week. Currently, Schneider is reading the third book of the ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ series by Lemony’Snicket, but he also enjoys ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ collections by Bill Watterson. ‘We’re so glad he’s willing to support the Friends of the Library and all of the important work that this organization does for Pacific Palisades,’ said Tim, Luke’s father. Schneider has a two-year-old brother, Jack, who slept during his parade business endeavors. Laura predicts Jack will be lots of ‘help’ when his older brother opens his stand next year. Said Friends of the Library member Wendy Edlen, ‘The children’s librarian’will be purchasing books and our Palisades Library Association will place bookplates in them to thank Luke for his generous contribution.’

Monday PCH Closure Snarls Traffic in Village

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Bumper-to-bumper traffic made travel in Pacific Palisades nearly impossible for six hours while repairs were made on fallen power lines on PCH.
Bumper-to-bumper traffic made travel in Pacific Palisades nearly impossible for six hours while repairs were made on fallen power lines on PCH.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Power and telephone lines fell across Pacific Coast Highway near the south exit of the Will Rogers State Beach parking lot on Monday morning, causing a massive traffic jam for miles in both directions. Traffic slowed to a crawl throughout Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica Canyon and into Brentwood as motorists sought alternative routes. Various Internet blogs reported that the 8 a.m. closure was due to a fallen tree, but that was only part of the story. Below the Huntington Palisades in the hillside burn area where a fire occurred last October, a tree fell next to a utility pole hitting a single wire and causing it to sag. At that location, power and telephone poles on the beach side of PCH transfer to the bluffs side, which means there are numerous wires located directly above the highway. Jared Dichter, a senior at Palisades High, who was going to school to adjust his schedule, described what happened next: ‘A white truck with a ladder that was placed vertically atop the truck was just ahead of me. The ladder caught the sagging wire, which pulled down a limb of a fallen tree, causing two wires to fall just above the roadway [in the northbound middle and slow lane].’ ‘It scared me at first,’ Dichter told the Palisadian-Post, but then he noticed he could squeeze his car under the wires in the northbound fast lane, which he did. At that point southbound lanes on PCH were still accessible. In his rearview mirror, Dichter saw a bus attempt a similar maneuver. ‘The bus caught additional wires, which brought down the power pole, the remaining wires and the tree,’ Dichter said. The result was live wires stretched across the entire six lanes of the highway. Fortunately, nobody was injured. After going to school to unsuccessfully change his schedule, Dichter returned to the parking lot and gave a statement to police. When the electric wires initially went down, it sent a power surge back towards Chautauqua, knocking a wire down there. Originally, traffic was closed at West Channel Road while the first emergency electrical repairs took place at Chautauqua. ‘There was a live wire in the street, and people were driving over it,’ said LAPD Officer Harper, who along with his partner Officer Rivera tried to redirect people at that location immediately after the wires fell. An emergency Department of Water and Power patrolman, who came to survey the scene at the burn location on PCH shortly after 10 a.m., explained to the two officers (who had moved to this second location) that the power shut off at Chautauqua after the initial power surge. That gave relief to Harper and Rivera, who had experienced trouble with motorists who didn’t want to alter their driving route. Firefighters from Station 69 chopped and cleared the tree from the highway. The DWP patrolman, who did not wish to give his name, explained the repair. ‘We have to stand up the broken pole, then tie the wires up [electrical and phone] and get them off the highway, and that’s just the temporary part. At a later date, a more permanent fix will have to be done.’ More than 1,200 people were without electricity and telephone service, and Palisades residents became prisoners in their homes as the bumper-to-bumper traffic on Sunset Boulevard made driving to and from the Village nearly impossible and, at times, dangerous. At the intersection of Bowdoin Drive and Temescal Canyon Road, cars turned right off Temescal and traveled up the one-way street, hoping to find a shortcut through the Village. This caused near collisions as unsuspecting motorists turned from Radcliffe Avenue onto Bowdoin. Several residents and the Palisadian-Post called the Department of Transportation to inquire if an officer could be sent to direct traffic at that location ‘I’m tired of you calling here,’ the city employee told the Post, and then found out it was the town’s local newspaper making the call. (The Post called DOT because in previous stories, one of the justifications for having so many parking enforcement officers in this area was they were often needed for traffic control on PCH and Sunset.) When queried about sending an officer to direct traffic, the employee responded, ‘We don’t do that, we only give out tickets.’ Nasreen Babu-Khan, owner of Palisades Dermatology, typified the dilemma facing businesses in town as she began receiving calls from patients telling her that they were stuck in traffic and wouldn’t make their appointments. ‘I told them to come whenever they could,’ Babu-Khan said. George Wolfberg, president of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association told the Post that he has long urged city officials to place the PCH lines underground, but was told it was too expensive. He has met with Councilman Bill Rosendahl and asked him to press DWP to make a change, especially since PCH is a scenic highway. ‘If the utility wires were underground, this obviously would not have happened,’ Wolfberg said Monday. PCH was reopened to traffic shortly after 2 p.m.

