Moonday features poets Peter Ludwin and R.D. Armstrong (aka Raindog) on August 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Ave. Guests are encouraged to come early to sign up for open reading. Ludwin is the recipient of a 2007 Artist Trust Literary Fellowship. He was also a finalist for the Muriel Craft Bailey Award, and is the second prize winner of the Anna Davidson Rosenberg Award for Poems on the Jewish Experience for 2007-2008. His first book, ‘A Guest in All Your Houses,’ was released in 2009 by WordWalker Press. Armstrong, published in nearly 300 journals, magazines, anthologies and E-zines, published four books in 2008. For the past 14 years, he has operated the Lummox Press which publishes the Little Red Book series (59 titles to date.)
Don’t Miss Topol’s Farewell ‘Fiddler’ Tour
Actor Chaim Topol received a warm welcome on opening night of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. Topol, who has played Tevye in more than 2,500 stage productions worldwide and starred in the 1971 movie, entered the stage to a round of applause. When he broke into his first song, ‘Tradition,’ the audience excitedly started singing and clapping along. At 73, Topol is on his farewell tour, and he’s as vibrant as ever. The show will be playing at the theater until Sunday, and it’s the last chance to see this legend perform locally. Living in the Russian village Anatevka in 1905, Tevye contends with his three daughters who want to marry for love rather than settle for an arranged marriage. The nearly three-hour musical is based on the stories of Sholem Aleichem and features music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and a book by Joseph Stein. No other actor could play Tevye, the impoverished Jewish peasant who struggles between tradition and the changing ways of a new generation, with the same humor and sensitivity. First appearing in ‘Fiddler’ in London’s West End in 1967, Topol was nominated for an Oscar in 1972 for his performance in the movie and Broadway’s 1991 Tony Award as best actor in a musical. Topol effectively connects with the audience, making a point of over dramatizing wisecracks to solicit a reaction. When he sings, Topol fills the theater with his gravelly baritone voice as he shuffles his feet and swings his arms to the rhythms. The pit orchestra, led by David Andrews Rogers, provides the perfect accompaniment. Supporting cast members deliver notable performances. Tevye’s three daughters (Rena Strober, Jamie Davis, and Deborah Grausman) have pristine singing voices. Susan Cella skillfully plays Tevye’s stern yet loving wife, while Erik Liberman is humorous as the timid suitor. Tickets: www.broadwayLA.org or 1-800-982-ARTS (2787).
BBQ, ‘Movies’ in the Face of Threat of Will Rogers Park Closure
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Saddle up, cinephiles! The Will Rogers Ranch Foundation (WRRF) will host an outdoor movie event at Will Rogers State Historic Park on Friday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. The 4th annual ‘Movies in Will’s Backyard’ will present the 1935 comedy ‘Doubting Thomas,’ starring the Foundation’s namesake actor/cowboy philosopher and co-starring Billie Burke (good witch Glinda from ‘The Wizard of Oz’). Attendees are invited to picnic on the lawn at the free event. The WRRF will provide popcorn and drinks. ‘Movies’ is the latest WRRF event staged in the face of a statewide crisis. During the magic hour on the evening of July 3, on the cusp of what turned out to be a robust Independence Day celebration in Pacific Palisades, the WRRF held a barbecue at Will Rogers Park. But this was no mere picnic or walk in the park: it was a fundraiser prompted by the threat of the state park’s closure, with the additional purpose of increasing membership. ‘That was the first time they held it for the race and parade sponsors,’ says WRRF president Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter, who, on the following morning, sounded the horn to commence the 32nd annual Palisades-Will Rogers 5/10K Run. The barbecue proved to be a nexus of WRRF and Palisades Americanism Parade supporters. ‘The genesis of the thing is that Brian Shea had asked me to help him put on the event,’ says co-organizer Jimmy Klein, whose father, Bob Klein, started the race with Shea over three decades ago. ‘We got my peers, Palisadians, and we only had a month to put the whole thing together.’ The goal was ‘to raise awareness of the dire state the State’s in regarding the closure of the parks.’ ‘It was nice to see some young people get involved,’ Shea says. Klein adds that Rogers-Etcheverry, WRRF board member Trudi Sandmeier, Lynette Hernandez, park services superintendent for the Topanga sector (which includes Will Rogers Park), and Corpus Christi School were instrumental in mounting the barbecue, which attracted 400 guests (including 100 new WRRF members). Among those greeting new members: Todd Vradenburg, executive director of the Will Rogers Motion Pictures Pioneer Foundation; Sandmeier, whose grandparents were personal caretakers of Will and Betty Rogers; Wyatt McCrea, grandson of actor Joel McCrea; Rogers-Etcheverry’s daughter, Meeghan Etcheverry; and Bob and Jim Klein. ‘It was nice to see new faces,’ Rogers-Etcheverry says. ‘But I was overwhelmed by how many had never been through the house.’ Tours of the Will Rogers house, adorned with art by Charles Russell and Howard Chandler Christy, were conducted between servings of chicken and beer. ‘We raised approximately $10,000,’ Rogers-Etcheverry says. ‘We’re already talking about holding the event again.’ In the meantime, Rogers-Etcheverry is looking forward to the ‘Doubting’ screening. Her cowboy/philosopher great-grandfather starred in some 71 movies (including 50 silent films) before his death in 1935. ‘The event began when the WRRF was in its beginning stages,’ Rogers-Etcheverry says. ‘The Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma, hosts an annual event on August 15 marking the anniversary of Will Rogers’ death. We wanted to have our own annual event. Fox had just released four Will Rogers movies on DVD and we thought, Why not show a movie on the lawn? ‘We like to think of it as a way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community and foundation members for all their support. The Will Rogers Motion Pictures Pioneer Foundation has graciously sponsored the event for the past three years and California State Parks donates their time for the event.’ In previous years, ‘Will’s Backyard’ has screened ‘Ambassador Bill,’ ‘Steamboat ‘Round the Bend,’ and, last year, ‘Life Begins at 40”’all starring Rogers. Rogers-Etcheverry summarized the plot of this year’s selection. ‘Paula (Burke) plays Rogers’ wife, who craves the life of stage lights,’ she says. ‘Thomas (Rogers), bound on keeping his wife home with the family, puts a plan into action by hiring a vaudeville player to impersonate a Hollywood director who’ll dash her hopes…by signing Thomas to a studio contract instead!’ So how does Rogers-Etcheverry feel about her famous ancestor’s films? ‘My grandfather, Jim [Will’s youngest offspring], always said, ‘Dad wasn’t much of an actor,” Rogers-Etcheverry says. ‘I have not seen all of Will’s films, but as for the ones I have seen, I find him funny. He always comes across as himself. I believe that is why so many people liked him. My personal favorite is ‘In Old Kentucky.” Last year, Rogers-Etcheverry had the chance to attend an Oklahoma event, which featured a screening of ‘Lightning,’ starring Will Rogers and Joel McCrea, grandfather of WRRF board member Wyatt McCrea. Rogers-Etcheverry: ‘It was so much fun to watch it together and see that, after 75 years, the family friendships have remained and are working to carry on the families’ legacies. ‘And nice to know that so many people remember who Will Rogers was!’ Admission: Free. Parking: $8. Contact: www.willrogersranchfoundation.org
Thursday, August 6 – Thursday, August 13
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
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. Former newspaper reporter Deirdre Shaw discusses and signs ‘Love Or Something Like It,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Shaw’s insightful first novel (published by Random House) depicts a woman in her 30s redefining her life as she moves from New York to Hollywood, where she and Toby, a TV writer, share a Laurel Canyon cottage.”
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Ricardo Means Ybarra reads ‘Scratch & the Pirates of Paradise Cove,’ 6:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. In this swashbuckling tale written for youngsters ages 8 to 12, Means Ybarra cleverly weaves an exciting story about a young boy’s love for his family and friends. Young readers will be whisked away on a high-seas adventure featuring pirates, cannon balls, treasure and a lucky cat named Scratch.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
The sixth annual Movies in the Park series continues with ‘Kung Fu Panda,’ 8 p.m. on the Field of Dreams at the Palisades Recreation Center. Free admission.
