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Owen Signs and Discusses Her ‘Way Back to Eden,’ Sept. 11

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Pacific Palisades author/poet Zo Owen
Pacific Palisades author/poet Zo Owen
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Author Zo Owen notes that the concept of paradise has been with people since the earliest days, and that every religion mentions it. ‘We were thrown out of paradise and we have to find it again,’ says Owen, explaining the title of her book of poems, ‘Finding Our Way Back to Eden.’ She will read from her book on September 11, 7:30 p.m., at Village Books on Swarthmore. ‘Paradise is the home we long for, but we need to know that it has never left us,’ says the 14-year Pacific Palisades resident, who also serves as a spiritual counselor. One of the poems, ‘The Black Queen,’ has become a favorite among the women who have read it. The poem goes, ‘Psyche visited last night. She says the Black Queen would have her due./This is not the loving mother or compassionate friend./ This is the unforgiving warrior who takes no prisoners,/who remembers transgressions and omissions.’ Owen explains that, like most women, she sees herself as a good mother and person. But there is another side, the part of her personality that can be demanding and won’t back down; an asset she considers necessary to grow and survive.   ’If we go for wholeness, we must look at all aspects of a person,’ Owen says, explaining that there is power to owning your dark side and that, on occasion, it is good to know you can call on it’especially when you’re going eyeball-to-eyeball with a nasty person. ‘Our humanity is as blessed as our spirituality,’ Owen adds. Another poem, ‘The Cocktail Party,’ is based on an interaction between a husband and wife that Owen observed. She writes, ‘The shame of it, lay/not in his withholding from her,/small kindnesses and courtesies,/nor in his thinly veiled attacks on/her opinions in the company of others,/no, anger, would have at least been honest.’ Owen thought about the couple, and the poem’s conclusion was based on her insight: ‘The shame lay in his not being courageous/enough to own, he envied her ability to feel.’ Her work has won praise from Louisa Calioco, the director of Poets Piazza, who notes: ‘Owen writes with depth, compassion and patience.’   The mother of three grown children, Owen says her poems reflect her own journey, which began as a registered nurse and medical administrator for Cond’ Nast wellness programs in Manhattan.   Owen, a divorce’ at the time, was sent to a 10-day conference in Arizona. While waiting in the Phoenix airport to fly to Prescott, before driving to the final destination at Pauldin, she met Palisades resident James Owen, a personal injury attorney, who was going to the same conference. They struck up a conversation, which continued on the plane, the car ride and then at the seminars.   It was the start of a year-long courtship between Los Angeles and New York, at the end of which they decided to live in same town in order for their relationship to continue. They decided that it was easier for Owen to relocate. ‘I gave up my job, put my furniture in storage, and left my mom, daughter and granddaughter on the East Coast,’ Owen says. A year later, she married Jim in Kona, on the big island of Hawaii.   After moving to the Palisades, Owen received her master’s degree at the University of Santa Monica, which offers degrees in soul-centered education. She began work as a spiritual counselor.   ’I don’t do [typical] therapy,’ she says. ‘I work with people who have started to look at self-realization, and ordinarily it is not a long period of interaction between us. We talk, look at where the person is at and then the person moves on.’ Owen has noticed that whenever she works with someone, she also finds out something about herself, which brings us back to her poetry. She has written more than 500 poems and, after the first line drops in, she says that something happens. ‘I know it’s an overused expression, that I was born to do something, but that’s how it feels,’ Owen says. ‘When I write, I lose time, I look up and hours are gone. I feel that this has allowed me to know myself.’ The author is already working on another book of poems titled ‘Blessings of an Ordinary Life.’

Judi Johnson, PaliHi Graduate

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A memorial service will be held on September 4 at 11:30 a.m. for Judith Simili (Judi Johnson) who grew up in Pacific Palisades and was a 1974 graduate of Palisades High School. The service will be held in Thousand Oaks at the Saint Paschal Baylon Catholic Church located at 155 E. Janss Rd.

