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Leaving His Options Open

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His Legs Are His Biggest Asset but PaliHi QB Preon Morgan Will Look to Pass First

Senior quarterback Preon Morgan can run, throw short and throw long, abilities that figure to give opposing defenses headaches this season.
Senior quarterback Preon Morgan can run, throw short and throw long, abilities that figure to give opposing defenses headaches this season.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The future was looking bright for the Palisades High football program last spring. The Dolphins were coming off a 5-5 season (four more wins than the season before) and looked forward to more production from an offense seemingly on the verge of flourishing under the leadership of returning quarterback Conner Preston. The scenario changed in a flash when Preston unexpectedly transferred to Gardena Serra, leaving Head Coach Kelly Loftus wondering who would step in and be his starting quarterback. Well, he didn’t have to wonder for long. It was pretty clear who Preston’s successor should be: none other than Preon Morgan, the back-up signal caller last year and maybe the most versatile athlete on the varsity team. Morgan gets his first opportunity to show that versatility when the Dolphins play under the lights at Hollywood on Friday night, a game he has looked forward to, and diligently prepared for, since winning the job in May. “He’s a different style quarterback than Conner,” Loftus said. “Conner is extremely accurate when you give him time in the pocket, while Preon is more of an instinctual runner. He makes things happen with his legs and we like him doing that.” Though he’s not shy about tucking the ball away and scampering for the sticks, the 6′ 0,” 175-pound senior insists he will look to pass first. “One of my individual goals is to have more passing yards than rushing yards,” Morgan said. “Hopefully, being a threat to run will make the defense have to keep a linebacker home to guard that, which should free up a receiver down the field. The key is to take what the defense gives me.” Little did he know it back then, but playing wide receiver himself last year was invaluable experience for Morgan, who learned the importance of running precise patterns and now has a better understanding of when and where to deliver the ball. He wound up with 19 receptions for 217 yards and, by the end of the season, was a reliable target for Preston, who threw for 2,026 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore. Morgan’s arm strength has always been there (he routinely throws 60-yard spirals in practice) but it is his improved timing on shorter throws that has surprised Loftus and new offensive coordinator Kris Hawkes most over the last four weeks. “Preon throws a real catchable ball and I think he’s going to surprise people with his arm,” Hawkes said. “He can get it there on the money, where it needs to be, and if the other team stacks the box he’s got the green light to air it out.” Morgan is no stranger to the position. He played quarterback for his Pop Warner team, the Inglewood Jets, and he took his share of reps in the back-up role last season. Now, the spotlight is squarely on him and he wants to make the most of his time on center stage. One of the first battles he won was earning the respect of the teammates charged with protecting him–Palisades’ offensive linemen. “Preon loves football and he is one of the hardest working guys out here,” said guard Juan Climaco, one of the Dolphins’ “Three Amigos” along with center Devyn Reyes and tackle William Goldberg. “We definitely have his back and I’m excited to see what he does when we protect him like we should.” Preston was not the only player to leave Palisades for another school. Starting wideout/defensive back Tyquion Ballard and tight end/linebacker Deandre Nelson also departed, meaning several Dolphins–Morgan included–will be asked to play ironman football this season. Despite Preston’s desire to play defense, Loftus was hesitant to play him both ways. This year, it’s a different story. “We don’t have a choice,” Loftus admitted. “Preon is one of the best athletes we have and we need him out there. He knows the situation and he’s a competitive kid. He understands the risks but he wants to be on the field any chance he gets.” Morgan proved himself at cornerback last season, making 53 tackles (including a team-high 11 solo tackles in a 21-0 shutout of Granada Hills), then intercepting a pass and blocking a punt in Week 5 against Reseda. He hopes to play 50 percent on offense and 50 on defense. Even though it was only a scrimmage, Morgan looked sharp running Palisades’ spread offense last Friday against Washington. He directed the first team on several long drives that likely would have ended in scores had the Dolphins not run out of downs (teams were allowed four sets of 10 plays, starting at their own 20). Varsity assistant coach Al Heath liked what he saw in the practice game and is confident that Morgan will display the same poise and execution under center in tomorrow’s season opener: “He made some nice reads, some nice throws, and moved the chains.” Whether throwing quick slants or long bombs, Morgan is eager to show he is not merely a one-dimensional quarterback. If it means pitching the ball on an option, standing his ground in the face of a blitz or putting his head down and running, he will do whatever it takes to win. “I can’t wait to get the season started,” he said. “I believe we can go 7-3 and make the playoffs. Being a good quarterback is about making the right decision. Whatever the situation calls for I’ll do.”

