Depth is what won the Palisades High girls’ swim team its third consecutive City title last season and the Dolphins were hoping to rely on that strength again Wednesday in the finals meet at John C. Argue Swim Stadium in Los Angeles (results undetermined at press time). For a change the Dolphins were not the favorites coming out of last week’s preliminaries. That distinction went to Cleveland. Still, Palisades Coach Maggie Nance was proud of her team, regardless of the outcome yesterday. “It’s been a good season,” Nance said. “I have one of the best groups of kids I have ever coached. They are responsible and sportsmanlike. They have excellent grades and are great kids all around. We had a lot of new boys come out for the team and that made a big difference in their win/loss record. They swam much better. My girls once again have been undefeated so far.” Palisades’ 400 freestyle and 200 medley relay teams both finished second to Cleveland in prelims. Nance pointed out that the Dolphins won the championship last year without winning a single individual event. The boys’ 400 freestyle relay qualified for finals with a sixth-place swim. “As for City, I am expecting the boys to go somewhere from third to fifth, which is a big improvement over last year,” Nance predicted. “And the girls have an uphill battle to win the championship. It is possible, but they have to swim their best and have a perfect meet. It should be a lot of fun to see how it turns out!”
Rivera Shines at Quiksilver
The Quiksilver/Roxy National Junior Open was held in Palm Springs over Memorial Day weekend and the Palisades Tennis Center entered a record 25 kids in various age groups. Collectively, PTC players won more than 60 matches. Palisades High senior Justin Atlan upset the No. 3 seed in straight sets in the Boys 18s, but the highlight of the tournament had to be Cristobal Rivera. The 14-year-old played ‘up’ in the 16s and knocked off the No. 5 and No. 13 seeds without dropping a set. He finally lost to No. 2-seeded Andrew Korinek of Texas, who went on to win the title. Rivera has trained regularly at the PTC for five years and has been hitting recently with Wimbledon semifinalist Alexandra Stevenson, who has played in the PTC’s Saturday morning workouts. Blake Anthony pulled off a major upset in the Boys 14s, beating the No. 3 seed Yannik Mahlangu of Las Vegas. Mahlangu is ranked No. 73 in the nation but Anthony continued his run by beating two more top players in straight sets. Robbie Bellamy breezed through the first two rounds, setting up a match against No. 2-seeded Jacob Hedering of Phoenix. Bellamy won the first set in a tiebreaker and led 5-3 in the third-set tiebreaker before falling. On the girls side, PTC trainees Sophie Bendetti and Chloe Wright played their best tennis yet. Wright trounced Anna Mogilny of Bal Harbour, Florida 6-0, 6-1, before losing 11-9 in a third set tiebreaker to Bettina Olah of San Marcos. Bendetti played the No. 9 seed Josie Legarza of Las Vegas and lost 12-10 in a third-set tiebreaker.
Jacobson Makes Golf Regionals
Bo Jacobson shot a final round 76 to finish in a four-way tie for eighth place at the City Section Golf Championships last Wednesday at Griffith Park. With a two-day total of 150 the Palisades High senior qualified for the Southern California Regionals to be held June 3 at the Southern California Golf Association Course in Murrieta. Jacobson was in fifth position after firing a two-over par 74 in last Monday’s first round. This year, both rounds were played on the shorter Harding Gold Course (instead of one each on Harding and Wilson) and that was reflected in lower scores. Daniel Slovis, a junior from El Camino Real, birdied the third playoff hole to win the individual title over first round leader Brennan Amirkhizi of Taft after both players finished with a two-day total of 143. The top two teams and top 12 individuals advance to the regional tournament. The last Palisades player to win the City title was Ed Turner in 1999. Palisades Coach James Paleno offered some historical perspective in the clubhouse: ‘When Ed won he shot 153. This year, that score won’t even qualify for the regionals. It just goes to show how much City golf has improved the last 10 years.’ The numbers bear Paleno out. Over one quarter of the field (23 players) shot better than 153 this spring. The cut was 7-over-par 151. Venice won the team title with an aggregate score of 745, with Granada Hills shooting 764 to nab the second regional berth. Palisades was in eighth place going into the final round and was unable to make up any ground, despite improving by nine strokes. After shooting 420 in the first round the Dolphins shot 411 in the second for a total of 831, nine strokes behind seventh-place Taft. Senior Sheldon Roberts was Palisades’ second-best golfer. Like Jacobsen, he shot a final round 76 for a two-day total of 154, tied with JustiN Nakagiri of Venice. Senior Chris Lee, who finished 10th overall and qualified for regionals last year, was the Dolphins’ third man in at 168 and junior Devon Edwards was right behind at 169. Sophomore Jared Rosen shot 190 and freshman teammate Sam Jacoby improved by nine strokes in the final round to finish at 199. Palisades won its last City team championship in 2005.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 21, 2009