MONDAY, AUGUST 10
Sunrise Senior Living hosts a free Alzheimer’s support group on the second Monday and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at 15441 Sunset. RSVP: Bruce Edziak at (310) 573-9545. Moonday features poets Peter Ludwin and R.D. Armstrong (a.k.a. Raindog), 7:30 p.m. at’Village Books on Swarthmore. (See story, page 11.)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Story-Craft Time, ‘suggested’ for ages 4 and up, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. The Temescal Canyon Association’s summer evening hiking group will explore the now-upscale Venice canals, with the option of dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants. Meet in the Temescal Gateway parking lot at 6 p.m. for carpooling. No dogs! Expect to be back by 9 p.m. Information: temcanyon.org.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Monthly meeting of the Palisades AARP chapter, 2 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. The public is invited. Refreshments are served.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
Chamber of Commerce mixer, hosted by Technology for You! and its owner, Ramis Sadrieh, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Aldersgate Retreat Center, 925 Haveford. Admission is free for Chamber members. Non-members: $25. Leigh Court reads from her book, ‘Secrets Volume 27: Untamed Pleasures,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Her stories are erotic and she will be raffling off sexy dice, chocolate- covered cherries, small bottles of champagne and the like.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
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 ‘Pirates and Princesses.’ Costumes are encouraged and there will be numerous theme games and activities. As always, Fiesta Feast will be selling dinners, but picnics are welcome. Admission is free; parking in the adjacent lot is $7.
Pali Blues Poised to Repeat
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. That has been the mantra of Pali Blues Coach Charlie Naimo ever since the season began and now, three months later, his squad is poised to win its second consecutive W-League championship.
Like they did last year, the Blues will have to travel across country for the finals and they hope for a similar result. The Blues (11-0-3) play the Washington Freedom (13-1-1) on Friday at the Maryland SoccerPlex–a game to be televised live at 4:30 p.m. Pacific time on Fox Soccer Channel.
“We’ve had great success on the road,” Blues General Manager Jason Lemire said. “We’ve gotten it done all season and we’re looking forward to doing it one more time.”
The Blues showed signs of vulnerability early in the season, tying three games while the roster was incomplete. However, Naimo didn’t panic. One by one, key players were added to the puzzle and since getting all the pieces in place the team has played at a level no opponent has been able to match.
“It took us awhile to get going at the beginning of the year, but all that matters is how you end the season,” Naimo said. “It is humbling to be around this group of girls, and I am happy to see them achieving this kind of success.”
Naimo has possessed the ‘Midas Touch’ in the W-League. Friday will be his fourth title game as a head coach and second straight since moving to the West Coast. According to Lemire, luck has nothing to do with it.
“We’ve got the best coach in the country,” Lemire said. “He prepares better than anyone and his record speaks for itself.”
Many of the Blues’ best players will miss Friday’s final, including Palisadian Ali Riley, who had to report to Stanford to begin her senior season. Naimo, though, anticipated the conflict in the college and W-League campaigns and had a contingency plan.
“We have our work cut out for us after losing some amazing players to college preseasons,” Naimo said. “But I have the utmost confidence in the group that will make this trip east.”
So the Blues will still take the field with a strong lineup, led by Mexican national team star Iris Mora, former Stanford standout Leah Tapscott, Jenny Anderson-Hammond (who started the spring with Sky Blue FC of the WPS), New Zealand national team star Kirsty Yallop, Oregon State alum Jodie Taylor and Yale teammates Adelaide Gay and Becky Brown.
In last Friday’s semifinals the Blues beat the Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues, 4-0, in Newburgh, New York. Goalie Ashlyn Harris made several key saves early before Taylor struck from 30 yards out in the 14th minute. Just before halftime, Mora scored off of a feed from Christen Press for a 2-0 lead. Mora passed to Kelley O’Hara for the Blues’ third goal early in the second half, then set up Lauren Cheney for the final tally in the 65th minute.
“We saw when they came out that they were motivated,” Mora said after the game. “We knew we had to stay composed and defend on both ends of the field. We played like a team and a unit out there, and I’m just so proud of all my teammates.”
The win extended the Blues’ unbeaten streak to 28 games over two years. Washington beat the Ottawa Fury 3-1 on penalty kicks in the second semifinal on Saturday.
