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Petrick, Tracy to Marry May 22

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John Petrick and Sara Tracy at the Oak Room on May 31, where the Lori Petrick Excellence in Education Awards were presented.
John Petrick and Sara Tracy at the Oak Room on May 31, where the Lori Petrick Excellence in Education Awards were presented.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

  John Bennett Petrick, son of Bud and the late Lori Petrick of Pacific Palisades, and Sara Tracy, daughter of Sande and Larry Tracy of Grass Valley, have announced their engagement. The bridegroom-to-be graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor of science in retailing and consumer sciences. He now works as financial advisor/chief executive officer of Perennial Financial Services in West L.A.   Tracy graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor of science in communications, with an emphasis on radio, television and film. Today, she works as an actress.   The couple plan to marry next May 22 at the California Yacht Club. They report that they intend to honeymoon ‘somewhere tropical’ and will reside in Culver City with the aspiration of returning to Pacific Palisades so their kids can attend Palisades Elementary and sit in the Lori Petrick Garden and share the same small-town experiences and memories that John cherishes and remembers so vividly.

One-Man Show on Mark Twainat the Pierson Playhouse

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In 1895, Mark Twain performed in Australia as part of his worldwide tour. From June 22 through 24, he returns to the United States in the form of Chris Wallace, who will present his one-man show, ‘The Mark Twain You Don’t Know,’ at the Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. In his dramatic reading, Wallace includes posthumously published and largely unknown stories, taking on all the various narrative tones of Mark Twain. The stories attack hypocrisy with a blend of skepticism and mockery. ‘Letters From the Earth’ offers an ironic conversation between God and his archangels on the human ‘experiment.’ Wallace’s clear gift for character acting is best displayed when he acts out dialogues from the early parts of ‘Huckleberry Finn.’ The American-born Wallace has lived in Australia since 1994. Before he left Los Angeles, a psychic friend said, ‘I want you to be Mark Twain in Australia.’ Wallace says that he had always had an interest in Twain, so when she said that, it took him aback. ‘Around 2003, I started thinking about what she said and ploughed through some of my Mark Twain books,’ Wallace says. ‘This show is the result.’ Performances on June 22, 23 and 24 begin at 8 p.m. Tickets ($20-$18): call 310-454-1970 or visit the box office between 3:30 and 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” Offers Something for Everyone

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For those suffering withdrawal following the ‘American Idol’ finale, Theatre Palisades offers an antidote: a musical revue, also designed to suit those who never watched ‘Idol,’ preferring their entertainment less manufactured, more real. ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe,’ with music and lyrics by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, opened last Friday at the Pierson Playhouse.   Whatever your take on pop culture and taste in music, you’re likely to find something to enjoy here. The production showcases 37 hits from the ’50s and ’60s originally performed by The Coasters, Elvis Presley, The Drifters, Peggy Lee and other pop, rock ‘n’ roll and R & B artists.   ’Smokey Joe’s’ debuted on Broadway in 1995, garnering seven Tony nominations and winning a Grammy for the cast soundtrack. The playbill notes that the production is ‘an homage to the original Broadway version,’ so some of the credit or blame, for what works or doesn’t, may fall elsewhere.   Filled with standards such as Presley’s ‘Hound Dog,’ The Coasters’ ‘Searchin’,’ and ‘There Goes My Baby,’ recorded by The Drifters, the song list could seem dauntingly long, but the show is generally well paced.   The vocal performances are mixed, but everyone in the nine-member company has at least one song that allows them to grab hold of the audience and not let go.   The two dance captains, Amy Coles and Jacob Nixon, offer the most consistently energetic showmanship. One member of the audience at intermission said Nixon had the ‘loose ankles’ of a ‘real dancer,’ and his abilities are highlighted in a turn as a jangly-limbed drunk for ‘D. W. Washburn’ and in the enthusiastic gospel hallelujah of ‘Saved.’   Other moments fall a bit flat because too much is left on the performer’s shoulders. This is community theatre, without the big budget, eye-catching sets and dazzling gimmickry of Broadway, so the company already has a lot of pressure to capture the modern audience’s short attention span. The quick set changes further limit set and prop choices.   But sometimes a little can go a very long way. Coles does a great job with just a chair, a sparkly black dress, and a hot pink boa about 12 feet long in the winkingly seductive ‘Don Juan’ and ‘Some Cats Know.’   And in ‘Teach Me How To Shimmy,’ a white go-go dress, draped in rows of fringe and animated by Kristin Towers-Rowles as she gives herself over, body and soul, to the shimmy, does not need any help holding the stage. It’s one example of costume designer Ann Somers Major’s ability to outfit the company in strong style through numerous changes.   Some of the songs also stand on their own, riding on the audience’s excitement at hearing the first bars of a beloved oldie. Saturday night’s crowd was swept up more than once, clapping in rhythm and even singing along.   Yet even typical crowd-pleasers can fall short, such as ‘On Broadway.’ It’s a tough melody to begin with, and it’s one of the times when sound is an issue for the show. The band’s volume overwhelms the singers, though the four-man orchestra offers a good performance throughout. And without microphones, only some of the show’s singers do a consistently good job of projecting to the back of the house.   A handful of sets could have benefited from different casting, but when director Lewis Hauser gets it right, he really gets it right. Michelle Tuthill couldn’t have asked for a better chance to break the audience’s heart than with ‘Pearl’s A Singer.’   Hauser and co-director Victoria Miller shouldn’t have felt the need to include all four women in ‘I’m A Woman’ just because of a gender match. Tuthill and Rena Phillips’ life experience and big, belting voices power their contributions. But Coles and Towers-Rowles, great elsewhere, don’t match up here.   Clever choreography by Miller manages to turn some songs into skits, even without a book. Steven Flowers also deserves special mention for his warm and winning singing and dancing. He’s at ease whether leading or backing, and if the company were a sports team, he’d be named best utility player.   Overall, ‘Smokey Joe’s’ is well worth seeing, and youngsters who think ‘It’s not my kind of music’ might be surprised to find themselves clapping their hands along with those recalling the magic of first hearing these songs.   ’Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 19 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Road. Tickets: 310-454-1970.