Our offices will be closed MONDAY, MAY 25, for the Memorial Day Holiday. The classified deadline will be THURSDAY, MAY 21, 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 $14,000/mo. Contact Dolly Neimann, (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
$4,950/MO. UPDATED 4 BD, 2 BA RANCH TRADITIONAL. Open LR/DR, w/ peekaboo ocean view. Kit/FR w/ direct access to pvt brick patio, 2 car gar, sec. sys. AC. Call Katy Kreitler, (310) 230-3708
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
LARGE GUESTHOUSE. $2,000/mo. One+one, village, bluffs, new kitchen, bath, carpet. Private yard, includes utilities. Parking, large LR, fireplace, new appliances. (310) 586-1946
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
TOPANGA VIEW HOME overlooking park on 1/2 acre, 3 bd, 2 ba, lg windows, high ceilings, fireplace, entertaining deck, A/C, $3,500/mo. Additional studio available. (310) 455-2871
FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b
LOVELY 3 BDRM, 3 BA apartment at Edgewater Towers, across from beach, ocean view. $6,000/mo. Call or e-mail for pictures, (310) 887-1333, s@90210law.com
UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
RARE, CHARMING FIND in lovely neighborhood. Large, upper unit, 2 bd + bonus room, 1 ba. Plantation shutters, fireplace, ceiling fan, balcony, garden, garage, light & airy. 1 yr lease. Cooperates w/ brokers. N/P, N/S. $3,500/mo. (310) 804-3142
PALISADES 1 BEDROOM apt, remodeled, upper, carpet, gas stove, refrigerator, one year lease, covered parking, storage, laundry, Non-smoker. No pets. MUST SEE. $1,345/mo. (310) 477-6767
STUDIO KITCHENETTE, FULL BATH, private entrance, private home. Walk to village. $850/mo. plus utilities. (310) 454-3883
BRENTWOOD ‘COUNTRY CLUB AREA’ 1 bedroom and den, 2 baths. Affordable luxury and a rare find. Now is your chance to live in an exceptional and uniquely beautiful apt. This gorgeous ‘Italian Villa’ style building has it all: woodburning fireplace, hardwood floors, shutters throughout, 2 large garden patios, kitchen with stainless appliances, washer, dryer in unit. Garden setting is quiet and serene. One car garage. No pets. $2,650/mo. on a one year lease. Call: (310) 826-7960
1 BDRM, PATIO, walk in closet. Dining area, full kitchen, quiet area. Senior over 62. Available June 1st. Very clean & neat. New refrig, new flooring, bathroom & kitchen. $1,146/mo. Call (310) 454-3506
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
CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d
AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS, designer 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 $3,500/mo. (310) 702-1154. www.MalibuCoastline.com
BEAUTIFUL 3 BDRM, 2′ BA, HIGHLANDS townhouse. Upgraded, light, spacious, patio, W/D, 2 car garage, pool, tennis & gym. $3,675/mo. (310) 459-3264
GEM IN THE PALISADES, 2 bdrm, 2′ ba, townhouse, hdwd, tile, new carpet, W/D, dishwasher. Parking. $3,350/mo. (310) 392-1757
SENIOR CITIZEN COMPLEX ‘ Lovely maintained ‘ Bright, 1 bedroom, walk-in closet. Elevator, close to everywhere. Available now. $1,395/mo. (310) 456-8770 or (c) (310) 795-3795
REDUCED. AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS! 1932 Palisades Dr. Beautiful 3 bd, 2.5 ba Medit villa. Open flr plan (3,300 sq ft), cathedral ceil, office/study, gym/bonus, ample closets & storage. In/outdr living w/ 4 spacious balconies, vast cyn & ocn vus! Many amenities. $5,900/mo. robbie sikora, agent, (310) 710-5214
EXCLUSIVE ‘SEA RIDGE’ COMMUNITY. Gated & pvt twnhm w/ ocean views. 3 bd, 3 ba, FLR, FDR, family area, bonus rm, laundry rm, 2-car gar w/ dir access, $5,500/mo. robbie sikora, agent, (310) 710-5214
ROOMS FOR RENT 3
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 (310) 980-0016, (818) 645-8632
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
ROOM FOR RENT w/ balcony, own bathroom, & kitchen privileges. Mature female adult. No pets. No smoking. Located in the village, near shops & restaurants. Avail. 6/1, $800/mo. Call M.J., (310) 795-9562
WANTED TO RENT 3b
LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisadian-Post, (310) 454-1321
WANTED TO RENT: 1-car garage for my vintage car. Palisades, Malibu or Santa Monica area. (310) 413-6789
29 YR. RESIDENT looking for 2 bedroom house, duplex, condo ASAP. Call JoAnn, (310) 459-7300
ESTABLISHED FEMALE WRITER seeks sunny Castellammare guesthouse. One person, no pets, no bad habits. Solid credit, local references. Please call (310) 633-3674. Thank you!