Football Kicks Off Season Friday

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After a productive zero week scrimmage against Washington, the Palisades High football team kicks off the season Friday at Hollywood High. It will be the fourth year in a row that Palisades has opened the season against Hollywood. Palisades beat the Sheiks 28-6 at home last year, won 22-2 at Hollywood the year before (the Dolphins later had to forfeit the victory for using an ineligible player) and won 20-13 at Stadium by the Sea in 2006. Hollywood won its first game, 14-10, over Manual Arts and is led by quarterback Steven De Guzman, running back Sergio Sibrian and wide receivers Miguel Navarro and Bryan Silva. The Sheiks went 5-5 last season and finished third in the Southern League. “This is a very important game,” Palisades Coach Kelly Loftus said. “Not only does it set the tone for the season, but it’s one we really need to have. We have probably our toughest opponent [Santa Monica] the next week and I’d like for us to go into that game with confidence and momentum.” Kick-off for the junior varsity game is 4 p.m., followed by the varsity at 7 p.m. Directions to Hollywood High: Take PCH south to I-10 East. Exit off the La Brea Avenue North ramp. Merge onto S La Brea Ave. Turn right onto Edgewood Place. Turn slight left onto S Highland Ave. School is on the left at 1521 N Highland Ave. Estimated distance: 18 miles.

Spikers Aim for Three-Peat

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Outside hitter Emily Cristiano is one of seven seniors on the Dolphins' varsity squad this fall.
Outside hitter Emily Cristiano is one of seven seniors on the Dolphins’ varsity squad this fall.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Chasing history is nothing new at Palisades High. Especially when it comes to the girls volleyball program. Since he took over the reins, head coach Chris Forrest has restored the proud tradition of a team that has been synonymous with winning ever since the sport was sanctioned by the City Section in 1973. Palisades has lifted the trophy 25 times, including two straight under Forrest. This fall, Palisades will pursue its third consecutive City title–a feat last accomplished from 1997-99 under then coach Dave Suarez, who now heads the Dolphins’ boys soccer program. The challenge is similar to the one the Dolphins faced heading into last season: filling the void left by the graduation of key starters and the City’s Most Valuable Player. Last year, Lauren Gustafson replaced three-year starting setter Jenna McAllister–a major reason Palisades was able to repeat. Another major reason was the spiking of Laura Goldsmith, who was the unanimous choice as MVP and, like McAllister the previous fall, won the Palisadian-Post Cup Award as the school’s outstanding senior athlete. Also graduating were defensive specialist Sam Jaffe, outside hitter Chelsea Scharf and starting middle blockers Kelly Yazdi and Kelsey Keil. The Dolphins, however, have a solid group returning, led by Gustafson (now a senior and team captain), senior liberos Tait Johnson and Danielle Wolff, senior middle blocker and opposite hitter Hannah Fagerbakke, sophomore middle blocker Meghan Middleton and senior outside hitters Emily Cristiano, Bonnie Wirth and Christine Frappeche. Up from the junior varsity are middle blocker Maddie Grey (a sophomore) and junior Hannah Gross, junior outside hitter Kasey Janousek (her brother Wylie played for the boys in the spring) and junior Nicole Savage (her brother Taylor also played for the boys squad). Rounding out the roster is junior newcomer Yanise Joseph, a middle blocker, and four incoming freshmen: setter Laura Lemoine and outside hitters Molly Kornfiend, Kaitlin Kaufman and Shanna Scott. No girl who has played in the program all four years has graduated without experiencing the thrill of winning a City title. The Dolphins have a demanding schedule that includes nonleague matches against San Pedro and Sylmar and three tournaments: the La Jolla Beach Invitational in San Diego, the Venice Invitational and the Redondo Power Classic. The Dolphins open the season at San Pedro against a Pirates squad that Palisades beat twice in 2007 and swept in the season opener last fall. 2009 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Sept. 17 JV/V @ San Pedro 2:30/4 p.m. Sept. 19 JV @ Redondo Tour. All Day Sept. 23 JV/V @ Hamilton* 2:30/4 p.m. Sept. 24 JV/V vs. Westchester* 2:30/4 p.m. Sept. 25-26 V @ La Jolla Tourn. All Day Sept. 29 JV/V @ University* 2:30/4 p.m. Oct. 1 JV/V vs. Fairfax* 2:30/4 p.m. Oct. 3 V @ Venice Tourn. All Day Oct. 5 JV/V vs. Venice* 2:30/4 p.m. Oct. 8 JV/V @ LACES* 2:30/4 p.m. Oct. 14 JV/V vs. Hamilton * 2:30/4 p.m. Oct. 15 JV/V @ Westchester* 2:30/4 p.m. Oct. 19 JV/V vs. University* 2:30/4p.m. Oct. 21 JV/V @ Fairfax* 2:30/4 p.m. Oct. 28 JV/V vs. Venice* 2:30/4 p.m. Oct. 29 JV/V vs. LACES* 2:30/4 p.m. Oct. 30-31 V @ Redondo Tourn. All Day Nov. 2 JV/V vs. Sylmar 2:30/4 p.m. * Western League match

Just His Type of Collectible

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Hemingway! London! Lennon! Local Mover and Shaker Steve Soboroff Collects Typewriters Once Owned by Famous Writers