Dolphins Put It All on Line

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New varsity defensive coordinator Perry Jones shouts instructions to Palisades High linemen at practice last week.
New varsity defensive coordinator Perry Jones shouts instructions to Palisades High linemen at practice last week.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The challenge facing Palisades High Head Coach Kelly Loftus this season is how to replace a 2,000-yard passer and a 1,000-yard rusher. Quarterback Conner Preston unexpectedly transferred to Gardena Serra in the spring and top running back Khalid Stevens graduated. Stepping in to start at those positions will be Preon Morgan and Malcolm Creer. Morgan can throw a spiral 65 yards, however his biggest asset is his mobility, which he will need in the Dolphins’ option offense. Creer leads a talented but inexperienced stable of backs that includes Sam Robertson and Joe Brandon. “It’s all about the line of scrimmage,” said Loftus, who celebrated his 52nd birthday on Saturday. “We only have a handful of varsity starters returning so some guys are going to play both offense and defense. I think our defense will be better but they’re going to have to work as a unit. On offense we’ll go with a spread formation, establish the run and see if we can break some long pass plays.” Morgan, Creer and Brandon return along with kicker/punter Alex Anastasi, receiver Eddie Tiburcio linemen Juan Climaco, Devyn Reyes William Goldberg and Chris Walker, receiver/defensive back Lawrence Villasenor, fullback/defensive end Bladimir Martinez and linebacker Casey Jordan. Moving up from JV are receivers Kevin Mann and Ben Ingram, younger brother of former Pali receiver Gerald Ingram. Backing up Morgan at quarterback will be Brandon Sanett, a junior transfer from Verdugo Hills. “I played receiver a lot last year so I know exactly where I need to throw it,” Morgan said. “I like being out there every chance I get and I’ll do whatever the specific situation calls for.” Despite the graduation of receivers Loren Artis, Tanqueray Towns and Joe Hyman and the transfer of tight end Deandre Nelson and receiver Tyquion Ballard, Palisades hopes to rebound from a disappointing finish in 2008 when they wound up 5-5 and missed the playoffs. “I think we’re gong to be very well balanced on offense,” Morgan said. “I can throw it short, curls and drags, or long with streaks and posts. And if the pocket breaks down I’m not afraid to take off and run. However, I’ll always look to pass first.” Special teams could be one of Palisades’ strongpoints–particularly placekicking. Loftus said Anastasi has been booting 35-yard field goals consistently in practice and his kickoffs carry between the 10- and 5-yard lines. Not only will the Dolphins look different on the field, but also on the sidelines. Kris Hawkes will take over as offensive coordinator. New P.E. teacher Perry Jones is the defensive coordinator; Jamal and Chris Rhodes will handle the offensive line and former UCLA player Kyle Morgan will coach the defensive line. Ray Marsden, head of PaliHi’s softball program, will coach the junior varsity along with Rocky Montz and Bill Jacobson. “I’ve been working on my quickness and I think that’s going to pay off once the season starts,” said Creer, who will play defensive back and safety on defense. “I learned a lot from Khalid [Stevens] last year. He taught me how to get ready, how to focus before a game and how to be mentally tough.” Palisades’ success this year might come down to whether or not the Dolphins can stay healthy. Only 75-80 players (combined JV and varsity) are in the program and the varsity team is wafer thin at several key positions. “We should be fine as long as we don’t have any season-ending injuries to our starters,” varsity assistant coach Al Heath said. “Last time I checked, MaxPreps (a national online ranking service) had us rated eighth in Division II. If we play well and keep everyone on the field I think we can end up higher but that should get us in the playoffs.” Jordan, who switches to linebacker after playing on the defensive line last year, is looking forward to wreaking havoc in opposing backfields this fall. Despite its youth he said the defense will not take a conservative approach: “I think our strength is our line and we’re going to hit hard and get after the quarterback.” How good can the Dolphins be? “As good as we want to be,” said Jordan, a 6-3, 210-lb. senior. “You get out what you put in and we’ve been putting in a lot. If we want to win bad enough, we can do it.” Echoing that sentiment was Climaco (5-11, 210), who also played defensive line last year but will switch to offensive guard and defensive end. He is one of the “Three Amigos,” along with Reyes (5-10, 260) at center and Goldberg (6-4, 270) at tackle. “We have low in numbers and player for player we maybe not as talented as last year but we are like a family and if we play together, the sky’s the limit with this team,” Climaco said. “Coach Rhodes is very technical and has helped improve our footwork and stance. I’m sick of hitting people in blue. I’ve been doing it for almost a month now. It makes my mouth water knowing we’re going to line up against different colored jerseys.” The season kicks off next Friday night at Hollywood High but the Dolphins have a dress rehearsal at 3 p.m. Friday in the form of a 30-play scrimmage at Washington High. The schools played a practice game last year too and tied 21-21. Hawkes said players have to compete for their jobs every day in practice and is looking forward to seeing how his offense performs in a game situation: “If teams stack the box on us we’re not afraid to put it in the air. We have a couple of key guys in skill positions who are good in space so we’ll try to get them the ball as much as we can.” Unlike last year when Loftus put his team in Division I, he opted for the City Section’s Division II playoffs this time, meaning that if the Dolphins duplicate last season’s record they will likely earn their first postseason berth in three years. “I just want us to make the playoffs,” Loftus said. “Playing in the lower division gives us a very realistic chance. Put it this way, I’ll be disappointed if we don’t.” Palisades’ schedule is not easy, but what figure to be the three toughest Western League games (against Venice, Westchester and Hamilton) are all at home. “Last year at this time we were still shuffling coaches around so I think we’ll be better prepared in terms of our gameplan,” Loftus said. “We’ve been conditioning these kids since day one so they should be in great shape and they’re going to have to be. The key will be to keep things simple. Thirty or 40 plays and make sure we execute each of them well.” 2009 PALIHI FOOTBALL SCHEDULE September 11 JV @ Hollywood, 4 p.m. V @ Hollywood, 7 p.m. September 17 JV @ Santa Monica, 3 p.m. September 18 V @ Santa Monica, 7 p.m. (at Santa Monica College) September 25 JV vs. Lynwood, 4 p.m. V vs. Lynwood, 7 p.m. October 2 JV @ Granada Hills, 4 p.m. V @ Granada Hills, 7 p.m. October 9 JV @ Franklin, 4 p.m. V @ Franklin, 7 p.m. October 16 JV vs. Westchester, 4 p.m. V vs. Westchester, 7 p.m. October 23 JV vs. Venice, 4 p.m. V vs. Venice, 7 p.m. October 29 JV @ University, 3 p.m. October 30 V @ University, 3 p.m. November 6 JV vs. Hamilton, 4 p.m. V vs. Hamilton, 7 p.m. November 13 JV @ Fairfax, 4 p.m. V @ Fairfax, 7 p.m.