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
PALISADES OFFICE, two rooms, 2nd floor, 15115′ Sunset Blvd. Across from Ralphs. $950/mo. (310) 459-3493
SPACE FOR TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT. Includes some equipment. Sunset Blvd. Near PCH. (310) 230-4692
SM OFFICE at 3rd & Wilshire. 144 sq with beautiful view. Class A sublease within RE office suite. Must provide own telephone and Internet. Negotiable lease terms. $1,300. Call Stacy, (310) 566-3060
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
PERSONALS 6b
SINGLE MEN AND WOMEN NEEDED, ages 50-70, to start an events based westside circle of friends. Non-smokers only. (310) 573-7656
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
QUICKBOOKS ‘ LOCAL PALISADIAN Call Shirley, (310) 570-6085
BOOKKEEPING SERVICES. Quickbooks, Quicken, Excel, payroll. Available to come to your office or work from line. Reasonable rates. Audrey, (310) 502-8484
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
NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
EXCELLENT NANNY looking for employment. Many years of experience. Great local refs. Speaks English. Own transportation. Available M-F & weekends. Full time. Vanessa, (213) 250-3275, (c) (213) 505-6165
EXPERIENCED NANNY, loving, responsible, trustworthy, looking for a F/T position, Monday-Friday. Local references, 14 yrs experience. Call Aida, (323) 496-4984 after 2 p.m.
THE MANNY COMPANY provides highly qualified, educated, male nannies to families. (310) 203-1367 ‘ themannycompany.com
HOUSEKEEPERS 9a
‘PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.’ We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE, day or night, available Monday-Sunday. Own transportation, excellent references. Call Maria Patricia, (310) 948-9637
MY NAME IS ROSIE & I’m looking for F/T housekeeper, elder care or babysitter work. Experienced, drivers license, good refs. Call any time, (310) 709-0753 or Alicia, (310) 979-6421
HOUSECLEANING. Alicia available Tuesday. Cleaning supplies furnished. Call (310) 367-3214
HOUSEKEEPER-BABYSITTER ‘ Good refs, Malibu & Hollywood. 20 yrs exp. Avail Mon.-Sat. Own transportation, CDL. Speaks English & Spanish. Pls call Luz & Juana, (323) 569-1048 or (323) 737-2193
MY HOUSEKEEPER wants work 2 days a week. Excellent worker, 19 years experience, dependable, speaks English, local references, own car. Call Allison, (310) 459-1643
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE. Looking for work. Experienced. Drivers license. Good refs. Available Mon.-Sat. Full time. Speaks English. Own transportation. Call Guadalupe, (323) 481-5976
EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER & BABYSITTER. Great local refs. Available full time, Monday-Friday. Own transportation. Speaks English. Call Martha, (323) 569-2328
HOUSEKEEPER & BABYSITTER AVAILABLE, 5 days a week. Own transportation. Speaks English. Seven years experience. Excellent references. Live-out. Call Criseyra, (c) (323) 802-3384
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING. 25 years experience. Excellent references. Reliable. Call Elizabeth, (323) 463-7889
ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a
CAREGIVER FOR SENIORS OR DISABLED: 5 days per week (may include weekends), 12 to 24 hours a day, 20 years of experience, lifting, transfers, own transportation. Local references upon request. Call (310) 500-9381 or (310) 702-6635
EUROPEAN CAREGIVER. Highly recommended. Over 12 years of local references. Looking for P/T morning hours & some weekends. Please leave a message. (424) 214-9091
NURSING CARE 10b
YOUR EXTRA SPECIAL PALISADES-BASED STAFFING AGENCY. Registered nurses, LVNs, CNAs & caregivers. Best rates! Free smiles!! Call Jim, (310) 573-9436 (ofc), (310) 795-5023 (c). yourextraspecial.com
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
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
EXPERT WINDOW CLEANER ‘ Experienced 21 yrs Westside, 15 yrs Palisades. Clean & detailed. Can clean screens, mirrors, skylights & scrape paint off glass. Free estimates. Brian, (310) 289-5279
HAVING A PARTY? SELLING some real estate, or just want to do some spring cleaning? Get those WINDOWS SHINING by calling No Streak Window cleaning, where we offer fast friendly quality service you can count on! For a free estimate, call Marcus, (323) 632-7207. Lic. #122194-49, insured.