The Freedom won the W-League title in 2007 and will look to avenge last year’s 2-0 semifinal loss to the Blues, who then rallied late to clip FC Indiana, 2-1, in the final at Virginia Beach.
Blues midfielder Nikki Washington, who tallied five goals and two assists in nine games, was named to the 2009 All-League squad on Monday.
Lemire has organized viewing parties at both Barney’s Beanery on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and Mogan’s Cafe on Palisades Drive. Fans are encouraged to wear blue and arrive early. Prize giveaways will include merchandise and an autographed Blues jersey.
Cranston Masters Maccabiah Games
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Practice has certainly paid dividends for Pacific Palisades resident David Cranston, who recently returned from the Maccabiah Games in Israel. An environmental attorney at Greenberg Gusker in Century City, Cranston was the only athlete in the 50-and-over age division from the United States to complete the road race. To prepare, he rode the streets of Pacific Palisades and Los Angeles, even pedaling to and from work as part of his training. “The road race was in Ashdod’a beautiful sweeping seven kilometers out and back,” Cranston said. “We had all heard the course was flat but it wasn’t. It finished with a steep but relatively short climb (a few hundred meters) and it was very windy and hot. We also learned that the 30s, 40s, and 50s age groups were all racing together. All the strategizing went out the window.” Cranston tried to stay near the front of the pack for the first few laps but ran into trouble on the climb of the third lap when his bike chain started slipping between the small and big chaining and by the time he corrected the problem he had lost ground. “Our three-man chase group turned into eight and we worked very hard to get back to the front group,” Cranston recalled. “We finally caught the pack with about five laps to go. Working together with riders from seven different countries to catch the pack was one of the best parts. The other great part was having my family and other American spectators cheering us on at the turn-around at the top of the climb.” With three laps to go, Cranston had more problems when his chain dropped and it took a few seconds too long to re-engage it, leaving him a significant gap going into a heavy headwind. “I rode as hard as I could but was eventually caught by an eight-man group that I finished the race with, well ahead of them on the sprint up the hill,” Cranston said. “When it was over I just lay on the ground. It was the hardest and fastest race I’d ever done. We averaged 23 miles per hour and given the hills, length, wind and small groups of riders it was pretty fast. I was 10th in my age group and about middle of the pack among all the masters categories. I was elated just to have been able to participate and compete with some of the best cyclists in the world.”
‘Shotgun 21’ Is A Blockbuster Hit
Spadea Survives Semifinal Scare to Win Star-Studded Unisex Tournament at PTC
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Never has there been a greater assemblage of pro talent on the courts at the Palisades Tennis Center than there was Sunday afternoon. Add to the mix a who’s who of celebrities, the area’s top junior players and an enthusiastic crowd and what you have is the community’s second annual “Shotgun 21” Championships. Park patrons were treated to more than seven hours of pinpoint passing shots, strategic lobs, booming overheads and friendly banter in a unisex, drop-hit event unlike any other in the sport. When it was over Vince Spadea, in town to play this week’s LA Tennis Open at UCLA, had defeated fellow ATP Tour veteran Ramon Delgado in the finals, pocketing the winner’s share of $5,000 and a new Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. “First off, I’d like to thank my coach Jon Lovitz,” joked Spadea, who ad libbed a few verses upon being playfully urged to rap for the spectators by Palisadian and tournament organizer Steve Bellamy. “This is a great concept, there were a lot of great points and I’m thrilled to have won.” Lovitz was one of many celebrities invited to participate and he entertained until the end, spouting one comedic gem after another despite expressing that his first-round loss to WTA pro Ashley Harkleroad was “no laughing matter.” “It’s great to hit against a real professional,” said Lovitz, who served as chair umpire for the PTC’s 10-year anniversary “Racquets, Stars and Guitars” event with brothers Mike and Bob Bryan in 2006. “She was just having fun with me–she can hit it anywhere she wants.” The biggest surprise of the tournament was PTC junior Clay Thompson, who came within one point of upsetting Spadea in the semifinals. Thompson led 20-18 before falling 21-20. Earlier he had eliminated pros Wade