Thursday, August 27 – Thursday, September 3

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy’s weekly Family Fun Campfire Night, featuring nature tales, campfire songs, games and, of course, marshmallows, 7 p.m. in Temescal Gateway Park. Parking is $7, but the campfire is free. Greg Treverton, director The Rand Corporation’s Center for Global Risk and Security, discusses and signs ‘Intelligence in an Age of Terror’ (Cambridge University Press), 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Treverton’s book emphasizes how much the analysis of terror has changed in the last two decades. His previous books include ‘Reshaping National Intelligence for an Age of Information’ (2001) and ‘New Challenges, New Tools for Defense Decisionmaking’ (2003).

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

Fun Family Friday Nights, a summer series hosted by the Palisades-Malibu YMCA, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Simon Meadow in Temescal Gateway Park. This week’s theme is Wacky World of Sports. Fiesta Feast will be selling dinners, but picnics are welcome. Admission is free; parking in the adjacent lot is $7.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

Every Saturday, retired Crossroads librarian Linda Friedman answers questions and make book recommendations for children up to fifth grade, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. The 2009 Movies in the Park series concludes with Disney/Pixar’s animated ‘Cars,’ 7:30 p.m. on the Field of Dreams at the Palisades Recreation Center. Free admission.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

A reception for Pacific Palisades artist Daisy Crane’s exhibit of paintings will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. (See story, page 12.)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Palisade screenwriter/director Nicholas Meyer discusses and signs ‘The View From the Bridge: Memories of ‘Star Trek’ and a Life in Hollywood,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 27, 2009

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EARLY DEADLINE: OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPT. 7. THE CLASSIFIED DEADLINE WILL BE THURS., SEPT. 3, AT 11 A.M.

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

2 BD, 1.5 BA, FIREPLACE, hardwood floors, appliances, gardener. Walk to schools, village, bluffs. No pets. $3,600/mo. Leave message. (310) 454-0054

OCEAN VIEW LARGE studio +/office alcove, kitchen, large dining area. Charming light, airy lovely creative space. Walk beach. Partially furnished. $1,200/mo. (310) 613-1572

IMMACULATE HOME FOR LEASE 2 BDR + Den. 1.5 Bath. Near village. 1700 Monument St. (310) 454-7826

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

BEAUTIFUL 2 BD + 2 BA * $2,695/mo. Small pet ok with deposit. Quiet building, new carpet, marble floors, crown molding, gas fireplace & appliances. Walk to village and beach. With 1 month free rent. Call (310) 454-2024

PALISADES GUEST COTTAGE. Small, charming studio w/ separate entrance. Built in stove, frig, microwave. Utilities & cable included. $925/mo. No pets. Street parking only. (310) 210-8455

LIVE AT THE BEACH! 1 bdr mobile home. 2 car parking, large patio, ocean view. No pets. $1,450/mo. Call Glen, (310) 895-0537

DUPLEX LOWER LEVEL, spacious 2 bdrm, 2 ba, built-ins, closets, approx. 1,200 sq. ft., private entrance & patio, utilities included. $2,850/mo. (310) 454-8216

