L.A. City Associate Zoning Administrator Patricia Brown has denied Rustic Canyon residents Mehr and Vickey Beglari’s request for a variance to avoid lopping off 14 feet of their two-story home at 909 Greentree Rd. The Beglaris pleaded before Brown at a hearing on March 5 to permit the height of their home at 39 feet 7 inches in lieu of the maximum permitted of 36 feet, and for a reduced front-yard setback of 14 feet in lieu of the prevailing setback of 27 feet 6 inches. In her June 5 letter, Brown wrote, ‘There is nothing unique about the property that prohibits the strict adherence to the zoning regulations. The structure was built subsequent to the regulations addressing height and setbacks.’ The Beglaris sought the variance from the city after nearly eight years of unsuccessfully battling in court to save their home. The courts have repeatedly found that the home is out of compliance. In Brown’s letter, she noted that the homes along Greentree have open lawns, so the setbacks are obvious. The Beglaris argued that their measurements were skewed because they and their architect had thought the garage of a neighboring property was attached, so that was calculated into the prevailing setback. ‘Although the adjacent garage was incorrectly utilized in the setback calculation, the detached garage roof line can be seen from the street and therefore should not have been used for the setback calculation,’ Brown wrote. In addition, the height established by the Hillside Ordinance was in effect prior to the start of construction. ‘Hence, the regulations governing the site are not new and should have been apparent. Hence, it appears that any hardship is self-imposed,’ Brown wrote. Attorney Robert Glushon said the Beglaris have decided to appeal Brown’s decision, and an appeal hearing before the West L.A. Area Planning Commission will likely be set in the next 60 days. The dispute over the property began in 2001 when the Beglaris began constructing their home and neighbors thought the structure was too close to the curb. Five current and former neighbors (attorney Ronald Oster and his wife, Superior Court Judge Diana Wheatley; attorney John Rosenfeld; and Superior Court Judge David Horwitz and his wife, Jacki) took the Beglaris and the city to court.   Orange County Superior Court Judge David Velasquez ruled in 2003 that the house did not comply with the zoning ordinance and ordered the city to revoke the Beglaris’ permits, including their certificate of occupancy. To bring their house into compliance, the Beglaris attempted to alter the prevailing setback (front-yard regulations based on an average for the street) by building a canopy on another house they owned at 921 Greentree. The city accepted the alteration and reissued the permits and certificate of occupancy. In response, Velasquez ruled in September 2007 that the Beglaris and city improperly applied ‘the provisions of the projecting building exception in determining the prevailing setback requirement,’ and the permits and certificate of occupancy were again revoked. The Beglaris appealed to the California Court of Appeals, which upheld Velasquez’s decision on April 2 of this year. The Beglaris recently asked the Supreme Court of California to take the case and were denied. If the latest appeal with the city fails, Rosenfeld (a plaintiff) said, ‘It is difficult to see what additional avenues they can pursue short of modifying the building.’
Parade Chairs, Street Closures on July Fourth
The Bureau of Street Services reminds the community that no spectator chairs should be placed along the parade route prior to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3. Starting at 7 a.m. on July 4, all access to the Huntington Palisades neighborhood from Sunset and Chautauqua will be closed for the Will Rogers 5K/10K Run. In addition, Sunset Boulevard from Amalfi Drive to Monument Street will be closed in both directions. The roads will reopen after the race course is closed at about 11 a.m. The parade route and staging areas, which include Via de la Paz, Sunset, Drummond, Toyopa, Alma Real and La Cruz, will have road closures starting at 1 p.m., and will not be reopened until about 4 p.m., when the parade route begins clearing. Bowdoin Street in front of Palisades High School will be closed at 5 p.m. for a music concert and the traditional fireworks show on campus, and may remain closed until 10 p.m. or longer. People are reminded to observe the barricades and not try to remove them. They are placed to ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers alike.
