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From Drawing Panels to Appearing on Them

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Stan Sakai (left), his comic-book character, Usagi Yojimbo, and his buddy, famed MAD magazine cartoonist Sergio Aragones. Aragones illustrated the cover for the convention's commemorative 40th anniversary book (inset).
Stan Sakai (left), his comic-book character, Usagi Yojimbo, and his buddy, famed MAD magazine cartoonist Sergio Aragones. Aragones illustrated the cover for the convention’s commemorative 40th anniversary book (inset).

By MICHAEL AUSHENKER Staff Writer For Palisadians driving down to Comic-Con International next week, the pop culture extravaganza, which showcases the latest in movies, television, video games, and, oh, yeah, comics, returns to the San Diego Convention Center July 22”July 26. One cartoonist you’ll be hearing a lot about this year will be Stan Sakai. Sakai has been attending for 30 years, but this convention will be particularly memorable, as Comic-Con”in the midst of celebrating its own 40th anniversary”will honor 25 years of Sakai’s comic-book series ‘Usagi Yojimbo.’ Currently reaching issue #123, ‘Usagi Yojimbo’ tells the tale of the titular samurai bunny; a genial book featuring an adventure-seeking warrior in the middle of 17th century Japan. Such characters as the lovely Mariko, mentor Katsuichi, Gen the Bounty Hunter, Shingen the Neko Ninja, Stray Dog, the wizard Kitsune, and Spot the Wonder Lizard have joined the ‘ronin rabbit’ on his journey. ‘The politics and the culture of Japan had changed at that time,’ Sakai explains regarding his interest in this era of the country’s history. ‘Foreign traders coming in, Samurai culture. It was very exciting, very turbulent. Not politically, as the shogun had unified the country, but sociologically very turbulent.’ Over the decades, ‘Usagi’ has been distributed by four different publishers, but the product has always been Sakai’s vision. ‘I own the characters,’ he says. ‘My publisher has no input. It’s pretty rare in comic books to have that autonomy.’ Sakai sets the tone of his book, which is for general audiences. ‘Basically, I write for myself,’ Sakai says. ‘These are the stories that I would like to read. It’s more instinctual there are certain. The violence is toned down and it’s never gratuitous.’ Since the mid-1990s, ‘Usagi Yojimbo’ has been published by Dark Horse Comics, best known for such Hollywood-adapted comics as ‘The Mask’ and ‘Hellboy.’ Over that time, ‘Usagi’ has shared some history and storyline crossovers with another anthropomorphic-hero series, ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,’ both in comic book and animated cartoon form (Comic-Con will also honor the Ninja Turtles’ 25th anniversary next week). In 1991, Sakai fast-forwarded his characters for ‘Space Usagi,’ a futuristic spin-off. The Oregon-based Dark Horse will be going all out to celebrate ‘Usagi”’s 25th this year. In addition to the regular series from Dark Horse Comics, this summer will see a new trade paperback collection, ‘Bridge of Tears’ (collecting issues #94 through 102 of Sakai’s series); and a self-contained, fully painted, 64-page graphic novel in November, ‘Yokai.’ ‘Yokai are the demons, ghosts and goblins from Japanese culture,’ Sakai says. ‘My editor, Diana Schutz, suggested for the 25th anniversary let’s do something special. I told her I’d need three months, she gave me 2 and a half months, finished it in less than that.’ In addition to Dark Horse’s plans, former publisher Fantagraphics will collect all of its early ‘Usagi’ comics”seven trade paperbacks’ worth””in a massive 1200-page, two-volume slipcase special edition. ‘Usagi’ is not the only comics Sakai works on. For 25 years, Sakai has moonlighted as the letterer on MAD magazine cartoonist Sergio Aragon’s’ long-running hit comic-book series, ‘Groo the Wanderer.’ For about as long, Sakai has lettered Sunday editions of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ syndicated newspaper strip. ‘I do it mainly because I get to work with [‘Spider-Man’ co-creator and writer] Stan Lee,’ Sakai says. Sakai has many fond memories of attending Comic-Con: ‘I remember Jack Kirby’s 70th birthday party at the basement at the Hotel San Diego, which is no longer there. And when the convention was held at the El Cortez Hotel, Sergio singing at the top of his lungs, probably ‘Lady of Spain.” Sakai emphasizes that he does not feel confined by ‘Usagi”s period-piece backdrop. ‘I can do whatever type of story I want to: mystery, romance, horror, humor,’ Sakai says. ‘I can do any type of genre I want. And this is without the interference of a publisher.’ The recently wrapped ‘Traitors of the Earth’ story arc incorporated a Western concept, zombies, in the form of a resurrected defeated samurai army. And his process has not changed much over the years. ‘With the major story arcs, I know what will happen months from now,’ he says. ‘But figuring out what happens next month, that’s the hard part.’ He relishes the research process, which can mean trips to the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, or the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachussetts, ‘which has a wonderful Japanese wing. ‘The research comes from necessity,’ he continues. ‘I use it as part of the story.’ His upcoming story ‘Shoyu’ will feature how soy sauce was made in the 17th century. Published in 12 countries, ‘Usagi’ has won every major industry award, including the Inkpot, three Will Eisner Awards, a Harvey Award, and two Spanish Haxtur Awards. Sakai is nominated for yet another Eisner this year in the Best Continuing Series category. The series was also honored in 2003 by the National Cartoonist Society. This winter, Sakai and Aragon’s will be guests of a convention in Finland, and Sakai will continue to Japan, where he was born but has only visited once as an adult. Born in Kyoto, Sakai grew up in Hawaii, where he received his fine arts degree at the University of Hawaii. In 1977, his continuing study led him to Art Center College of Design, located in Pasadena, where he now calls home with wife Sharon and their children, Hannah, 18, and Matthew, 17. Sakai adds that Hannah, an artist and manga enthusiast, will attend her 19th Comic-Con this year. A photo was taken of Lee with Hannah at her first convention, age six months. ‘Next time I went to Stan’s office,’ Sakai recalls. ‘The photo of Hannah and Stan was right there next to Stan and President Reagan.’ [DROPCAP] Comic-Con’s 40th year will prove a landmark one for Japanese culture in comics and cartoons. In addition to Sakai’s honor (and, arguably indirectly, the Ninja Turtles), revered animator Hayao Miyazaki (the creator behind feature animated films ‘Princess Mononoke’ and the Academy Award-winning ‘Spirited Away’) will make his first Comic-Con appearance. Fueled on the samurai movies and Kurosawa films he used to watch growing up, Sakai began sketching his Usagi character (loosely based on the ronin Miyamoto Musabia, a warrior, philosopher, poet and painter who lived in the 17th century) as far back as 1982. After the character debuted in an anthology comic in 1984, Sakai decided to make a series of it. The anthropomorphic ‘Cerebus,’ one of the most successful independently published comic books of all time, made waves at the time. Sakai decided to make his entire cast of characters animals: ‘I drew a rabbit with is ears up and I just loved his design.’ ‘Usagi’s design has changed a lot,’ Sakai says. ‘He’s taller, has a bump on nose, he’s not as cute and cuddly. I think the stories have become more sophisticated. I’ve matured as a storyteller.’ ‘I usually do short stories, which lead up to long story arc, and back to short stories again,’ Sakai says. ‘Older readers prefer the longer arcs. But short stories are a good place for new readers to jump on board.’ ‘Everything is done by hand, even the lettering,’ Sakai says. ‘I love the feel of the Bristol board and I love having the original art. There seems to be more of the personality of the creator in there.’ Sakai befriended MAD legend Aragones early in his relocation to California simply by finding him in the phone book. But ‘Usagi’ is a solitary creation. Sakai does not tend to share his ideas or pages with his fellow cartoonists beforehand. He recalls with some mirth of a lesson learned the hard way some years back. ‘I showed Sergio my artwork for my kite story. He took it over to a corner and looked at it, came back and said, ‘Oh it’s a good story!” After the issue came out, people told me, ‘I liked how the way you drew Groo.’ Sergio had secretly drawn his character into a crowd scene on one of my pages. And I didn’t know until after it was published!’ Sakai will be stationed at table # 4906 in the Dealer’s Room at Comic-Con International. He will also sign books at the Dark Horse table, where a 25th anniversary ‘Usagi’ poster will be distributed. Sakai will also appear on the following panels: ‘Groo the Wanderer,’ Thursday, July 23?2:30-3:30 p.m., Room 8; ‘Graphic Novels Sense of History,’ Saturday, July 25, 5:00-6:00 p.m., Room 8; and ‘Stan Sakai: 25th Anniversary of Usagi Yojimbo,’ Sunday, July 26, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Room 8.