LIVE IN BEAUTIFUL RUSTIC CANYON. Two rooms, bath, quiet, woodsy setting. Nice. $1,500/mo. 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. $2,800/mo. Avail 9/1/09. Nancy, (310) 454-5257

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

VERY NICE MASTER BEDROOM & BATH. Private entrance. Includes patio, cable, WiFi, W/D, furnished/unfurnished. $950/mo. Lease open. Available Sept. 10th. (310) 454-4318

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

WANTED TO RENT 3b

SEEKING RIVIERA GUESTHOUSE. Elegant, single, quiet woman. N/P. Seeking close proximity to Will Rogers State Park for walking. (512) 473-8575

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PALISADES OFFICE & RETAIL SUITES AVAILABLE in the heart of the Village: Single room offices & office suites ranging in size up to 3,235 sf, all with large windows with great natural light. 700 sf retail suite. Amazing views of the Santa Monica mountains, private balconies and restrooms. Building amenities include high speed T1 internet access, elevator and secured, underground parking. CALL BRETT AT (310) 591-8789 or email brett@hp-cap.com

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) 454-4668

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in Pacific Palisades. Beautiful views. Leasing terms & price flexible. Debby Harrington, broker, (310) 454-5519

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.

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

DAYCARE CENTER 8

PALISADES LEARN & PLAY. Creative & nurturing, Pre-K program. Art, educational themes & socialization. Healthy meals provided. Now registering for fall. 18 yrs in Palisades. (310) 459-0920

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

HOUSEKEEPER/NANNY AVAILABLE. Reliable, excellent with children & friendly, speaks English. Available Wednesdays & Thursdays weekly. Great references, Please call (310) 418-1445

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE! Good local references, own transportation. Speaks English. Available Mon.-Sat. Marlene, (c) (323) 423-2558, (h) (323) 750-1957

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

EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER. Reliable, trustworthy, excellent cook. Good references. Call Arlina, (323) 229-9327

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. Babysitting also. Honest, hardworking. Over 20 years experience. Great refs. Call Julia, (310) 828-8842 or leave msg, (310) 463-2532

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with flexible days and hours. Own transportation. Speaks English. Good references. Call Reyna, (323) 821-6473

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

PALISADES HOUSEKEEPER, 15 yrs experience. Excellent references, honest, dependable. Legal resident. Child & pet care. Available Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Carmen, (323) 460-6473, (213) 618-9671

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE 3 days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Local references. Speaks English. Own transportation. 23 years experience. (323) 737-1382

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

NEED LIVE-IN ASSISTANCE for your senior mom/ dad? PCHS educator (5 yrs.), great local references, well-travelled, intelligent, single female, strong, loving & kind. Reading, walking, excursions, physical therapy, cooking, light cleaning, etc. Services in exchange for residing locally. M. Murray, (310) 998-7591

NURSING CARE 10b

CAREGIVER/MAID. Young, energetic, experienced nurse. Great references. Have car. Zula, (323) 812-3155

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

CATERING 14

EVENT PLANNER & CULINARY GRADUATE. Le Cordon Bleu graduate & event planner to help with your prep, cooking, serving, menus & all event details. 10+ years experience. $50/hr. Please call Danielle, (310) 691-0578. daniellesamendez@gmail.com

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

PERSONAL/HOME ASSISTANT, PALISADES RESIDENT. Valid dvr lic., insured. Run errands, driving, bill paying, organizing, scheduling, baby sitting, shopping. EXPERIENCED, REFS. (310) 459-5529

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

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.

FINISH CARPENTRY 16k

CUSTOM FINISH CARPENTRY * Cabinets * Doors * Crown * Base * Wainscoting * Windows & more . . . New construction & remodels. Contractors & homeowners welcome. Call John @ (818) 312-3716. Licensed (#886995) & bonded.