Volunteers Sought for Happy Trails Camp for Foster Kids

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Already cowboys in 1988, the Abrams and Edmiston kids (left to right) David, Matt, Susan and Charlie, and sitting on the fence, William, Ben and Jon. Photo: Courtesy Pepper Edmiston
Already cowboys in 1988, the Abrams and Edmiston kids (left to right) David, Matt, Susan and Charlie, and sitting on the fence, William, Ben and Jon. Photo: Courtesy Pepper Edmiston

Happy Trails For Kids was established in 1993 by Palisadian Pepper Edmiston to give recreational opportunities to children who have physical or mental disabilities or serious illness. The nonprofit organization was originally inspired by Edmiston’s son, David, who was brain-damaged and epileptic as the result of chemotherapy treatment as a child: he passed away from an aggressive seizure in February. This year, under the leadership of two of Edmiston’s children Jon and Susan Abrams, both graduates of Palisades Charter High School, UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School, a weeklong camp will be added for children who are in foster care. Volunteers are sought for the new camp and are needed for eight days as cabin counselors or as part-time activity specialists. There will be a training program prior to the beginning of camp. UCLA students can earn two units of credit for volunteering the full week. The residential camp program held in Malibu, is cost-free to participants ages 8 to 13, and runs from August 30 through September 6. Activities include riding, hiking, surfing, swimming, a ropes course and campfires. Campers will return home with a photo album, t-shirt, sleeping bag and, most importantly, with memories of the fun and friendship that camp provides. In addition to Jon and Susan’s participation, brothers Matt and Ben Abrams will serve as cabin counselors, William Edmiston will teach music and Charlie Edmiston will shoot photographs. Shannon (Jon’s wife) will act as the camp therapist. In honoring the memory of their big brother, David, the Abrams and Edmistons hope to bring happiness and adventure to campers. Meanwhile, Happy Trails for Kids will continue its work by providing a dude ranch stay for children with disabilities and their families at the Alisal Ranch in Solvang. Also in operation is Happy Trails Farm at Ramirez Canyon Park in Malibu, a day program for students in L.A. City Special Education classes, who visit during the school year. ‘Most of the Happy Trails’ boys and girls come from urban settings, where exposure to the natural world is rare, if not nonexistent,’ Susan Abrams said. ‘All of our programs begin with the inherent calmness, freedom and healing qualities of the great outdoors. There is extensive interaction with animals. Riding a horse for the first time creates an enormous sense of accomplishment for a child, and the chance to help care for farm animals can be both empowering and therapeutic.’ For more infromation, visit www.happytrailsforkids.org or call Susan Abrams at (310) 207-1544.

