The Story of Marion Davies to Screen at Mojica Hacienda

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July 23, 2009

Bougainvillea graces the stone drive leading up to the Mojica Hacienda in Santa Monica Canyon. Photo: Dick Orton

The recent opening of the Annenberg Beach Club, site of the former Marion Davies beach house, has sparked a rebirth of interest in the enigmatic career of Marion Davies. La Senora Research Institute will screen ‘The Story of Marion Davies,’ narrated by Charlize Theron on Saturday, August 1 at 3 p.m. at the Jose Mojica Hacienda, 565 Dryad in Santa Monica Canyon. The film’s producer, Elaina Archer, will discuss Marion’s career and the making of the film. Archer is the former head of the Mary Pickford Library and has produced four other Hollywood Film Legend documentaries. A $15 donation to the Research Institute’s Film History Program is suggested. The next day, August 2 at 3 p.m., Pacific Palisades historian Randy Young will offer a slide presentation of the history of the Chautauqua movement and its impact on the development of the California beach communities. A $20 donation is suggested. On Saturday, August 8 at 3 p.m., historian/photographer Tom Zimmerman will introduce the Santa Monica Canyon classic film ‘Gypsy Wildcat’ (1944), starring Leo Carrillo and Maria Montez. Carrillo was one of the best-known and most accessible actors of his era; his rancho along the creek in Santa Monica Canyon made him a neighbor to La Senora’s Mojica Hacienda. Montez was known for her portrayal of strong female characters in her films. A $15 donation is suggested. Guests are asked to reserve by August 2, as seats are limited in the Hacienda’s small theater. Reservations are required and must be received by seven days before an event. Go online at www.lasenora.org/OnlineStore.asp or mail a check to La Senora Research Institute, 560 E. Channel Rd. Santa Monica, CA 90402. La Senora Research Institute’s focus is on research and education, documenting the Rancho Era of Early California under Spain, Mexico and the United States, especially as it relates to the 1839 Mexican Land Grant Rancho Boca de Santa Monica where the Jose Mojica Hacienda and the Pascual Marquez Family Cemetery are located. The Institute also focuses on the preservation of the Rancho’s rich cultural heritage with its typically Mexican ‘welcoming traditions.’ From the beginning, the Rancho’s canyon grounds were freely visited by anyone seeking tranquility under its sheltering trees and ocean breezes. La Se’ora’s programs also explore the early 1900’s residents of the Rancho lands and the colorful histories of the Old Hollywood 1920s-1950s residents of the Jose Mojica Hacienda. Details: www.lasenora.org or events@lasenora.org

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” Thoroughly Modern Fun

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July 23, 2009

Theater Review

Millie Dillmount (Krystal Jasmin Combs), center, and chorus in the opening scene of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at the Morgan-Wixson.

If you’re looking for a delightful way to spend a few hours, consider seeing ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie,’ now at the Morgan-Wixson Theater in Santa Monica through August 1. This light-hearted musical romp, directed by Anne Gesling, is filled with humor, dazzling choreography’and clothes ‘to die for,’ thanks to costume designer Ellen King. The set, which incorporates everything from the streets of New York to a hotel to a prison, is cleverly arranged by set designer Thomas Brown. Originally a 1967 movie starring Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Channing, ‘Thoroughly’ was transformed into a stage musical that opened on Broadway in April 2002. It subsequently won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Set in New York City during the roaring ’20s, Kansas farm girl Millie Dillmount (Krystal Combs) comes to the Big Apple with the ‘modern’ idea of marrying her boss. . .as soon as she can find one. She touts the new flapper idea that love has nothing to do with marriage. During her first day in the city, someone steals her shoes, purse, luggage and money. Luckily, she runs into our hero, Jimmy Smith (Brandon Stanford), who gives her the name of a rooming hotel that caters to young women, then tells her she should go back to the farm. Undeterred by his advice, she gets a room at the Priscilla Hotel, operated by Mrs. Meers (Joanna Churgin), who sells orphaned young women into slavery. Some of the funniest scenes involve the interaction between Meers, a frustrated thespian with a fake Chinese accent, and her two minions Ching Ho (Tony Obnial) and Bun Foo (Rob Eriksson). The two brothers are working to earn enough money to bring their mother to the United States. My 12-year-old, who accompanied me to see the entertaining family fare, is still laughing over the song ‘Muqin,’ in which both men sing ‘Mammy.’ Millie makes friends with Miss Dorothy (Laura Thatcher), a new orphan who shows up at the hotel’and is the next most likely prospect to be enslaved”but manages to thwart Meers’ plans several times by showing up at inopportune times. Millie lands a job, and her boss, the eligible bachelor Trevor Graydon (Zach Pond), is unaware that Millie has deemed him as her ‘modern’ choice for marriage. He is oblivious to Millie’s feminine charms, calling her John. The singing is lovely throughout the show’and the talent pool enormous. It includes performers such as Thatcher (Miss Dorothy), who holds a degree in musical theater, and Pond (Graydon) who used to front a band in Denver. The leads in the show are strong, and Millie (Combs) and Jimmie Smith (Stanford) are well matched. It is hard to believe that this is community theater because the performers, from the leads to the ensemble, have an impressive list of credits. That talent shines through in this excellent production. The theater is located at 2627 Pico Blvd. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $23 for general admission; $18 for seniors and students. Contact: call 310- 828-7519; visit www.morgan-wixson.org.