McGwire and Devin Britton and former pro Chuck Adams, who grew up in Pacific Palisades. “I’ve been Spadea’s warm-up partner at some challenger events so yeah, I’ve played him before,” said Thompson, who turned 17 in May and still has another year of high school at Santa Monica Crossroads. “I’m surprised I made it this far. There are awesome players here. Having to serve underhanded really levels the playing field.” Thompson is ranked in the top 15 in the nation and in the top three in Southern California in the Boys 18s, but was not expected to reach the final four in a field that included ATP pros Donald Young, Robert Kendrick, Taylor Dent, Alex Reichel, Kevin Ullyett and last year’s “Shotgun 21” runner-up Phillip King, who lost to Young in the quarterfinals this year. “I play about four or five times a week and sometimes I play in the clinics here,” said actress Donna Mills, who lost a close match to Tennis Magazine writer James LaRosa in the first round. “I played live ball against the Bryans at the event a few years ago and my partner [WTA pro Jill Craybas] and I were the only ones to knock them off the King’s Court. That was a big moment in my tennis career.” Movie star Elisabeth Shue brought serious game but lost to Spadea, actor Vince Van Patten fell to pro Andre Sa and actor Chad Lowe lost to Dent while WTA pro Alexandra Stevenson beat retired beach volleyball legend and Palisadian Sinjin Smith. “It’s so hard to compare because I don’t play tennis at the highest level but both sports require a high degree of mental toughness,” Smith said. “I’d love to have played more tennis when I was younger. I think I could’ve been pretty good.” Stevenson was looking forward to playing against the men and got her chance, hitting several clean winners despite losing to Reichel in the second round. “Things like this are really great for tennis,” Stevenson said. “Steve [Bellamy] is very creative, very innovative and he has done a lot for our sport. I love events like this that promote the game and give the fans something they don’t normally see.” Qualifying preceded the main draw and PTC juniors Walker Kehrer, Robbie Bellamy, Blake Anthony and Brandon Michaels earned spots in the main draw. Returning to the courts he grew up playing on, Kehrer, who begins his collegiate career at Stanford in the fall, defeated Harkleroad in the round of 16 before falling to Delgado in the quarterfinals. “That was my sixth match so I might’ve been able to win a few more points [against Delgado] if I was fresher,” Kehrer said. “It was a good experience. Live ball would be my game. You can’t really feed and go to net against these guys or you’ll get passed.” Having survived his semifinal scare, Spadea took an 8-2 lead in the finals and led 11-4 when the players changed sides after 15 points. After the chair umpire called a ball in that Spadea thought was long, he called to Delgado across the net, “Ramon, was that in?” Delgado just shrugged, feigning indifference, to the delight of the crowd. Play continued and, on match point, Spadea hit a passing shot that clipped the tape and crept over the net. Delgado sprinted but was unable to dig it out and, with that, Spadea had succeeded Alex Bogomolov as tournament champion. “It’s great because you can play a whole tournament in a single day,” said Delgado, a Paraguayan who played 12 years on the ATP Tour and was ranked as high as No. 52. “I played World Team Tennis with the Newport Beach Breakers and it’s something a little different.”
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 30, 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
HOMES WANTED 1b
up to MILLION DOLLARS paid for single family home in Palisades. Private family. Please e-mail: wantedpalihome@aol.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
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
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
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
CHARMING CAPE COD 2 BDRM + ofc/den, 1.5 bath. Private patio & garden. Washer & dryer, AC. Quiet area. Village close. Lease. $3,900/mo. (310) 454-7826
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
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, $4,500/MO. Unfurnished $4,000/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.
SPACIOUS 3+3 TWNHM w/ ocean vu. FLR, FDR, family area, bonus rm, laundry rm, 2-car gar dir access, gated. Furn/unfurn. Flex time frame. $5,500/mo. robbie sikora, (310) 710-5214
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.
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT. Individual offices for rent in Pacific Palisades Village. $750 to $1,250/mo. Call Aimee @ (310) 230-8335
PALISADES OFFICE, two rooms, 2nd floor, 15115 1/2 Sunset Blvd. Across from Ralphs. $950/mo. (310) 459-3493
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.