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. 25 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

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

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

COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION ‘ Kitchen+bath ‘ Additions ‘ Tile, carpentry, plumbing. Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large & small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction, (310) 774-9159

HELP WANTED 17

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

SENIOR EXECUTIVE INCOME. Work from home. (800) 662-2954

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER WANTED. Located in the Palisades. Would like to find someone to be apart of our family. Needs to have a good attitude, friendly and helpful. Must be able to help with the children and be flexible with duties. Mom and Dad just need an extra set of hands. Must have references. (310) 230-6722

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

New or gently used FURNITURE, APPLIANCES, ELECTRONICS, TILE, & OFFICE SUPPLIES for sale! Our website has photographs, descriptions, prices. (310) 399-2000, cibogusto@gmail.com. http://web.me.com/rarevins/Sale_Items/HOME_PAGE.html

MONSTER SALE! 50 YR. ACCUMULATION! Furniture, vintage rattan, antiques, kitch/hsehold goods, appliances. Crystal, designer serveware, collectibles. Home & Holiday decor. Costume jewelry, clothing 6-3x new/used, accessories. FAB MISC. ITEMS. Sat.-Sun., Aug. 29-30, 8 a.m.-? 710 Hartzell P.P. (at Sunset).

MOVING!! ALL MUST GO! Furniture, art, clothes, knick-knacks . . . Highlands. Call/email for appointment. Sat. or Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (310) 230-2940 ‘ zooey198@yahoo.com

GARAGE SALE. 16752 Bollinger. 8 a.m.-3 p.m., August 29-30. Furniture, office supplies, electronics and more!

Vincent Back on Court

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Palisadian Caroline Vincent returned to her winning ways at the Paseo Club in Santa Clarita, where she took the Girls' 10s crown last weekend.
Palisadian Caroline Vincent returned to her winning ways at the Paseo Club in Santa Clarita, where she took the Girls’ 10s crown last weekend.

Caroline Vincent got on such a role late last year that it appeared she might never lose another tennis match. That was until she injured a hand in March and had to sit out four months. So how would she play once she got back on the court? The answer came last weekend at the sixth annual Paseo Club Junior Tournament in Santa Clarita. Looking sharp, as if she never took any time off, the rising young Palisadian won the Girls 10s age division without dropping a set. It was not as easy as it might seem, however. After receiving a first-round bye, Vincent appeared to be on her way to an easy victory over Nicole Alvarez of Newhall. She took the opening set 6-2 but fell behind 5-0, 30-love in the second set before rallying to win it in a tiebreaker and advance to the final. The championship match proved to be anticlimactic as the confident Vincent steamrolled Valencia’s Amanda Tabanera, 6-1, 6-0. For a girl who had just started training again at the Palisades Tennis Center to get back into playing shape it was an impressive tournament and an indication that more first-place trophies could be on the horizon for one of the Palisades’ most talented young players. Vincent, soon to be starting fourth grade at Calvary Christian, made the 2008 Palisadian-Post Athletes of the Year list after winning five straight events in the Girls 8s division prior to injuring her hand. One of the victories came at the high-caliber Santa Monica Junior Open, where she made short work of Kaitlin Zuber, 6-0, 6-2, in the semifinals and outlasted Jane Homer, 7-6, 6-4, in the final. Her most impressive tournament in that stretch might have been the Rancho Cienega Junior Open, where she won six out of seven sets on her way to the 8s singles title. * * * * * * Goldberg Gets Gatorade Bath Pacific Palisades resident Ben Goldberg was selected to represent Southern California at the 20th annual Pacific Zone Team Championships last week in Tucson, Arizona, and his team, called the Jaguars, beat the hometown Southwest/Arizona squad and teams from Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest and Northern California to reach the finals. The average temperature throughout the tournament was a blistering 108 degrees and yet nothing was quite as hot as the Marquez Elementary student, who notched valuable singles and doubles points each day for his team. In the championship match against a rival Southern California squad, Goldberg paired with Zachary Scurrah of Ventura to win the doubles point. Then, with the match tied, Goldberg was the last singles match on the court and the Jaguars’ victory would ultimately rest on the outcome of his match against Albert Chtchyan of Los Angeles. They split the first two sets, then Goldberg fell behind 3-0 in the decisive set. However, rather than give in to the oppressive heat and his determined opponent, Goldberg dug deep and reeled off six straight games to win 6-3 and clinch the team championship for the Jaguars. When the final point was over, teammates mobbed Goldberg and gave him a Gatorade shower. He was named championship MVP of the Boys 12s age division for his stellar play in the clutch. Meanwhile, Ben’s younger sister Caroline played her first-ever Open tournament and took first place in the 8-and-under singles division at the Pacific Tennis Open in Westlake Village. She beat Monique Savner from Thousand Oaks, 6-1, 6-2, and Colbey Shae Emery of Ventura, 6-4, 6-3. * * * * * * Oleynik Wins PTC Open Playing on the very courts where she hones her skills Ilana Oleynik won the Girls’ 12s division of the Palisades Tennis Center Junior Open Tournament two weeks ago at the public facility off Alma Real. Seeded No. 2., Oleynik beat Diana Silvers, 6-2, 6-1, in the quarterfinals and Sarah Khattab, 6-2, 6-2, in the semifinals, setting up a championship showdown against top-seeded Juliana H. Simon. After dropping the first set, Oleynik began to make more shots and won the last two sets, 6-4, 10-7 to take the title and the trophy. The PTC’s own Jameson West reached the semifinals of the Boys’ 16s, Roscoe Bellamy won the 10s and made the semifinals of the 12s and fellow Palisadian Jackson Kogan lost in the finals of the 12s. Bridget Stokdyk made the semifinals of the Girls’ 10s singles and Palisadian Daniela Festa made the quarterfinals of the 18s draw and the semifinals of the 18s doubles with partner Alexandra Smith.