A Lively Lunch with the “Whoosh!” Bunch

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July 23, 2009

On a weekday afternoon, actor Gavin MacLeod, opera singer Linda Jackson and playwright Josh Greenfeld stride into the Village Pantry for a meal. No, this is not the opening of a joke, and this is no ordinary lunch. It’s the trio’s first real opportunity to get to know each other before August 2, when MacLeod and Jackson appear in a reading of Greenfeld’s latest play, ‘Whooosh!,’ at the Pierson Playhouse. The one-night-only performance will benefit Theatre Palisades and the Palisadians for Peace Dorothy and Ted Knight Foundation. A drama with comedic touches, ‘Whooosh!’, according to its playwright, is about ‘Milton, an aging white man who lives in an assisted living facility, when in walks Keisha, an African-American woman claiming to be his daughter. Instead of being delighted, he suspects she is out to scam him.’ A true writer, Greenfeld automatically orders coffee. And like every writer worth his salt, Greenfeld is a troublemaker who must flout the norm. And so, at 2 p.m., he eats pancakes for lunch, while MacLeod and Jackson get sensible cold-cut sandwiches, and this reporter, at the risk of discrediting his own salt worth, orders the popular Mayor’s Burger (named for owner Richard Riordan). Greenfeld, 81, wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for the 1974 film ‘Harry and Tonto’ directed by Paul Mazursky and starring Art Carney, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for the role of Harry Coombes. A Palisadian of 36 years, Greenfeld moved to town ‘to get my autistic son, Noah, into a program at UCLA.’ Greenfeld’s wife, Fumiko Kometani, is also a writer, as is their son, Karl Greenfeld, author of the new memoir, ‘Boy Alone.’ ‘Living in Pacific Palisades,’ Greenfeld says, ‘I have such talented neighbors as Gavin and Linda and George Lissandrello to read my play, and good friends like Arnie Wishnick and Andy Frew to produce it.’ ‘Whooosh!’ will mark his fourth Pierson reading. The food arrives as Jackson shares an experience crossing paths with a famous producer while chasing the pop-music muse early in her career. Jackson has done well for herself: an award-winning vocalist, composer and arranger, she has recorded background vocals for David Foster, Rod Stewart, and John Williams. She is the co-founder of L. A. Metropolitan Opera, which debuted with ‘La Boh’me’ in May. A preview of the new season is set for July 25 at the Palisades Methodist Church. MacLeod, 79, has played in his share of award-winning television (‘Mary Tyler Moore,’ which co-starred late pal Knight) and hit movies. He has played alongside Cary Grant, Clint Eastwood and Peter Sellers, and in TV and film for director Blake Edwards: ‘Peter Gunn,’ ‘Operation Petticoat,’ ‘The Party.’ But spend time with MacLeod, and one realizes the actor’s great passion is the Great White Way. MacLeod has done much stage work. And he has spent much time aboard ships, as the ‘Love Boat’ captain and Princess Cruises’ spokesman, so forgive him if he showboats a bit. MacLeod and Greenfeld stroll down Memory Lane, bringing up actors and directors they mutually knew or worked with. MacLeod rattles off name after name so fast that he doesn’t finish a sentence before beginning another. MacLeod illustrates how a door of opportunity can open even as one slams shut. He recalls the time as a young actor when he was fired from one film. He sat in his agent’s office devastated, crying. The next day, his agent called. A young director named Blake Edwards wanted to see him . . . ‘My Aunt Ida always said that life is like parts of a quilt,’ Greenfeld says. ‘You don’t know how the whole quilt will turn out.’ With all of the humor, wisdom and adventure of this afternoon, there’s no doubt how ‘Whooosh!’ will turn out. ‘In a high-brow sense,’ Greenfeld says, ”Whooosh!’ could be described as a meditation on the three scourges of American life: greed, race and that late arrival, old age. ‘But who wants to be high brow?’ ‘Whooosh!’ plays Sunday, August 2, at Pierson Playhouse, 7 p.m. For ticket reservations, call Theatre Palisades at (310) 459-7963. Admission: $20.

Artist Stenzel Brings “June Gloom” in July

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July 23, 2009

Alex Stenzel is exhibiting his paintings and photographs in West Hollywood through October 1.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, *Staff Photographer*

High above Sunset Boulevard, just off Chautauqua, artist Alex Stenzel plugs away, creating mammoth mixed-media canvases and black-and-white prints, all of it very much inspired by his Pacific Palisades environs. After a hiatus, Stenzel has returned with a new exhibit of his work, titled ‘June Gloom,’ which runs through October 1 at the Don O’Melveny & Seyhoun Galleries in West Hollywood. Long before moving to the Palisades, Stenzel, 44, grew up just outside D’sseldorf, in Oer-Erkenschwick Ruhrgebiet, an industrial town (population 10,000) with coal mines and steel mills. ‘It’s the same town where Leonardo De Caprio’s [maternal] grandparents are from,’ Stenzel tells the Palisadian-Post. ‘His grandma is buried next to mine.’ From age 14 to 17, Stenzel was a promising tennis player, ranking among the world’s top 30 juniors. But fine arts became his true calling, and so, in the mid-1980s, he became a clothing designer, producing shirts for Diesel, Chevingnon and Paul Smith. ‘I sold them out of my Volkswagen bus, traveling throughout Europe,’ he says. ‘I was listed by Vogue among the top ten fashion designers in Europe when I was 21.’ In 1990, Stenzel moved to Los Angeles and settled in the Palisades 12 years ago. He lives here with his girlfriend, artist Rachael Bloomfield, and their Chihuahua, Gjoda (as in Yoda from the ‘Star Wars’ movies). ‘California just felt right,’ says the frequent hiker and camper. ‘L.A. is a playground to be creative. I go to the mountains and I love surfing. I was looking for open space. We’re sitting with our back to 50 miles of state park.’ Stenzel finds America, particularly the Golden State, the opposite of where he grew up: ‘Germany is all about conformity, repression of individual expression”nothing in between.’ Nevertheless, his native land plays a part in his art: ‘My work reflects my old town: industrial with the bright colors of California. I’m inspired by nature. I love having the mountains in our backyard.’ The artist draws inspiration from Abstract Expressionists Jackson Pollock and Franz Kline. Stenzel enjoys creating his collage canvases to the trippy sonic landscapes of Massive Attack. Describing the effect he wants to convey with his looming canvases: ‘Very powerful yet very peaceful.’ From the late-1990s to mid-2000s, Stenzel painted what he calls his ‘fairy’ paintings, crossed out in black paint, creating a stained-glass style mosaic effect over photographs of women. ‘Between 1997 and 2002, I focused exclusively on painting and produced about 300-400 pieces of art,’ Stenzel says. ‘My last local show was reviewed by Peter Frank in LA Weekly as ‘Pick of the Week’ and my work was featured on the cover of the L.A. Biennial catalog. ‘I always enjoyed the photographs, but somehow I would put pigment in there,’ continues Stenzel, who felt something was missing. Titles such as ‘7 Tons’ and ’10 Tons’ capture the mass and density of layers presented on his canvases. One of his most impressive abstracts, ‘2.8 Tons,’ a spectacular explosion of sky blue, yellow and white, is featured in ‘June Gloom.’ Painting and photography aside, Stenzel has expressed his creativity by, well, creating. He holds 20 patents, novelty inventions such as funky CD holders and piggy banks. In 2004, he came up with the ‘Gorilla Sandwich’ (a hollowed-out cucumber filled with such ingredients as walnuts, avocado, olives, seaweed and flax seed oil) which was distributed through Whole Foods. Stenzel had a solo show in Palm Beach in February 2007, but recently took a sabbatical to do some writing: ‘I spent four years writing about art theory, philosophy on existence, and analyzing my own artwork.’ In addition to his large abstracts, ‘June Gloom’ includes 20 atmospheric black-and-white photos; of early-morning landscapes shot around the village, Santa Monica Beach and Temescal Gateway Park. Stenzel says he is fascinated by the fog that rolls in”’sleeping dragons’ along the beachfront. ‘It’s an island of peace,’ he says of his adopted home. ‘The geomantics, the zen energy of Pacific Palisades. It flows through here.’ ‘June Gloom’ also features collages by Bloomfield, Bruce Helander, and Jazan Kozma. The gallery is located at 9007-9009 Melrose Ave. (at Doheny Dr.). Contact: 310-786-9945; www.donomelvenygallery.com.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 23, 2009