Howard Heading PaliHi Athletics

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Russ Howard will have to juggle many different sports as the new assistant principal in charge of athletics at Palisades High.
Russ Howard will have to juggle many different sports as the new assistant principal in charge of athletics at Palisades High.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

It’s hard to imagine anyone more qualified to oversee Palisades High’s athletic program than Russ Howard, who has contributed more than his share of successes to the school’s proud sports tradition over the years. On July 1, Howard took over as assistant principal in charge of athletics and will work in tandem with new athletic director David Keese (who replaces Rich McKeon) to keep the Dolphins’ programs as strong as they were when the school opened in 1961. “I’ll handle the administrative side of things–the finances, the policy and the personnel–and David will handle the paperwork, scheduling and transportation aspects,” Howard said. “It’s a perfect match.” Howard started at Palisades in 1986, coaching what was then called the “Bee” football team, and was the baseball coach for 17 seasons before stepping down after leading the Dolphins to the City Invitational title at Dodger Stadium in 2003. He then moved into administration, taking over as Dean of Students that September, a position he held through the 2008-09 school year. He will also oversee the P.E. Department and Student Activities. “Whether you’re a teacher, an administrator or a coach, to be successful you have to be a good communicator and that’s not going change with this position,” Howard said. “Whenever I’m handling an issue that comes up one thing I try to do is put myself in the other persons’ shoes. That way, people will respect my decisions even if they don’t always agree with them.” Keese, now beginning his second stint as A.D., is equally satisfied with the new arrangement, which allows him more time to focus on the “details” associated with being the athletic director. “If I had to describe it, I guess you could say Russ is the ‘people’ side of the job and I’m the ‘places’ and ‘things’ side of it,’ said Keese, who served as A.D. from August 2006 through May 2007 before stepping down to be a part-time gym and field supervisor. “I’ll be at the games and in the [athletics] office like I was before, I just won’t be directly involved in hiring coaches or talking to parents.” Howard not only supports athletics, he has the knowledge that comes with having coached high school sports. One of his primary goals is to maintain Palisades’ high level of excellence. “Stability with coaches is really important to build a strong program,” Howard said. “For the most part, we’re already there with a lot of our teams.” Though he has many fond memories from his coaching days, one that stands out in his mind was a 4-3 upset of No. 2-seeded Narbonne in the City’s upper division playoffs. He said he still gets the urge to return to coaching every once in awhile but is content being in administration. “I’ve moved on (from coaching) but yes, I do miss it,” he said.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 27, 2009