Steve Soboroff purchased his most recent acquisition, John Lennon's portable Imperial, over the summer.
Steve Soboroff purchased his most recent acquisition, John Lennon’s portable Imperial, over the summer.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Long before the word processor (or computer keyboard), the lowly typewriter reigned as a writer’s best friend. Once upon a time, the greatest writers of 20th-century literature, from popular novelists such as Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler to short-story master Raymond Carver and Hollywood screenwriters Herman Mankiewicz and Paddy Chayefsky, used one of these contraptions to bang out their masterpieces. Today, the typewriter has been largely forgotten, seen only in old newspaper movies. But one Pacific Palisades resident not only collects memories of them, he collects the typewriters themselves. Real estate developer Steve Soboroff has amassed six vintage typewriters. Not a large number for a collection perhaps, but oh, what typewriters they are. ‘People collect all kinds of things, but these are really rare,’ says Soboroff, whose writing machines include those once owned by Ernest Hemingway, George Bernard Shaw, Tennessee Williams and Jack London. His most recent acquisition came mid-June, when he purchased a typewriter once owned by one of the greatest songwriters who ever lived: the Beatles’ John Lennon. But the typewriter that spawned Soboroff’s interest in collecting these nearly-obsolete writing machines was owned by a different kind of writer. ‘I loved Jim Murray,’ he says of the longtime Los Angeles Times sports journalist. ‘I grew up with Jim Murray’s columns.’ After he purchased the late columnist’s 1946 Remington in 2003, Soboroff’s love affair with the American typewriter was born. For three decades, Soboroff and his wife, Patti, have lived in the Palisades, where they have raised children Jacob, Miles, Molly, Hannah and Leah. For Angelenos who follow municipal politics, Soboroff, 61, needs no introduction. The chairman and chief executive officer of the Playa Vista Company has served on myriad boards, including the Advisory Board at UCLA’s School of Public Affairs. He is the former senior advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, a longtime supporter of Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles and, just two months ago, he led the charge in underwriting the 18th annual Maccabiah Games in Israel. In 2001, with Riordan’s endorsement, Soboroff ran as a Republican candidate against Antonio Villaraigosa for Mayor of Los Angeles. Both candidates lost to re-elected incumbent James Hahn. About six months later, Soboroff joined Playa Vista, which incorporates housing, commercial office space, retail, parks and habitat protection in a community just below the Loyola Marymount University campus near Playa del Rey. So with all of these endeavors, how did this active entrepreneur and family man find the time to develop a soft spot for the 20th-century writing machine? The answer, of course, involves baseball. ‘When I was running for mayor, I bought a glove for $30,000,’ Soboroff explains. ‘It was the mitt Sandy Koufax wore when he pitched the no-hitter against the Giants [in 1965].’ When Soboroff resold the glove in 2003, it fetched $130,000 ‘ ‘the fourth highest amount for a glove ever sold,’ he says. Soboroff had some credit left on his auction-house account when he saw the Jim Murray typewriter come up on the block. He bid against the L.A. Times for the typewriter, and he believes his advantage was that, unlike the Times rep, he didn’t have to phone his superiors for permission to bid higher. Soboroff nabbed Murray’s Remington for $20,000. Since purchasing it, Soboroff has taken Murray’s machine around the country to raise money for journalism scholarships. ‘I’m willing to let this typewriter tour,’ he says. Murray’s typewriter whet Soboroff’s appetite, and he began scouring the Internet for celebrity estate sales. He tracked down a typewriter Hemingway employed during his years in Cuba. In Savannah, Georgia, where Hemingway’s 1940 Royal was displayed, ‘People were lining up to see it who had driven 300 miles,’ he says. Soboroff traveled to Boston to verify the authenticity of Hemingway’s Royal, matching the typewriter’s font against that found in Hemingway’s letters, which are housed at the Kennedy Library. It matched up. Next came a Remington noiseless portable purchased in 1935 by George Bernard Shaw. Jack London, whose letters are kept at the Huntington Library in Pasadena, became his next prize. Soboroff coughed up a pretty penny to purchase the ‘Call of the Wild’ author’s 1910 Columbia Bar-Lock, ‘one of the finest typewriters ever made,’ with an inlaid pearl design on the carriage. Tennessee Williams’ Corona model was only produced between December 1937 and April 1942, during the years when the playwright wrote such early works as ‘Cairo, Shanghai, Bombay!’ and ‘The Field of Blue Children.’ Lennon’s Imperial (The Good Companion Model T) was among the late Beatle’s possessions originally auctioned by his Aunt Mimi to a Liverpool charity involving musical therapy. Soboroff came across Lennon’s writing instrument during an estate sale overseen by Bonhams auction house in England. The portable was originally auctioned through Sotheby’s in 1999. However, the owner succumbed to the economic downturn and put it up for sale earlier this year. ‘I was going to get on an airplane to go get it,’ Soboroff says regarding his summer purchase, which was probably used in the late Beatle’s first attempts at songwriting as a teenager. ‘He was living with his aunt when he owned it,’ he says. There are also the typewriters that got away. At the estate sale for Bob Hope, the late comedian’s daughter did not want to include his. When the Neverland Ranch foreclosed, Soboroff was hoping that Michael Jackson’s typewriter would be among the assets sold. No dice. Soboroff does not consider himself a typewriter expert, nor does he associate with fellow aficionados. ‘I found two in a month, then went two years without anything,’ he says. But he has a love for the thingamajigs which may date back to an old Jerry Lewis skit, ‘The Typewriter.’ ‘There’s an aura with these machines that’s like a magnet,’ Soboroff says. ‘They’re so personal with people.’ Soboroff keeps an old typewriter ‘next to my computer in my office’ at Playa Vista, while the expensive ones are in a vault, somewhere outside of the Palisades.   ’The typewriter is making a comeback,’ Soboroff says, evoking a fellow Palisadian: ‘Tom Hanks is a huge typewriter collector. People are going back to their roots and trying to make their lives simpler.’ Typewriters (and their operating manuals) are not the only 20th century artifacts that Soboroff enjoys amassing. He has a collection of 250 first issues of magazines, ranging from Playboy, Fortune and Forbes to MAD, Ebony and Golf. But typewriters are special objects of history for the erstwhile political aspirant. So what’s the next typewriter in his crosshairs? Could it be the one F. Scott Fitzgerald pounded to craft ‘The Great Gatsby,’ considered by many to be the great American novel? Or the one Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond used to collaborate on ‘Some Like It Hot’? What about the model on which Budd Schulberg punched up his debut novel, ‘What Makes Sammy Run?,’ or the screenplay for ‘On The Waterfront’? Soboroff doesn’t know, nor is he in any rush to purchase typewriter number seven. ‘It’s like fly fishing in Sun Valley, Idaho,’ Soboroff says. ‘You have to wait and wait until you catch a big one.’