Serge Lashutka’s ‘Passion of the Glass’

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Glassblower Serge Lashutka at his Pacific Palisades home with samples of his work.
Glassblower Serge Lashutka at his Pacific Palisades home with samples of his work.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

For nearly 30 years, local artisan extraordinaire Serge Lashutka has been mastering the craft of glassblowing, and this Sunday, he will open up his Kagawa Street home for the first time to sell a range of his handcrafted works of art, including bowls, paperweights, tumblers and one-of-a kind objects. ‘Years ago, I told my wife, ‘I have a mistress. Her name is glass,” Lashutka, 62, only half-jokingly told the Palisadian-Post. He and his wife, Pat Heim, have been married since 1983. ??At Lashutka’s sale, visitors will find his Venetian line, traditional glass and murrini cane inspired by the works of Italian masters. They can also examine his Sea Foam work, which he said attempts to capture ‘a foaming, bubbling wave breaking in ocean surf. These are used as a room accent, under-lit, to create a calming glow of light.’ His Red series captures beautiful variations of the color, from crimson to blood orange. And then there is his Palisasdes series, inspired by ‘the changing sky of where I live. Each day, the sky changes and offers a different combination of colors as light bounces off clouds and the Pacific Ocean.’ ‘I like going down to the glider area on the Via bluffs and looking at the sky’the shape of the clouds and the swirls of color,’ continued Lashutka, a Palisades resident since 1982. ‘I love the different combinations, from the sunsets and the ocean. We’re lucky to live here.’ ??The glassblowing craft, he emphasized, requires ‘very physical work and it’s incredibly mental. You have to also stay very loose. It’s kind of a dance. If you reheat it too much, it will be too fluid, it’s not going to work. If you don’t reheat it enough, it’s not going to move. If you have two colors, they’ll take the heat differently. A black will take the heat quicker than the white.’ ??Emotions can dictate the outcome of a glass-blowing session. ??’If you’re not calm, if you’re not focused and not sure of what you’re trying to do, it won’t work well,’ Lashutka said. ‘You’re dealing with the chemistry of glass, the chemistry of colors. When you add color, you add complexity, you add different heating temperatures and so forth.’ He cites his Turbulent Colors collection, which he likens to ‘comfort foods.’ ??He also creates commercial vessels such as drinking glasses and tumblers, ‘another discipline that I like to do. They’re very quick, about 10 to 15 minutes.’ He has given them as gifts to friends over the years, which means that people either expect to receive such Lashutka creations, or if they visit his home for dinner, they might go home with one by evening’s end. ??’I’ve kind of dug that hole myself,’ he said, laughing. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Lashutka is of Russian descent and majored in international studies at UC Berkeley. He lived in Kauai while serving in the Navy, where he worked as an intercultural relations specialist, helping Americans successfully adjust to new cultures (in places such as Vietnam, Japan, Micronesia and Italy) ‘so they could perform their jobs, often as advisors to other country’s navies.’ Following his service, he returned to Berkeley and pursued a master’s degree in business. The Navy experience had prepared him for a post-college career as a consultant specializing in team building and organizational development for such employers as Union Bank, Kaiser Permanente, Unocal and Pacificare. In essence, Lashutka’s attraction to glass began in the early 1970s when friends gave him a gift made of Portugal blue glass. The present from Sandy Wong and her husband, Tony Rose, was essentially a simple decanter, but it got Lashutka wondering how the object was made. So he took an evening class at USC with instructor Don Hartman. Today, YouTube is awash with videos of artisans walking prospective glassblowers through the process, but back in the dark ages, prior to the Internet, ‘it was difficult to find books on how to do the steps,’ Lashutka recalled. ‘I could only find three such books on how to do the process.’ His growing passion led him to Paul Harries’ Inglewood studio, originally founded in 1979 by a potter named Rich Nicholson, where Lashutka still practices his craft. ‘To come in there and to use the studio is quite an honor,’ Lashutka explained. ‘It’s much bigger and better now. There’s a 500-pound glass furnace and it’s very industrial.’ Harries’ hot shop is one of 20 such studios in the greater Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. As a master artisan, Lashutka is constantly updating his skills. It’s this very piecemeal aspect of the journey that he values the most. ‘This process is all about learning and community. You can not be effective by yourself. To put it a different way, just as during centuries before, glassblowing is an art best handed down from generation to generation; a fluid, evolving art shaped by the wisdom of more experienced artisans.’ He mentions his friend Kevin Chong, a San Jose-based glassblower who once made a simple observation that profoundly improved Lashutka’s technique. ‘He noticed that during my process, I stopped abruptly and it threw my piece off center. Working with people like Kevin, I can vicariously learn from his experience and become a better glassblower.’ In addition, Lashutka has taken a class in Pittsburgh with Randy Walker, an assistant to master glassblower Billy Morris, and last summer he traveled to Corning, New York, where Corning Industries subsidizes one of the premier courses of the genre, attracting students from around the world. In Lashutka’s opinion, the American contemporary glass movement, which emerged in the early 1960s, is ‘hands down the most amazing experience. In Europe, it’s been stultified. There’s not much new stuff going on aside from a great mastery of old techniques.’ Making a living as a glassblower is not easy, and, in fact, the now-retired Lashutka said that his years as a corporate consultant has enabled him to keep going. At Sunday’s sale, Lashutka intends to offer something for everyone. His work will range in price from $10 to $300. Tumblers will run between $15 to $22; bud vases will cost $30 to $50; and assorted other vases will be priced from $25 to $300. Developing his craft has made Lashutka in tune with his artistic calling. ‘If we’re out around town and there’s glass in the window, I’ll stop to take a look at it,’ he said. He laughed as he recalled a time when he was in the South of France, picnicking with his wife in the countryside next to a junction where three rivers converged. Slowly, through the aural fog of streaming water, Lashutka’s ears detected something unusual. ‘I heard this sound,’ he said. ‘I turned to my wife and said, ‘There’s a glass studio up there.’ Sure enough, there was a one-man studio, and here’s a guy in the middle of nowhere practicing this 2,000-year-old tradition of glassblowing and he’s keeping it alive.’ And you might say that Lashutka is doing the very same thing here in the Palisades. Serge Lashutka will hold his home sale on Sunday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1024 Kagawa. Contacts: (310) 459-4709 and serge@sergeglass.com. Also visit: sergeglass.com.