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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

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

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

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

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

2 BD, 1.5 BA, FIREPLACE, hardwood floors, appliances, gardener. Walk to schools, village, bluffs. No pets. $3,600/mo. Leave message. (310) 454-0054

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

IMMACULATE HOME FOR LEASE 2 BDR + Den. 1.5 Bath. Near village. 1700 Monument St. (310) 454-7826

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

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

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

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

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

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

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

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

LIVE IN BEAUTIFUL RUSTIC CANYON. Two rooms, bath, quiet, woodsy setting. Nice. $1,500/mo. Call (310) 454-6781

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

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

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

VERY NICE MASTER BEDROOM & BATH. Private entrance. Includes patio, cable, WiFi, W/D, furnished/unfurnished. $950/mo. Lease open. Available Sept. 10th. (310) 454-4318

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

WANTED TO RENT 3b

SEEKING RIVIERA GUESTHOUSE. Elegant, single, quiet woman. N/P. Seeking close proximity to Will Rogers State Park for walking. (512) 473-8575

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PALISADES OFFICE & RETAIL 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. 700 sf retail suite. Amazing views of the Santa Monica mountains, private balconies and restrooms. Building amenities include high speed T1 internet access, elevator and secured, underground parking. CALL BRETT AT (310) 591-8789 or email brett@hp-cap.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

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

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

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

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

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

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

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f

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

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

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

SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7l

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

MESSENGER/COURIER SERVICES 7n

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

DAYCARE CENTER 8

PALISADES LEARN & PLAY. Creative & nurturing, Pre-K program. Art, educational themes & socialization. Healthy meals provided. Now registering for fall. 18 yrs in Palisades. (310) 459-0920

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. Babysitting also. Honest, hardworking. Over 20 years experience. Great refs. Call Julia, (310) 828-8842 or leave msg, (310) 463-2532

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with flexible days and hours. Own transportation. Speaks English. Good references. Call Reyna, (323) 821-6473

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

PALISADES HOUSEKEEPER, 15 yrs experience. Excellent references, honest, dependable. Legal resident. Child & pet care. Available Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Carmen, (323) 460-6473, (213) 618-9671

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

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

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

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

NEED LIVE-IN ASSISTANCE for your senior mom/ dad? PCHS educator (5 yrs.), great local references, well-travelled, intelligent, single female, strong, loving & kind. Reading, walking, excursions, physical therapy, cooking, light cleaning, etc. Services in exchange for residing locally. M. Murray, (310) 998-7591

NURSING CARE 10b

CAREGIVER/MAID. Young, energetic, experienced nurse. Great references. Have car. Zula, (323) 812-3155

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING 11

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

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

WINDOW WASHING 13h

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

CATERING 14

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

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

PERSONAL/HOME ASSISTANT, PALISADES RESIDENT. Valid dvr lic., insured. Run errands, driving, bill paying, organizing, scheduling, baby sitting, shopping. EXPERIENCED, REFS. (310) 459-5529

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

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

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

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

TUTORS 15e

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

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

CONSTRUCTION 16d

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

ELECTRICAL 16h

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

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

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

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

FENCES, DECKS 16j

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

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

FINISH CARPENTRY 16k

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

FLOOR CARE 16m

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

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

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

HANDYMAN 16o

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

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

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

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

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p

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

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r

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

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

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

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

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

PLUMBING 16t

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

REMODELING 16v

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

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

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) 774-9159

HELP WANTED 17

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

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

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER WANTED. Located in the Palisades. Would like to find someone to be apart of our family. Needs to have a good attitude, friendly and helpful. Must be able to help with the children and be flexible with duties. Mom and Dad just need an extra set of hands. Must have references. (310) 230-6722

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

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

MONSTER SALE! 50 YR. ACCUMULATION! Furniture, vintage rattan, antiques, kitch/hsehold goods, appliances. Crystal, designer serveware, collectibles. Home & Holiday decor. Costume jewelry, clothing 6-3x new/used, accessories. FAB MISC. ITEMS. Sat.-Sun., Aug. 29-30, 8 a.m.-? 710 Hartzell P.P. (at Sunset).