Dynamic Duo Powers PPVBC

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Setter Oliver Deutschman (above) has passed the Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club boys' program to national prominence along with outside hitter and fellow Palisadian Matt Bagnard.
Setter Oliver Deutschman (above) has passed the Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club boys’ program to national prominence along with outside hitter and fellow Palisadian Matt Bagnard.

Time flies when you’re having fun and for Palisadians Oliver Deutschman and Matt Bagnard the last five years have been a blur. They have formed the backbone of a boys’ team from the Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club that has enjoyed unprecedented success since they joined the program. “Just by chance, their parents decided to get their kids involved in the local program and everything blossomed from then on,” said Matthew Diaz, their coach at PPVBC for the past four years. “Our program stresses the fundamentals of the game, so when the opportunity presents itself to play at the next level (JV, varsity, college, professional or in the Olympics), our athletes are ready, willing and able to succeed at that level. We’ve been around for 22 years now but the accomplishments over the last few years are merely byproducts of the dedication and loyalty these boys have and instilled in their teammates.” Deutschman, Bagnard and their team, now called ‘Pali 18 Kaepa’ have enjoyed quite a run, taking the silver medal at the U.S. Junior Olympic Championships in 2005, winning the gold in 2006, winning the bronze in 2007, winning the gold in 2007 and taking the bronze again this year. The 2008 Youth National Team captain, Deutschman was the Most Valuable Player of the 15s and 17s age divisions at the Junior Olympics and made the All-Tournament team in the 16s and 18s divisions. He was voted best setter at the NORCECA championships last year and will attend UC Santa Barbara this fall. He was captain of his high school team at Crossroads in Santa Monica. Bagnard, meanwhile, has been the team’s starting outside hitter for five years and made the All-Tournament team in 2006. Harvard-Westlake High’s star was a key component for the USAV’s A2 Member Phoenix last year and will attend USC this fall. Rounding out the Pali 18 Kaepa roster were fellow Palisadian Robert Feathers, a junior-to-be at CIF Division I and state champion Loyola High; Matt Hanley, a First-Team All-City hitter at Palisades High, who moves on to UCLA; Jake Kneller of Westlake Village who is bound for Stanford; Eric Dates of Los Angeles, now headed for Ohio State; Evan Mottram of Leona Valley (USCB); Ryan Kachold of Quartz Hill (UCLA); Ian Satterfield of Manhattan Beach (long Beach State); Scott Kevorken of Westlake Village (UC Irvine); Hunter Horn of Quartz Hill; and Westlake Village sophomore Travis Magorian. Of the 10 seniors on the local 12-player squad, nine are going on to play at Division I universities and the other (Horn) is playing Division II football. The two sophomores (Magorian and Feathers) enter their junior years in high school as top recruits to watch. Amazingly, five of the 19 boys picked to train for the U.S. Youth National Team were on the PPVBC squad (Deutschman, Satterfield, Kevorken, Feathers and Mottram). Mottram was the only one to make the traveling team competing in the World Championships in Italy this month. Eight players (Deutschman, Bagnard, Kneller, Kevorken, Satterfield, Dates, Mottram and Kachold) made Volleyball Magazine’s ‘Fabulous 50’ underclassmen list.