Marquez Relatives Restore Historic Family Cemetery

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Assisting in a cleanup of the Marquez family cemetery in Santa Monica Canyon last Saturday were Marquez descendents Ernest Marquez (the family historian, kneeling front), Sharon Reyes-Siebuhr (in shorts), Leo Marquez, Nancy Kelly Marquez, Joseph Peyton, Vince Olivera and Jonathan Olivera.
Assisting in a cleanup of the Marquez family cemetery in Santa Monica Canyon last Saturday were Marquez descendents Ernest Marquez (the family historian, kneeling front), Sharon Reyes-Siebuhr (in shorts), Leo Marquez, Nancy Kelly Marquez, Joseph Peyton, Vince Olivera and Jonathan Olivera.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

One of the most important sites in Santa Monica Canyon is the Marquez family cemetery, located behind a long adobe wall on San Lorenzo Street.   Pascual Marquez, whose family along with the Reyes family owned the original Boca de Santa Monica land grant, established the cemetery in 1840 on a plot of land touching the remains of the old adobe house, where he was born in 1844. Pascual Marquez, who died in 1916, was the last person to be buried on site.   Since the passing of Ysidro Reyes (1911-2007), the eighth generation descendents have been working to preserve their family history.   ’We have become very close in the past year, cleaning the cemetery and having barbecues and lunches together,’ says Ysidro Reyes’ daughter Sharon Reyes-Siebuhr, who lives in Mar Vista and is a member of the Pacific Palisades Historical Society.   In addition, the family has donated money towards restoration of the old wooden statue of San Lorenzo that will be placed back in its proper niche in the cemetery. Relatives are also contributing money for a Mexican wrought-iron gate to be placed at the entrance of the cemetery, in hopes of discouraging vandalism that has recently taken place.   Those who have contributed thus far are Rosemary Miano and her children Vince, Sharon and Fred Kilbride; Terri and Marguerite de la Pena (their grandfather is buried in the cemetery); Leo and Nancy Marquez; Joe Peyton and family; Sharon Reyes-Siebuhr and family; Vince and Fran Olivera and family; and Reese Relfe, a Santa Monica Canyon resident who donated money for restoration of the San Lorenzo statue.   Further donations to the family cemetery may be made at www.lasenor.org.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 11, 2009

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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

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. $4,500/mo. (310) 454-4599

SANTA MONICA CANYON, $2,450/mo. Contemporary/architectural 1+1 house. I block from beach. Open-plan, W/D, stainless appliances, central heat, built-ins, light & airy. Avail June. (310) 230-7737

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

PARK YOUR CAR! 1 bedroom apartment in small complex one or two blocks from everything in Pacific Palisades village. Hike in Temescal Canyon, tennis near library, supermarkets and shops. Quiet pet welcome. Contact Michael, (310) 883-8049