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July 23, 2009

HOMES FOR SALE 1

GREAT DEALS. Homes Steps from Sand. Right in the Palisades! $125-450,000. Fab ocean views. For use as homes/offices/weekend retreats/condo alt. Terrific opportunity! PCH Between Sunset and Temescal. 8 sold last year. Remodels and fixers available. Heated pool and rec center. Agent: Michelle Bolotin, (310) 230-2438, www.michellebolotin.com

TAX HIKES GOT YOU DOWN? Escape from it all to a beautiful 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath, all brick home, overlooking the 11th hole of a prestigious golf course. Located within 30 minutes of Atlanta Int’l Airport. $265,000. MLS listing #3860910 for pictures. Located in Covington, GA. (770) 364-8140, owner

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 $14,000/mo. Contact Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706

HOUSE FOR RENT. August only. 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath in alphabet streets, walking distance to the village, great grassy yard. $7,750/mo. Call (310) 454-7665, email: musicnat@msn.com

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

16904 DONNA YNEZ LANE. Located on a cul-de-sac street this light & bright 4 BD, 2.5 BA house features a living rm & dining area w/ an open fireplace. Updated kitchen. Large master w/ bath. Pvt fenced in yard. $4,950/mo. Jody Fine, (310) 230-3770

BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH 3 BD, 3 BA plus conv den, cathedral ceilings and mtn vus in Highlands. Assoc. pool and TC. $4,950/mo. Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706

MARQUEZ: 3 BR + 2 BA, office, great room w/ open beamed ceiling, country kitchen & designer baths, patios & zen garden for entertaining. $4,950/mo. (310) 502-3665

3 BDRM, 2 BA, PATIO, washer & dryer hookup, large yard, 500 sq. ft. of storage area. $3,500/mo. Call (310) 640-8938

4 BD, TREE-LINED ST NR VILLAGE. Quiet neighborhood/large patio off master bdrm and kitchen. 2.5 bath. Near schools. 2 car gar. 1 year lease min. $5,500/mo. (310) 230-4333

2 BDRM, 2 BA, 2 CAR GARAGE, private deck & garden, laundry, new kitchen, dishwasher, microwave, hardwood floors. Nice quiet area. Pets o.k. Reduced rent to $3,500/mo. (310) 454-4599

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

LOVELY 3 BDRM, 3 BA apartment at Edgewater Towers, across from beach, ocean view. $4,500/mo. Call or e-mail for pictures, (310) 887-1333, s@90210law.com

PP GUEST HOUSE: Attractive studio, light, quiet, garden setting, near village, trails. Utils., laundry, maid included. $1,085/mo.+ sec. Avail. 8/1/09. (310) 459-6462

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

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

$3,500/MO. 3 BDRM, 2.5 BATH, over 1700 sq.ft. Newer appliances, tile floors, view of mountains, living, dining, W/D in unit, open patio, community tennis, gym, pool. John Portman, agent, (818) 645-3681

WOW! BREATHTAKING S.M. BAY, whitewater, mountain and tree-top views from this 2 BDRM, 2 BA 1,850 sq. ft. unit. Third floor penthouse. Private balcony. Pool, gym, and rec room. Near beach and trailheads. Will cooperate w/ brokers. $3,500/mo. (310) 459-7030

FURNISHED CONDO, $4,700/MO. Large 3+2, 1,850 sq. ft., living room, relaxing sun room, 2×2 parking. Walk to the beach, market, stores, go surfing or walk to the hiking trails. We are 1/2 block from the Self-Realization Center, great schools and min. away from Pepperdine. This is a beautiful and completely furnished condo, with a spectacular view, perfect for a writer, yoga or just relax and enjoy the home. Heated pool, and it’s ready to move in. Everything is brand new. Call (310) 497-0880. For photos: 17339tramonto.shutterfly.com/26

OCEAN VIEW SURFERS & SUNSETS. Romantic 1+1. Blond hwd floors, balcony, 2 pools & spas, gym, 24 hr. security. Edgewater Towers. N/S. Sunset & PCHwy. Tennis. Walk to beach & shops. $2,250/mo. INCLUDES UTILITIES. Call Mikki, (509) 263-5873 (cell) Open Sunday, August 2nd, 12-3 p.m.

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

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

WANTED TO RENT 3b

LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisadian-Post, (310) 454-1321

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PALISADES OFFICE 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. 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.

RENTAL SPACE, STORAGE 3d

PP DETACHED GARAGE: Near village. Dry storage only. Avail. 7/15/09. $175/mo. (310) 459-6462

VACATION RENTALS 3e

THREE FULLY SELF-CONTAINED trailers for rent across from Will Rogers State Beach and about 2 miles from Santa Monica Pier. $1,400/mo. and $1,200/mo. One bedroom mobile, $1,995/mo. (310) 454-2515

LOST & FOUND 6a

LOST: CAT, male, striped light & dark gray with white cheeks, 1 yr old, dog friendly. Collar fell off. Highlands area. Missing since June 4th. Call (310) 487-1277 anytime.