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
COOKING/GOURMET 14a
HILLARY HAS BEEN COOKING for friends & celebrity clients for over 25 years. Her ‘personal chef’ business brings her lifelong passion for cooking into private homes. For people who can’t spare the extra time that cooking & shopping requires, THE HUNGRY DUCHESS allows them to eat artisanal organic food & pursue other pleasures. www.thehungryduchess.com ‘ (323) 807-5718
PERSONAL SERVICES 14f
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE, ORGANIZATION & BOOKKEEPING. Superior services provided w/ discretion & understanding. Pali resident, local refs. Extensive experience. Call Sarah, (310) 573-9263
HOUSESITTING, DOG WALKING, watering, driver & errands. Palisades resident over 30 years. Great references. Call Eric, (310) 428-3364
PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
PRIVATE DOG WALKER/runner/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
SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d
DREAM OF THROWING a perfect game? Learn how, with emphasis on age-appropriate proper mechanics, to prevent injury on your way to that ‘no-hitter.’ 24-year Pali resident, college pitching scholarship, recent cum laude graduate. EXTRA: Batting cage w/ pitching machine. Call TREY, (310) 709-3965
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
SAT ENGLISH TUTOR. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS & COUNSELOR. 10+ yrs experience w/ Ivy League+top tier admissions. M.S. Ed & Certification in Guidance from UPENN. See my reviews on Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/janet-lee-tutoring-los-angeles. Contact Janet Lee, (310) 475-1531 or janetleecrawford@gmail.com
FRENCH TUTORING BY NATIVE. Experienced. All grade levels. Grammar, reading, writing, conversation. References. Palisades resident. Reasonable rates. Marie-Claude, (310) 459-1417
SUMMER CAMPS 15f
WWA SUMMER CAMP. WWA on-site camp is designed to provide intensive behavioral intervention to children with autism ages 3-6 in a small group setting. Weekly camps are available June 22nd-August 22nd. Please contact Emily Marshall at (818) 501-4240 for more information Working With autism (WWA) is a non-public behavior agency specializing in the treatment of autism and related disorders.
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
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
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
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
A BOOTH COMPANY HARDWOOD FLOORING specialist from the mid west, 15 years of design, installation, sanding, finishing, refs avail. ABC@Floored.TV, Insured, lic applied for. Dustin Booth, (323) 806-9215
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
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: Spring clean-up specials. Kitchen cabinets ‘ Decks ‘ Garage doors ‘ No job too small. Interior/exterior painting. Free estimates. Call Randy, (310) 678-7913. Lic. #106150
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
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
INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM. Building re-model design. Local firm Pacific Palisades 28 yrs. Free consultation. (310) 459-7300
AUTOS 18b
1998 LINCOLN MARK VIII LSC. Looks, drives like new. Was my brother’s baby. New Michelin tires, and alignment. Moon roof and everything. 32 valve DOHC engine in excellent condition. $6,750. (310) 454-3032
2007 HONDA CR-V EX, silver, 14,500 miles, fully loaded, excellent condition. $24,500. Call Nenette, (310) 310-4444
FURNITURE 18c
2008 ITALIAN WHITE LEATHER SECTIONAL $1,500. Four handmade wrought iron bar stools, $850. Life Fitness 5500 HR Elliptical, cross trainer exercise machine, $895. (310) 459-1893
ANTIQUES, LOVE SEAT, small armoire, pine queen bed, chandelier, misc home furnishings. (310) 454-4210
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
MULTI FAM. SALE! Patio awnings, house ware, tools, fishing, clothes, etc. Friday, 5/22, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, 5/23, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. 947 Galloway Street
GARAGE SALE, Designer furniture/clothes, kitchen appliances, house wares, glass ware, toddler/baby items, Sat, May 23rd, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 15426 ALBRIGHT ST, PACIFIC PALISADES
MISCELLANEOUS 18g
FREE TO GOOD HOME. Wood Play-Well play house with deck. Sits 2 feet off ground, 3 windows. Great for kids 4-10 years old. (310) 459-8893
Thursday, May 21 – Thursday, May 28
THURSDAY, MAY 21
Emmy Award-winning television writer Stuart Kreisman discusses his political satire ‘Dick Cheney’s Diary,’ in which the controversial Vice President reveals his innermost thoughts, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Kreisman began writing the diary for an Internet site based on the notion that Cheney would keep an unofficial ‘official’ record of his tenure as VP. The column soon became one of the most popular features in cyberspace. Now, compiled and expounded upon, Kreisman’s book is a humorous treat.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Pacific Palisades resident Julie Van Herwerden and her students will read and discuss their book, ‘Kids Love Politics,’ a collection of original and delightful opinions about politics by children ages 9 to 13, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
Art show and sale by local artists, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Spectrum Club, 17383 Sunset Blvd. Works will include photography, oils, pastels, jewelry and hand-knitted handbags. Validated parking is available in the garage.