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
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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
BABYSITTER AVAILABLE FULL-TIME, anytime. Loves kids and pets. Bilingual, great references. (323) 495-8668, ask for Viri
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 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
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE ‘ Monday, Friday & Saturday. Own transportation. CDL. Local references. Call Blanca, (213) 272-3133
EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER. Available Mon.-Sat. Good refs. Own transportation. CDL. Over 19 yrs exper in Malibu & Beverly Hills. Speaks English. Call Yolanda, (h) (323) 731-6114, (c) (323) 580-2859
WE CAN HELP YOU! We work as a team. Many years exper w/ exlnt refs. Licensed. Reliable. Own transportation & cleaning supply. Please contact any time. Maria, (310) 430-0514
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
EXPERIENCED CARE GIVER available, Monday-Friday & weekends. F/T. Live-out. 10 years experience. Own transportation. Speaks English. Excellent refs. Dilcia, (323) 377-2670, (323) 937-5080
NURSING CARE 10b
WANTED: ROOM. Excellent RN ready to care. Details, (310) 699-1650
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
HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE 12a
MON./TUES./WED. SPECIALS. Brazilian Straightener, $150 & up. Hair Extensions, $150 & up. Relaxers/J-Curls/Hi-Li, $38 & up. Color or B-Dry & Style, $28 & up. Men’s cut, $10. Ladies cut, $15. App. only, (310) 463-0577 or (702) 542-3949. Annette @ Marcelle’s Salon ‘ 15 yrs exp. 251 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. WWW.HAIRBYANN.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
GIRL FRIDAY/HOME ORGANIZER/personal assistant. Excellent references, 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Call Michelle, (310) 433-6362
PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
PRIVATE DOG WALKER/housesitter, Palisades & Santa Monica. S.M. Canyon resident. Please call or email Sherry, (310) 383-7852, www.palisadesdogwalker.com
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
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
RECEPTIONIST. PACIFIC PALISADES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER. Multi-task/self starter. Immediate opening. Variety of duties, classified ads, light bookkeeping. Dependable. Must have excellent phone & people skills. Computer skills. 35 hrs per week + benefits. Resume: fax, (310) 454-1078, info@palipost.com
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
GARAGE, MOVING SALES 18d
HUGE GARAGE SALE. Costume jewelry, hand knit sweaters, crocheted gloves, stereos, baseball cards, Rollerblades, CDs, LPs, snowboards. Sat. 9-4, Sun. 9-3. 16644 Akron St.
HUGE ESTATE SALE! Three family! Fine table ware, furniture, tools, clothing & antique jewelry. Saturday, August 1st, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 16755 Bollinger Drive. South of Marquez.
STORE PATIO SALE! Multiple customers bring a variety of new & vintage items to sell on my patio at great prices: tiled patio tables & chairs, fountains, lamps, crystal, china, vintage typewriters, cameras, copper & more. Fri., 7/31, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 8/1, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 11276 Washington Place, Culver City.
GARAGE SALE. Antique furniture, bookcases, desks, etc. Saturday, August 1, 8:30 a.m. to noon. 701 Haverford Avenue.