LOST: GOLD & DIAMOND BRACELET. June 11th, in the village. Reward! Call (310) 454-8162

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

QUICKBOOKS. Approved accounting principles. Personal or business record keeping by local Palisadian. Call Shirley, (310) 570-6085

BOOKKEEPING. Payroll a specialty. Household & small business. Local. Trina, (310) 459-4807

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

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

BABYSITTER/COLLEGE STUDENT. Responsible, fun, and can drive! Experienced and great references. (310) 454-6814 Chloe

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 AVAILABLE! Our housekeeper available on Tuesdays. Reliable, speaks English, excellent cleaning, resourceful. Contact Raquel directly after 5 p.m., (213) 736-5362

HOUSEKEEPER SERVICES AVAILABLE! Looking for F/T or single days. Laundry, ironing, light cooking. Very friendly with kids. Experienced & local refs. Malena, (323) 481-4294 or (310) 908-8413.

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE NOW! * Monday thru Saturday, live-out. Excellent local references. Speaks English. Call Violeta, (424) 652-0525

HOUSEKEEPERS AVAILABLE. References. We work as a team to clean your house. Many years experience. Please call Amanda or Ruben, (213) 481-2545 or (213) 250-7197

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER 15 YRS. Available to work Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Great Palisades refs. Speaks English. Own transportation. Call Teresa, (310) 591-7563 or (310) 590-9763

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING available Monday thru Friday. Own transportation. Reliable, 15 years experience. References. Call Nidia, home, (310) 473-7585 or cell, (310) 422-7624

PALISADES HOUSEKEEPER, 15 yrs exp. Excellent refs. Honest, dependable. Legal resident. Child & pet care. Avail Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat. & Sun. Speaks Eng. Carmen, (323) 460-6473, (213) 618-9671

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

FUNDAMENTALLY THE FINEST. Licensed nurses and caregivers. Calm old-school values! Lowest rates, free smiles!! Also call us for MOBILE NOTARY. (310) 795-5023 ‘ yourextraspecial.com

SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING 13f

SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING SERVICE. All Stoppages Cleared. Sewer Repair & Replacement. High Velocity Water Jetting. Video Camera Inspections. Lic. #512638. Call (310) 648 2611

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

HOUSESITTING 14b

PROFESSIONAL COUPLE SEEKING long term housesitting in or near Palisades. Conscientious care of your home while you’re away. Light garden care, dogs, horse, ok. Good people, honest care. (310) 310-3089

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

COMPANION: Filing, organizing, special diets, pet-care, errands. Young widow, college degree, local refs, live-in. (310) 459-2066, (310) 218-6653

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

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

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

$60 TRAINING SUMMER SPECIAL. A personal trainer that went from a size 16 to a 6!!! Call Sherry, (310) 383-7852

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

PRIVATE BASEBALL LESSONS FROM FORMER COLLEGE PITCHER. Improve all areas of your game in just a few sessions. Greg Young, (310) 387-2544, younggregt@gmail.com

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, all subjects. SAT, ISEE, HSPT, ERB, STAR. Caring, meticulous service. GrozaLearningCenter.com. (310) 454-3731

MATH SAT PREPARATION (or any math subjects) ** VERY REASONABLE ** VERY VERY EFFECTIVE ** Call Bill: (310) 454-9821

Would you or your child like to PLAY PIANO? Summertime’s a good time to start using your piano & stop letting it collect dust. Call Ms. Karen Rae today, (310) 383-0200. She’ll get you going!

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

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

VOICE LESSONS/VOCAL COACHING with professional vocalist. Palisades resident, $30/half hour. References upon request. (310) 459-9111

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

HGTV Design Team (former). HGTV Design Team. We are a full service construction/design team ready to remodel a room for you! Formally on the hit HGTV show, Rate My Space. We revive any room or outdoor space for you. With our inspired, affordable, licensed construction and design staff, we can bring your ideas to life. From simple affordable alterations to extensive overhauls and additions, we are the right company for you!! Lic. #858904. Call (310) 877-5577 & (818) 445-0951. http://debonairrenovations.com/Home/Home.html

ELECTRICAL 16h

PALISADES ELECTRIC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437 Insured Professional Service

ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local service only. Non-lic. Please call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286

LICHWA ELECTRIC. Remodeling, rewiring, troubleshooting. Lighting: low voltage, energy safe, indoor, outdoor, landscape. Low voltage: telephone, Internet, CCTV, home theatre, audio/video. Non-lic. Refs. LichwaElectric@gmail.com (310) 270-8596

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

ROCK BOTTOM PRICES! Dave The Handyman. You won’t be disappointed! Lic. #629651. (310) 739-6253

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

WALLS TO GO. Single wall flat interior includes: washing, patching, sanding, primIng, two coats of paint, $150. 4 walls, $400. 20 years experience. Local resident. School teacher. Non-lic. Call Tim, (310) 433-9610

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) 710-3199

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

SPACE FOR RENT for hairdresser and manicurist. Some free rent. Ask for Stevie, (310) 459-1616

EXPERIENCED GROOMER NEEDED for local pet salon. F/T preferred. Health benefits included. Will consider P/T. Fax resume/employment history to: (310) 459-6625

RETAIL ‘ SAFEWAY IS HIRING SERVICE EVALUATORS. MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Enjoy this unique and interesting position evaluating customer service and store standards. We are currently hiring responsible, motivated and computer savvy individuals. Home computer and internet access are a must. Part time work hours are based on availability and location. For additional information and to submit an application please visit: https://qualityshopper.org No associated fees

FURNITURE 18c

RARE ANTIQUE ARMOIRE. Beautiful reclaimed red wood from old barn. Great condition. Purchased for $2,800, asking $1,000. Email: abmckenna.assistant@gmail.com

GARAGE, MOVING SALES 18d

FURN/FURNISHGS/ANTIQUES/art/prints/clothes/lots of beaut. stuff! 918 12th St, Unit #7; S.M. 90403 (TG Page 631 D-7). Fri.-Sat., July 24-25; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Photos/details: www.bmdawson.com

THE HUNTINGTON MEETS THE ALPHABETS! Mega two-family garage sale. High-end clothing, boys sports stuff, dance costumes & household items. 1134 Iliff St., Saturday, July 25, 2009, 8:30 a.m.

ESTATE SALE. Antique furniture sets, dining room, bedroom, tea cart, settee, mirrors, crystal, 300+ vinyl LP collection, CDs, housewares. Priced to sell. Large and small pieces’bring a truck. Saturday, July 25, 8:00 a.m. to noon, 16775 Livorno Drive.

HUGE YARD SALE! Sat, 7/25, 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dresser, desk, small appliances, toys, videotapes, clothes, jewelry & more. 753 Via de la Paz.