MOVING!! ALL MUST GO! Furniture, art, clothes, knick-knacks . . . Highlands. Call/email for appointment. Sat. or Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (310) 230-2940 ‘ zooey198@yahoo.com

GARAGE SALE. 16752 Bollinger. 8 a.m.-3 p.m., August 29-30. Furniture, office supplies, electronics and more!

Thursday, August 27 – Thursday, September 3

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy’s weekly Family Fun Campfire Night, featuring nature tales, campfire songs, games and, of course, marshmallows, 7 p.m. in Temescal Gateway Park. Parking is $7, but the campfire is free. Greg Treverton, director The Rand Corporation’s Center for Global Risk and Security, discusses and signs ‘Intelligence in an Age of Terror’ (Cambridge University Press), 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Treverton’s book emphasizes how much the analysis of terror has changed in the last two decades. His previous books include ‘Reshaping National Intelligence for an Age of Information’ (2001) and ‘New Challenges, New Tools for Defense Decisionmaking’ (2003).

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

Fun Family Friday Nights, a summer series hosted by the Palisades-Malibu YMCA, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Simon Meadow in Temescal Gateway Park. This week’s theme is Wacky World of Sports. Fiesta Feast will be selling dinners, but picnics are welcome. Admission is free; parking in the adjacent lot is $7.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

Every Saturday, retired Crossroads librarian Linda Friedman answers questions and make book recommendations for children up to fifth grade, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. The 2009 Movies in the Park series concludes with Disney/Pixar’s animated ‘Cars,’ 7:30 p.m. on the Field of Dreams at the Palisades Recreation Center. Free admission.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

A reception for Pacific Palisades artist Daisy Crane’s exhibit of paintings will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. (See story, page 12.)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

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

Monday PCH Closure Snarls Traffic in Village

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Bumper-to-bumper traffic made travel in Pacific Palisades nearly impossible for six hours while repairs were made on fallen power lines on PCH.
Bumper-to-bumper traffic made travel in Pacific Palisades nearly impossible for six hours while repairs were made on fallen power lines on PCH.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Power and telephone lines fell across Pacific Coast Highway near the south exit of the Will Rogers State Beach parking lot on Monday morning, causing a massive traffic jam for miles in both directions. Traffic slowed to a crawl throughout Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica Canyon and into Brentwood as motorists sought alternative routes. Various Internet blogs reported that the 8 a.m. closure was due to a fallen tree, but that was only part of the story. Below the Huntington Palisades in the hillside burn area where a fire occurred last October, a tree fell next to a utility pole hitting a single wire and causing it to sag. At that location, power and telephone poles on the beach side of PCH transfer to the bluffs side, which means there are numerous wires located directly above the highway. Jared Dichter, a senior at Palisades High, who was going to school to adjust his schedule, described what happened next: ‘A white truck with a ladder that was placed vertically atop the truck was just ahead of me. The ladder caught the sagging wire, which pulled down a limb of a fallen tree, causing two wires to fall just above the roadway [in the northbound middle and slow lane].’ ‘It scared me at first,’ Dichter told the Palisadian-Post, but then he noticed he could squeeze his car under the wires in the northbound fast lane, which he did. At that point southbound lanes on PCH were still accessible. In his rearview mirror, Dichter saw a bus attempt a similar maneuver. ‘The bus caught additional wires, which brought down the power pole, the remaining wires and the tree,’ Dichter said. The result was live wires stretched across the entire six lanes of the highway. Fortunately, nobody was injured. After going to school to unsuccessfully change his schedule, Dichter returned to the parking lot and gave a statement to police. When the electric wires initially went down, it sent a power surge back towards Chautauqua, knocking a wire down there. Originally, traffic was closed at West Channel Road while the first emergency electrical repairs took place at Chautauqua. ‘There was a live wire in the street, and people were driving over it,’ said LAPD Officer Harper, who along with his partner Officer Rivera tried to redirect people at that location immediately after the wires fell. An emergency Department of Water and Power patrolman, who came to survey the scene at the burn location on PCH shortly after 10 a.m., explained to the two officers (who had moved to this second location) that the power shut off at Chautauqua after the initial power surge. That gave relief to Harper and Rivera, who had experienced trouble with motorists who didn’t want to alter their driving route. Firefighters from Station 69 chopped and cleared the tree from the highway. The DWP patrolman, who did not wish to give his name, explained the repair. ‘We have to stand up the broken pole, then tie the wires up [electrical and phone] and get them off the highway, and that’s just the temporary part. At a later date, a more permanent fix will have to be done.’ More than 1,200 people were without electricity and telephone service, and Palisades residents became prisoners in their homes as the bumper-to-bumper traffic on Sunset Boulevard made driving to and from the Village nearly impossible and, at times, dangerous. At the intersection of Bowdoin Drive and Temescal Canyon Road, cars turned right off Temescal and traveled up the one-way street, hoping to find a shortcut through the Village. This caused near collisions as unsuspecting motorists turned from Radcliffe Avenue onto Bowdoin. Several residents and the Palisadian-Post called the Department of Transportation to inquire if an officer could be sent to direct traffic at that location ‘I’m tired of you calling here,’ the city employee told the Post, and then found out it was the town’s local newspaper making the call. (The Post called DOT because in previous stories, one of the justifications for having so many parking enforcement officers in this area was they were often needed for traffic control on PCH and Sunset.) When queried about sending an officer to direct traffic, the employee responded, ‘We don’t do that, we only give out tickets.’ Nasreen Babu-Khan, owner of Palisades Dermatology, typified the dilemma facing businesses in town as she began receiving calls from patients telling her that they were stuck in traffic and wouldn’t make their appointments. ‘I told them to come whenever they could,’ Babu-Khan said. George Wolfberg, president of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association told the Post that he has long urged city officials to place the PCH lines underground, but was told it was too expensive. He has met with Councilman Bill Rosendahl and asked him to press DWP to make a change, especially since PCH is a scenic highway. ‘If the utility wires were underground, this obviously would not have happened,’ Wolfberg said Monday. PCH was reopened to traffic shortly after 2 p.m.