Medved to Discuss Local Film Locales

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Author Harry Medved, best known as the co-author, with older brother Michael Medved, of the ‘Golden Turkey Awards: The Worst Achievement in Hollywood History’ books, will discuss film locations in the Santa Monica Mountains when the Chautauqua Series continues on Tuesday, July 21, 7:30 p.m., in Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset Blvd.   The event, which will include a short video presentation of movie clips, is sponsored by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and presented by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. ‘I’m going to talk about how you can use movies as a tool to help plan your mini-getaway in Santa Ynez Canyon,’ says Medved, who is director of public relations at Fandango.com. The Palisades High alum notes that since Thomas Ince shot silent movies (from 1911 to 1919), various films have been shot in Santa Ynez Canyon, which today encompasses Palisades Drive and the Highlands. ‘The Post Telegrapher,’ which Ince shot with Francis Ford and was released in May 1912, is one of the movies shot in the Canyon.   The neighboring Santa Monica Mountains have doubled for Africa (Paramount Ranch in the first 3-D movie, ‘B’wana Devil’), Korea and Wales (Malibu Creek State Park in ‘M*A*S*H,’ and ‘How Green Was My Valley,’ respectively). Shooting in the Santa Monica Mountains reached a fever pitch in the 1960s and 1970s, before private land held by Paramount and 20th Century Fox was sold. Still, filming in the mountains persists, as attested by a ‘True Blood’ shoot in recent weeks, across from Malibu Creek. Medved adds that, to his knowledge, the only movie shot in Temescal Gateway Park has been ‘The Number 23’ starring Jim Carrey (2007). One of the features Medved brought to Fandango’s Web site is its ‘Summer Movie Guide’ section, where people can plan visits to locations used in the filming of such motion pictures as ‘Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen’ (San Pedro), ‘Land of the Lost’ (Trona Pinnacles) and the upcoming ‘Iron Man 2’ (Sepulveda Dam). Following the lecture, Medved will sign copies of the book he co-authored with his PaliHi pal, Bruce Akiyama, ‘Hollywood Escapes: The Moviegoer’s Guide Exploring Southern California’s Great Outdoors.’ The Chautauqua Series meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Meet at the Rubell Memorial Lawn. (Please note: Culture in the Canyon will move its programs to this location for July and August.) Free admission and parking. Open to the public. Coffee will be provided.