Homeowners Board Makes an Offer to Buy Palisades Bowl Property

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The Palisades Bowl Homeowners Board has started negotiations with its mobile park owner, Eddie Biggs and his wife, to purchase the 20-acre parcel that abuts Pacific Coast Highway just north of Temescal Canyon Road. ‘The owners of the park have received an offer from tenants and are considering it,’ Eddie Biggs’ attorney, Richard Norris, told the Palisadian-Post late Tuesday afternoon. At an August 5 board meeting, residents of the 176-space park were told that Biggs would consider selling them the park, and if that wasn’t possible, he was considering bankruptcy, citing the cost of numerous lawsuits that he’s embroiled in at the park as a major reason. After that meeting, the Palisades Bowl board sent out a survey asking if residents favored buying the land. At a second residents-only meeting on August 26, those results as well as different purchase options were displayed in a Power-Point presentation. Afterwards, the board told residents that they would receive a hard copy of that presentation. Early this week, after Biggs had already received the board’s initial offer, residents still had not received a hard copy with all the details of the offer. Board member Ivan Puchalt, an attorney for the Santa Monica-based firm Greene, Broillet and Wheeler, spoke to the Post on Tuesday and said that at this point there is no reason to release the presentation. He said that negotiations with Biggs are just that’negotiations’and no legal offer has been made or accepted. Puchalt said that if Biggs responds favorably, then the next step would be to present a document to residents. He also said that in lieu of a written copy, the board was happy to sit down and talk to individual residents who had questions or needed more information. Members of the board worried that if something were put in writing, it would be leaked to the local newspaper and this information could harm negotiations. On Tuesday, the board released the following statement: ‘Due to the sensitivity, complexity and importance of the ongoing purchase negotiations with the park owner, it is appropriate that such details only be discussed in closed meetings amongst the park homeowners. The important point is that no deal will be made without every homeowner having the deal terms in writing and an opportunity to vote on it.’ For some residents, though, the board’s action raised questions of full disclosure and concerns about whether buying the park is the wisest option. James Cotton, who is currently based in London but owns a home in the Bowl jointly with his wife and his mother, spoke to the Post on Tuesday. ‘I am concerned there is not sufficient transparency between the board and the people they represent,’ said Cotton, a consultant to the insurance industry. ‘My greatest concern is that what they’re doing may be self-serving, rather than in the collective self-interest. But without transparency, how can we know?’ Cotton also worries about the Asilomar hillside behind the Bowl, as well as the park property itself, because when he purchased his mobile home in 2002, part of the disclosure stated that the park is in an ‘officially designated earthquake induced liquefaction zone and an earthquake induced landslide zone.’ More recently, in an August 2008 geotechnical report by consultants Ninyo and Moore (commissioned by the City of Los Angeles, Tahitian Terrace owner Desmond McDonald, and Biggs), the land is described as a multiple landslide complex that included older landslide deposits, younger landslide deposits and an area of recent movement. The land in and around Palisades Bowl and adjacent Tahitian Terrace has been evaluated by consultants dating back to 1958, and remedial recommendations were made in 1962, 1980, 2001 and now in 2008. Cotton thinks that if the hillside slides down, destroying a home (or homes) and injuring and possibly killing the occupants, ‘it would be a massive liability belonging to the owner, which would be the residents,’ should they ultimately purchase the property. He added, ‘Insuring against that liability exposure would be extremely difficult unless the engineering work to fix the hillside had been completed to the satisfaction of the insurance underwriters and risk engineers.’ Additionally, the cost of repairing the hillside would have to be shared by the new Palisades Bowl owner. Councilman Bill Rosendahl spoke to the Post on Tuesday, confirming that an estimate of $18.3 million to fix the hillside had been made, but cautioning that it was only an estimate, not a request for proposals, which means the cost could be much higher when the project was put out to bid. When asked how the cost of the remediation would be divided between the Bowl, Tahitian Terrace and the City, Rosendahl said, ‘There’s no resolution, that is yet to be determined.’ Currently, owner Eddie Biggs is paying property tax based on the property’s 1975 base-year value, which is just under $3 million. According to George Welch, chief appraiser for L.A. County, the property was not reassessed in 2005, when Biggs bought the property for almost $15 million, because it was determined to be a non-reappraisable event.   When the property is sold, the county assessor will look at the sales price and determine if it is fair market value and then the owner of the land (the residents or another buyer) will pay 1.25% of’the fair market value as property tax.