Races, Parade, Fireworks Set to Go ‘Fourth’
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Miss America Katie Stam and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will ride in Saturday’s Fourth of July Parade as Pacific Palisades once again celebrates the nation’s birthday with morning-to-night festivities. ‘We came up with the idea to invite Miss America as a way to add a new, exciting element to the parade, and it worked,’ said Rob Weber, president of the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA). ‘Mayor Villaraigosa joined us three years ago and we look forward to his return.’ The day begins with the 32nd Annual Will Rogers 5K/10K Run, starting at 8:15 a.m. at the entrance to the Palisades Recreation Center and involving about 2,500 runners. The 1K Kids Fun Run for children 12-and-under will follow at 9:15 a.m., same location. Prior to the parade, a VIP luncheon is held in the Methodist Church courtyard, where those who have donated more than $150 to PAPA can enjoy a buffet meal donated by several dozen Palisades businesses, while also mingling with parade dignitaries, including Honorary Mayor Gavin MacLeod, Reviewing Officer Major General Richard Mills of Camp Pendelton and Parade Marshal Bud Petrick, a longtime realtor and community leader.   Once the Carey Peck Skydiving team lands at Sunset and Swarthmore at 2 p.m. and the parade gets underway along Via de la Paz, watch for politicians (County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, State Senator Fran Pavley and Assemblywoman Julia Brownley), various community activists and honorees, and notables such as Notre Dame’s Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger, 1964 Heisman winner John Huarte (also of Notre Dame) and Palisadian Matty Whitmore, who survived to the final four in last year’s ‘Survivor Gabon.’   Spectators will enjoy a crowd-pleasing array of marching bands, from the town’s OomPaPa Band and the lively New Orleans Traditional Dixieland Band to a pair of world-class drum and bugle corps: the Bluecoats and Pacific Crest. ‘This is one of our best years ever for parade music,’ Weber said. Early in the evening, the stadium at Palisades High School will come alive with two main events. ‘I’m really looking forward to the concert that we’re holding at 6:30 before the fireworks show,’ Weber said. ‘In past years, the pre-fireworks entertainment was mostly an after-thought, not very well organized, and typically featuring just one performer. This year we will have three rock-and-roll bands plus other musical entertainment, thanks to the inspiration and hard work of several new PAPA committee members, most notably Keith Turner.’ The $20,000 fireworks show, sponsored by the Occidental Petroleum Corporation, will begin about 9 p.m.
Focus on a Pre-Retirement Financial Check-Up
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
By THE GISSELL GROUP Special to the Palisadian-Post As you approach retirement, you will quite likely be assessing your financial situation to determine if you have saved and invested enough to afford a comfortable future. Generally, financial professionals advise that to maintain your current lifestyle you will need approximately 70 percent to 80 percent of your current annual income each year in retirement, although your own situation may differ based on your personal goals and finances. Taking an in-depth look at your finances and an inventory of your retirement funds approximately five to seven years before retiring will give you time to make adjustments to help you meet your goals when retirement time comes around. Will I Have Enough Retirement Income? Generally, retirees turn to these sources of income: Social Security benefits; earnings (including part-time jobs); personal savings and investments, including IRA accounts or additional employee savings plans; and company retirement plans. According to the Social Security Administration, Social Security may account for only about 40 percent of your income in retirement. Personal investments and savings, company retirement plans and other sources will have to make up the remaining portion of your income’about 60 percent. After calculating your projected retirement income, you also need to examine your current expenses and determine which items will increase or decrease, which will be eliminated and which will be added after you retire. By reviewing this information early on, you can develop a sense of whether you’ll have the necessary income to cover your expenses once you retire. Compare your expense calculations with your projected sources of income and determine whether you will have a surplus or a deficiency. At the same time, determine at what point in retirement you will need to begin drawing on your retirement plan assets. If, after comparing your expenses with income, you have a surplus, you are on the right track to enjoying a comfortable retirement. However, if you note a deficiency, you can make decisions now to help ensure that you will have a relatively comfortable retirement later on. Should I Adjust My Asset Allocation Strategy? Having a good understanding of investing becomes more important as you approach retirement. Examine all the investments available through your retirement plan and determine into which category’stocks, bonds or cash equivalents’each of them falls. Next, assess your level of risk. As people prepare to retire, they generally want less risk in their investments than in the past. Since your income from employment will have stopped or decreased considerably and your assets may be invested over a shorter period, it may be more difficult to recover from loss. Therefore you may want a lower-risk investment strategy than before. Whether you intend to use your money over a relatively short period or spread it out through your retirement is another important factor. Important Points to Consider There is no set asset allocation strategy that works for everyone. Before determining which strategy best fits your personal situation, keep in mind that different people have different financial resources and expectations regarding how long they will be in retirement. Therefore, individuals have different risk tolerances and investment horizons. And remember, no matter what asset allocation strategy you choose, there is always some level of risk and no guarantee that you will not experience a loss. Also, keep in mind that you need to look at your holdings as a whole. Consider your personal accounts, retirement accounts and any additional sources of retirement income that you may have. By planning the entire picture you will be better able to develop a portfolio that reflects your immediate and long-term goals. Your financial advisor can help you determine if your strategies are on the right track toward a secure retirement and help you find ways to maintain your position or work toward your goals. (For more information, contact The Gissell Group/Morgan Stanley Smith Barney at [310] 573-4612. Their office is located at 860 Via de la Paz, in the Atrium Building. Articles are published for general information purposes and are not an offer or a solicitation to sell or buy any securities or commodities. Any particular investment should be analyzed based on its terms and risks as they relate to your specific circumstances and objectives. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. This information is based on current federal tax laws in effect at the time this was written. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended nor written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Individuals are urged to consult their personal tax or legal advisors to understand the tax and related consequences of any actions or investments described herein.)