Lowe Debuts Terranea in Palos Verdes

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Terranea, located on the Palos Verdes peninsula with dramatic views of Catalina Island, offers a 360-room hotel, 20 bungalows, 50 oceanfront casitas and 32 ocean-view villas, plus a 9-hole golf course, a 25-room spa, three ocean-view pools, scenic bluff-top trails, and a secluded beach cove.
Terranea, located on the Palos Verdes peninsula with dramatic views of Catalina Island, offers a 360-room hotel, 20 bungalows, 50 oceanfront casitas and 32 ocean-view villas, plus a 9-hole golf course, a 25-room spa, three ocean-view pools, scenic bluff-top trails, and a secluded beach cove.

Lowe Enterprises, a national real estate development, investment and management firm with Pacific Palisades leadership, opened Terranea Resort on June 12, bringing Los Angeles County its first true coastal resort.   The Mediterranean-styled 582-room resort is set on 102-acres that span the coastline atop the bluffs in Rancho Palos Verdes, a verdant peninsula 20 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport. ‘Ten years and $480 million in the making, Terranea is the crowning achievement of our company,’ said Bob Lowe, chairman and CEO of Los Angeles-based Lowe Enterprises, and a long-time resident of Rustic Canyon with his wife, Beth. ‘This is a rare property; one of Southern California’s most scenic with stunning vistas and natural coastal habitat. We have been mindful of its singular beauty and environmental resources in our planning and are confident that it quickly will become a sought-out destination for local visitors as well as national and international guests.’ Terranea, which may well be the last large resort built along the Southern California coast, is managed by Lowe subsidiary, Destination Hotels & Resorts. The 600 jobs it has created again make the site one of the area’s largest employers as it was for several decades when Marineland of the Pacific, an ocean-themed attraction, was located here. ‘The property’s location will introduce a whole new generation to a part of Los Angeles that feels worlds away from the dynamic city,’ noted Rob Lowe, CEO of Lowe Hospitality Group, the firm’s national hotel, resort and resort residential community acquisition, development and management division. He also lives in Pacific Palisades with his wife, Suzanne, and their two children. ‘It’s been 20 years since Marineland brought visitors here and since then, the property has been enjoyed from afar by millions as a favorite Hollywood filming location.’ Terranea (terra-NAY-a) is comprised of a 360-room hotel, 20 bungalows, 50 oceanfront casitas and 32 ocean-view villas. The resort’s amenities include The Links at Terranea, one of the world’s most dramatic 9-hole golf courses; The Spa at Terranea with 25 treatment rooms; three ocean-view pools; a secluded beach cove and a collection of eight distinctive restaurants, bars and lounges. A children’s center offers interactive nature programs. Making Terranea even more attractive to visitors are several miles of scenic bluff-top trails that connect to miles of off-property coastal trails. Terranea expects to welcome many social and business gatherings in its 135,000 square feet of meeting and event space. This includes 60,000 square feet of indoor facilities with a stylish ballroom and 75,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space and gathering lawns, all designed to showcase the Pacific Ocean locale. ‘Terranea feels secluded and private, providing an oceanfront escape that transports guests to another world, but is still close to all the attractions of one of the world’s great cities,’ said Terri A. Haack, executive vice president and managing director of the new resort. ‘In addition,’ added Haack, ‘our staff has received many hours of training to ensure that Terranea offers a level of gracious, highly personalized service found only in the most exclusive resorts.’ Terranea was developed with great care and sensitivity to protect the natural environment and scenic coastline. Lowe Enterprises preserved 45 stately trees on the site that date back over 50 years, which were carefully boxed prior to construction and then replanted. In addition, Lowe planted 14 acres of natural coastal sage scrub habitat to recreate the natural California coastal terrain. Finally, Terranea includes a series of water-quality systems to treat and clean rainwater runoff and help protect the ocean. ‘We are proud that Terranea provides access to irreplaceable land while safeguarding its beauty and nurturing the flora and fauna ‘ all for benefit of generations to come,’ said Rob Lowe. ‘It is our vision that people will come away from Terranea compelled to become caretakers with us, of the land and the ocean that make Southern California one of the world’s most precious locales.’ For more information, visit www.terranea.com or call (866) 802-8000. For a video overview of Terranea, please visit: http://www.terranea.com/palos-verdes-videos.php. Destination Hotels & Resorts is consistently rated one of the top 10 independent hospitality management companies in the United States with more than 30 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts and conference centers. To protect and preserve the unique communities in which the company operates, Destination launched Destination Earth, an environmental sustainability program in 2008. In addition to Terranea in the greater Los Angeles area, Destination operates properties in key metropolitan areas and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Denver, San Diego, Santa Fe, Aspen, Palm Springs, Houston and Lake Tahoe. Destination is a subsidiary of Los Angeles-based investment, development and management firm Lowe Enterprises. Visit: www.destinationhotels.com. Lowe Enterprises is a leading national real estate investment, development and management firm. Over the past 37 years, it has developed, acquired or managed more than $16 billion of real estate assets nationwide. In addition to its Los Angeles headquarters, the company maintains regional offices in Denver, Irvine, San Francisco, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Visit: www.loweenterprises.com. A third Lowe son, Michael (who also lives in the Palisades), is executive vice president and chief investment officer of Lowe Enterprises, and president of Lowe Enterprises.