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: USED VOLVO WAGON. Good condition. (310) 454-8927
Park Owner Seeks Condo Conversion
Desmond McDonald, owner of the Tahitian Terrace mobile home park (just north of Temescal Canyon Road), sent a letter to his tenants on July 20 informing them of his plans to convert the park spaces from rental units to condominums. If he’s successful, residents would be able to purchase the land their homes are on and, as condo owners, would pay maintenance fees and special assessment fees that are collected when unexpected repairs exceed the cost of maintenance fees collected. Conversion could potentially represent a good investment for Tahitian residents with the means to purchase their current piece of property. But it raises a bleak prospect for those who wouldn’t be able to afford the purchase and would be forced to move out of this rent-conrolled beachside community overlooking Santa Monica Bay. Several steps are required in a mobile home park version. After the owner sends a notice, residents have to be surveyed about whether they want a conversion, which McDonald completed on July 24. Additional steps involve an application filed with the City of Los Angeles and approved, a physical survey done and lots appraised, and finally a homeowners association formed which prepares the new CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions). McDonald’s survey showed that of the 154 Tahitian households, 121 ballots were returned and 65 of those, a slim majority, opposed conversion. Although the law requires a survey be done, it does not require residents’ approval in order for conversion to proceed. ’We all knew it [the survey] was an exercise in futility,’ said Doris Schalk, 79, who noted that ‘this has been the only affordable housing for the seniors in the area,’ along with the adjoining Palisades Bowl mobile home park. In the days before the survey vote, residents were told that a developer representing a Korean hotel chain was interested in purchasing the property and that if residents supported conversion, McDonald wouldn’t sell to him. The Tahitian Terrace owner wrote in an e-mail to the Palisadian-Post, ‘We have been contacted by a number of interested groups and individuals,’ but did not give names. Currently, Assembly Bill 566 is in the Senate and if passed would allow local government to use a negative majority vote on the survey to deny a conversion application. ‘We’re trying to make sure that people whose lives are going to be affected have a voice,’ said Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara), the bill’s sponsor. When McDonald was asked by the Post why he wants to sell now, after the property had been in the family for 49 years, he replied, ‘Many of our tenants have expressed a desire to purchase their lots if they had the opportunity. Our family would like to transition out of ownership. We much prefer selling the park to the residents that want to buy rather than to a new owner.’ Mobile park owners argue that it is advantageous for residents to own the land that their homes are located on because the value will increase over time, but residents, many of whom are elderly or low-income, counter that the conversion process is done to sidestep rent control. Once a single lot is sold as a condominium, local rent control goes away and state rent control kicks in. Those who are low-income would not see a rise in rent, but moderate-income residents (a single person who makes only marginally more than $38,800 a year) and higher-income residents would see their rents increase to market value over four years. Twenty-year Tahititian Terrace resident Rebecca Newman, 89, wrote a letter against the conversion, noting ‘Only a few wealthy residents would be able to buy their lot. Frankly though, I do not think it would be a good investment, even for those who have the money. They would probably have to pay outrageous prices, and take on an enormous legal liability for the sliding hillside.’ She referred to the hillside behind the property that continues to play a major role in the future of Tahitian Terrace and Palisades Bowl, which is owned by Eddie Biggs. A recent geological study commissioned by the hill’s three owners (the City of Los Angeles, Biggs and McDonald) showed that the area below Asilomar Boulevard continues to slide, and according to one city source, it could cost as much as $40 million to remediate. According to Doris Schalk, homes on Kontiki Way in Tahitian Terrace are already slipping towards the ocean. ‘My mother and dad lived here before me and they always said ‘If we live here long enough we’ll be on the ocean.” Schalk moved in to help her parents in 1990 and has continued to live there since they passed away. ‘Every time we have an earthquake or a heavy rain, I look up the hillside to make sure it’s not coming down on me,’ said Schalk, who raised her four sons in the Palisades. The geology report recommended that homes on the north end on Kontiki Way and the south side of North Terrace Drive be evacuated during remediation. McDonald was asked if those properties would be sold. ‘No agreement has been made with the City of Los Angeles or our neighbors as to the proper repair,’ he said. ‘Until that time it is not practical to make predictions.’