PaliHi Details Plans for Public Swimming

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July 17, 2009

With construction of Palisades Charter High School’s Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center well under way, community members want to know what hours the pool will be available for public use. Jeanne Goldsmith, a consultant PaliHi hired to fundraise for the pool, told the Palisadian-Post on Monday that the school definitely plans to offer free public swimming on Sundays once the pool opens next March. ’Our aim is to have [the pool available] all day,’ Goldsmith said, but PaliHi may rent out the entire pool for part of the day to aquatic user groups such as swim and water-polo teams. ’We have to make this pool self-sustaining,’ Goldsmith said, stressing that the school will not use taxpayer money from its general fund to construct or operate the pool. Private donors have contributed $3 million of the necessary $4.3 million to build the 12-lane competitive pool and adjacent two-lane teaching pool, Goldsmith said. Ninety-year-old English teacher Rose Gilbert has donated $2 million of that money toward the center, located at the corner of Temescal Canyon Road and Bowdoin Street and named after her late daughter. Once the pool is built, Goldsmith said the annual operating cost is projected to be roughly $375,000. School leaders, however, expect to bring in about $500,000 annually by renting the pool to aquatic user groups during non-school hours. The surplus will be set aside for maintenance and repairs. Aquatic user groups can secure time from 5 to 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday as well as all day on Saturdays and part of the day on Sundays during the school year, Goldsmith said. The pool will be available all day during the summer and on holidays. School leaders envision setting aside dedicated lanes for the public to swim at the same time aquatic user groups are in the pool, Goldsmith said. The pool could also be made available to the public during non-school hours when aquatic user groups have not secured time. PaliHi is currently negotiating with aquatic user groups and finalizing rates, Goldsmith said. The groups will be required to secure their own insurance and lifeguards, while the school will provide lifeguards for public swim. The schedule will be released before the pool opens next spring and will be posted quarterly at the pool site and on PaliHi’s Web site (palihigh.enschool.org), Goldsmith said. Westside Aquatics, a Los Angeles swim team for all ages, has contributed financially to the construction of the pool and has already secured a certain number of lanes from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other than Sundays, the public will have to pay a nominal fee. PaliHi is selling five-year passes for immediate families of any size for $1,500. The school will soon offer five-year individual passes and annual family/individual passes. So far, construction is moving along smoothly. ‘We are on time, and we are feeling very positive about it,’ Goldsmith said. Goldsmith is in the process of writing grants for additional funding to construct a concrete wall on Temescal Canyon Road that would serve as a sound barrier and conceal the pool from street view. The area will also be landscaped to look attractive. She is also trying to secure an additional $125,000 in order for the pool to be solar-heated. In addition to Gilbert’s $2 million, the majority of the money raised so far has come from PaliHi parents, teachers and alumni, Goldsmith said. ’We would love for the Palisades community to step up and help us,’ she said.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 16, 2009

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July 16, 2009

HOMES FOR SALE 1

GREAT DEALS. Homes Steps from Sand. Right in the Palisades! $125-450,000. Fab ocean views. For use as homes/offices/weekend retreats/condo alt. Terrific Opportunity! PCH Between Sunset and Temescal. 8 sold last year. Remodels and fixers available. Heated pool and rec center. Agent: Michelle Bolotin, (310) 230-2438, www.michellebolotin.com

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 $14,000/mo. Contact Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706

HOUSE FOR RENT. August only. 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath in alphabet streets, walking distance to the village, great grassy yard. $2,500/wk. Call (310) 454-7665, email: musicnat@msn.com

EL MEDIO BLUFFS LEASE. Newer contemporary 4 BD/4 BA plus bonus room available 8/15 @ $9,500 unfurn/mo. Impeccable! (310) 230-3712. The Stein Group.

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

16904 DONNA YNEZ LANE. Located on a cul-de-sac street this light & bright 4 BD, 2.5 BA house features a living rm & dining area w/ an open fireplace. Updated kitchen. Large master w/ bath. Pvt fenced in yard. $4,950/mo. Jody Fine, (310) 230-3770

BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH 3 BD, 3 BA plus conv den, cathedral ceilings and mtn vus in Highlands. Assoc. pool and TC. $5,400/mo. Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706

MARQUEZ: 3 BR + 2 BA, office, great room w/ open beamed ceiling, country kitchen & designer baths, patios & zen garden for entertaining. $4,950/mo. (310) 502-3665

3 BDRM, 2 BA, PATIO, washer & dryer hookup, large yard, 500 sq. ft. of storage area. $3,500/mo. Call (310) 640-8938

4 BD/TREE-LINED ST NR VILLAGE. Quiet neighborhood/large patio off master bdrm and kitchen. 2.5 bath. Near schools. 2 car gar. 1 year lease min. $5,500/mo. (310) 230-4333

2 BDRM, 2 BA, 2 CAR GARAGE, private deck & garden, laundry, new kitchen, dishwasher, microwave, hardwood floors. Nice quiet area. Pets o.k. Reduced rent to $3,500/mo. (310) 454-4599

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

LOVELY 3 BDRM, 3 BA apartment at Edgewater Towers, across from beach, ocean view. $4,500/mo. Call or e-mail for pictures, (310) 887-1333, s@90210law.com

PP GUEST HOUSE: Attractive studio, light, quiet, garden setting, near village, trails. Utils., laundry, maid included. $1,085/mo.+ sec. Avail. 8/1/09. (310) 459-6462

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

APARTMENT/OFFICE FOR RENT. 2 bdrm, (one could be used as an office), 2 full baths, close to Sunset, A/C, all utilities paid. $2,000/mo. (310) 459-4441 or (310) 393-1165

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS 2+2. DESIGNER INTERIOR. Just steps to beach. 5 minutes to Santa Monica. All new cabinets, appliances, granite, marble, hardwood floors. High ceilings. W/D in condo. Ocean view patio. Garage. $2,980/mo. Was $5,500! (310) 702-1154, www.MalibuCoastline.com

$3,500/MO. 3 BDRM, 2.5 BATH, over 1700 sq.ft. Newer appliances, tile floors, view of mountains, living, dining, W/D in unit, open patio, community tennis, gym, pool. John Portman, agent, (818) 645-3681

WOW! BREATHTAKING SM BAY, white water, mountain and tree-top views from this 2 BDRM, 2 BA 1,850 sq. ft. unit. Third floor penthouse. Private balcony. Pool, gym, and rec room. Near beach and trailheads. Will cooperate w/ brokers. $3,500/mo. (310) 459-7030