Will Rogers Group Seeks Park Control

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The Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, led by Will Rogers' great-granddaughter Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, would like to operate Will Rogers State Historic Park.
The Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, led by Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, would like to operate Will Rogers State Historic Park.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Responding to the California State Parks’ call for public and private partnerships to keep parks open, the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation has petitioned to operate Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades.   ’We’d like to help out the state and take over more responsibilities,’ said Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter and one of the founders of the foundation, which was incorporated in January 2008 to provide additional funding for the park.   In July, the state cut $14.2 million from the State Parks’ budget, which means that about 100 parks could be closed. The department is now looking to the private sector, cities and counties as well as the National Park Service for financial help.   ’We feel we can come in and with proper management make it a profitable park,’ Rogers-Etcheverry told the Palisadian-Post.   The Will Rogers Ranch Foundation is one of 84 cooperating associations within State Parks. The associations are nonprofit organizations that raise millions to pay for staff positions, exhibits, visitor centers, nature walk programs, special events and more, but they do not manage the state parks. Will Rogers Ranch Foundation has raised about $100,000 since it was formed. In response to the foundation’s request, State Parks Director Ruth Coleman wrote a letter on August 28, saying ‘I am thrilled you are interested in a joint proposal with State Parks ‘ the site serves as a tremendous resource for the public, and we are eager to explore a creative management solution with you.’   There are currently four nonprofit organizations that operate a state park or part of one, said Sheryl Watson, State Parks’ spokeswoman. They include El Presidio de Santa Barbara, Marconi Conference Center, Mendocino Woodlands and Mount San Jacinto.   ’By law, only public entities can operate state parks,’ Watson said. However, special legislation was obtained for those four parks.   Todd Vradenburg, a Pasadena resident and Will Rogers Ranch Foundation board member, said the organization would like to enhance the 186-acre park and is devising a management plan. The park currently collects money from leasing the polo field and the horse stables as well as from the entertainment industry for filming.   ’We are developing a more detailed plan as we speak,’ Vradenburg said, who is also the executive director of the Will Rogers Motion Pictures Pioneers Foundation.   He noted that renting space for special events is one option being explored by the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation’s board, which also consists of Rogers-Etcheverry, Trudi Sandmeier (whose grandfather was Will Rogers’ personal assistant), Wyatt McCrea, (grandson of actor Joel McCrea), and Diane Keaton (an Academy Award-winning actress).   If the state allows the foundation to operate the park, Rogers-Etcheverry said her group would like to resume construction on the visitors’ center, which will house a gift shop. Construction was halted when state legislators froze all bond-funded projects.   ’We lost a season of revenue with the gift shop,’ Rogers-Etcheverry said.   The foundation would also like to have the ranch house open six or seven days a week. Tours of the ranch house are currently offered Thursday through Sunday.   Another goal is to place more interpretive signs at historical landmarks around the park. Unless park-goers take a tour of the ranch house, they may not even know Rogers lived there, Vradenburg said. Betty Rogers deeded the property to the state in 1944 as a memorial to her husband, a legendary actor and humorist.   ’We want to keep Will’s legacy alive ‘ it’s our duty to educate any person who visits the park, so they know what is so special about this place,’ Vradenburg said.   There is also a long list of deferred maintenance. The barn’s roof leaks, the fencing needs repairs, and a lath structure behind the ranch house is ‘falling to pieces,’ Rogers-Etcheverry said.   ’The money has just not been there to pay for repair and restoration,’ she added.   Rogers-Etcheverry believes that such improvements can easily be made. The foundation already has the support of the Will Rogers Memorial in Oklahoma, the Will Rogers Cooperative Association, the Pacific Palisades Historical Society, the Rogers Co., the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation and the Will Rogers Polo Club.   Discussions with the state regarding the proposal have just begun and no decisions have yet been made.   ’We are here to work side by side with State Parks,’ Vradenburg said.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