Thursday, June 25 – Thursday, July 2
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited. Harry Brandt Chandler, whose great-grandfather was publisher of the Los Angeles Times, discusses and signs ‘Dreamers in Dream City,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
The Theatre Palisades production of ‘Smokey Joe’s Caf’ continues its run at the Pierson Playhouse tonight and tomorrow night 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
MONDAY, JUNE 29
Palisadian Gerry McLaughlin, former dean of the Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, discusses and signs ‘The Bishop of Lipoppo: A Fable,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. (See story, page 10.)
TUESDAY, JUNE 30
The Temescal Canyon Association’s summer evening hiking group will start from Trippet Ranch in Topanga and take the Musch Trail to Eagle Junction. 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. The Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s will present a concert by some of the most important and innovative composers in classical music today, including Steve Reich, Arvo P’rt, Jake Heggie and Bruce Broughton, 8 p.m., at St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave. Tickets at the door: $25.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
Priti Aggarwal, a henna expert, will introduce the ancient body art from India at a free program for teenagers, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. Details: (310) 459-2754.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
Longtime Palisadian Dotty Larson discusses and signs ‘Flight 20-31: A Journey into Eternity Book,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Her book, based on the Gospel of John, incorporates spiritual insights and practical wisdom Dotty has gained over the past 40 years as a teaching leader for both Community Bible Study and Bible Study Fellowship.
St. Matthew’s Music Highlights Classical Innovators June 30
Members of The Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s will present a concert by some of the most important and innovative composers working in the classical music today, including Steve Reich, Arvo P’rt, Jake Heggie and Bruce Broughton, on Monday, June 30, at 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave. The concert will feature a performance of ‘The Eyes of the Stars’ a St. Matthew’s Music Guild commission. Scored for chamber ensemble and vocal soloists by Tarik O’Regan, ‘Eyes’ is based on the luminous poem by the Anglo-Welsh poet, Edward Thomas, best known for his gripping World War I-era poetry.’ O’Regan divides his time between New York City and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he is Fellow Commoner in the Creative Arts. Previously, he held the Fulbright Chester Schirmer Fellowship in Music Composition at Columbia University and a Radcliffe Institute Fellowship at Harvard. The program will include a performance of ‘Statuesque’ by American composer Jake Heggie. Heggie is the composer of the operas ‘Dead Man Walking,’ ‘Three Decembers’ (libretto: Scheer), ‘The End of the Affair’ (libretto: McDonald), the lyric drama ‘To Hell and Back.’ ‘Statuesque’ will feature mezzo-soprano Rose Beattie. David Washburn, principal trumpet of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, will be the featured soloist in Bruce Broughton’s ‘Saloon Music for B-flat Cornet and Pit Orchestra.’ Broughton composes for television and film, and he has a large body of classical concert music to his credit. The ‘Saloon Music’ is a jazzy suite of pieces reminiscent of ’30’s jazz with a modern twist. Other works will include Reich’s ‘Proverb,’ for five voices, two vibraphones and two synthesizers; ‘Three Dances’ from Stravinsky’s ‘Soldiers Tale’; and the choral works of Estonian composer P’rt. Tickets ($25 for adults, $10 for students) will be available at the door at 7:30 p.m. Contact: 310-573-7422.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 25, 2009
Our offices will be closed FRIDAY, JULY 3, for the Independence Day Holiday. The classified deadline will be THURSDAY, JULY 2, at 11 A.M.