BEAUTIFUL 2 BD + 2 BA * $2,695/mo. Small pet ok with deposit. Quiet building, new carpet, marble floors, crown molding, gas fireplace & appliances. Walk to village and beach. With 1 month free rent. Call (310) 454-2024

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

EXQUISITE OCEAN VIEWS, 2+2. All-new interior. Just steps to bch. 5 min to S.M. All new cabinets, applcs, granite, marble, hdwd flrs. High ceils. W/D in condo. Ocean view patio. Garage. 1,200 sf. Reduced to $2,980. Was $5,500/mo. (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

RECENTLY UPDATED 3 BDRM, 3 BA, HIGHLANDS townhome, 1,750 sq ft, mountain views, W/D, refrigerator, garage, community pool, tennis & gym. $3,300/mo. Susan, (310) 794-2289

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

PAC PAL RENTAL. Lovely furnished room w/ bathroom & mini kitchen, open to garden, sep entry, quiet single, N/S, mature person or student, preferred female. $800. Refs req. Avail 7/1. (310) 459-5261

VERY NICE MASTER BEDROOM & BATH. Private entrance. Includes patio, cable, WiFi, W/D, furnished/unfurnished. $1,000/mo. Lease open. Available now. (310) 454-4318

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

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

PERSONALS 6b

ADULT/PERSONALS. Upscale female companionship for wealthy women. www.vipstraightmaleescort.com

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 * SET-UP, TUTORING, REPAIR, INTERNET. Problem-Free Computing, Guaranteed. Satisfying Clients Since 1992 ‘ If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! COMPUTER WORKS! 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

THE MANNY COMPANY provides highly qualified, educated, male nannies to families. (310) 203-1367 ‘ themannycompany.com

NANNY: EXPERIENCED with newborns, early twins. Good references, drivers license, legal. 20 years experience. Please call Anna, (310) 586-1049

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/BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE, day or night, available Monday-Sunday. Own transportation, excellent references. Call Maria Patricia, (310) 948-9637

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

HOUSEKEEPER/COMPANION or occasional babysitting at night. Local references. Own transportation. Please call Magdalena, (323) 828-5152

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

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER ” Excellent worker. Dependable, trustworthy. Excellent Palisades references. Call Arlina, (323) 229-9327

HOUSEKEEPING’EXPERIENCED 18 YEARS! Good refs. Own transportation. Reliable and trustworthy. Call Esperanza, (310) 806-7791

EXPERIENCED & EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER looking for work. Available Tuesday & Friday. Good refs. Loves pets. Speaks English & drives. Call Mercedes, (323) 640-8087

HOUSECLEANING. AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY for two days a week. Very good references. Own transportation and drivers license. Ask for Marina, (562) 408-2068

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon., Tues., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. Babysitting also. Honest, hardworking. Over 20 yrs experience. Great refs. Call Julia, (310) 828-8842 or leave msg (310) 463-1326

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′ 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

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

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

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

GIRL FRIDAY: HOME Organizer/Personal Assistant. Excellent references, 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Call Michelle, (310) 433-6362

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

PRIVATE DOG WALKER/housesitter, Palisades & Santa Monica. S.M. Canyon resident. Please call or email Sherry, (310) 383-7852, email: Sherry230@verizon.net

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, fascia release, massage aids 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

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

SPANISH TUTOR, CERTIFIED TEACHER for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications, 21 yrs exper. Palisades resident, great references, amazing system, Colombian native speaker. Marietta, (310) 459-8180

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

HOME SCHOOL ‘ TUTOR ‘ LEARNING COACH ‘ Individual Approaches to Learning. Lifetime Credentialed Teacher grades 4-12. NANCY LA ZAR, (310) 699-8957. nancy@hometeach.org

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

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES 15g

SONROCK KIDS CAMP ‘ Ages 3-5 yrs, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., June 15-19. Free or donation. Palisades Lutheran Church. (310) 459-2358. Songs ‘ crafts ‘ snacks!

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

DRAPES/BLINDS 16g

DYER’S DRAPERY DESIGNS. WINDOW COVERING SPECIALIST SINCE 1968. Roman shades, draperies, shutters & blinds. Fine fabrics & decorative rods. 20% off materials & labor. Cecily, (310) 581-8428. Lic. contractor #803565.