FURNISHED CONDO, $4,700/mo. Large 3+2, 1850 sq ft, living room, relaxing sun room, 2×2 parking. Walk to the beach, market, stores, go surfing or walk to the hiking trails. We are 1/2 block from the Self-Realization Center, great schools and min. away from Pepperdine. This is a beautiful and completely furnished condo, with a spectacular view, perfect for a writer, yoga or just relax and enjoy the home. Heated pool, and it’s ready to move in. Everything is brand new. Call (310) 497-0880. For photos: 17339tramonto.shutterfly.com/26

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

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

WANTED TO RENT 3b

LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisadian-Post, (310) 454-1321

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

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

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

RENTAL SPACE, STORAGE 3d

PP DETACHED GARAGE: Near village. Dry storage only. Avail. 7/15/09. $175/mo. (310) 459-6462

VACATION RENTALS 3e

THREE FULLY SELF-CONTAINED trailers for rent across from Will Rogers State Beach and about 2 miles from Santa Monica Pier. $1,400/mo. and $1,200/mo. One bedroom mobile, $1,995/mo. (310) 454-2515

LOST & FOUND 6a

LOST: CAT, male, striped light & dark gray with white cheeks, 1 yr old, dog friendly. Collar fell off. Highlands area. Missing since June 4th. Call (310) 487-1277 anytime.

LOST: GOLD & DIAMOND BRACELET. June 11th, in the village. Reward! Call (310) 454-8162

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

QUICKBOOKS ‘ LOCAL PALISADIAN. Call Shirley, (310) 570-6085

BOOKKEEPING. Payroll a specialty. Household & small business. Local. Trina, (310) 459-4807

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

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

BABYSITTER/COLLEGE STUDENT. Responsible, fun, and can drive! Experienced and great references. (310) 454-6814 Chloe

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 AVAILABLE! Our housekeeper available on Tuesdays. Reliable, speaks English, excellent cleaning, resourceful. Contact Raquel directly after 5 p.m., (213) 736-5362

HOUSECLEANING AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY for Tuesday & Saturday. Very good references. Own transportation and drivers license. 15 years experience. (213) 447-4104

HOUSEKEEPER SERVICES AVAILABLE! Looking for F/T or single days. Laundry, ironing, light cooking. Very friendly with kids. Experienced & local refs. Malena, (323) 481-4294 or (310) 908-8413.

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE NOW! * Monday thru Saturday, live-out. Excellent local references. Speaks English. Call Violeta, (424) 652-0525

HOUSECLEANING – Available Mon & Sat. Local ref’s. Own transportation. Experienced, good worker, excellent English. Please call Evelia, (213) 745-6276

HOUSEKEEPERS AVAILABLE. References. We work as a team to clean your house. Many years experience. Please call Amanda or Ruben, (213) 481-2545 or (213) 250-7197

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

FUNDAMENTALLY THE FINEST Licensed nurses and caregivers. Calm old-school values! Lowest rates, free smiles!! Also call us for MOBILE NOTARY. (310) 795-5023 ‘ yourextraspecial.com

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

SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING 13f

SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING SERVICE. All Stoppages Cleared. Sewer Repair & Replacement. High Velocity Water Jetting. Video Camera Inspections. Lic. #512638. Call (310) 648 2611

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

HOUSESITTING 14b

PROFESSIONAL COUPLE SEEKING long term housesitting in or near Palisades. Conscientious care of your home while you’re away. Light garden care, dogs, horse, ok. Good people, honest care. (310) 310-3089

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

PHOTOGRAPHY 14h

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY by Jan Firek. Specializing in babies, kids, adults, families and dogs. www.firekphotography.com

PERSONAL SHOPPING 14j

‘AT YOUR SERVICE’: Evelyne, (310) 395-4660. Available at all hours. 2 hour minimum. Experienced. Errands, shopping, doctors, etc. . . . Being a companion, reading, organizing, etc. . . . References available.

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

$60 TRAINING SUMMER SPECIAL. A personal trainer that went from a size 16 to a 6 !!! Call Sherry, (310) 383-7852

FITNESS COACH ** All ages, LAUSD PE teacher, 18 yrs extensive background. Iyengar Yoga, ballet, gymnastics, certified gyrotonic trainer, deep tissue massage, focus strength endurance, flexibility. One-on-one instruction. Will come to you. Mr. Lott, (310) 433-9610

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

PRIVATE ONE 2 ONE ATHLETIC COACH: Football, basketball, ice/roller hockey, conditioning, weight & training. Certified teacher: S.M.M.U.S.D. Free consultation: Jan Firek. #H: (310) 403-5413, fire6k@mac.com

NURSERY SCHOOL OPENING. Opening at Palisades Presbyterian Nursery School for the coming school year just available. Contact Anna at (949) 633-5776

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

MATH & SCIENCE TUTOR. Middle school-college level. BS LAUSD credentialed high school teacher. Test Prep. Flexible hours. AVAILABLE to help NOW! Seth Freedman, (310) 909-3049

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

MATH SAT PREPARATION (or any math subjects) ** VERY REASONABLE ** VERY VERY EFFECTIVE ** Call Bill: (310) 454-9821

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

VOICE LESSONS/VOCAL COACHING with professional vocalist. Palisades resident, $30/half hour. References upon request. (310) 459-9111

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

HGTV Design Team (former). HGTV Design Team. We are a full service construction/design team ready to remodel a room for you! Formally on the hit HGTV show, Rate My Space. We revive any room or outdoor space for you. With our inspired, affordable, licensed construction and design staff, we can bring your ideas to life. From simple affordable alterations to extensive overhauls and additions, we are the right company for you!! Lic. #858904. Call (310) 877-5577 & (818) 445-0951. http://debonairrenovations.com/Home/Home.html

ELECTRICAL 16h

PALISADES ELECTRIC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437 Insured Professional Service

ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local service only. Non-lic. Please call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286

LICHWA ELECTRIC. Remodeling, rewiring, troubleshooting. Lighting: low voltage, energy safe, indoor, outdoor, landscape. Low voltage: telephone, Internet, CCTV, home theatre, audio/video. Non-lic. Refs. LichwaElectric@gmail.com (310) 270-8596

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

ROCK BOTTOM PRICES! Dave The Handyman. You won’t be disappointed! Lic. #629651. (310) 739-6253