Thursday, July 16 – Thursday, July 23

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THURSDAY, JULY 16

Paper arts teacher Peggy Hasagawa will demonstrate the art of origami, a free program for teens, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy offers a weekly Family Fun Campfire Night, featuring nature tales, campfire songs, games and, of course, marshmallows, beginning at 7 p.m., in Temescal Gateway Park. Parking in Temescal is $7, but the campfire is free. Dani Modisett reads ‘Afterbirth: Stories You Won’t Read in a Parenting Magazine,’ about what parenting is really like: full of inappropriate impulses, unbelievable frustrations, and idiotic situations, 7 p.m. (not the usual 7:30) at Village Books on Swarthmore.

FRIDAY, JULY 17

Free screening of ‘Time after Time,’ the 1979 thriller directed by Nicholas Meyer, 1 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Fun Family Friday Nights, a free Palisades-Malibu YMCA community event series sponsored by the Pacific Palisades Rotary Club, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Simon Meadow in Temescal Gateway Park. Pre-registration is not required. Parking inside the park is $7. The Theatre Palisades production of ‘Smokey Joe’s Caf’ continues its run at the Pierson Playhouse tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., through July 19. Tickets: Friday and Sunday, adults, $20, seniors and students, $18; Saturday, adults, $22, seniors and students $20. Contact: (310) 454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org

SATURDAY, JULY 18

Gregg Hurwitz signs ‘Trust No One,’ his thriller about a prominent politician who tries to hide a dark incident from his past, 12 to 1 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Hurwitz will also sign copies of ‘The Crime Writer,’ ’The Kill Clause,’ ’The Program,’ and ‘Troubleshooter.’ The Self-Realization Fellowship presents Wah! in concert, 5 p.m. on the historic Gandhi Lawn at The Lake Shrine off Sunset. Admission is $20. (See story, page 12.)

MONDAY, JULY 20

  Pajama Storytime, for children of all ages (parents and teddy bears welcome, too), 7 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library Community Room, 861 Alma Real.

TUESDAY, JULY 21

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 hike from the Highlands and explore beautiful upper Santa Ynez Canyon. 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. Monthly meeting of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association, 7 p.m. at Rustic Canyon Park. The public is invited. Author Harry Medved will discuss film locations in the Santa Monica Mountains, 7:30 p.m. in Woodland Hall, Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset Blvd. (See story, page 12.)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

Sunrise Senior Living hosts a free Alzheimer’s support group on the second Monday and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at 15441 Sunset. RSVP: Bruce Edziak at (310) 573-9545.

THURSDAY, JULY 23

Comedy veteran Carol Leifer discusses and signs ‘When You Lie About Your Age, the Terrorists Win: Reflections on Looking in the Mirror,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

Mustang All-Stars Rule District

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10-Year-Old Pony Squad Tramples Mira Costa to Win Tourney at Field of Dreams

