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Riordan Makes His Pitch

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Richard Riordan tosses the ceremonial first ball to officially open the Palisades Pony Baseball Association's season Saturday at the Field of Dreams.
Richard Riordan tosses the ceremonial first ball to officially open the Palisades Pony Baseball Association’s season Saturday at the Field of Dreams.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Upon being introduced as this year’s honorary “first pitcher,” former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, owner of Village Pantry on Swarthmore, began warming up in preparation of officially beginning the Palisades Pony Baseball Association’s 55th season on Saturday morning at the Palisades Recreation Center’s Field of Dreams complex. “What’s the name of the greatest community in the world?” Riordan asked. “What’s the name of the greatest team?” Selling the most tickets for the pancake breakfast this year was Adam Stryer of the Mustang Tigers, who will be rewarded for his ingenuity by serving as a bat boy at an upcoming UCLA baseball game. Jason Starrels of the Mustang Dodgers was second and will similarly be a bat boy at an upcoming Pepperdine game. This year, Village Pantry is sponsoring the Pinto Red Sox and Riordan gave them a pep talk before their game against the Orioles, jokingly telling the players: “Winning is not everything–it’s the only thing.” Coach Rick McGeagh implored the community to contribute to the Field of Dreams maintenance fund. “Last year we asked for support to build the steps,” he said. “Seventy five people gave more than $100,000 and they will be done shortly. Our next project is awnings over the bleachers and we need $25,000 for that. We also need about $50,000 a year for field maintenance so if you’ve given in the past and can do it again, good. If you’re new in PPBA, think of making a contribution.” Pancake breakfast organizers Robin Dodson and Jean Kaplan each was given a bouquet of flowers and coaches shirts after which PPBA Commissioner Bob Benton presented longtime coaches Clark Porter and Charlie Meister with special recognition plaques for their years of tireless service to the organization. Gelson’s, Coffee Bean and Starbucks donated food and drinks for the pancake breakfast and Palisades Pizza underwrote the cost of the tickets. Following the national anthem, which was sung by the Pinto Cardinals team, Porter knelt down to catch Riordan’s ceremonial toss. The first pitch was low. Riordan wound up and threw again. This time it was a perfect strike, according to three umpires standing nearby. “I can’t wait for the game to start,” said local martial arts instructor Gerry Blanck, who is sponsoring the Bronco Red Sox. “So many of my [karate] students play in the PPBA so this is my second year sponsoring a team.” Perhaps Riordan’s rousing pre-game talk inspired the Pinto Red Sox, who outscored the Orioles 14-9. In other Pinto Division (ages 7-8) games, the Dodgers tied the Phillies 11-11, the Cardinals routed the Cubs 14-2 and the Yankees edged the Tigers 10-9. In the Mustang Division (ages 9-10), the Cardinals got past the Cubs 9-8, the Dodgers beat the Phillies 9-3, the Red Sox blanked the Orioles 13-0 and the Tigers edged the Yankees 4-3. In the Bronco Division (ages 11-12), the Red Sox beat the Orioles 6-3, the Yankees edged the Tigers 3-2, the Cardinals squeezed by the Cubs 3-2 and the Phillies beat the Dodgers 8-3.