Luke Schneider Donates His Lemonade Stand Proceeds

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Luke Schneider, 7, presents Friends of the Palisades Library treasurer Renee Klein a check for $103, which he earned at his July 4 lemonade stand.
Luke Schneider, 7, presents Friends of the Palisades Library treasurer Renee Klein a check for $103, which he earned at his July 4 lemonade stand.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Luke Schneider, 7, has donated $103 to Friends of the Palisades Library, representing the proceeds from his Fourth of July lemonade stand, located half a block from the parade route. Large glasses of lemonade sold for a dollar, but every customer also received a Fourth of July pinwheel and a Tootsie Roll. Chocolate-chip cookies were also available, at three for a dollar. In addition, Schneider received tips from several customers. ‘As in prior years, he gives half of his proceeds to the library and puts the other half in his savings account,’ said Laura Schneider, Luke’s mother. ‘My husband and I matched his donation so the library got the full $103.’ This is the fourth year the Palisades Elementary second grader has had a lemonade stand. The first two years, he split the money between Fire Station 69 and Friends of the Library; the past two years his earnings have gone solely to the library. ‘A few years ago, we talked as a family about giving,’ Laura said, explaining how her son came up with the idea. According to Laura, her son has loved books from a young age and the family goes to the library at least once a week. Currently, Schneider is reading the third book of the ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ series by Lemony’Snicket, but he also enjoys ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ collections by Bill Watterson. ‘We’re so glad he’s willing to support the Friends of the Library and all of the important work that this organization does for Pacific Palisades,’ said Tim, Luke’s father. Schneider has a two-year-old brother, Jack, who slept during his parade business endeavors. Laura predicts Jack will be lots of ‘help’ when his older brother opens his stand next year. Said Friends of the Library member Wendy Edlen, ‘The children’s librarian’will be purchasing books and our Palisades Library Association will place bookplates in them to thank Luke for his generous contribution.’

Elizabeth Tito Named President of the Associates of Caltech

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Pacific Palisades resident Elizabeth Tito
Pacific Palisades resident Elizabeth Tito