Nick Hurley reaches out to glove a sinking fly ball, one of several stellar catches made by Palisades players throughout the District 2 Pony Playoffs.
Nick Hurley reaches out to glove a sinking fly ball, one of several stellar catches made by Palisades players throughout the District 2 Pony Playoffs.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The Palisades Pony Baseball Association season ended in June, but the games go on for the 12 boys on the Mustang Division All-Star team, which hosted and won the District 2 Playoffs last week at the Field of Dreams complex. Pacific Palisades’ team of 10-year-olds trounced Mira Costa 12-3 in Sunday’s championship game, avenging a lopsided loss in an earlier tournament on Father’s Day. It was the ninth win in the last 10 games and 10th victory in 13 games overall for Manager Joe Collins’ squad, which advanced to this weekend’s double-elimination Sectional Playoffs in Torrance. Taking advantage of the home field, Palisades outscored its three opponents 42-21 thanks to stellar hitting and fielding by every player. “These kids have shown a lot of resiliency when they get down,” Collins said after handing out first-place medals to his players along with coaches Wink Winkenhower and John Hurley. “We try to teach them to have a short memory, to come out each and every game focused. We played solid defense throughout the tournament and we were able to manufacture runs. Playing at home helped, too. If we play our best we can beat any team out there.” Ahead 4-2 in the finals, Palisades broke the game open with six runs in the top of the fourth inning. The key hit was a bases-clearing double to center field by Jason Starrels after Emmett Collins had scored the first run of the frame on a throwing error. Starrels came in one batter later on an errant throw to first base, then the umpire called a balk that sent Dylan Damavandi home from third. “I was just looking for my pitch and I got one right down the middle and a little high,” Starrels said of his RBI line drive. “Those are the pitches I just love and I took a rip at it.” Starrels pitched the first five innings and picked up his second victory of the tournament, allowing five hits and striking out two. William Winkenhower relieved Starrels in the sixth and got the final three outs, ending the game with a called third strike to Mira Costa slugger Jack Alexander. “My main pitch that no one can hit is my curve ball,” said Starrels, a student at Village School. “A few players have fouled it off but I’ve done pretty good with it. I struck one guy out with it today. One thing we did differently is we were more patient at the plate. Last time we were swinging too early.” Palisades pounded out 11 hits against Mira Costa after being blanked 12-0 in the teams’ previous meeting. Will Bantle had two singles and a double, Gabe Stewart had a double and scored three runs, Damavandi had two singles, Matt Ursin-Smith had two doubles and three runs scored and Collins had two singles and scored twice. Defensively, Collins made a sliding catch in center field in the final inning and Nick Hurley dove to snare a pop up in foul territory in the fourth. “I saw it dropping and I could tell our second baseman and right fielder weren’t going to reach it,” Collins said of his highlight-reel effort. “Diving is really fun because if you make the catch you’re a hero and if you don’t, well… there’s always another day.” Collins, who just turned 11 and attends Calvary Christian School, batted lead-off for the first time at this week’s tournament and relished the role: “I treat it just like a regular at-bat except that I always take the first pitch. Then I can swing away. I was pretty confident we would win once we scored the first three runs.” Palisades’ toughest game turned out to be last Wednesday’s 15-13 victory over Bellflower. The local boys plated six runs to take a 12-7 lead in the fourth, only to see the opposition score five times to tie it 12-12 in the fifth. Palisades answered right back with three runs and held on, with Winkenhower pitching the last two innings to earn the victory. Two days after hitting a home run against Bellflower, his second round-tripper so far this summer, Winkenhower belted a two-run homer over the center field fence in the first inning to begin Palisades’ 15-5 four-inning rout of Santa Monica. Stewart followed with a triple and scored on a wild pitch. Ursin-Smith doubled, stole third and scored on Bantle’s sacrifice fly for a 4-1 lead. “We weren’t fully prepared in the first game [against Bellflower] and I started getting a little nervous but we got some late runs and won,” said Winkenhower, who led the Phillies to this year’s Mustang PPBA championship. “The Santa Monica game is our best game so far. We only made one or two errors. Winning this [District] is better because in PPBA we’re playing our friends. It’s more for fun. This is a chance to play better teams.” Spencer Howard reached on an error to start a rally in the second inning. Collins followed with a hit and Winkenhower slapped a single to score Howard and Collins. Ursin-Smith’s hard line drive caromed off of the third-base bag into left field and Bantle singled to score two more runs. In the sixth, Adam Snyder walked to load the bases, Damavandi slid underneath a tag at home on a grounder by Zach Lynch and Jack McNamee singled to score Lynch. Needing one more run to mercy its opponent, Palisades got it when Winkenhower hit a bloop single, advancing McNamee to third, and Stewart hit a sacrifice fly. “It felt good to play here on our field–we know where all the bad spots are,” Winkenhower said. “To win in the next round we have to stay focused and cut our errors in half.” Matthew Bergmann, who had played in Palisades’ previous 10 games, was on vacation and missed last week’s tournament. Mira Costa rebounded to beat Cheviot Hills, 10-3, on Monday and also advances to the Sectionals. Palisades will take on the District 1 runner-up at 11 a.m. Saturday at Torrance American Baseball Field. If victorious, Palisades would play for the championship at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. If defeated Saturday morning, Palisades drops to the loser’s bracket and plays again at 4 p.m. that afternoon. Bronco Palisades’ 12-year-old All-Stars mercied Mira Costa 19-7 in five innings in their first game of the Pony Coastal District Tournament in East Long Beach last Sunday. Jonathan Sington pitched a complete game, Cade Hulse had three hits, a home run, four RBIs and four runs scored, Jack and Matt McGeagh each had three hits and Nicky Rivera added a triple and a single. Palisades lost to Torrance 10-3 on Monday but stayed alive with a 10-7 extra-innings victory over Cheviot Hills on Tuesday. Pinto Palisades’ 8-year-olds, coached by David Howard, beat three teams–host Lynwood, Torrance American and Santa Monica–before falling to Bellflower on Monday night in the quarterfinals. Palisades was one of the final five teams out of 18 in the West Zone (Districts 1 & 2).