Kicking a Bruin Habit

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UCLA’s Kai Forbath Is Named Preseason All-American by ESPN, Sports Illustrated

Kai Forbath of Pacific Palisades made 19 of his 22 field goal attempts--including 13 straight--at UCLA last season.
Kai Forbath of Pacific Palisades made 19 of his 22 field goal attempts–including 13 straight–at UCLA last season.

Pressure is nothing new to UCLA placekicker Kai Forbath. In fact, he thrives on it. He has been called on in key situations time and time again and, fortunately for the Bruins, he almost always delivers. It’s why his teammates and Coach Rick Neuheisel have so much confidence in him. It’s also why both ESPN and Sports Illustrated have named him to their preseason All-American teams. A red-shirt junior, Forbath has already made 44 field goals in his UCLA career–fifth most in school history–including 13 in a row to end last season. He has made all six of his career attempts from 50 yards or more and is tied for first on the Bruins’ all-time list in that category. He ranks his overtime winner in the 2008 opener against Tennessee as the highlight of his career… so far. Forbath and teammate Alterraun Verner, a senior defensive back, were selected to ESPN.com’s All-America pre-season first team by college football columnist Ivan Maisel. Among this season’s leading contenders for the Groza Award, Forbath was the preseason All-America pick at placekicker by Sports Illustrated’s Stewart Mandel and Mark Beech in their 2009 College Football Preview issue. A Palisadian-Post Athlete of the Year in 2007 and 2008, Forbath began making headlines long before he arrived in Westwood for his first practice. He kicked Notre Dame High of Sherman Oaks to a 35-1 record and three CIF championships, scoring 213 points and converting 134 of 135 extra point attempts over his last two seasons. The Bruins will need Forbath to have another productive season if they hope to contend for the Pac-10 title. UCLA opens the season next Saturday night at the Rose Bowl against San Diego State.

Rosie & Nails and Sabrina’s Open New Salons on Sunset

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Construction on the interior of Rosie & Nails 2 took five months, resulting in an airy and light interior.
Construction on the interior of Rosie & Nails 2 took five months, resulting in an airy and light interior.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