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

LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! Painting exterior, interior, baseboard, trim, water damage repair, drywall repair, tile and more. Free estimates. Call Matias, (310) 272-0839

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

ECO FRIENDLY HOUSE PAINTING. Safe & natural paint solutions for your home & family. NO ODOR. NO TOXIC FUMES. THE GREEN HOUSE PAINTERS. (310) 486-2930. Lic. #843099

A PACIFIC PAINTING. Residential, commercial. Interior/exterior. Drywall, plaster, stucco repair, pressure washing. Free estimates. Bonded & insured. Lic. #908913. ‘Since 1979.’ (310) 954-7170

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

WEEKEND CAREGIVER. 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Sunday. Live-in. Contact Helen, (323) 821-7378

CORE MERCHANDISE is in need of employees in these categories: BOOKKEEPER, PAYROLL/PAY RECEIVER. Our salary is attractive plus benefits & takes only little of your time. Requirements: should be computer literate, NO age discrimination, must be efficient & dedicated. For more info, contact Recruit Dept at vintagemerchandise@gmail.com

AUTOS 18b

ESTATE SALE. 1998 Ford Expedition XLT, 2WD, AC, 9,800 actual miles, Ford dealer serviced, 6 CD stereo changer, lighted running board, trailer/tow package, self leveling suspension. Vermont green. $7,000. Clear title. Registered non-op. atmus@sbcglobal.net

FURNITURE 18c

THREE PIECE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, $400. Bellini girl’s bed & upright dresser & hand-painted night stand by Joseph Wahl, $400. All in excellent condition. (310) 230-2018

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

MULTI FAMILY ** Sat., June 13, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 1014 Lachman Lane, Pacific Palisades. LIKE NEW: Jewelry, toys, designer clothes, (girls, boys, womens), household & vintage items, 6-in-1 deluxe game table, youth guitar.

ENTIRE CONDO! Exquisite quality hi-end furn/furnishgs/art/collectibles/jewelry/clothes/hsehold gds. Fri.-Sat., June 12-13; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 17183 Palisades Circle (off Palis. Dr.) Don’t miss! Photos/details: www.bmdawson.com

GARAGE SALE, SUNDAY, 6/14 from 9 a.m.-12 noon. Items include hundreds of books, desk, clothing, electronics and other misc. items. 1324 Bienvenida Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA.

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE! Sunday June 14th, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 604 Swarthmore Ave. Framed posters, furniture, furnishings, toys & more.

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

SALES! SALES!! SALES!!! A local electronics franchise store is having clearance sale on the following items. 1) Apple iPhone 3G, 16GB, black & white (officially unlocked by Apple), $450. 2) 3 YEARS WARRANTY + SAMSUNG UN46B6000, NEW, $750. 3) Sony PlayStation 3, game console, black, 80 GB, mint condition, $350. All electronics comes brand new with manufacturer warrant. To place an order, please email us at dpurdy.lesselectronics@ymail.com

2005 RANGER 521VX Comanche Bass Boat, trailer included. Price 5500 USD. Mercury Optimax 250XS, 21.0 feet. For pictures contact: pkrame2@gmail.com. (615) 692-1756

ORGANIC PHOTO ALBUMS & JOURNAL * Handmade organic eco friendly photo albums, journals & gifts. www.eckoimports.com * (310) 893-4807

BLING! BLING! BLING! BLING! Fine & fun jewelry sale. Bracelets . . . chains . . . earrings . . . pins . . . necklaces . . . watches. Sat. June 13, 2009. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Assistance League’ of Santa Monica Bargain Bazaar Thrift Shop. 1453 15th St., Santa Monica. Free parking!