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

WALLS TO GO. Single wall flat interior includes: washing, patching, sanding, primIng, two coats of paint, $150. 4 walls, $400. 20 years experience. Local resident. School teacher. Non-lic. Call Tim, (310) 433-9610

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) 710-3199

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

SMALL MANUFACTURING COMPANY seeks Accounting Manager with years of experience. Requires full knowledge of AP & AR, payroll, account analysis, collections, general ledger & financial statements. Knowledge of integrated accounting software programs & Excel are a must. Interested candidate should forward his/her resume to: chatcher01@gmail.com

SPACE FOR RENT. for hairdresser and manicurist. Some free rent. Ask for Stevie, (310) 459-1616

INTERN FOR ENGINEERING COMPANY. Project management. Contact (626) 793-8715. Pacific Palisades

GARAGE, MOVING SALES 18d

GARAGE SALE! Beau furn/tables, chairs, shelves, clothing, jewelry, shoes, bedding, kitche#nware, books, rugs & more. Don’t miss! Sat. July 18th, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., 1101 Hartzell. (Garage on Albright)

37TH ANNUAL MALIBU ANTIQUES LAWN SALE! Signed, painted, Monterey dining table/chairs. Early Calif. tile tables, Mission Oak rocker & library table. Wine storage cabinet, old pine Welsh cupboard, painted iron bed. 6 Kentucky chairs, cowhide seats. Much more. Reams of glass, china (incl. flow blue). Copper, brass, silver, collectible figurines. Much Van Briggle, Bauer, McCoy, Frankonia pottery. Old quilts, linens, table cloths. Much jewelry. Many N.W. Calif Indian baskets. Orientalia, incl. peasant antiques. 16 fine Italian religious statues. Country Kitchen table scale, bridal rosettes, harness initials, cowboy boots, old wooden boxes. Collector’s tools, many usable, U.S. made. (Happy Hunting for Husbands). Saks 5th Ave mannequin sculpture, articulated. 7up advertising chair, mahogany monopoly game, ladies vanity items: hats, purses, vintage clothing. Lightning rod with iron crow, parrot weathervane. 1,000’s of other fine items. Saturday, Sunday, July 18-19, 9:30 a.m. (NO earlier!) 5838 Bonsall, Zuma Canyon, Malibu.

BIG MOV. SALE! Whole house! Furn/furnishgs. Beaut. Condit. Lots of grt. Stuff! 10425 Tennessee Ave. Rancho Park (TG Page 632 D-5) Fri-Sat July 17-18; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. photos/details: www.bmdawson.com

YARD SALE. NO EARLY BIRDS! Saturday, July 18, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1151 Hartzell Street

Post-Parade Whimsy

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July 16, 2009

Michael Nash, who grew up in the Palisades and is now a junior at Tulane University, joined seven bare-chested local friends at the start of the town’s Fourth of July parade, hoping to gain the attention of Katie Stam, the reigning Miss America, who was riding as the grand marshal. “We waved to her, and she laughed,” Nash says, “so we decided to go to where the parade ended and try and get a picture. She was still in her carriage, but we all started yelling for a picture, so she told us to line up, and quickly stopped to pose with us. She thought the whole thing was pretty funny.” Her suitors, left to right: Mason Hays, Alex Hubbs, Mike Light, Max Milder, Matt Berry, Michael Nash, Paris Hays and Scott Thomilson. Photo: Chantelle Eastman

Bluffs, Incline Projects Updated at Meeting

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July 16, 2009

The Santa Monica Palisades Bluffs Improvement project will begin after Labor Day and the long-delayed California Incline Reconstruction project is now scheduled for January 2011, according to Mark Cuneo, Santa Monica’s principal civil engineer. At a Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Task Force meeting held last Thursday, Cuneo was questioned about the projects. ‘The Palisades Bluffs project has been put out to bid,’ he said. The project involves drilling and installation of 100 hydraugers (perforated pipes) vertically and horizontally into the sides of the bluffs from the McClure Tunnel to the northwest boundary of Santa Monica at Adelaide Drive. The pipes will improve groundwater drainage, which will help stabilize the bluffs. Construction will start at the City’s north boundary and is expected to last into spring 2010. The lane closest to the bluffs will be closed for northbound traffic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The California Incline bridge project, originally scheduled to begin last spring, has been delayed several times, most recently due to geotechnical issues. ’We must improve the hillside above the bluffs,’ Cuneo said. ‘We have revised the project’s old documents, and they will be circulated in the fall of this year.’ He predicted that the Santa Monica City Council will vote on the plans next spring and that the $12-million construction project will be completed in early 2012. The Incline Bridge was built in 1939 and the new bridge is eligible for federal funding. ‘An all-concrete structure will be built,’ Cuneo said, noting that construction will not only require lane closures on PCH, but will close the primary route from PCH into Santa Monica. Those traveling south on PCH worry that this closure will cause traffic gridlock on secondary streets. ’When the Incline is closed, it will create a traffic nightmare,’ said Aron Miller, field representative for Senator Fran Pavley, who hosted the meeting. He commutes daily to Pavley’s Santa Monica office from the Valley via PCH. ’We urge you to do construction 24 hours a day and include incentives to construction crews so that they get it done as quickly as possible,’ said Richard G. Cohen, chair of the Pacific Palisades Community Council. ’We’re looking at it,’ said Cuneo, noting that projections for round-the-clock operations predict a nine-month construction period, rather than the projected year. However, concrete pours require a cure time, which will dictate the time needed. According to Cuneo, the primary detour replacing the Incline will be the off ramp (Moomat Ahiko Way), next to the pier, which feeds onto Ocean Avenue. He was asked what plans are being made to accommodate the increased traffic through Santa Monica Canyon as people use West Channel Road to 7th Street in Santa Monica. ’We will try to discourage that as much as possible,’ said Cuneo, who promised further discussions with the City of Los Angeles. Palisades residents asked James Riley, Caltrans senior transportation engineer, for a study at the corner of Chautauqua and PCH, which feeds into West Channel Road. The intersection causes confusion because two intersecting roads join PCH at the same location. There are also two different left-turn options.”””””’ ’That intersection has come up in discussion,’ Riley said. ‘We can look at it.’ One official thought that the Incline project could actually help traffic flow through that area, but that wasn’t the consensus among those present. ’I think it’s going to be total gridlock,’ said LAPD motor officer Christopher Smythe. ‘Traffic speeds will be so low that accidents will go down.’ (Additional news from the meeting will be published next week.) Another area of concern along PCH was raised by Palisades Community Council member Stuart Muller, who asked if the K-rails and other construction debris stored along PCH between Potrero and Temescal Canyons could be removed by Caltrans. ‘It’s a scenic highway, and we want this stuff cleaned up,’ Muller said. Riley responded that he would investigate. ”””””’An additional problem raised at the meeting involves a dangerous situation on PCH, just south of Sunset. Motorists leaving Gladstone’s parking lot must exit south, but can make a Caltrans-approved U-turn in the middle of PCH at the exit/entrance to Malibu Village. Resident Jean Rosenfeld suggested that the Gladstone’s parking exit be closed, which would force drivers to enter PCH at the light at Sunset. Caltrans will explore that possibility.