While most retail store owners in Pacific Palisades wait nervously for an economic recovery to take hold, two nail salons have expanded into new locations on Sunset Boulevard: Rosie & Nails 2 and the Bellagio Nail Salon. Rosie & Nails owner Martine Vo, who has had a successful business at 829 Via de la Paz since 1985, opened a second salon on August 1, replacing the former Emerson-LeMay Cleaners at 15333 Sunset (between Via de la Paz and Swarthmore Avenue). The interior of the 1,200-sq.-ft. store has been totally revamped with a white porcelain tile floor, new lighting, high-backed salon chairs (that massage your back and derriere) and amber-colored glass bowls for pedicures. The new space has 12 chairs for nail customers and a separate room for waxes and massage (a one-hour, full-body rub is $60). ‘The ocean breezes come in the afternoon,’ said Vo, who commutes with her staff from Orange County. ‘It makes it fresh in here.’ During the grand opening, Vo is encouraging her loyal clientele to try the new location on Sunset and enjoy specials that include manicures for $12, pedicures for $17, a mani-pedi for $28, a new set for $31 and a fill for $24. ‘They’re delightful,’ said Patrick Maxwell, co-owner of Wilshire Fireplace Store, which is located next door. ‘It’s been an easy transition even during construction.’ His partner John White agreed and added, ‘We’ve been supportive of each other, they’re wonderful neighbors.’ Longtime Rosie customer Debbie Streiber said she likes the new location, which includes free customer parking without the threat of a ticket. ‘It’s a pleasure to be here,’ she said. Vo said she plans to keep her original, 700-sq.-ft. store open and will continue to offer customers 20 percent off on services between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. ‘Our clients are happy with the offer,’ Vo said. ‘Everyone is trying to save a little bit here and a little bit there.’ Vo will throw a grand opening party for her new location later this fall, after many of her regular clients return from vacation. She is excited about having additional space for waxing services, including eyebrows, legs, bikini, arms and men’s backs. The price is determined by the service. Meanwhile, the owners of a rival nail salon, Sabrina, located next to Palisades Garden Caf’ on La Cruz, have also opened a second salon’Bellagio Nails and Spa’at 15228 Sunset, next to Wachovia Bank. The interior of the new salon has been painted with light hues of blue and green and the back wall is covered with tiny light-green tiles, giving it a shimmering appearance. In a change from Rosie’s and Lemon Nails (a third new salon which opened on Antioch on Valentine’s Day), the 11 Bellagio spa chairs are staggered, rather than in straight line. The prices are the same as at Sabrina Nails: manicure $14, pedicure $22 and mani-pedi $32. With so many salons in and around the Village, will there continue to be enough business for all of them to thrive?   Vo is betting yes because ‘women take care of themselves, no matter what is going on,’ she said. ‘They need time to pamper themselves so they can go home and take care of their families.’ An associate commented, ‘One woman said that when she is here, it’s like she is princess.’   Vo added, ‘We’re reasonably priced and women can come here and relax.’   Rosie’s salons are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Telephone: Rosie 2 (310) 573-2112 and Bellagio (310) 454-4481.

Make-A-Wish Raises Funds at Bel-Air Bay Club Event

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Actor Ken Davitian (
Actor Ken Davitian (“Borat”) enjoys a Dandy Don’s sundae.
Photo by Alyson Sena

Palisadians were part of the fun when Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles held its 16th annual food- and wine-tasting event on Sunday, August 9 at the Bel-Air Bay Club above Pacific Coast Highway. Some 650 attendees were treated to generous samples created by California wineries and gourmet restaurants at ‘Uncork A Wish,’ with proceeds helping Make-A-Wish grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Laurie Kaman, a Palisadian and television advertising executive who is on Make-A-Wish’s board of directors, has been participating in the organization’s fundraising for two decades. ‘This is our first year at the Bel-Air Bay Club and the first time we’ve held this event on a Sunday,’ Kaman said. ‘This was an opportunity to change it up in a changing economy.’ Organizers said the event raised close to $200,000. Kaman’s friend and fellow Palisdian Kathy Barnes, founder of the chocolate enterprise Coco Fix, has been taking part in ‘Uncork’ for five years. The pair fondly recalled Yveline, an 8-year-old Haitian girl dying from a brain tumor whom they afforded a week-long trip to Disneyworld with a $5,000 donation. Make-A-Wish raises $3.5 million annually in Southern California and grants more than 300 wishes to kids in Los Angeles County, ranging from trips to visit out-of-state relatives to shopping sprees and Sweet 16 and quincea’era parties. Auction items included artwork from Make-A-Wish children, V.I.P. tickets to ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ a walk-on role on the Steven Spielberg-produced Showtime program ‘United States of Tara,’ vacation packages to Africa and Aruba, and a one-on-one visit with superstar Laker Kobe Bryant (which went for a seemingly cheap $2,000 to the highest bidder). Strolling around the classy, venerable Bay Club (a Palisades fixture since the late 1920s), one could enjoy an endless selection of gourmet food and fine wine. Yet arguably the most popular restaurateur represented was Pink’s, the venerable West Hollywood stand known for such signature hot dogs as the Guadalajara Dog and the Lord of the Rings. Lo and behold, wearing her signature pink blazer and accessorizing with a pink Nokia, was Gloria Pink, co-owner of the La Brea-and-Melrose landmark. Pink was joined by husband (and Pink’s co-owner) Richard Pink, and Richard’s sister, Beverly Pink Wolfe. ‘We call it ‘chili dogs for charity,” Richard said of Pink’s donation to the event. The Pink family also expressed their excitement about November 7, when comedian Bill Cosby, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and KCET personality Huell Howser will celebrate Pink’s 70th anniversary. ‘He calls it the ‘Howser Bowser,” Gloria Pink said of the latter’s nickname for the Huell Dog, a tortilla-wrapped double dog at Pink’s. Guest Ken Davitian, the heavy-set character actor best known for his roles in the hit movies ‘Borat’ (including the infamous nude wrestling scene) and ‘Get Smart,’ was in good spirits. ‘I have two children,’ Davitian told the Palisadian-Post, ‘one of whom was diagnosed at birth with a disease but is now terrific. So I have a soft space in my heart for kids.’ The Armenian-American actor added that he is also involved in St. Jude Hospital and like-minded Armenian organizations. Patricia Rubio, a Palisadian by way of Chicago who had bid on several items, said she exercised all morning before attending ‘Uncork.’ ‘I’ve been eating my way through this event,’ she said, laughing. Rubio told the Post that her support was personal, as the Foundation had granted her niece, Alexandria, a Disneyworld trip. ‘She was a year-and-a-half when they found a brain tumor,’ Rubio said. ‘She was in and out of chemotherapy until she was three.’ But that was a decade ago. Today, Alexandra is 14, leading a normal, healthy, cancer-free life. ‘When everything is going wrong and things appear dark,’ Rubio said, ‘Make-A-Wish gives them a little joy and hope.’