Runners Back on Track

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Erika Martin on her way to winning the hurdles at last Friday's track meet at Stadium by the Sea.
Erika Martin on her way to winning the hurdles at last Friday’s track meet at Stadium by the Sea.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Carlos Bustamante is expecting a breakthrough season this spring. Having qualified for the state finals in cross country in the fall, Palisades High’s top distance runner now has his sights set on the state track and field championships in June. “Obviously, the City finals are my first goal but of course I’d like to qualify for state,’ he said. ‘I’m taking it one race at a time but I feel good and I’m looking forward to the invitationals because that’s where the best competition is.” Bustamante got little competition Friday at Stadium by the Sea, where the Dolphins hosted a tri-meet against Taft and Carson. He easily won the mile (1600 meters) and two-mile (3200 meters), showing that he is one of the early-season favorites in the City Section. In the mile, his strongest event, Bustamante built a commanding lead by the time he circled Carl Lewis Track for the second of his four laps, but ran hard all the way to finish in a blazing 4 minutes, 34 seconds–one tick faster than the time he was shooting for. “This is my race,” he said. “This is the distance I’m most comfortable at right now. I started a little slower than usual but I made up for it at the end.” Having extended himself in the 1600, Bustamante nevertheless lapped half of the field less than an hour later in the 3200, cruising to victory in 10:08. The way he ran that race was opposite of the way he ran the mile. “I was shooting for a sub-10 but I started out a little too fast and couldn’t keep it up the last four laps,” Bustamante said. “I haven’t quite gotten my pacing down yet. I think maybe the mile took a little too much out of me as well.” Picking up where she left off last season was Erika Martin, who shook off an illness to post an impressive time of 14.43 seconds in the 100 hurdles. “That is a super time considering she was sick,” said Palisades Coach Ron Brumel, who was surprised when San Pedro Coach and longtime friend Bruce Thomson showed up late in the meet. “We’ve been focusing more on conditioning as a whole. We’re a little behind in the field events but today was a great day. Our boys’ 400 relay looked good and so many of our frosh/soph kids did well, too, like Eric Lopez, Deborah Abber and Kevin Strangeway.” Baseball So much for the weeklong hitting slump. After managing to score just one run in its previous three games the Palisades High baseball team broke out the bats in a big way Monday in its Western League opener against Los Angeles CES. The Dolphins plated seven runs in the sixth inning and were ahead 10-0 when the game was stopped in the sixth inning because of the 10-run mercy rule. It was Palisades’ first victory of the season after a tie and three losses and reiterated that the Dolphins are still the team to beat in their league. It appeared the Dolphins might get their offense on track in the last inning of last Friday’s Southern California Invitational game against San Fernando, loading the bases with one out. However, they were unable to capitalize and lost to the Tigers 4-0’the second straight game in which they failed to score. Palisades played LACES on Wednesday (result unavailable at press time) and travels to Westchester Friday at 3 p.m. Softball New coach Ray Marsden has Palisades’ softball program off to a fast start. The Dolphins have won two of there first three games and host perennial league rival Venice today at 3 p.m. Tennis In a showdown between potential Section champions, host Brentwood defeated Palisades, 13-5, last Thursday to avenge last year’s loss to the Dolphins. That time, the Eagles were without six of their top seven players–including No. 1 player and Palisades resident Walker Kehrer. Kehrer, among the best 18-and-unders in the nation, easily won his first two sets before sitting out the third rotation with Brentwood’s victory well in hand. “I’m a senior so, yeah, it’s important to win CIF. We’re confident we can go all the way.” Brentwood is a frontrunner for the Southern Section Division II title while Palisades is now the favorite to win the City Section, having beaten defending champion Taft to win the Fresno Tournament March 7. Palisades bounced back from its first loss by blanking University 7-0 on Monday at the Palisades Tennis Center. Justin Atlan, Max Licona Kyung Choi and Spencer Pekar easily won their singles matches while the doubles tandems of Che Borja-Jeremy Shore, Spencer Lewin-Kramer Waltke and Kenneth Choi-Eli Goodman lost a total of six games in six sets.