Bud Petrick Is Parade Marshal

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2009 Parade Marshal Bud Petrick with his son, John.
2009 Parade Marshal Bud Petrick with his son, John.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Bud Petrick, a leader in Pacific Palisades business and civic affairs for decades, has been named parade marshal for this year’s Fourth of July parade, as selected by board members of the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA). Petrick, who is usually out along the parade route as one of the six street-level announcers, will instead ride in a convertible, close behind Grand Marshal Katie Stam, the reigning Miss America. ‘Bud Petrick has been an inspiration to me and everyone who has volunteered with him in any of his many endeavors,’ said PAPA President Rob Weber, who joined the committee in 2003 and is serving his second year as president. ‘He has been a parade volunteer and leader for over 30 years (including three stints as PAPA president) and is a role model for anyone who wants to know how to be a great citizen of this community. This makes him a perfect choice to serve as parade marshal.’ Petrick has been a real estate professional in town for 48 years, starting out in 1961 with the fabled Lelah Pierson agency, and then setting up his own shop in 1985. Today he is affiliated with Perennial Escrow in Pacific Palisades. He has been in the parade since he handed out balloons from a truck for the Pierson office. He was also known for piloting some spectacular floats, many of them homemade, when his children, John and Kimi, were growing up. These included a Volkswagon covered with papier mache to make a ‘Seal of Approval’ and a ‘Whale’ (as in ‘Pacific Palisades’A Whale of a Place to Live’). Another year, he rode in an airplane that circumnavigated a huge globe.   Kimi Petrick, who in recent years had joined her father as a parade announcer, is attending medical school at St. George University in Grenada and cannot attend this year. John Petrick is following in dad’s footsteps as a PAPA and Chamber of Commerce board member. Bud Petrick rode as a parade marshal with his wife, Lori, in 1993. She died of bacterial pneumonia in 2002 and is remembered today by the annual Lori Petrick Excellence in Education Awards, given out by the Palisades Charter Schools Foundation.   ’It is such an honor to know my father will be riding as parade marshal,’ said his son. ‘He has been part of PAPA for over 40 years and it’s truly inspiring to see the love and the respect he receives from the community in return. My parents always had a passion to make this small town a better place. Their commitment has inspired me to carry on their legacy by giving back to the community that has helped mold me into the person I have become today.’

Advocates Rally to Save State Parks

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Ever since Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced plans to close 220 state parks in order to help alleviate the state’s $24.3-billion budget deficit, park advocates have been sending letters, signing petitions and rallying in Sacramento. Schwarzenegger wants to cut $70 million of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s general fund allocation in 2009-10 and another $143 million the following year. In response, the California State Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing state parks, has forwarded more than 100,000 opposition letters from concerned citizens to Sacramento. ‘We have actually had to switch our method of communication,’ said Traci Verardo-Torres, the foundation’s vice president of government affairs. The foundation jammed the governor’s and legislators’ fax machines (actually breaking two) and is now e-mailing the letters. In addition, the foundation brought 110 advocates to the state’s Budget Conference Committee meeting in Sacramento on June 2 to give testimony. Locally, Temescal Canyon Association President Carol Leacock is sending letters to more than 900 residents this week. The letters will contain a petition that they can sign and send to Schwarzenegger. Topanga resident Lucinda Mittleman, who helped lead the Campaign to Save Topanga State Park last year, said the group is writing letters and has taken out its ‘Save State Park’ banners from storage to place around Topanga State Park. ‘It’s important that park supporters act quickly and let the governor and the state legislators know that we want our parks to stay open,’ Mittleman told the Palisadian-Post. The Budget Conference Committee will meet in (Continued on Page 3) the next couple of weeks to decide whether to pursue the governor’s proposal to close parks. After the committee acts, the proposal will either be sent directly to the respective legislative bodies for a vote or will be included in negotiations between the governor and leaders in the senate and assembly. The Legislature plans to pass a budget by the end of June, Verardo-Torres said. Last year, Schwarzenegger proposed closing 48 state parks, including Topanga and Will Rogers State Historic Park, but abandoned that recommendation after advocates rallied across the state. This year’s proposal is much more drastic and calls for closing about 80 percent of the state’s parks, including all those in the Santa Monica Mountains. Nearby parks facing closure include Topanga, Will Rogers, Leo Carillo, Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu Lagoon, and Los Encinos. Verardo-Torres pointed out that state parks generate money from day-use and camping fees, which will be lost if they are closed. ‘The savings will be less than the governor is saying,’ she said, and the closed parks would still require some patrol to prevent illegal activity and vandalism. In addition, the closure will negatively affect the state’s economy because park visitors buy gas, groceries and souvenirs and as a result pay the state’s sales tax, Verardo-Torres said. To keep the parks open, she said the foundation might suggest the government take out a loan or modestly increase day-use and camping fees. Mittleman hopes the concept of the California State Park Access Pass (introduced last year) will be revived. The state would charge a $10 surcharge on vehicle license fees for all noncommercial vehicles in California in exchange for free access into state parks. Right now, users have to pay a day-use fee of $8 to $10 at many parks. The vehicle license surcharge would generate about $282 million in annual revenue for the state park system. If the state closes Will Rogers, the 186-acre property would revert back to the Rogers’ family. Will’s wife, Betty Rogers, deeded the property to the state in 1944 with that stipulation. ‘The last thing we want is closure,’ Will Rogers great-granddaughter Jennifer Rogers Etcheverry told the Post. ‘The family is working with the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation and our intention is to keep the park open as a memorial to my great grandfather.’ The ranch foundation is soliciting more members to help provide funding for the park and will mail its annual renewal membership forms this week. The foundation added a new membership level starting at $20 to make it more feasible for people to participate. The Pacific Palisades Community Council will discuss the proposal to close state parks at its meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. State Parks Foundation is asking that park supporters visit a state park on June 21 to express their support for keeping parks open. They should wear green or bring signs. To join the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, visit www.willrogersranchfoundation.org or call (866) 988-9773. To become involved in the campaign to save the parks, visit the State Parks Foundation’s Web site at www.calparks.org.