SM Plans Major PCH Bluffs Project

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If the Santa Monica bluffs stabilization project begins in October as hoped, the northbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway closest to the bluffs will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday until April 2010. The project involves drilling and installation of 100 hydraugers (perforated pipes an inch and a half in diameter) into the steep hillside from the California Incline to the northwest boundary of Santa Monica at Adelaide Drive. The goal is to decrease the deterioration of the bluffs caused by localized slope failures and groundwater seepage. The original permit allowed for construction from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, but according to Mark Cuneo, Santa Monica’s principal civil engineer, contractors weren’t bidding on the project because of the limited times and hours. They told him it would take a minimum of two hours for setup and take down, and require more than two years to finish. At an emergency PCH Task Force meeting on July 30, Cuneo offered several options, including blocking off the far-right northbound lane entirely with K-rails. This would allow crews to work longer hours, but would mean permanently closing one of the three lanes for eight months. When asked about extending hours and adding night work instead of a permanent lane closure, Cuneo said the night alternative was not included in the original environmental impact study and a new one could take about six months to complete. Asked about delaying the project, Cuneo replied that the city of Santa Monica didn’t want to be under construction when the City of Los Angeles starts work on the coastal intercept sewer (along PCH near Chautauqua) in the fall of 2010. He added that because the bluffs project is under Federal funding, there is a time limit for completion. A consensus reached between Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades and City of Los Angeles officials and residents was that Cuneo would explore extending construction hours from as early as 5 a.m. to as late as 3 p.m., five or six days a week. He has since filed an environmental report that includes night work, starting next January, if it is approved. With the added night hours, the project might be completed as early as next Memorial Day.   Cuneo said he was hopeful that with increased hours and work days offered, more construction firms would now bid and the project can still begin in October. A week after the emergency meeting, the longer construction hours were announced. ‘This is not as wide of a window as requested, but is what Caltrans considers the widest window based on the traffic volumes present,’ wrote Caltrans senior transportation engineer James Riley in an e-mail to task force members. He noted that Caltrans will not allow construction on the bluffs in June, July or August during the beach season. And May will have limited hours and days for construction, as per the original permit. Caltrans and the City of Santa Monica promise future joint press conferences prior to construction.

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