Rich Wilken to Receive Post’s ‘Community Defender’ Award

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Rich Wilken at the Palisades High School quad after winning his fight to have the community's 2008 Fourth of July fireworks show at that location.
Rich Wilken at the Palisades High School quad after winning his fight to have the community’s 2008 Fourth of July fireworks show at that location.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Lifelong Palisadian Rich Wilken fought hard and successfully to save last year’s Fourth of July fireworks show after the Los Angeles Fire Department refused to issue the necessary permit. In recognition of his tireless, never-give-up determination to save this treasured tradition in Pacific Palisades, Wilken has been selected to receive the Palisadian-Post’s Community Defender Award at this year’s Citizen of the Year dinner on April 23. Originally, the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA) had obtained permission to shoot fireworks from the Palisades High School quad next to Bowdoin Street, a change of venue necessitated by the installation of a synthetic turf field at the football stadium.   However, when Wilken (as PAPA’s fireworks show coordinator for many years) went to pick up the permit in June, it was denied for safety reasons. He met with a hierarchy of officials in the Fire Department and was told that the only viable option was for fireworks to be shot off from a barge along Will Rogers State Beach. This was not a viable option, so Wilken went into overdrive trying to resolve the issue. He contacted City Councilman Bill Rosendahl and his senior counsel Norm Kulla (a Palisades resident), asking them to intercede. He also arranged a meeting between James Souza, head of the Pyro Spectacular Fireworks Company, and assistant fire marshal Craig Fry. Wilken ran into a bit of luck when he invited Fire Captain Randy Souza, James’ cousin, to join the meeting. Ultimately, through sheer perseverance and the willingness to meet all of the Fire Department’s requirements, Wilken was given permission to proceed. The requirements included putting plywood on the second-story windows facing the quad, supplying water hoses long enough to reach the roofs, and providing ladders for the roofs. The night of the fireworks show, Pyro technicians were stationed on four of the roofs to monitor fall-out, as was Fire Captain Scott Miller, who was in charge of public safety for the area. Fire Captain Souza fired the shells. ‘Rich spent probably 14 hours a day, seven days a week in the weeks leading up to July 4 to make sure the fireworks could happen,’ said Wilken’s wife, Deann. His daughter, Heather, added: ‘He put his heart and soul into keeping the Fourth of July show in place.’ ‘I believe it was entirely due to his dedicated and tireless efforts that the Palisades was able to continue the tradition of the Fourth of July fireworks when many others had given up hope,’ Debbie Breech wrote in an e-mail to the Post. In addition to arranging for the $20,000 fireworks show, Wilken volunteers tirelessly on the Fourth, clearing the 5/10K route in the early, working as a parade announcer in the afternoon, then returning to the PaliHi campus to make sure various traffic barricades are in place. He finally ends his day as the fireworks show announcer.   As a 10-year-old, Wilken marched in the Fourth of July parade with his Boy Scout troop. When he was 14, he drove his baseball team along the route when the coach, who was supposed to drive the convertible, failed to show up. ‘I didn’t kill anyone, but I did got into trouble,’ he told the Post in 2006. During his 31 years of volunteering for PAPA (the parade’s organizing committee), Wilken has served as president twice. He was a PPBA baseball coach for many years, and continues to serve Boy Scout Troop 223 as an assistant scoutmaster, even though his son Matthew earned his Eagle Scout rank more than 13 years ago. In addition, he has been an active member of the Palisades Optimist Club and the Palisades Lutheran Church, where he is president of the congregation. After graduating from PaliHi, Wilken founded the well-known Wilken Surfboards Company, and later became an architect. His projects include Mort’s Deli, the Lutheran Church sanctuary, and the remodel of the St. Matthew’s Parish Center.