PTC Hosts ‘Shotgun 21’ July 26

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Sam Querrey was one of the marquee players in last year’s first-ever “Shotgun 21” tournament at the Palisades Tennis Center.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The Palisades Tennis Center will host the second annual “Shotgun 21” unisex tournament on Sunday, July 26, at the public courts off Alma Real Drive. Men and women will play each other head-to-head in a drop-hit format sure to produce exciting rallies and tactical play rarely seen in today’s power game. Only underhanded serving is allowed, there are no “lets” or second serves and scoring is first to 21 points (you don’t have to win by two), hence the name “Shotgun 21.” Alex Bogomolov beat Phillip King on the winner-take-all final point to win the inaugural event last August, taking home $10,000 and a Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. This year’s prize money will be a similar amount. “Last year’s “Shotgun 21″ was one of the greatest days I’ve seen in the Palisades,” tournament organizer and PTC founder Steve Bellamy said. “Seeing 50 pro tennis players fighting it out on our local courts in front of 500 people on the hillside was really cool.” Several ATP and WTA pros have verbally committed to play, including Sam Querrey, Alexandra Stephenson and Vince Spadea. Bellamy has also invited Mike and Bob Bryan, Tommy Haas, Taylor Dent and Marcos Baghdatis. Anyone who wants to do more than just watch can play in the qualifying round starting at noon. At least four players will earn wildcards into the main draw and a chance to trade groundstrokes with the pros. The entire tournament will take place on the four upper courts and each match will last 15 to 20 minutes. The main draw will begin at 3 p.m. and should conclude by around 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.palitenniscenter.com. Those interested in participating should call the PTC at (310) 573-1331.

Blues Capture West by Force

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Kelly O'Hara (left) battles a defender for the ball. The Pali Blues have repeated as W-League Western Conference champions.
Kelly O’Hara (left) battles a defender for the ball. The Pali Blues have repeated as W-League Western Conference champions.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Another game, another win for the Pali Blues Soccer Club. The local women’s squad blanked the Colorado Force, 3-0, last Friday night at Palisades High’s Stadium by the Sea to clinch the W-League Western Conference crown. Iris Mora scored in the fourth minute, Nikki Washington converted a penalty kick in the 15th minute and added another goal in the 52nd minute for the defending champion Blues (8-0-3). “Tonight was a great result against a very strong team,” Blues Coach Charlie Naimo said. “I thought they were our toughest opponent last year and I still think they are a top team in this conference. We are happy that we are starting to find the back of the net.” The Blues host the Seattle Sounders this Saturday at 6 p.m. in their final game of the regular season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 310-264-4649 or by visiting www.bluessoccerclub.com.

Pekar Wins South End Open

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Spencer Pekar with his trophy following the South End Junior Open.
Spencer Pekar with his trophy following the South End Junior Open.

Palisades High’s Spencer Pekar won the 15th annual South End Junior Open last week, defeating Luke Mountain of Irvine in three sets in the finals. The tournament is part of the K-Swiss/SCTA Summer Grand Prix Series. Coached by Erik Kortland at the Riviera Tennis Club, Pekar helped the Dolphins win the City Section team championship in May. The ninth-grader then teamed with senior Spencer Lewin to take third place in the All-City doubles tournament. Pekar was also the recipient of the SCTA’s 2008 Sportsmanship Award for his “exemplary conduct both on and off the court.” Spencer’s older brother Chase will play tennis at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia next fall. He will be in the school’s pre-law program and wants to pursue a career in politics.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 9, 2009

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

PICTURE PERFECT LEASE, Huntington Palisades. Beautifully decorated 3 bd, 3 ba, LR w/ FP, FR w/ FP, FDR, den, lovely garden, pool. Furn or unfurn at $14,000/mo. Contact Dolly Niemann, (310) 230-3706

CONVENIENT PALISADES FURNISHED CONDO for rent by the day or by the week. Sleeps up to 6. 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, swimming pool, heart of town. Completely remodeled. $1,500 per week. Call now. (310) 490-5596, Rebekah

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

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PACIFIC PALISADES: UNIQUE, UPSCALE, huge garden patio great for entertaining, with private spa, 2 bdrm, 2 full baths. No pets. $3,495/mo. with a lease. Available now. Call (310) 456-0047

BEAUTIFUL 1 BDRM, 1 BA, with kitchenette, large patio, pool, spa, gym, bonus room, mountain view, near trail heads & beach. $1,350/mo. (310) 459-9111

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

PALISADES GUEST HOUSE, furn/unfurn, lg. LR, bedroom, bath, kitchen, W/D in unit. Beautiful garden, olympic size pool. N/S, util. incl., 12 month lease. $1,650/mo. (310) 459-1227

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

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

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

CHARMING TWO BEDROOM, two bath condo in the heart of the village. Wonderful building. Available furnished or unfurnished. $3,400/mo. (310) 869-1612

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

VERY NICE MASTER BEDROOM & BATH. Private entrance. Includes patio, cable, WiFi, W/D, furnished/unfurnished. $950/mo. Lease open. Available Mar. 1st. (310) 454-4318

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

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

FRONT FACING OFFICE/RETAIL. Charming courtyard, approx 500 sq ft, includes parking. Gross lease. $2,000/mo. 859 Via de la Paz. (310) 395-7272

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

SANTA MONICA, 901 Wilshire Blvd. 3 suites available. eCard access, lots of light, close to beach, promenade, restaurants. Utilities/custodial included, parking available. 640 sf, 1100 sf, and 1700 sf. Competitively priced. Joe, (310) 459-8872 0r (310) 428-7380

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

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

INCOME PROPERTY 5b

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INVESTORS. Triple Net Properties available locally and nationally (Walgreens, Ralphs, Jack-in-the-Box, etc): Ability to achieve superior returns and excellent cash flow, with little management. Please contact T.C. Macker, CCIM, a Palisades resident and Senior Vice President at Coldwell Banker Commercial WESTMAC. (310) 966-4352 or tcmacker@westmac.com