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
RUSTIC CANYON CRAFTSMAN CHARMER with 3 bd, 3.5 ba, great room with river rock FP, & cathedral ceilings. Huge porch & large yard. $6,400/mo. Call Dolly at (310) 230-3706
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
2 BDRM, 2 BA, 2 CAR GARAGE, private deck & garden, laundry, new kitchen, dishwasher, microwave, hardwood floors. Nice quiet area. Pets o.k. $4,500/mo. or make offer. (310) 454-4599
BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH COTTAGE style home for rent. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, in Marquez area. Old style charm completely refurbished. Contact Roy at (415) 722-9270 or waandmel@aol.com
716 SWARTHMORE, three bedroom, three bath, built 2004. 3,000 sq ft, hardwood floors, solar electricity, handicap accessible, granite kitchen, stainless appliances, two fireplaces. $7,500/mo. (310) 472-5396
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
FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b
LOVELY 3 BDRM, 3 BA apartment at Edgewater Towers, across from beach, ocean view. $5,000/mo. Call or e-mail for pictures, (310) 887-1333, s@90210law.com
UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
RARE, CHARMING FIND in lovely neighborhood. Large, upper unit, 2 bd + bonus room, 1 ba. Plantation shutters, fireplace, ceiling fan, balcony, garden, garage, light & airy. 1 yr lease. Cooperates w/ brokers. N/P, N/S. $3,500/mo. (310) 804-3142
BEAUTIFUL 2 BD + 2 BA * $2,695/mo. Small pet ok with deposit. Quiet building, new carpet, marble floors, crown molding, gas fireplace & appliances. Walk to village and beach. With 1 month free rent. Call (310) 454-2024
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
CHARMING 2 BD, 1 BA upper apt in vintage 6 unit building. Hardwood & tile, lite & brite, laundry in building. $1,800/mo. includes water/garbage. Avail July 1. (424) 228-4570
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
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
BEAUTIFUL 3 BDRM, 2.5 BA, HIGHLANDS townhouse. Upgraded, light, hardwood, tile, spacious, patio, balcony, W/D, private 2 car garage, pools, tennis & gym. $3,675/mo. (310) 459-3264
GEM IN THE PALISADES, 2 bdrm, 2.5 ba, townhouse, hdwd, tile, new carpet, W/D, dishwasher. Parking. $3,350/mo. (310) 392-1757
$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
OCEAN VIEW SURFERS & SUNSETS. Romantic 1+1. Blond hwd floors, balcony, 2 pools & spas, gym, 24 hr. security. N/S. Sunset & PCH. Tennis. Walk to beach & shops. $2,250/mo. INCLUDES UTILITIES. Call Mikki, (509) 263-5873 (cell)
$2,700/MO. BEAUTIFUL FULLY UPDATED 2+2 unit in Palisades. Hardwood floors, fireplace, stainless steel appliances, pets ok w/ deposit. 2 parking spots in controlled access building. (310) 310-2200
CHARMING TWO BEDROOM, two bath condo in the heart of the village. Wonderful building. Available furnished or unfurnished. $3,600/mo. (310) 869-1612
RENTALS TO SHARE 3a
ROOMMATE WANTED TO SHARE spacious, clean 2-story, 2 br, 2 bath condo in Brentwood near Bundy and Wilshire. $1,000/mo on lease. Bedroom & bath located on private top floor. AC, washer/dryer in unit; 2-space gated parking. 2 cats on premises. Call Wendy, (310) 980-0016, (818) 645-8632
WANTED TO RENT 3b
LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisadian-Post, (310) 454-1321
WANTED: GARAGE TO RENT. Would like long-term rental for one or two small vintage cars. Seldom driven. Please respond to Mr. Nye, (310) 839-1984 x114
LOCAL 29 YEAR RESIDENT needs 2 bedroom house, duplex or condo. JoAnn, (310) 459-7300
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
PALISADES OFFICE, two rooms, 2nd floor, 15115-1/2 Sunset Blvd. Across from Ralphs. $950/mo. (310) 459-3493
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.
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
QUICKBOOKS ‘ LOCAL PALISADIAN Call Shirley, (310) 570-6085
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
DAYCARE CENTERS 8
PALISADES LEARN & PLAY. Creative & nurturing, Pre-K program. Art, educational themes & socialization. Healthy meals provided. Now registering for summer & fall. 18 yrs in Palisades. (310) 459-0920
NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
NANNY: EXPERIENCED with newborns, early twins. Good references, drivers license, legal. 20 years experience. Please call Anna, (310) 586-1049
COLLEGE STUDENT looking for a part time nanny position, 3-4 days a week or flexible schedule. 7 years experience and excellent references. Carolina, (310) 707-5384
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
HOUSEKEEPER & BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE. Day or night. Available Mon to Sat. Very good refs. Own transportation. Many years experience. Call Dora, (818) 994-2053
NANNY, COLLEGE STUDENT, EXPERIENCED with all ages. Excellent references, drivers license. Summer only. Please call Kristien, (310) 266-9527