Beglaris Seek Variance for Their Home

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After eight years of court battles, Rustic Canyon residents Mehr and Vickey Beglari have turned to the city to save their home at 909 Greentree Rd. Faced with a 2007 court order to remove 14 feet from their home, the Beglaris sought a variance. Last Thursday, they pleaded before Los Angeles Zoning Administrator Patricia Brown to permit the construction, use and maintenance of their home at a height of 39 feet 7 inches in lieu of the permitted 36 feet, and for a reduced front-yard setback of 14 feet in lieu of the prevailing setback. ‘We no longer want to deal with this emotional issue,’ Vickey Beglari said during the hearing at the West Los Angeles Municipal Building. The conflict began in 2001 when the Building and Safety Department approved construction of a 6,550-sq.-ft. addition to the Beglaris’ existing 2,000-sq.-ft. ranch house, but the neighbors surmised that the house was being built closer to the street than permitted by the city’s municipal code. Unable to stop the construction through the city, five former and current neighbors took the Beglaris and city to court. Orange County Superior Court Judge David Velasquez ruled in 2003 that the house did not comply with the zoning ordinance and ordered the city to revoke the Beglaris’ permits, including their certificate of occupancy. To bring their house into compliance, the Beglaris attempted to alter the prevailing setback (front-yard regulations based on an average for the street) by building a canopy on another house they owned at 921 Greentree. The city accepted the alteration and reissued the permits and certificate of occupancy. However, Velasquez ruled in September 2007 that the Beglaris and the city improperly applied ‘the provisions of the projecting building exception in determining the prevailing setback requirement,’ and the permits and certificate of occupancy were again revoked. Last Thursday, the Beglaris’ attorney Rob Glushon argued that the Beglaris were not rogue builders who knowingly built their house out of scale with the rest of the neighborhood. ‘At all stages of construction, they relied on Building and Safety,’ Glushon said. The Beglaris initially hired a licensed architect to determine the prevailing setback, and those measures were approved by Building and Safety. At one point, the construction was stopped for four weeks because of neighbors’ complaints, but ‘Building and Safety told them [the Beglaris] the permit was fine and assured them that they could continue,’ Glushon said. The measurements were skewed because the Beglaris and their architect had thought the garage of a neighboring property was attached, so that was calculated into the prevailing setback, Glushon said. The courts ruled that the detached garage should not have been used. Glushon also pointed out that the Beglaris’ house is not the only residence in the neighborhood with a zoning adjustment. Vickey Beglari then presented Brown with photos of other homes on nearby streets with small front yards. ‘It’s not as if our house stands out,’ she said. The neighbors’ attorney, Kevin McDonnell, argued that just because other houses in the neighborhood had received variances, it was not justification to grant one in this case. McDonnell contended that the Beglaris submitted erroneous information to Building and Safety from the beginning. The neighbors made their concerns heard before construction was completed, and they were ignored. L.A. Superior Court Judge Diana Wheatley, one of the neighbors who took the Beglaris and city to court, argued that Mehr Beglari is a developer who should know how to measure the prevailing setback correctly. She said it was obvious that the house was too close to the street. ‘I believe in the rule of the law and that it should be applied fairly to everyone,’ Wheatley said. Richard G. Cohen, chair of the Pacific Palisades Community Council, informed Brown that the Council often hears complaints about inadequate setbacks as well as over-height structures and is frustrated by the lack of enforcement of the zoning and building codes.   ’This has led to widespread intentional disregard of regulations, much to the detriment of the community,’ Cohen said, adding that the Council is against granting the Beglaris a variance. ‘Surely, the Beglaris will say that an adverse decision will be harmful to them,’ Cohen said. ‘I ask you to consider that the consequences of a decision to grant their requested adjustment will be a slap in the face of every law-abiding citizen who has not overbuilt their property.’ Brown decided to leave the case open until March 20, so interested parties can submit letters or any additional information. Write to Office of Zoning Administration, 200 N. Spring St., Seventh Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012 or call (213) 978-1318.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 12, 2009

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PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO NEW POSTAL REQUIREMENTS, THE CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS NOW FRIDAY AT 11 A.M.