LOST & FOUND 6a

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

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

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

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

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

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

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

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

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

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

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f

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

SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7l

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

MESSENGER/COURIER SERVICES 7n

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

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

AMAZING NANNY. With our kids in school, we sadly must say goodbye after 5 1/2 years. Susana is fantastic: young, energetic and dependable. Excellent English. For more details, call Tracy at (310) 573-2172 or Susana, (310) 591-7302

NEED HELP WEEKENDS. Twins, 3 years old. Boy and girl in Palisades. Hours flexible. Experienced nanny. (714) 318-1791

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

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

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

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING. 25 years experience. Excellent references. Reliable. Pet friendly. Willing to work weekends. Available now. Call Elizabeth, (323) 463-7889

MY WONDERFUL ‘DOMESTIC ASSISTANT’. My wonderful Rosa needs work on Fridays. She is a terrific nanny, errand-runner (Costco, groceries, dry cleaner, etc) & amazing cook who can follow any recipe. Rosa even fixes things in the house that I didn’t know were broken. She is a safe driver with her own car, speaks perfect English & is incredibly warm, motivated & efficient. Call Eve at (310) 990-9938

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

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

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

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

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

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

CALVIN’S SPECIALTY GARDENS. Specializing in rose garden maintenance & organic vegetable gardens. Over 30 years experience. Free estimates. Call Casey & Randy, (310) 460-8760

SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING 13f

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

WINDOW WASHING 13h

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

CATERING 14

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

HOUSESITTING 14b

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

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

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

PERSONAL SHOPPING 14j

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

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

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

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

2-FOR-1 SPANISH TUTORING SUMMER SPECIAL. Learn how to speak & write in Spanish with a local, native speaker. Amazing method. Local refs. Very experienced. Marietta, (310) 458-8180

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

MATH TUTORING, K-12. Experienced, credentialed math teacher seeks new clients for test preparation, basic skills and self concept. (Special Ed and gifted included). Rick, (310) 704-6284

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

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

VOICE LESSONS/VOCAL COACHING with professional vocalist. Palisades resident, $30/half hour. References upon request. (310) 795-3999

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

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

CONSTRUCTION 16d

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

ELECTRICAL 16h

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

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

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

FENCES, DECKS 16j

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

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

FLOOR CARE 16m

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

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

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

HANDYMAN 16o

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

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

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

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

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

SCOTT’S HANDYMAN SERVICE. Demolition & hauling, framing & concrete. Painting, plumbing, electrical, tile, etc. 25 years experience. (310) 493-2751

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p

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

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r

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

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

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

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

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

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

REMODELING 16v

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

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

COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION. Kitchen+bath ‘ Additions ‘ Tile, carpentry, plumbing. Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large & small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction, (310) 710-3199

HELP WANTED 17

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

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

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

FURNITURE 18c

MOVING SALE!! Love seat, armoire, glass top designer table. Misc. furniture. Call (310) 454-4599

GARAGE, MOVING SALES 18d

MOV. A ‘FUN’ POKE-AROUND, dig-down sale! Vintage ’50s toys, games, collectibles/tools/stuff! Furn/furnishgs/jewelry/clothes. Fri.-Sat., July 10-11; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 11446 Clover, Mar Vista. So. of National to Butler (TG P672-C1). Photos/details: www.bmdawson.com

MANDEVILLE CANYON MOVING SALE. Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2311 Cheryl Place. Mandeville to Westridge to Bayliss to Cheryl Place

MAJOR MOVING/GARAGE SALE. Everything you can imagine from toys to furniture. LOTS of size 6 clothes, sports equipment & models. Sat., 7/11/09, 8-5, 337 Via de la Paz. No early birds please.