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

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

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

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

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

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

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

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

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

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

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

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

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

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

WALK TO P.P. VILLAGE. WOODSY VU, 2 br, 2 ba, open den, AC, WD in unit, security bldg. 2 car parking, storage, pool, jacuzzi, gym. $2,800/mo. Avail 9/1/09. Nancy, (310) 454-5257

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

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

WANTED TO RENT 3b

LOCAL PALISADIANS looking for two bedroom month-to-month lease. House, condo, duplex, etc. Call JoAnn (310) 459-7300

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

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

THE SKI CHANNEL in the 881 Alma Real building has 2 offices and 2 cubes for sub-lease featuring shared use of many amenities. (310) 230-2050

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

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

IN VILLAGE QUIET UPSTAIRS OFFICE with soft natural lighting. Available September 1, 2009 at $849/mo. $2,300 security deposit. (310) 454-4668

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

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

LOST & FOUND 6a

FOUND: BLACK KITTEN. 3 or 4 months old. Found on Via de la Paz bluffs week of August 16, 2009. Wearing a collar. Please call (310) 459-4459

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

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

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

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

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

THE DETECHTIVES’ ‘ PROFESSIONAL ON-SITE MAC SPECIALISTS. PATIENT, FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE. WE COVER ALL THINGS MAC ‘ Consulting ‘ Installation ‘ Training and Repair for Beginners to Advanced Users ‘ Data recovery ‘ Networks ‘ Wireless Internet & more ‘ (310) 838-2254 ‘ William Moorefield ‘ www.thedetechtives.com

EXPERT COMPUTER HELP ‘ On-Site Service’No travel charge ‘ Help design, buy and install your system ‘ One-on-One Training, Hard & Software ‘ Troubleshooting, Mac & Windows, Organizing ‘ Installations & Upgrades ‘ Wireless Networking ‘ Digital Phones, Photo, Music ‘ Internet ‘ Serving the Palisades, Santa Monica & Brentwood ‘ DEVIN FRANK (310) 499-7000

USER FRIENDLY’MAC CONSULTANT. User friendly. Certified Apple help desk technician and proud member of the Apple consultant network. An easy approach to understanding all of your computer needs. Offering computer support in wide variety of repairs, set-ups, installs, troubleshooting, upgrades, networking, and tutoring in the application of choice. Computer consulting at fair rates. Ryan Ross: (310) 721-2827 ‘ email: ryanaross@mac.com ‘ For a full list of services visit: http://userfriendlyrr.com/

GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f

PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? an estate sale? a moving sale? a yard sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. ‘ BARBARA DAWSON ‘ Garage Sale Specialist ‘ (310) 454-0359 ‘ bmdawson@verizon.net ‘ www.bmdawson.com ‘ Furniture ‘ Antiques ‘ Collectibles ‘ Junque ‘ Reliable professionals ‘ Local References

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

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

SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7l

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

MESSENGER/COURIER SERVICES 7n

MESSENGER & COURIER SERVICES (S. Cal.). Direct, same day or overnite, PU & Del. 24/7 guaranteed, on-time service. All major credit cards accepted. Santa Monica Express Inc. ‘ Since 1984 ‘ Tel: (310) 458-6000 www.smexpress.com

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE 8-6, Monday-Friday. * Has worked for me, a local Paliades resident, for 16 years. Speaks English, drives, very trustworthy and ethical. Laura, (310) 454-2162

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

GOOD COMPANY Senior Care. A premiere private duty home care agency. Provides in-home care and companionship to help people remain independent and happy at home. If you are a caring individual who would like to join our team, please call (323) 932-8700. joni@goodcopros.com

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

CAREGIVER AVAILABLE Saturday, Sunday and one other day during the week. Live out. Own transportation, speaks English. Call Elizabeth, (323) 937-5080 or (323) 377-3670

NURSING CARE 10b

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

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING 11

PALISADES GARDENING ‘ Full Gardening Service ‘ Sprinkler Install ‘ Tree Trim ‘ Sodding ‘ Sprays, non-toxic ‘ FREE AZALEA PLANT ‘ Cell, (310) 701-1613, (310) 568-0989

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

WINDOW WASHING 13h

THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Detailed interior/exterior glass & screen cleaning. High ladder work. 10% new customer discount. Next day service available. Free estimates. Lic. & bonded. Insured. (310) 926-7626

CATERING 14

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

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

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

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

PUPPY HEAVEN ‘ TRAINING/WALKING ‘ Play groups and hikes. 30 years Palisades resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog!