TUESDAY, MAY 26
The Temescal Canyon Association’s weekly evening hike will take the trail from Temescal to Rivas Canyon and on to Will Rogers. Meet for carpooling at 6 p.m. in the Temescal Gateway parking lot. Expect to return between 8 and 9 p.m. Palisades High School students will read from and sign their literary magazine, ‘Making Waves,’ 6:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Monthly meeting of the Pacific Palisades Civic League board, 7:30 in Tauxe Hall at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. The public is invited.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
Sunrise Senior Living hosts a free Alzheimer’s support group on the second Monday and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. at 15441 Sunset. RSVP: Bruce Edziak at (310) 573-9545.
THURSDAY, MAY 28
Longtime Palisades resident Peter Kreitler will talk about ‘Patriotism: Our Flag’s Portrayal Over the Last 150 Years,’ drawing on his impressive collection of images of the American Flag since the Civil War,’ 7:15 a.m. at the Palisades Rotary Club breakfast meeting, Gladstone’s restaurant on PCH at Sunset. Contact: (310) 442-1607. Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited. James Harris discusses and signs ‘Santa Monica Pier: A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. This commemorative collection of vintage images, colorful artwork, fascinating history and treasured lore invites anyone who’s ever enjoyed the Pier to walk through time on its planks and pilings, live its culture, struggle through its lean years, fight for its very survival and win the coveted status of national historic landmark.
Love Walk Is a Success
Led by Dr. Susan Love (arms raised), more than 300 enthusiasts walked through the Huntington Palisades on Sunday to raise money for breast cancer research at Love’s breast-cancer research foundation in Santa Monica. The second annual event, organized by the Pacific Palisades Junior Women’s Club, raised more than $40,000.
Parade: Miss America, PAPA People, Entries
Meeting Monday night, the Fourth of July parade committee agreed to extend the deadline for entering an auction featuring Katie Stam, the current Miss America, who will ride as grand marshal in this year’s parade. Palisades Patrol, which is sponsoring Stam’s appearance, is running a contest to help the Palisades Americanism Parade Association with its fundraising by auctioning off several seats on Miss America’s parade float. The winners (and up to four family members) will be invited to the pre-parade VIP Luncheon at the Methodist Church. They will join Miss America for lunch, have a one-on-one photo session with Stam, then ride on her float. The family members will receive four tickets to sit in the VIP reviewing stand to watch. Auction bids are being accepted by e-mail at palisadesparade@yahoo.com’between now and May 26 at 5 p.m.’Minimum bid is $500.’The two highest bids will win the extra seats on the float. Payment may be treated as a donation to PAPA, a nonprofit Section 501(c)(3) organization. Bidding is subject to the following limitations: (1) Rider must be between the age of 5 and 16; (2) Rider or the bidding adult must be a resident of Pacific Palisades, Malibu, West Los Angeles or Santa Monica (so, local grandparents can bid for their grandchildren); (3) Parents/Guardians may not accompany riders on the float (security will be provided by Palisades Patrol); and (4) No refunds will be given if the rider is unable to attend. PAPA People, the volunteer group that fulfills various tasks at the parade and the fireworks show at Palisades High, will hold its only meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at 7 p.m. at the home of Jon and Sylvia Boyd. Coffee, tea and desserts will be served. ‘We are encouraging anybody who wants to work with us on parade day to attend this organizational meeting,’ said the Boyds, co-chairs of the group within the Palisades Americanism Parade Association. ‘This way we can fill assignments and find out where we have gaps.’ ‘We know that we need help with everything from traffic control before and after the parade to people-friendly tasks at the fireworks show,’ said Sylvia Boyd. ‘People do not need any special skills to help us out, just a willingness to handle their assignment with a friendly attitude, knowing they are contributing to an important day in the Palisades.’ ‘We welcome participation by Boy Scouts and other older teenagers with community spirit,’ Jon Boyd added. For directions to the meeting and for more information, please e-mail the Boyds at syljonboyd@aol.com or call (310) 454-9556. Meanwhile, entry forms are available for individuals, businesses, clubs, youth groups, organizations, churches and synagogues who wish to enter the parade. The festivities will begin at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Bowdoin and Via de la Paz. Application are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 15330 Antioch, and must be returned by May 29. Parade orders and staging information will be sent to accepted entries 10 days prior to the parade. As per tradition, there is no entry fee for non-commercial, nonprofit organizations, and they can apply for reimbursement of up to $500 in float expenses (excluding vehicle rental) from PAPA, the organizing committee. Float judging will be based on execution of theme, originality of design and spectator appeal. Tax-deductible donations to help PAPA defray $80,000 in expenses (for the parade and the fireworks show) can be sent to: PAPA, P.O. Box 1776, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. Absent a large corporate sponsor, PAPA must rely every year on contributions from local organizations, residents and business owners. ‘Even in a brutal economy, our fixed expenses keep grinding upward,’ said Rob Weber, who is serving as PAPA president. ‘We have received generous donations from the Junior Women’s Club and the American Legion,’ Weber said, ‘and the response to our annual solicitation mailing has been heartening thus far. We are receiving numerous checks from people who never before donated.’
Teens Hosting Home Parties Run a Risk
Senior Lead Officer Michael Moore is warning parents and teenagers about possible dangers and thefts that can occur at home parties in Pacific Palisades. ‘When you put out the word that there’s going to be a party and half of the high school knows about it, you’re looking for trouble,’ Moore told the Palisadian-Post, explaining how this becomes an open invitation to others who hear about the gathering. He detailed how a recent teen party in the Palisades had unintended consequences when a group of uninvited males in their early 20s showed up. After a period of time, the uninvited males left, with the exception of one. Shortly after the men left, two girls noticed that their purses were missing and confronted the remaining male, asking if his friends had taken them. He left, but the two girls called the police and then followed the male’s car until the police pulled him over. They discovered that the male, 21, a Palisadian, had brass knuckles in his possession. ‘This frequently happens in the Palisades but usually goes unreported [to the LAPD],’ Moore said, warning that when uninvited guests show up at parties, there’s a high percentage chance that they’re carrying weapons. According to Moore, assaults and thefts at these parties largely go unreported for two reasons: the host teen (and his or her friends) is afraid of retaliation, and if his or her parents don’t know about the party, they certainly will find out when a police report is filed. ‘Parents and kids should be alert and ask sensibly,’ Moore said. ‘Many times these young adults who crash parties are looking for trouble.’ He urges any teengers who lose property at a party or are flat-out robbed to report the suspected crime to the police.
Hooray for ‘Hollywood’
The Latest Arcadia Book Chronicles the Entertainment Capital’s Heyday
Arcadia Publishing first approached California historian Marc Wanamaker as a supplier of images in the early 2000s. ’By 2004, I was supplying a lot of pictures for many different books,’ Wanamaker tells the Palisadian-Post. ‘When they finally approached me for photos for a postcard book on movie studios, that was the last straw! So I talked to the editor and he said, ‘Why don’t you do some books with us on the subjects you want?” Four books later, ‘Hollywood 1940”2008’ (Arcadia Publishing), a compilation of vintage images and informative captions, courtesy of Wanamaker, captures every aspect of the world’s entertainment capital, from the glamorous to the mundane, from the residential to the presidential. Hollywood, of course, has evolved over the seven decades covered in Wanamaker’s book, which, for the most part, is a story told via its architecture. ‘I do not have a lot of people in my book,’ Wanamaker says. ‘It’s more about historical sites. The only place we really have people is in the restaurants and theaters.’ In ‘Hollywood,’ you’ll find all of the usual suspects”Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Brown Derby restaurant”but much more interesting to Wanamaker are images of the less obvious locations ‘which have never been printed, published or seen before.’ Those rarities include Castillo del Lago (circa 1960), which, in recent years, Madonna moved into but quickly abandoned under the claim that it was haunted; the French Village (photographed in 1939), a themed apartment building which used to exist on Highland Avenue; and the long-standing Universal News Agency newsstand (1947) at Las Palmas, which was shuttered just before ‘Hollywood’ reached the book stores last month. ‘There’s a lot of discovery in this book,’ Wanamaker says. ‘I was always finding something new.’ Arcadia Publishing’s ‘Images of America’ series occupies a unique niche in the historical-book market. Established in 1993, the South Carolina-based company today boasts a catalog of more than 5,000 titles with hundreds of new releases every year. Arcadia chronicles local history across all 50 states. For California, Arcadia has produced books as diverse as the people who populate our state: ‘Filipinos in Los Angeles,’ ‘Italians in Los Angeles,’ ‘Mexican Americans in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach,’ ‘Early Amusement Parks of Orange County,’ ‘West Adams,’ ‘Pico Rivera’ and ‘The Port of Los Angeles.’ Other themes have focused on Chinatown, Angels Flight, Pacific Electric Red Cars, Dodger Stadium and the movie studios. Last year saw the release of ‘Brentwood’ (see ‘Brentwood: Then and Now,’ April 16, 2008, in our archives) and this summer will welcome a big surprise. But first, there’s Arcadia’s latest, in which Wanamaker brings back the glamour and sparkle of the entertainment capital of the world, from its heyday to present day. Despite the suggestion of the book’s title, Wanamaker has shunned presenting his material chronologically. Instead, he offers 10 diverse chapters, including ‘Parks and Recreations,’ ‘Film Studios,’ ‘Residences,’ ‘Hotels and Motels,’ ‘Restaurants and Nightclubs,’ ‘Radio and Television.’ Key landmarks turn up”Schwab’s Pharmacy (circa 1949), the Roosevelt Hotel (circa 1950), and Sunset and Vine, as does the 1941 premiere of ‘Citizen Kane’ at the original El Capitan Theater. Tiki freaks can enjoy the 1941 shot of Don the Beachcomber (home of such cocktails as Don’s Zombies and the Shark Tooth), while other images capture such local institutions as KTLA Studios over the decades. Elegant, old-Hollywood apartment towers, such as the El Royale on North Rossmore Avenue (once home to George Raft) and the Spanish Colonial-style Lido on Yucca Street (both pictured in 1944), underscore some of the distinctive architecture lingering in Hollywood today. Wanamaker, author of two Arcadia volumes on Beverly Hills and a pre-1940 Hollywood edition, has been archiving local history since 1971 and is based at Raleigh Studios, across from Paramount Pictures on Melrose Avenue, in the heart of Hollywood. ‘Bison Archives is a professional research library in Southern California and a specialty on the entertainment industry,’ he says of the niche company he founded. In ‘Hollywood,’ there’s a 1966 photo of the Whiskey-a-Go-Go on the Strip that dates back to when The Doors were the club’s house band. ‘I took that photo,’ Wanamaker reveals, fessing up to a previous career as a musician. ‘I was the road manager for Canned Heat. We did several concerts with the Doors. I got to know all three Doors. All except Jim Morrison. No one got to know Jim Morrison. He was too out there. He did not relate to people.’ Wanamaker says he befriended Ringo Starr and George Harrison. Evidently, not only does Hollywood’s topography change over the decades, but so do the careers of the people who study it. Wanamaker’s book ends on an interesting (and bittersweet) note with the chapter ‘Hollywood Redevelopment,’ stuffed with mid-1990s to 2000s shots of locations preserved, revamped and/or reopened, such as the Hollywood Boulevard at Edgemont (damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake) and the Avalon, which ABC originally bought for ‘The Jerry Lewis Show,’ starring the comedy legend who served as Pacific Palisades’ second honorary mayor in 1953. Robert Nudelman, Wanamaker’s ‘Early Hollywood’ co-author, was supposed to shoot recent photos for this chapter. He died as work on ‘Hollywood’ began, so Wanamaker hit the streets with his digital camera. Sure, places such as the Ambassador Hotel and the Mocambo will never again grace Los Angeles with their class and glamour. But at least Wanamaker has preserved their memories on paper for us. He’ll next deliver Arcadia’s books on Westwood (late 2009) and the San Fernando Valley (2010). Marc Wanamaker will sign copies of ‘Hollywood 1940-2008’ and conduct a slideshow presentation on Tuesday, June 9, 7 p.m., at Larry Edmunds Bookshop, 6644 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Contact: 323-463-3273. Visit Wanamaker’s Web site: www.bisonarchives.com
L.A. Met Debuts with Puccini’s ‘La Boheme’