John Gay Recalls Screenwriting Career

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July 16, 2009

Screenwriter John Gay with his daughter, Jennifer Gay Summers, at his home in Pacific Palisades.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, *Staff Photographer*

By SONIA HEMINGWAY Special to the Palisadian-Post When a Pulitzer Prize-winning author tells you that you should write a book about your life, you most likely have some good stories to tell. Over 10 years ago, author Frank Gilroy urged longtime Pacific Palisades resident and friend John Gay to chronicle the many stories of his 50 years in television and movies as an actor and screenwriter. The resulting book, titled ‘Any Way I Can,’ was written with the help of John’s daughter, journalist and actress Jennifer Gay Summers. ‘Frank knew I would never do it without Jennifer,’ says Gay, 85. ‘He told me to do it, and Jennifer made me do it.’ ‘I came over with a tape recorder,’ says Jennifer, ‘and I said, ‘Dad, just start talking.” Eighty-eight cassette tapes later, Jennifer faced the formidable task of transcribing the details of her father’s life from his childhood until 1963, when Gay began recounting his experiences with some of the most legendary actors and directors in Hollywood history in a meticulous daily journal. ‘We read every page of every journal,’ she says. ‘It took us years.’ As a teenager growing up in Southern California (he was born in Whittier), Gay recalls his early brushes with celebrity, from catching a glimpse of Judy Garland at the Beverly Hills Hotel to seeing Alfred Hitchcock in the lobby of the Academy Theater during a screening of his movie ‘Rebecca.’ Little did he know that several years later his experiences would come full circle as he collaborated with Garland’s husband, Vicente Minnelli, on ‘The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.’ After serving in the Coast Guard during World War II and receiving an honorable medical discharge, Gay followed his passion for theater, beginning his formal acting training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. ‘Live theater is everything, it always has been,’ he says. ‘As soon as I got out of the Coast Guard, I didn’t want to go to university. I wanted to go to the American Academy. That was theater.’ He made the transition from actor to screenwriter when fianc’e Bobbie Meyer landed a part on Kraft Television Theatre. Dismayed by the quality of the dialogue, Gay felt he could write a better script. The resulting show, ‘Apartment 3C,’ starred John and Bobbie Gay, became one of the first sit-coms on live television. ‘When television came out, it was something so new, so revolutionary, that the opportunities were endless,’ Gay says. ‘If you could just pick yourself up, you could do it. And that’s what I did.’ Gay experienced the ultimate Hollywood rite of passage, living with Bobbie in less than ideal quarters and producing various scripts without a sale. However, the seemingly mythical break occurred with perfect dramatic timing, just as he and his wife (with new baby Jennifer) found an affordable house deep in the New Jersey countryside, in the middle of a pasture. In 1957, he received a phone call from the most successful independent film company in Hollywood at the time, asking him to write a motion picture for them. That fateful call set into motion a series of events that turned into his first feature film, ‘Run Silent, Run Deep’ (1958) starring Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. ’It was overwhelming,’ Gay says. ‘I had no other employment then and it gave me an accelerated introduction into a screenwriting career. It came about because all three men behind the production company, Harold Hecht, James Hill and Lancaster, happened to see a television play of mine that they liked so much that they decided to hire me! Some luck, some talent; it can work wonders.’ Gay caught another break when asked to write the screenplay adaptation of Terrence Rattigan’s play, ‘Separate Tables’ (1958), starring Deborah Kerr, Rita Haworth and David Niven, for which he received an Oscar nomination. After years of walking a tightrope between success and failure, Gay felt financially secure enough to purchase a home in the Palisades Riviera (just down the street from his friend, ‘Twilight Zone’ writer Rod Serling), where he and Bobbie raised their three children. In the midst of the family’s move, he found himself on a plane to Mexico to shoot John Huston’s film ‘The Unforgiven,’ with Audrey Hepburn and Burt Lancaster. Gay details Huston’s terse and often intimidating style. ‘If an actor didn’t feel comfortable and asked for direction, Huston’s answer would be, ‘Do it again.’ I couldn’t get over how little discussion was given to actors in terms of their characters. I heard later that he wanted his actors to be unencumbered by thoughts of the director.’ With his career as a screenwriter established, Gay found himself traveling around the world, writing roles for actors like Henry Fonda, Rod Steiger, Rex Harrison, Paul Newman, Bette Davis (‘A Piano for Mrs. Cimino’) and collaborating with directors like Henry Hathaway. He describes his experiences working with Anthony Hopkins on ‘The Bunker’ and ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame.’ ‘Watching him in rehearsals was an inspiration in itself. Always trying different approaches in every scene. Never satisfied. Always brilliant.’ He recalls a teenage Liza Minnelli, visiting her father in Europe while on vacation from boarding school in Switzerland. ‘Effervescent and charming. You could sense her talent even then. And you could also sense they adored each other. That deep affection continued until the day he died.’ Gay went on to write 39 films (including ‘The Happy Thieves,’ ‘The Courtship of Eddie’s Father’ and ‘The Hallelujah Trail’) and five television miniseries, while garnering numerous awards, including the Writers Guild Laurel Award for Television Lifetime Achievement. The publication of his book (available at Village Books on Swarthmore) has been bittersweet for Gay and his daughter. ‘It has been an incredible experience to do this with one’s father,’ says Jennifer. ‘By the end, we were finishing each other’s sentences. I got to see how I grew up through a whole new set of eyes. It was a real journey, but so worth it.’ Even though he is retired, Gay has not stopped writing. ‘It’s an addiction,’ he says. ‘Once the fingers get going’how can you enjoy retirement when a screenplay or stage play is still possible? Keep working. Keep happy.’