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
HOUSEKEEPING’EXPERIENCED 18 YEARS! Good refs. Own transportation. Reliable and trustworthy. Call Esperanza, (310) 806-7791
HOUSECLEANING. AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY for two days a week. Very good references. Own transportation and drivers license. Ask for Marina, (562) 408-2068
HOUSECLEANING AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY for Tuesday & Saturday. Very good references. Own transportation and drivers license. 15 years experience. (213) 447-4104
MY HOUSEKEEPER WANTS WORK one day a week. Excellent worker. 19 years experience. Dependable, honest, speaks English. Local refs. Own car. Call Allison, (310) 459-1643
HOUSECLEANING: Available Mon, Wed, & Sat. Local refs. Own transportation. Experienced, good worker, excellent English. Please call Evelia, (213) 745-6276
EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER. Available Mon-Sat. Good refs. Own transportation. CDL. Over 19 yrs exper in Malibu & Beverly Hills. Speaks English. Call Yolanda, (h) (323) 731-6114, (c) (323) 580-2859
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
NURSING CARE 10b
EXTREMELY SKILLED CAREGIVER. My 96 year old mother was cared for the last 2.5 years. Highly recommended! Contact Diana directly, (323) 633-9503. For refs call (310) 454-2491
GARDENING/LANDSCAPING 11
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
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
HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE 12a
ANGIE’S PETITE SPA ‘ (310) 821-7045. European deep pore cleansing facial, $39. (Reg. $80) First time clients only. Expires 8/1/09. 700 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. www.afacialgirl.com
NUTRITION 12d
YOUR BODY NEEDS GREAT H2O! * Did you know most bottled water is acidic & your body needs alkaline water? G2O water treatment unit filters TAP water & converts it into an alkaline state without EMF producing electricity. Best water for your body! Distributors needed too! For info or to buy http://evabaez.diamondtreeonline.com
SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING 13f
SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING SERVICE. All Stoppages Cleared. Sewer Repair & Replacement. High Velocity Water Jetting. Video Camera Inspections. Lic. #512638. Call (310) 648 2611
WINDOW WASHING 13h
THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Detailed interior/exterior glass & screen cleaning. High ladder work. 10% new customer discount. Next day service available. Free estimates. Lic. & bonded. Insured. (310) 926-7626
CATERING 14
EVENT PLANNER & CULINARY GRADUATE. Le Cordon Bleu graduate & event planner to help with your prep, cooking, serving, menus & all event details. 10+ years experience. $50/hr. Please call Danielle, (310) 691-0578. daniellesamendez@gmail.com
HOUSESITTING 14b
PROFESSIONAL COUPLE SEEKING long term housesitting in or near Palisades. Conscientious care of your home while you’re away. Light garden care, dogs, horse, ok. Good people, honest care. (310) 310-3089
PERSONAL SERVICES 14f
LADIES!! PROF HAIR EXTENSIONS & custom airbrush tanning mobile. Celebrity MicroLink method. No damage! 4-6 mo. Affordable. (310) 562-5102. www.LavishTan.com. KelseyJones1@mac.com
PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
PRIVATE DOG WALKER/housesitter, Pali’sades & 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
GAIN STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY, muscle balance and endurance to aid in the reduction of cellulite. My private studio or your home. First session free. This is what your workout is missing! Rob, (310) 403-2760. rob@ehwbody.com
$60 TRAINING SUMMER SPECIAL. A personal trainer that went from a size 16 to a 6 !!! Call Sherry, (310) 383-7852
SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d
LEARN AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE Thai Cooking Class. Sunday, 6/28/09 Location: Santa Monica. www.tastepadthai.com ‘ tel: (310) 463-2992. www.youtube.com/tastepadthai
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
SUMMER CAMPS 15f
CANYON KIDS PRESCHOOL. Now enrolling for July Summer Camp & Fall 2009 Semester. Ages 2-5 years. Just 6 miles from Temescal Cyn! (310) 456-2897 Email:canyonkids@yahoo.com
MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h
VOICE LESSONS/VOCAL COACHING with professional vocalist. Palisades resident, $30/half hour. References upon request. (310) 795-3999
CARPENTRY 16a
FINE WOODWORKING: Carpentry of any kind. Bathrooms, kitchens, doors, cabinets, decks & gates. State lic. #822541. No project too small. References available. Reasonable prices. Contact: Ed Winterhalter at (310) 213-3101
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
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.