HOMES FOR SALE 1

EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE HOME, Poipu, Kauai, end of cul-de-sac. 1 blk from beach. Pool, separate ‘ohana, view of mtns over backyard pool. $2.35 million. (808) 634-7189

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 $14,500/mo. Contact Dolly Neimann, (310) 230-3706

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY while you are away: Housesitter living in your home or condo, feeding your pets, watering plants while adding occupied residence protection from unwanted intrusions. A professional woman with no bad habits, unless eating crackers in bed counts, seeking a furnished or unfurnished residence for a year or so enabling you to be worry free on your journey also. Helen Palit, (213) 280-0585, hpalit@angelharvest.org

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

NEW REBATE OFFERED * Ranch style on 10,561 sq. ft. Tree-filled property, brick patio, deck off kit., LG LR, sep. DR, oak FLR, wood FRPL, 2 BD, 1 BA, w/ gardener. $3,600/mo. (310) 454-1575

RUSTIC CANYON CRAFTSMAN CHARMER with 3 bd, 3.5 ba, great room with river rock FP, & cathedral ceilings. Huge porch & large yard. $7,000/mo. Call Dolly at (310) 230-3706

CHARMING 2 BDR, 2 BA, furnished/unfurnished. Breathtaking view from back deck, rolling yard. Available immediately. 1 yr. lease min., F/L. $4,450/mo. plus util. (310) 502-8427

RUSTIC CANYON 5 BD, 4.5 BA. Open post & beam plan. Spacious secluded deck, separate 1 BD unit w/ private entrance & amenities. Private office, steam sauna, jacuzzi, 3-car garage. Nr Rustic Canyon park. $8,500/mo. or 4 bd, $7,000/mo. (310) 633-0123

BEAUTIFUL BEL AIR BAY CLUB TRACT, Pacific Palisades. Lovely garden home on private road. Easy walk to beach. 3 bedrm, great room, 2 fireplaces, 2 car garage w/ lots of storage. Many large trees, garden & fenced yard. Highly desirable, quiet neighborhood. Pets ok w/ deposit. $4,250/mo. Avail April 1st. (310) 455-7055 or (310) 383-8055 for appointments. lunasmom@verizon.net

QUIET CUL-DE-SAC LOCATION. Light & bright 4 BD, 2.5 BA home w/ updated kitchen, living rm w/ fireplace, dining area & private grassy yard. $5,000/mo. Call Jody Fine, (310) 230-3770

RUSTIC CANYON COTTAGE. Charming cottage consists of 2 BD, 2 BA in the main house. Separate office structure. Additional 1 bedroom/bath off of two-car garage. $6,500/mo. Jody Fine, (310) 230-3770

$5,300/MO. 3900 CASTLEROCK, two blocks to beach & Getty Villa. 2,136 sq.ft. 4+3+dine. Totally remodeled. All wood floors, new kitchen, private yard. (310) 309-7714

EL MEDIO BLUFFS. 3 BD, 2 BA, 1,700 sq.ft. home. Open & light on 6,000 sq.ft. lot. Nice yard, LVR with fireplace. Appliances, HW floors, washer/dryer, garage. Gardener incl. $4,500/mo. (310) 741-1138

BRENTWOOD CHARMING 5 BD, 2 story home, north of Sunset with balconies, sun deck, spas, & spectacular views. Fireplace & separate study. Remodeled. $5,500/mo. (310) 472-1869

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

GUEST HOUSE FOR RENT. Single. Price: $1,250/mo. Fully furnished, utilities included. Hrdwd floor. Available April 1st. No pets. No smoking. One person. (310) 459-3650

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

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

REDUCED!!! $3,500/MO. Unique find in Mediterranean triplex. Large upper unit, 2 bd + bonus room, 1 bath. Plantation shutters, fireplace, ceiling fan, balcony, garden, garage, light & airy. 1 yr lease. No pets, N/S. (310) 804-3142

LARGE REMODELED STUDIO plus private patio, full kitchen, bath, lots of closets, pool, laundry room. Minutes to village & beach. One year lease. $1,400/mo. (310) 454-8837

QUIET STUDIO GUEST HOUSE, El Medio Bluffs, sep entrance, kitchenette, walk in closet, full bath, gas & elec. included. No smoking, no pets. $1,200/mo. (310) 230-1921

PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEW GUEST HOUSE. 1 BR + LR, ½ bath. Private. Wood floors, laundry, nice patio, some furnishings available. Near old Getty. Listen to the surf. For 1 person only. No pets. $2,500/mo. (310) 459-1983