Fundraiser for PaliHi’s Pool Honors Gilbert and Mahanian

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Palisades Charter High School honored English teacher Rose Gilbert and alumnus Michelle Mahanian at the first annual Pali Spirit Award dinner on Sunday.
Palisades Charter High School honored English teacher Rose Gilbert and alumnus Michelle Mahanian at the first annual Pali Spirit Award dinner on Sunday.

Palisades Charter High School English teacher Rose Gilbert’s long-standing commitment to education was apparent Sunday as photos of her interacting with students and faculty flashed across a video screen during an awards banquet in her honor. ‘To sit in Rose’s class is to fall in love with literature,’ PaliHi’s Executive Director Amy Dresser-Held told a crowd of Gilbert’s family, friends, colleagues and former students at the Sheraton Delfina hotel in Santa Monica. Even at 90 years old, Gilbert still reports to work every day and teaches a full load of classes. Previously at University High, she has taught at PaliHi since the school opened its doors in 1961. ‘She inspires students to push hard, to dig deeper and really think,’ Dresser-Held said. Gilbert inherited millions from her late husband, Sam, and has since given generously to PaliHi. Most recently, she donated $2 million toward the construction of the Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center, an on-campus pool that will be named after her late daughter. For her devotion to teaching and charitableness, Dresser-Held presented Gilbert with the inaugural Pali Spirit Award, which will be given annually to someone who has made a significant contribution to Palisades High and its community. ‘That was unbelievable, and I’m at a loss for words,’ Gilbert said following Dresser-Held’s speech. ‘Just attending this event is an honor for me.’ Gilbert, whose nickname is ‘Mama G,’ said teaching has brought her tremendous joy. ‘Students have given me a reason to smile and to laugh,’ said Gilbert, who affectionately calls her students ‘bubbalahs,’ a term of endearment in Yiddish. She also selected one of her former students, Michelle Mahanian, to receive the first Gilbert Award, which will be given annually to an alumnus who demonstrates humanitarian values. Mahanian, who majored in neuroscience at UCLA and will graduate summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa this weekend, formed the volunteer organization, Music to Heal, in 2004. Through her organization, more than 100 volunteers play music for chronically ill patients at UCLA Medical Center. Last year, Mahanian received a $10,000 scholarship from the Donald A. Strauss Foundation and the UCLA Medical Center for her philanthropy. Instead of using the money for herself, she decided to purchase musical instruments and install a recording studio at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. ‘As a former bubbalah who was fortunate enough to have been Mama G’s student for two years, there could be no greater honor for me than to receive an award bearing the name of Mrs. Rose Gilbert,’ said Mahanian, who plans to attend medical school at UCLA this fall. ‘I will never forget the first time I peeked through the door of her classroom and caught my first glimpse of Mama G. She stood with a firefighter hat atop her head, lecturing with such an unmistakable passion for teaching that she would periodically exclaim, ‘I’m on fire, buballahs!’ amidst her ardent explanations of ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘The Crucible.” Mahanian and Gilbert also received certificates from City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, who was unable to attend. All proceeds from the dinner will benefit the $4.2-million pool project scheduled for completion next March. Fundraising consultant Jeanne Goldsmith said the school raised more than $10,000 from the dinner and still needs $1.2 million. PaliHi swim coach Maggie Nance thanked the 110 attendees for their contributions. ‘To give our Dolphins [the school’s mascot is a dolphin] a place to swim is immeasurable,’ she said. The boys and girls teams have won a combined 29 city section titles since 1961. In fall 2010, PaliHi will be able to offer aquatics as part of its curriculum and can add sports such as diving and water polo in its 12-lane competitive pool, Nance said.   ’This is the beginning of a new tradition at PaliHi,’ said social studies teacher Chris Lee, who emceed the event and thanked the members of the organizing committee: Nance, Goldsmith, Beverley Auerbach, Debbie Ebert, Terri Hacker, Alicia Silka and Pam Solomon.   PaliHi junior and swim team member Hayley Hacker created the slideshow of Gilbert’s family life and career that was shown during the ceremony.

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