DECK REPAIR, SEALING & STAINING. Local resident, local clientele. 1 day service. (See ad under handyman.) Marty, (310) 459-2692
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) and 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
CARPENTRY AND REPAIR. Repairs to fences, decks, & gates. Finish carpentry & cabinet installations. No job too small. Non-lic. (310) 454-4121, (c) (310) 907-6169
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
A PACIFIC PAINTING. Residential, commercial. Interior/exterior. Drywall, plaster, stucco repair, pressure washing. Free estimates. Bonded & insured. Lic. #908913. ‘Since 1979.’ (310) 954-7170
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
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
FURNITURE 18c
CUSTOM MADE BUFFET, $1,200 ‘ Brand new custom made buffet. Purchased from ‘Room with a View’ on Montana Ave. for $3,300, asking $1,200 obo. email: abmckenna.assistant@gmail.com
BED FRAME & BEDSIDE TABLES ** Custom built matching wood night stands, great condition $400. Pottery Barn king sized bed frame, fully welded solid steel frame $750. For info and pics email: abmckenna.assistant@gmail.com
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
MOV. SALE! 60 years! LR/BR furn/furnishgs. Collectibles/jewelry/clothes/hsehold gds./tools. Fri.-Sat., June 26-27; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 509 Mount Holyoke (Sunset/Via de la Paz/Earlham). Photos/details: www.bmdawson.com
ESTATE SALE: Antique to contemporary furniture & accessories; designer, quality, gently worn clothing; costume jewelry; much more. Sat.-Sun., June 27-28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 300 Lombard Ave., PP
HUGE MULTI FAMILY YARD SALE! The Galaxy Alliance Devil Cats, a soccer team of 13 yr old girls from the west side to the south bay, will be having a yard/bake sale. 8:00 a.m.-1:00ish, Saturday, June 27th, 463 24th Street, Santa Monica. The girls, who first met as fierce AYSO rivals are collecting money to attend soccer camps this summer. Emerging from closets, attics and garages will be riches and bargains galore. Stop on by . . .
Junior Women’s President Builds Community Support
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Before Alyssa MacMiller became president of the Junior Women’s Club, she admits there were jobs on the board that she would have declined. ‘I wouldn’t have done the Home Tour; it seemed like a big job. At that time, I didn’t see the support this effort receives from the whole group.’ MacMiller assumed the president’s job after serving six months as vice president (the former VP moved out of town in the middle of her term), and discovered just how helpful the 80 or so active Juniors can be’most particularly the 27-member executive board. That’s right, 27 women. Although the board size may appear unwieldy, MacMiller contends the board members are women who want to participate, so why not encourage them? ‘My attitude is if they are committed, the number is irrelevant.’ MacMiller, who comes from a corporate background, marvels at the capabilities of the Junior members: ‘Their backgrounds are so fascinating.’ Women who are drawn to membership, which is an open process, offer a variety of life experiences, perhaps belying the notion that all the Juniors are young homemakers and moms. ‘We have quite a few unmarried members, double income with no children, and 30 or 40 sustainers, who pay reduced dues but do participate in some of our fundraisers, especially the Home Tour,’ MacMiller says. ‘Our main goal is to build community within community,’ she says. ‘Our success is having diversity, which means women who bring different connections and skills to the group.’ Originally from Houston, MacMiller found her way to California by attending UC San Diego, where she majored in psychology and met and married her husband Jim, at the age of 23. Permanence became an obsolete word, as the couple moved from city to city following job opportunities. Alyssa worked in public relations and marketing, while Jim’s focus was finance. In each city’Cincinnati, New York, Chicago’MacMiller affiliated with the Junior League, but when the MacMillers moved to Pacific Palisades with their children in 2005, she decided not to join the L.A. League. She didn’t have to. ‘I looked at the Chamber of Commerce directory and saw the Junior Women’s Club. I thought, what a great way to meet people and learn about the community. Moving around so much has helped me. Getting to know people is the easiest thing for me.’ In the last four years, MacMiller has served as social chairman, overseeing Junior events such as the Will Rogers Family Day and Girls Night Out, and membership co-chair. Because the organization’s philanthropy is focused entirely on Pacific Palisades, MacMiller has learned much about both the business MO and the wide range of nonprofit organizations that serve the town. Admittedly ‘a very organized person,’ MacMiller relies on the subcommittees to keep the organization’s projects moving forward. The group’s main fundraiser is the annual Home Tour, which funnels all proceeds to various nonprofit organizations and schools in the town. In May, the Juniors distributed $77,000 (including proceeds from the annual Poker Night) among 32 groups. Planning for November’s Home Tour is already under way. Typically, three houses are open for tour, accompanied by a boutique, and this year the Juniors are including a ‘green’ house and a child-friendly fun home, with play areas and kid-friendly spaces. MacMiller also aims to give a boost to the businesses in town. ‘We recognize the difficulties facing all business in this economy,’ she says. ‘So we want to highlight one business in our monthly newsletter. This is about the future, which is about today,’ she adds. ‘It won’t be the same community if we don’t support the local economy.’ The Junior Women wish to continue their collaborations with various other groups in the Palisades. They provided logistic support and volunteers under the leadership of Junior Helene Dameris for the Susan Love Walk for cancer research that took place in the Huntington Palisades in May. They also helped the Village Green committee in a recent maintenance day. And they continue to assist Meals on Wheels, delivering hot meals to infirm or elderly people. Each year they fill 90 slots in this effort. The organization also participates in the annual Pacific Palisades Americanism Parade and will drive the new Mini E Earth-friendly’car owned by Junior Suzanne Trepp and her husband, Peter. MacMiller seems to be enjoying her role as Junior president. Her days are full, but her course steady. In addition to serving on the Methodist preschool board, where her daughter, Wesley, is a student, and Palisades Elementary first-grade room mother for her daughter, Kirby, she says that she’s ‘not the type who jumps right up to raise my hand and volunteer for everything. I like to see and digest, and understand where I am and where I can help.’