TOP FLOOR 1 BDRM OCEAN/HILLSIDE VIEWS, half block to beach. Off Sunset. Beautifully redone, new wood floors & granite. Pool, sec. gated parking. $1,895/mo. (310) 459-6369

HOLYOKE BLUFFS: Newly redone large studio. Top-of-the-line full kitchen w/ granite & stainless appls. Full bath. Design decor. Charming patio, separate entrance. Tranquil location. Laundry facilities, utilities, HD cable included. Unique setting. Single occupant. No pets. References. 6 mo. lease. $1,750/mo. w/ dep. (310) 454-3806

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

GEM IN THE PALISADES, 2 bdrm, 2½ ba, townhouse, hdwd, tile, new carpet. Large roof deck, W/D, dishwasher. Parking. $3,350/mo. (310) 392-1757

REDUCED! AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS, 2 BR+2 BA, Designer interior condo. Just steps to beach. 5 min to Santa Monica. All new cabinets, appliances, granite, marble, hardwood floors. High ceilings. W/D in condo. Ocean view patio. Garage. 1,200 sq. ft. $3,750/mo. (310) 702-1154 www.MalibuCoastline.com

AWESOME! 2+2, totally private, quiet, spacious, like-new w/ granite countertops, custom cabinetry, W/D, refrig, microwave. 1+ yr. lease, Available. $3,100/mo. Call Agent Pat Haight, (310) 454-1851, cell (310) 386-5686

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

STUDIO KITCHENETTE, FULL BATH, private entrance, private home. Walk to village, utilities included. $950/mo. 6 month lease. (310) 454-3883

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING in Pacific Palisades village for lease. Lovely and spacious suite available. Lease hold improvement allowance. 850 square feet conveniently located in the village. Please call Ness, (310) 230-6712 x105, for more details.

OFFICE SUBLEASE W/ OCEAN VIEW. Four offices available in Pacific Palisades, at the corner of Sunset & PCH, fabulous ocean views. Includes telephone system, internet access & utilities. Lease terms negotiable. Call Angela at (310) 566-1888

BEAUTIFUL OFFICE FOR RENT in psychotherapy suite, in the heart of Pacific Palisades. Private waiting room, bath & kitchenette. Parking available. Half day or full day as well as evening hours. LEASE ALSO AVAILABLE. Contact sri@ucla.edu

SMALL OFFICE. Great for a writer. Downtown Santa Monica. Cheerful, lots of light. Art Deco building. 4 blocks from the beach. $490/mo. Pls. call Craig, (310) 593-1801

VACATION RENTALS 3e

FAMILY OF FOUR looking to rent furnished home in Palisades from July 1st thru Aug. 25th. Call Sandy, (310) 463-7132 or email: sandymetzler@yahoo.com

LOST & FOUND 6a

FOUND: GRAY & WHITE CAT near Via de la Paz, north of Sunset, Charm Acres area. Spayed & de-clawed. Please call Jackie, (310) 454-4270

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

Quickbooks Gathering of Data for 2008 to prepare for your CPA. Personal or business bookkeeping, bank and investment account reconciliations, monthly reports, bill paying, staff and nursing care management/scheduling are available in the Palisades. Shirley, (310) 570-6085 or saekorn@aol.com

BOOKKEEPING & FINANCE services: prepare for taxes, pay bills, reconcile accounts, financial analysis/planning/budgeting/counseling. Computer expertise. Caring & thorough. (310) 218-6653, (310) 459-2066

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

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/

PALISADES COMPUTER SERVICE • Excellent local references for 8 years. Recent Pitzer College graduate. Palisades resident. Satisfaction guaranteed. $50/hr. and $30/half-hr. FIRST HALF HOUR IS FREE! Call Matt: (310) 383-2471

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

CUSTOM FILM & VIDEO TRANSFER 7k

CONVERT VHS TAPES TO DVD! • Preserve your home videos forever! Excellent local references. Palisades resident. Quick and convenient. Call Matt: (310) 383-2471