Little money, lots of imagination. This describes soprano recording artist Linda Jackson, who is launching the first production of the newly formed Los Angeles Metropolitan Opera ‘La Boh’me’ right here in her own community. The fully costumed opera will be presented on Friday, May 29 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 31, 3 p.m., in Tauxe Hall at the United Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Palisades resident Jackson, who sings the title role of Mimi, the consumptive flower girl in love with Rodolfo (tenor Gabriel Reoyo-Pazos), is eagerly awaiting the opening night of a dream come true. Moving seamlessly from popular music and gospel to classical and opera, Jackson has been mastering the grand opera repertoire. Over the last several years, she sang the principal roles of Donna Anna in ‘Don Giovanni’ the Countess in ‘Le Nozze di Figaro,’ Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus and the title role in Carmen. ‘When I told my stepmother Joy Jackson, a community leader in her own right in Atlanta, Georgia, about my plans to start an opera company,’ Jackson recalls, ‘she said, ‘Where is your theater? You need to find where, then the community will help you.’ She was right.’ Jackson dropped preconceived ideas of how it should be done”like forming a board of directors, searching for a performing space somewhere in the city”and trusted. With her shoestring budget but lots of talented friends and solid community support, she set a date. It was also fortunate that the Methodist church, where she teaches the children’s choir, had just remodeled Tauxe Hall, adding a five-ft. thrust apron to the raised stage, upgraded lighting, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The choice of the opera was easy. ‘I polled my students at the Santa Monica Emeritus College Opera Appreciation class, and they all wanted ‘La Boh’me,” says Jackson, who sees her job with the new company as providing an introduction to opera that is more accessible to beginning audiences. ‘We hope that we are providing a stepping stone”an in-between place”that leads to more appreciation and further study.’ Casting, too, fell into Jackson’s lap, in a manner of speaking. Tenor Reoyo-Pazos, who has appeared extensively in opera and oratorio in California, Florida and Spain, was eager to participate in Jackson’s project. ‘He said, ‘Linda, whatever opera you choose, I already have the cast,” Jackson recalls. As stage manager and set designer, Kirk Smith, who has a solid background as a soloist and as a director, thoroughly researched the libretto and decided to set the action in the early 1960s. ‘The action will still be in Paris,’ Smith explains, but updated to 1963. The flamboyancy of that period lends itself theatrically. Eschewing the wan, good-girl image of Mimi, Smith sees her in the Jean Shrimpton/Elizabeth Taylor mode, with the cinched waists, and slip dresses. The men”including the poet Rodolfo, the painter Marcello, and the philosopher Colline’bohemians all, will sport facial hair, mustaches and Van Dykes. Marcello will be a pop artist, Smith explains. Musetta, simply described as a singer at the Caf’ Mumus, will be dressed in a hot-pink outfit. Smith intends to use the stage as the bohemians’ garret. He has also blocked action in the audience space, allowing for the actors to climb up the stairs to the garret. Puccini’s opera in four acts essentially focuses on the love between Mimi and Rodolfo. They fall for each other, but complications arise, leading to Rodolfo leaving her because of her flirtatious behavior. As the consumptive Mimi declines in health, Rodolfo feels guilty and reunites with her for a brief moment before she dies. The opera will be sung in Italian with English super-titles, and it will be recorded by a Palisadian, audio designer Mark Schaffer. The company was co-founded by Ella Lee, who has been cited in Kurt Pahlan’s book, ‘Great Singers from the Seventeenth Century to the Present Day,’ as one of the world-class singers from the United States to gain prominence in European opera. Known as a dramatic soprano, she has sung the role of Aida more than 500 times. She has sung in hundreds of performances of Tosca, Ill Trovatore, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. ‘She is our artistic director and invaluable to me,’ Jackson says, who reported that Lee, who is Jackson’s voice coach, ‘passed my Mimi with an A,’ adding that her voice was just right for the role. ‘Many times, younger girls are chosen over voice,’ Jackson explains. ‘Mimi is the soprano’s dream role, but you need a hefty voice, and at times, I am going to let the dramatic voice soar.’ Jackson also appreciates Lee’s experience with opera companies, particularly Opera Pasadena, of which she is the founder and artistic director. ‘She knows cases of how it has been done before, having received advice and courage from her mentor Friedeland Wagner, whose grandfather was Richard Wagner,’ she says. ’La Boh’me,’ with music director Galina Barskaya, also features Gabriel Manro as Marcello, Diana Briscoe as Musetta, David Hodgson as Shaunard, Herve Blanquart as Colline and Stanley Hunter singing the parts of Benoit and Alcindoro. For tickets ($20, general admission; $10, seniors), visit losangelesmet.com or call 310-459-9127. Doors for will-call open at 7:30 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.