Mr. Means’ Wild Ride
Carousel Carver Keeps History Alive and Smiles On Children’s Faces
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Thirty years ago, award-winning sculptor and artist Kenneth Means took his creativity in a new direction, reviving the lost art of carving carousel animals. He recently brought two of his animals”Prince Valiant’s horse, Arvack, and Mr. Toad”to the Palisades. At grandson Paul Lohmann’s school, Seven Arrows, and at the Methodist preschool where Paul’s younger brother, Kenneth, is a student, Means explained to his classroom audience how the animals are made. ‘Do you make pigs?’ one preschooler asked. ‘I haven’t made one yet, but I will before it’s all done,’ Means said, telling the three- and four-year-olds that the first thing he does is get an idea, such as the one inspired by the book ‘The Wind in the Willows.’ After he decides on a character, Means starts with the drawing. It might take several revisions before he is satisfied. Then he makes a life-size scale drawing”a pattern”upon which the carving will be based. Using basswood, which is softer than hard wood and does not chip, Means uses a saw to cut out different pieces of wood. The number used for each animal is surprising. For example, Means showed the children a chicken that he was working on, which consisted of four pieces for the head, five in the neck, six for each leg, 20 in the body and 14 in the tail. Once the pieces are cut, he glues them together and then sands them. Afterward, Means starts carving with a wood chisel that he hits with a sculptor’s mallet. He uses chisels of different sizes to achieve various effects. Once the carving is done, the animals are painted with three coats of primer. Means used six different types of green on Mr. Toad. The animals are then sealed with two additional coats of paint and finally finished with three coats of marine varnish. The animals are hollow, which minimizes weight and allows for some expansion and contraction of the wood so that it does not develop cracks.’ ‘The wood has to be able to breathe when the weather changes,’ said Means, who also restores antique carousel figures. When working on an antique, he looks inside it to see if the craftsman has left anything, but usually there’s nothing there. Means now leaves something inside each animal he carves. For example, the Canadian-born artisan placed a newspaper story about the Queen Mother’s death in one horse. In another, he left a college announcement by his daughter, Julia Means. In a third horse, he left newspaper clippings from when his older daughter, Tsianina Lohmann, was named ESPN’s Miss Fitness America. ‘When someone restores my work, they’ll find out a little about the person who made the horse,’ Means explained. He sometimes leaves a piece of poetry he’s written himself inside the animal. Mean has made a giraffe, lion, horse, toad, dog and dragon. His wife, Betty, has made a rabbit. He plans to someday have enough animals to fill an entire carousel in Coquille, Oregon, where the Meanses live. ‘I’ve watched and studied kids on carousels,’ Means said. ‘The animals on the outside are big and intimidating, so three of the animals that will go on my carousel on the outside are smaller.’ Back in the early 1960s, Means worked as a Hollywood scenic artist. He taught painting and drawing at Pasadena City College and bronze casting and mold-making at Otis Institute before moving to Oregon in 1985. He was recently commissioned to build the bronze figures for a water fountain, including herring that will jump through a waterfall. The art of carousel figures appeals to him because, in museums, no one is allowed to touch the art. But with these beautifully carved and painted creations, children are encouraged to climb on them. ‘It’s something that can be used and touched,’ Means said. He points out that the right side of the animal, the ‘romance side,’ is always more jeweled and elaborate because that is the side that faces out. Means started wood carving almost 40 years ago. About three decades ago, he made his first horses”rocking horses for his daughters. Later, ‘Someone gave me a carousel horse to repair,’ he said. ‘But there was no one alive to show me to repair it.’ The self-taught Means found that there was a market for carousel animals. Out of every three figures he carves and sells, Means will keep one for his carousel. ‘My animals go to private collectors,’ said Means, who recently sold one to actor William Shatner. So far, he has kept 38 animals and hopes to have 52 before assembling them on a carousel platform. By some estimation, there were more than 4,000 carousels before the Great Depression. Only 150 exist today. The history of carousels dates back to the 12th century, when Italian and Spanish crusaders watched Arabian and Turkish horsemen participate in a combat preparation exercise on horseback called ‘garosello’ and ‘carosella,’ involving clay balls of scented water thrown between galloping horsemen in a ring. The French adapted the game to include a man riding his horse or chariot full tilt, while trying to spear a small ring hanging from a tree limb or pole. About 300 years ago in France, the carousel evolved into a device that consisted of carved horses, suspended by chains, from arms radiating from a center pole. They were used to train nobles in the art of ring-spearing. The military training device evolved