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

TUTORS 15e

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

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

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

CLEARLY MATH & MORE! Specializing in math & now offering chemistry & physics! Elementary thru college level. Test prep, algebra, trig, geom, calculus. Fun, caring, creative, individualized tutoring. Math anxiety. Call Jamie, (888) 459-6430

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

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

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

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

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

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

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

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 39 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. New Construction & Remodels. Hardscapes, custom stone, stamped concrete, brick, driveways, retaining walls, BBQs, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, foundations, drainage, pool & spas, water features. Excellent local refs. Lic #309844. Bonded, ins, work comp. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 ‘ WWW.HORUSICKY.COM

CONSTRUCTION 16d

ALAN PINE, GENERAL CONTRACTOR ‘ New homes ‘ Remodeling ‘ Additions ‘ Kitchen & bath ‘ Planning/architectural services ‘ Insured ‘ Local refs. Lic. #469435. (310) 457-5655 or (818) 203-8881

ELECTRICAL 16h

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

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

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

ELECTRICAL WORK. Over 25 yrs experience, All phases of electrical. 24 hrs, 7 day service. (310) 621-3905. Lic. #695411

FENCES, DECKS 16j

THE FENCE MAN ‘ 18 years quality work ‘ Wood fences ‘ Decks ‘ Gates ‘ Chainlink & patio ‘ Wrought iron ‘ Lic. #663238, bonded. (818) 706-1996

INDEPENDENT SERVICE CARLOS FENCE: Wood & Picket Fences ‘ Chain Link ‘ Iron & Gates ‘ Deck & Patio Covers. Ask for Carlos, (310) 677-2737 or fax (310) 677-8650. Non-lic.

FINISH CARPENTRY 16k

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

FLOOR CARE 16m

GREG GARBER’S HARDWOOD FLOORS SINCE 1979. Install, refinish. Fully insured. Local references (310) 230-4597 Lic. #455608

CENTURY HARDWOOD FLOOR ‘ Refinishing, Installation, Repairs. Lic. #813778. www.centurycustomhardwoodfloorinc.com ‘ centuryfloor@sbcglobal.net ‘ (800) 608-6007 ‘ (310) 276-6407

JEFF HRONEK, 40 YRS. RESIDENT. HARDWOOD FLOORS INC. ‘ Sanding & Refinishing ‘ Installations ‘ Pre-finished ‘ Unfinished ‘ Lic. #608606. Bonded, Insured, Workers Comp. www.hronekhardwoodfloors.com (310) 475-1414

HANDYMAN 16o

HANDYMAN ‘ HOOSHMAN. Most known name in the Palisades. Since 1975. Member Chamber of Commerce. Lic. #560299. Call for your free est. Local refs available. Hooshman, (310) 459-8009, 24 Hr.

LABOR OF LOVE carpentry, plumbing, tile, plaster, doors, windows, fencing & those special challenges. Work guaranteed. License #B767950. Ken at (310) 487-6464

LOCAL RESIDENT, LOCAL CLIENTELE. Make a list, call me. I specialize in repairing, replacing all those little nuisances. Not licensed; fully insured; always on time. 1 Call, 1 Guy: Marty, (310) 459-2692

DJ PRO SERVICES ‘ Carpentry, Handyman, Repairs. ALL PROJECTS CONSIDERED. See my work at: www.djproservices.com. Non-lic. (c) (310) 907-6169, (h) (310) 454-4121

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p

SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. .INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942 (310) 393-5686

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r

PAUL HORST ‘ Interior & Exterior PAINTING ‘ 55 YEARS OF SERVICE. Our reputation is your safeguard. License No. 186825 ‘ (310) 454-4630 ‘ Bonded & Insured

TILO MARTIN PAINTING. For A Professional Job Call (310) 230-0202. Refs. Lic. #715099

SQUIRE PAINTING CO. Interior and Exterior. License #405049. 25 years. Local Service. (310) 454-8266. www.squirepainting.com

ZARKO PRTINA PAINTING. Interior/Exterior. Serving Palisades/Malibu over 35 years. Lic. #637882. Call (310) 454-6604

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

PLUMBING 16t

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

REMODELING 16v

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

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

HELP WANTED 17

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

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

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

AUTOS 18b

2004 HONDA CIVIC EX. Mileage 31,500, private owner, condition good, 5 speed manual, asking $9,500. (310) 454-9846

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

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

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 9 a.m., 1378 Las Canoas Road, 90272. Household items, vintage decorative what-nots, treadmill, Oki printer, 6’1′ Becker surfboard, wrought iron king bed . . . etc.

Historical Society Honors Waite’s Legacy

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Dr. Oren Waite's children and a great-granddaugher assembled in Temescal Canyon to honor their progenitor, who was a founder of Pacific Palisades and its first Methodist minister. From left to right: Harlan Waite, 92, Jeannette Moranda, 90, Oren
Dr. Oren Waite’s children and a great-granddaugher assembled in Temescal Canyon to honor their progenitor, who was a founder of Pacific Palisades and its first Methodist minister. From left to right: Harlan Waite, 92, Jeannette Moranda, 90, Oren “Bill” Waite, 89, and Lucinda Moranda.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