Apatow Talks ‘Funny People’ at AFI Screening
Drama and comedy collided Monday night when the American Film Institute previewed Judd Apatow’s latest film, ‘Funny People,’ at the Arclight Hollywood. Apatow, who wrote and directed the movie, appeared in person for a post-screening discussion, moderated by ‘At The Movies’ critic Ben Lyons. The dramedy, which features fellow Palisadian Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, and Leslie Mann (Apatow’s wife), opens tomorrow nationwide. ’Funny’ stars Sandler as a glorified version of himself”a successful former stand-up comedian who has reached Hollywood’s greatest heights, but is diagnosed with a fatal blood disease. He’s kind of the Napoleon of comedy: he’s conquered Hollywood with dumb-dumb hits such as ‘Mer-Man’ and ‘My Best Friend Is a Robot,’ and he lives trapped in a Malibu vision of Versailles. The movie explores how his diagnosis (and, later, misdiagnosis) affects this lonely, miserable, modern-day Pagliacci. As he relives his past, including reconnecting with ex-girlfriend Mann (now married with children), Sandler is joined for the ride by his writer, Rogen, an aspiring stand-up comedian who shares a pad with fellow aspirant Hill and budding sitcom star Jason Schwartzman. ’Funny’ is as soft and paunchy in the middle as, well, middle age. A genial comedy laced with profanity, ‘Funny People’ comes off as 42-year-old Apatow’s tribute to the stand-up comedy world and his own past. ’I had no idea I was the old guy until I saw you guys,’ Sandler’s character says, addressing a Thanksgiving dinner with his charge of young comics (and perhaps reflecting Apatow’s feelings). A who’s who of comedy-world figures (and a couple from the music industry) have cameos, while home movies of a 20-year-old pre-stardom Sandler playing phone pranks are incorporated into the film’s opening moments. While Apatow wears his edgy comedy heroes on his sleeve (or rather, on Rogen’s apartment walls and T-shirts: John Belushi, Rodney Dangerfield, comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade, MAD magazine), even the steady stream of expletives cannot bury ‘Funny”s cream filling and melodramatic underpinnings. This rambling movie perks up whenever Hill is onscreen. His unbridled energy steals the movie, such as when his character chides Rogen’s for having lost weight, claiming fat people are funnier: ‘No one wants to see Lance Armstrong do comedy.’ Unfortunately, Hill’s scenes are few. The biggest surprise is how vanilla Mann’s material is here, compared to the juicy role Apatow afforded his wife in ‘Knocked Up.’ The couple’s young daughters, Maude and Iris, are used to better effect. In addition to the comics, sharp-eyed Angelenos will catch local spots making cameos, including Century City, Larchmont Village, West Hollywood’s Palm restaurant, and the Novel Caf’ in Santa Monica. Known for his salty humor, Apatow effortlessly wove crude language throughout his laid-back Q & A appearance. He said that he found inspiration in classics such as ‘Lenny’ and ‘All That Jazz,’ and revealed that ‘Funny’ sprang from an idea for an unrealized TV program centered on a rich comic actor titled ‘The Billionaire,’ but it had evolved into ‘kind of a demented ‘Tuesdays With Morrie.” And he sought the help of director P.T. Anderson (‘There Will Be Blood’ and Sandler’s ‘Punch-Drunk Love’) during the editing process. ’This is like Alfred Hitchcock coming in and giving me notes,’ Apatow said. The home movies of Sandler were Apatow’s: ‘I saved those for 20 years from when I lived with Adam. When he moved to L.A., we moved in together and we had a lot of energy that we didn’t know what to do with. We were unemployed and only had our 20 minutes at the Improv.’ With his producer’s credit on every recent comedy from ‘Anchorman’ to ‘Stepbrothers,’ it’s hard to believe that this is only Apatow’s third comedy as a director. He did not shy away from what will become this movie’s greatest criticism: too long. At two hours and 26 minutes, ‘Funny’ rivals ‘Transformers 2′ and the latest Harry Potter for epic length. ’I was trying to go against some of the classical structural teachings of comedy that I learned for many years,’ Apatow explained. While forcing Sandler, Rogen and Hill to do stand-up and experience the ‘treadmill of neediness’ that develops from working comedy-club stages, Apatow said that Sandler ‘wasn’t thrilled to have to go back.’ Regarding working his daughters into his films, Apatow said that came naturally from their being around the set, but added ‘I’m not renting them out to M. Night Shyamalan next year. But they’re getting better and that’s scary!’ When asked about the positives of living in Pacific Palisades, Apatow responded, ‘I have a basic rule: can I shoot it close to home? I often joke that the ideal location for me would be walking distance from my house.’ Relatively close, anyway. He shot footage for ‘Knocked Up’ at Santa Monica’s Swingers, while a Zuma Canyon residence doubled as Marin County in ‘Funny.’ Sandler’s mansion was located near Pepperdine University. ’Should I get an award from Governor Schwarzenegger for keeping film production in town?’ he asked. ‘Even though it’s because I’m too lazy to leave town?’ Apatow has always been known for his ’emo’-comedies, but ‘Funny’ proves to be his most ambitious undertaking. ’This movie means the most to me,’ he said. ‘It was so personal and naked to me. It’s just like my” And we’ll leave the rest up to your imagination.