into an amusement diversion that was usually small and light because it was moved by man or mule power. Once steam power became available, the machines became more elaborate. Early carousels did not have the animals anchored to the revolving platform, and, as the ride went around, the animal would fly out because of centrifugal force. American immigrants, led by Gustav Dentzel, crafted beautifully carved animals that now sell for between several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. The carousel’s golden period lasted only about 25 years. In 1927, the Dentzel Carousel Company, then the largest in the world, was auctioned off, and the tradition of lavish carousels came to an end. Means, who drives a school bus during the academic year, offers a once-a-year workshop in July to people who would like to learn to carve carousel figures. ‘I have some people who have waited several years to get in to a class,’ he said. Normally, his class has 14 students, who have come from all over the United States. When students enroll, they tell him what they’d like to carve and he makes the parts of the animal. For the next four weeks, students put in almost 80 hours a week carving and painting Visit www.kenmeanscarousel.com
Dotty Larson’s New Book Tells Her Spiritual Journey
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
When Dotty Larson broke her leg in a skiing accident on the cusp of turning 40 in 1958, she was grounded for eight months. Ironically, the Pacific Palisades resident, who was enjoying a fulfilling life attending to her husband Hav, her four children and her community, found her forced quietude to be an unexpected gift. As the familiar aphorism predicts, life really did begin at 40 for Larson, who used the time recuperating to do some serious thinking about her life. Somewhere in all her busyness, she says today, she never had allowed herself to think about meaning in her life. ‘Everyone’s life journey is really a search for fulfillment and satisfaction,’ Larson writes in her new book ‘Flight 2031: A Journey into Eternity'(Blest Press). ‘I am convinced that everyone is on a spiritual pilgrimage’everyone!’ Larson will speak about her book and the path to her spiritual awakening on Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Now 85, Larson has enjoyed a life deeply engaged in the community for almost 60 years. A valued volunteer, she served as president of the Junior Women’s Club and the Palisades Youth House Board. She founded the Youth House on Via de la Paz, a short-lived precursor to the YMCA, which she also helped to establish in the Palisades. For her work with the Youth House she was named Citizen of the Year for 1959 by the Palisadian-Post. But Larson would certainly claim that her most meaningful endeavor has been her many years involved in Bible study and what she calls ‘spiritual mothering, a sort of modern quilting bee, when women used to sit around and talk to each other and get support.’ Larson has taught an interdenominational Bible study class once a week for over 40 years for thousands of women, now at Trinity Baptist Church in Santa Monica. In her book, Larson structures the lessons she has learned on the Gospel according to John, which is often called the ‘gospel of belief.’ It is the Apostle John’s record of the life and death of Jesus, who Larson writes ‘never traveled more than 80 miles from where he was born and yet has had a profound influence around the world for over 2,000 years.’ For those readers who need to refresh themselves on the gospel, Larson has included the full text in the appendix. She starts each chapter with narrative stories from Jesus’ life, such as his encounter with Nicodemus, washing his disciples’ feet, his lessons to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his death and resurrection. But Larson’s most compelling narrative is her own, which she uses to illustrate each of Jesus’ lessons. For example, in her work on relying on God, trusting in Him, she asks to be ‘delivered.’ Perhaps sensing that this might be a spiritual state that is difficult to describe, she relates her lifelong tendency to be hypersensitive. She was apt to replay conversations in her mind, wondering if she had said the ‘right’ thing, or what that other person meant by ‘that.’ ‘In disgust with my own preoccupation with self, I cried out to God to change me!’ she writes. The lesson came months later. A friend who had invited Larson to a luncheon un-invited her because, she explained, Dotty was a known Bible teacher and might be a detriment at the luncheon, where a featured speaker was a Christian. The friend didn’t want to come on too strong. ‘Of course I said I understood; of course, I insisted I didn’t mind,’ Larson writes. ‘I hung up the phone and sat there for a moment. I realized that I had said all the ‘right ‘ things. Then I realized I hadn’t just said those things’I meant them. I finally realized this was more about God than about me. He had been quietly at work in response to my heartfelt cry, delivering me from my genetic tendency toward hypersensitivity.’ The book, with photographs by Larson’s grandson, Robert, is divided into chapters, each dedicated to one lesson, followed by a prayer, which she encourages readers to recite aloud. ‘In some inexplicable way, saying a prayer out loud to God begins to tune your heart and mind to receive a message from Him.’