By BETTY LOU YOUNG Special to the Palisadian-Pot The Pacific Palisades Historical Society hosted an event in Temescal Gateway Park Saturday to recognize the significant role played by Dr. Oren Waite in planning and staging the renowned summer Chautauqua gatherings in Temescal Canyon from 1923 until 1934. About 30 members of the Waite family were on hand at the Rubell Helgeson Memorial Lawn to celebrate Dr. Waite’s achievements and to dedicate a plaque recognizing his important role in the community’s history. Almost 90 years ago, Dr. Owen Waite and his family joined other pioneer families for the first summer Chautauqua meeting in Temescal Canyon, where he oversaw the programs and activities for the two-week assembly. In 1923, the Methodist Conference assigned Waite as program chairman for the Association, and pastor of the Palisades church. In 1925, a four-bedroom parsonage was built on the corner of Bestor and McKendree, with an unobstructed view of the coastline. A committee selected the corner of Via de la Paz and Bowdoin Street as the best site for the church building; in early 1929, Waite initiated a building campaign to raise $45,000. Not as recognized now as Pacific Palisades founder Dr. Charles Scott, Waite nevertheless was responsible for carrying out Scott’s broad plans for establishing the town of Pacific Palisades, based on the principles of the Chautauqua assemblies. Each winter, Waite traveled to the East and Midwest to recruit talent for the assemblies. He booked famous singers from the Metropolitan Opera, including Alice Gentle and Olga Steeb, and eminent speakers on a variety of topics’religious, political and social. He instituted a series of courses on such topics as astronomy, and discussion sessions on world affairs conducted by professors and department heads from the new campus at UCLA. Sculptor Merrill Gage taught painting and art appreciation, and Dr. Lincoln Edwards, head of the nature study program in L.A. schools, taught nature studies. Theologians Reinhold Niebuhr and Ralph Stockman were prominent speakers. Waite also set up a fully accredited summer school for children from kindergarten through high school, and oversaw Chautauqua circles and round tables that led to four-year degrees for adults in the liberal arts.   He had even more ambitious and exciting plans in prospect when the dream came to an end in 1934. At this point, the lagging sales of property and the Depression left no way out for the Association but foreclosure, and the upper canyon, with all of its structures, was sold to the Presbyterian Synod’a process that Waite had to initiate, with much regret. The memory of Waite lives on in Pacific Palisades in the Alphabet Streets, for it was he who took on the responsibility for choosing the names, honoring renowned Methodist ministers.

Thursday, September 3 – Thursday, September 10

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

  Theatre Palisades presents Larry Shue’s ‘The Nerd,’ 8 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. The character-driven farce centers on a dinner party interrupted and brought down by the titular houseguest from hell. Performances continue Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through October 11. (See story, page 13.)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Monthly meeting of the Pacific Palisades AARP chapter, 2 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Guest speaker Ted Ashby will talk about the Old West, and Palisades Rotary Club president Sanda Alcalay will talk about Rotary International’s international campaign against polio. The public is invited.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Pacific Palisades resident Zo Owen discusses and signs ‘Finding Our Way Back to Eden,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore. (See story, page 13.)

Pacific Western Bank Buys Affinity Bank

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Pacific Western Bank, based in San Diego, took 
control of failed Affinity Bank on Saturday and assumed responsibility for its customers as of Monday, August 31. This includes the Affinity branch office in Pacific Palisades, which hosted the Chamber of Commerce mixer in March. Ventura-based Affinity, which had about $1.2 billion in assets as of July 31, was shut down on August 29 by the California Department of Financial Institutions after failing to maintain an adequate level of capital, spokeswoman Alana Golden said. Representatives of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. took immediate control of the bank and accepted Pacific Western’s bid to assume the deposits and most of Affinity’s assets. Under the terms of the loss sharing agreement, the FDIC will absorb 80 percent of losses and share in 80 percent of loss recoveries on the first $234 million of losses, and absorb 95 percent of losses and share in 95 percent of loss recoveries on losses exceeding $234 million.   Originally known as San Francisco Thrift and Loan, Affinity Thrift and Loan was purchased by Affinity Group in 1995. The name was changed to Affinity Bank in 1997. In November 2001, Affinity Bank acquired Westcoast Savings in Pacific Palisades at its current location, 15310 Sunset. Westcoast originally opened in 1985 with one deposit branch.   Affinity grew to have seven branches in Southern California, including Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Irvine and two in Ventura.   ’We welcome Affinity Bank customers to the Pacific Western Bank family,’ said Matt Wagner, CEO of parent company PacWest Bancorp. ‘We look forward to providing strength and service, for which Pacific Western is known, and ensuring new customers from Affinity Bank have the best possible banking products and services at their disposal.’ Affinity Bank customers and Pacific Western Bank customers should continue using their existing branches until Pacific Western can fully integrate Affinity’s systems with the Pacific Western network. After this transition period, Affinity Bank customers will gain access to Pacific Western’s 59 existing locations throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties.   Pacific Western, which was founded in 1982, has 59 locations in five Southland counties and is a wholly owned subsidiary of PacWest Bancorp, a bank holding company with $4.5 billion in assets as of June 30.   The merged banks will provide full-service community banking and commercial banking commercial banking services, including real estate, construction and commercial loans to small and medium-sized businesses.

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© Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272