An All-American Parade

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Katie Stam, the reigning Miss America from Indiana, rode as parade marshal in the Palisades Americanism Parade on July 4 with Chloe Donovan (left) and Emily Massey.
Katie Stam, the reigning Miss America from Indiana, rode as parade marshal in the Palisades Americanism Parade on July 4 with Chloe Donovan (left) and Emily Massey.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Pacific Palisades once again hosted one of the largest day-long Fourth of July celebrations in the United States on Saturday. Starting at 8:15 a.m., Will Rogers Park Ranger Mikal Sandoval sang the National Anthem and Will’s great-granddaughter, Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, sounded the horn to start the 32nd annual Palisades-Will Rogers 5/10K Run. More than 2,600 registered runners headed out along the Huntington Palisades route, with 1,050 of them continuing on a three-mile loop up to Will Rogers State Historic Park. People enjoying breakfast parties lined the race route and cheered on the runners, while several residents made hoses available for runners who needed to cool down. On mile four of the 10K, two young children gamely ran up the hilly switchbacks with their parents. ‘I’ve been in this race for as long as I can remember,’ their father said, ‘and now I’m passing the tradition on to them.’ An hour later, hundreds of children and their parents participated in the Kids Fun Run, a non-competitive half-mile in the Huntington. Shortly after the races ended, people headed home or over to Swarthmore to eat breakfast at The Pantry and Mayberry’s. Next came the traditional VIP buffet at the Methodist Church courtyard, hosted by PAPA (Palisades Americanism Parade Association) and attended by dignitaries, community leaders and donors ($150 or more). Former Notre Dame defensive end Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger, who was made famous by the autobiographical movie ‘Rudy,’ about one man’s ‘impossible’ quest to play for the Fighting Irish, was in attendance. ‘I knew my journey to Notre Dame was important to tell,’ Ruettiger said, ‘because I wasn’t a good scholar or a good athlete, but I had a dream.’ He said he had lost his self-confidence in high school, but regained it after a stint in the Navy, and started to surround himself with people who supported him, before enrolling at Notre Dame. ‘Never get in with people who tell you why you can’t do something,’ said Ruettiger, who believes that dreams can come true with ‘persistence and belief, being patient and having the right people in your life.’ He currently lives in Las Vegas and is a motivational speaker. Major General Richard Mills, commander of the First Marine Division in Camp Pendleton in charge of 25,000 Marines, served as the parade’s reviewing officer. He admitted that when was young, ‘I never thought I’d see the inside of the general’s office.’ One of the best parts of his job is ‘having people come back and tell me how the service changed their life. They say they’re more self-disciplined and more community-oriented.’ Parade Grand Marshal Katie Stam, the current Miss America from Indiana, was busy posting for pictures with various well-wishers. She has made community service and volunteerism her main platform this year, and was happy to learn that volunteers organize the parade and fireworks show every year. ‘Volunteering increases the sense of community,’ said Stam, a senior at the University of Indianapolis. ‘Words only mean so much; it’s actions that speak louder.’ Eight-year-old Chloe Donovan and Emily Masser were selected to ride in the parade with Stam. ‘It’s going to be fun,’ said Donovan, a third grader at Canyon School, who had watched the Miss America pageant on television in January. ‘I wanted her to win.’ Donovan admitted that, like Stam, she is also a singer and her favorite song to sing is ‘America the Beautiful.’ More than 300 guests at the VIP luncheon were treated to pizza, sandwiches, salads, desserts and drinks donated by Beech Street Caf’, Caf’ Vida, Cathay Palisades, Coffee Bean, CVS Pharmacy, Festa State Farm Insurance, Fiesta Feast, Gladstone’s, Mayberry, Modo Mio, Noah’s Bagels, Palisades Garden Cafe, Palisades Pizza, Paolo Ristorante, Party Pizzazz, Pearl Dragon, Robeks, Ronny’s Market, Sandwiches by Cheryel, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, Viktor Benes Bakery, Village Pantry, Vittorio Ristorante, Vons, Aldersgate Retreat and Veggies by Bobbie. Palisades High graduate Michael Lis, a student of jazz guitarist John Passano and grandson of longtime residents Don and Carolyn Haselkorn, provided background music. He will be attending UC Santa Cruz in September. Promptly at 2 p.m., four members of Carey Peck’s skydiving team sailed their way down to the intersection of Swarthmore Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. Fifteen-year parade veteran Scott Smith landed first, followed by former Palisadian Tom Falzone, Rich Piccirilli (in his fourth year) and Peck, who carried the American flag. Parade spectators enjoyed a variety of music from 19 marching groups, ranging from the town’s OomPaPa Band and the First Marine Division Band to the New Orleans Traditional Dixieland Band and three top-flight drum and bugle corps. Kids on Bikes, returning as an organized contingent, was a crowd-pleaser. One of the 30 participants, four-year-old Jacquie, lost a training wheel before the parade started. Her mom, helping her balance as she rode, said, ‘The good thing is by the end of the parade, I think she’ll be able to ride without the training wheels.’ Chocolate and Cinnamon, two miniature dachshunds, were dressed in tutus and joined 70 fellow canines for the Patriotic Pups brigade. In front of the VIP grandstand at Ralphs, nine-year-old Benjie Jacobs carried his Boston terrier, Otis, who was only four months old and looked like he needed a puppy nap. ‘I’m getting tired of walking,’ Jacobs said. By contrast, Leo Fercoli’s dog Pepita, a year-old cockapoo, yapped happily down the parade route. Nearby, Bootsie marched in her 15th parade, accompanied by her owners, Carolyn and Bill Highberger. Long-time resident Ted Mackie commented as he watched the Optimist Club’s drill team go through their semi-precise movements: ‘Everything happens in the Palisades on the Fourth. The rest of the year is just waiting.’ The parade was barely over before a third round of parties got under way. While the BBQ’s were firing up and block parties were getting underway (number 19 for folks on the 1100 block of Fiske Street), a dozen employees of Pyro Spectaculars by Souza finalized their seven-hour set-up for the fireworks that would be shot from the Palisades High quad. At 6:30 p.m., a family-oriented musical concert, featuring the Palisades High Concert Band, singer Mimi Vitale, and three Palisades-connected rock bands (The House Band, The Mayberry’s and the Elevaters) performed for a crowd that eventually grew to an estimated 4,000, filling the stadium grandstands and covering the football/soccer field. ‘PAPA’s first ‘Palisades Rocks the Fourth’ was a big success,’ said Rich Wilken, the volunteer fireworks show coordinator and longtime resident. The concert was followed by a 20-minute ‘Let Freedom Ring’ fireworks display that included 385 aerial explosives and 24 multi-shot effects. During the show, patriotic tunes like ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’ and the country-western song ‘I’m Proud to Be an American’ played in the background. ‘ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY BILL BRUNS

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