Start-up company investor and former financial economist Elizabeth Tito will take the helm of the Associates of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) this October. The Pacific Palisades resident will direct programs and activities to ensure that the 83-year-old organization continues to fulfill its founders goals of supporting Caltech as a world leader in science and engineering. Tito is an active member of Tech Coast Angels (TCA), Southern California’s largest network of angel investors, who invest in early-stage technology and life-science companies. Born in Russia, Tito started her education in physics and later transitioned to economics. She holds graduate degrees in physics and economics from Moscow State University, UCLA and Stanford, and has published numerous academic articles. Prior to becoming an angel investor, Tito was a principal with CRA International, a Boston-based company that offers economic, finance and business consulting services to corporate clients, law firms and governments worldwide, where she specialized in business valuations and complex financial litigation. Her husband, Dennis, is founder, CEO and chairman of Wilshire Associates, Inc., in Santa Monica. The Titos joined the Caltech Associates in 2004. Mrs. Tito has been on the organization’s board since 2005, serving on various committees and chairing the membership committee. She succeeds technology entrepreneur and Trilience Research chairman Fred Blum as president. The 1,460 couples and individuals who hold memberships in the Associates come together for programs and tours on the Caltech campus, as well as in Los Angeles, New York and the Bay Area, and learn about recent advances at Caltech directly from leading researchers. Some also participate in international and domestic travel led by Caltech faculty. The group, composed of entrepreneurs, community leaders, philanthropists, friends of science, alumni and faculty, supports Caltech by generating word of mouth about Caltech discoveries and technologies and through membership contributions and gifts to specific projects of interest. Members have contributed funds for more than 37 campus buildings and 52 endowed professorships and have given millions for fellowships and scholarships.

Chiropractor Watson Opens a New Clinic

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Chiropractor Shannon Watson treats a patient.
Chiropractor Shannon Watson treats a patient.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Chiropractor Shannon Watson’s enthusiasm for his subject is infectious as he visits with a reporter in the office he opened in the 901 Via de la Paz medical building in late July. ‘Chiropractics is life and everyone can benefit,’ says Watson, who grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. ‘Your nervous system can’t fully explore and your brain can’t fully communicate with every organ, tissue, gland and cell of your body if the vertebrae are out of position, which means you’re living less than 100 percent of your potential, whether that’s physically, professionally or creatively.’ Although he has been an actor and model for most of his adult career, Watson remembers that someone asked him in high school what he was going to be and he responded: ‘a chiropractor.’ Ironically, at that time he didn’t even know a chiropractor, and had never been to one. Watson first attended the University of Wisconsin/Washington County, where he played on the soccer and tennis teams. After his sophomore year, he was approached by several commercial and modeling agencies and started a career in commercials, television and movies, moving back and forth among New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Trekkies may remember him as the television actor who portrayed the Vulcan Cadet in the ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ episode ‘Valiant.’ He also had small roles in ‘The Break-Up,’ ‘Kissing a Fool’ and ‘Men in Black 2.’ With his Hollywood good looks, it would be easy to imagine him in a soap opera, but Watson says: ‘I still love to do it, but I feel that being a chiropractor is something I was meant to do. It is my focus; show business is a hobby.’ Watson, now 34, graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 2004 with a degree in kinesiology and exercise science, aiming to possibly become a chiropractor. When he attended a Palmer College of Chiropractics homecoming in 2004, which included classes and special speakers, he knew this was where he was supposed to be. He applied to the school in Davenport, Iowa, and graduated in 2008. Watson has been a member of the Screen Actors Guild since 1995 and still auditions, but his priority is his new practice, where he wants to educate others about chiropractic’s far-reaching and wide benefits. According to Watson, chiropractors can help with complaints such as allergies, anxiety asthma, depression, fatigue, infertility and insomnia. ‘I make genteel adjustments from a place of ease, honoring where a patient is at,’ he says. ‘By clearing the neurology, it helps the body to heal.’ During his training at Palmer, Watson was selected to learn a special technique that involves the top two neck bones. He said he subsequently worked with a boy who had attention deficit disorder and, by Watson manipulating those bones, ‘he immediately calmed down and started talking about dinosaurs.’ On one of his stays in Los Angeles, Watson drove down Sunset Boulevard and when he reached Pacific Palisades he was charmed by the small-town feel and remembers thinking: ‘I want to live here, have a family here and work here.’ Watson, who is single, loved growing up in a place where everyone knew everyone. His office suite has been repainted with deep blue hues, and new flooring and a waterfall fountain cascading in the corner of the office gives patients a feel of serenity. A well-placed window shade allows a view of the Santa Monica Mountains without the distraction of the parking lot directly below the window. ‘This is my calling,’ he says, as he looks around his office. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Watson is in the office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, he leaves the schedule up to his clients, which allows customers to make last-minute appointments, and allows him to visit homes, businesses and TV and film sets to do adjustments. Phone: (310) 774-6772.

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