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

MISCELLANEOUS 7n

BEEN TO COURT? Received a judgement? I can assist. Facing small claims? I can assist. Provide employment screening & background checks as well. Murphy Investigative Services. Licensed PI firm. Call (213) 804-8484

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

PALISADES NANNY SEEKS morning, light housekeeping/child care duties in same area. Excellent references. (310) 903-2542

NANNY: EXPERIENCED, RESPONSIBLE. Excellent local references. Full time. Available Monday through Friday. Live out. Call Rosie, (323) 234-3002

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

HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER AVAILABLE any time. Good references. Spanish speaking, learning English. Hard worker. Great w/ pets. Call Veronica or leave a msg. (213) 487-4347 or (c) (213) 393-1993

I CLEAN HOUSES, apartments and offices. I have 25 years of experience, speak English, own transportation. Call Luisa, (362) 360-2756

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday-Saturday. Own car. Driver’s license. Speaks English. Excellent references. Legal documents. Please call Roxana, (323) 542-7729

HOUSEKEEPING, FULL TIME or part time. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon., Thurs., & Fri. Local refs. Very experienced. No car. Pleasant. Live-in or live-out. Call Tina, (818) 759-5361 or (c) (818) 216-4206

EUROPEAN CLEANING SERVICE. Reliable, local references. Experienced. Own supplies. Call today. (818) 324-9154

HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER, Part-time or full-time. Many years experience. Excellent references. Call Aurelia, (310) 473-5145

PALISADES HOUSEKEEPER w/ 15 yrs experience! Excellent references. Honest & dependable. Legal resident. Child & pet care also. Avail Tues., Thurs., & Sun. Carmen, (323) 460-6473 or (213) 618-9671

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

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

OUR BELOVED MOTHER never would have lived to see her 100th birthday were it not for the loving and professional care she received from her caregiver, Joyce Porter, for almost 8 years. Mom died several weeks ago and if anyone is looking for a superlative person to care for a loved one, please call us. David, (310) 459-4003, or Margie, (323) 874-2561

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

GARDENING MAINTENANCE • Irrigation • Clean-up • New lawns • Hillside cleaning • Planting • Detailing • Free Estimates • Call Alex (owner), (323) 251-9914

MISCELLANEOUS 12f

LICE TREATMENT & NIT REMOVAL at home for kids & family. Manual nitpicking by professional technicians. Organic products, flexible schedule. Home care (stuffed toys, bedding). Contact LICEBUSTERUSA: (310) 880-1350 • www.licebusterusa.com

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. Licensed & bonded. (310) 926-7626

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. $40/hr. Please call Danielle, (310) 691-0578. daniellesamendez@gmail.com

HOUSESITTING 14b

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY while you are away: Housesitter living in your home or condo, feeding your pets, watering plants while adding occupied residence protection from unwanted intrusions. A professional woman with no bad habits, unless eating crackers in bed counts, seeking a furnished or unfurnished residence for a year or so enabling you to be worry free on your journey also. Helen Palit, (213) 280-0585. hpalit@angelharvest.org

SEEKING PALISADES HOUSESITTING. Mature 50+ male business and legal professional seeks housesitting opportunity in the Palisades. Non-drinker. Non-smoker. Would prefer a longer term arrangement. Open to assisting with monthly expenses. Please call Cary: (310) 993-1683

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

HOUSEHOLD HELPER. ORGANIZE OFFICE, cook, water plants, housesitting while you’re out. Walk dogs, lite housekeeping, help w/ children. Avail part time, afternoon shifts. Contact Ruth, (310) 429-2459, ruthtrzn@msn.com. 20 yrs local refs & experience.

PALISADIAN, MATURE & RESPONSIBLE LADY offers driving service for shopping, beauty parlor, doctor appointments, errands, etc. Perfect driving record. Flexible hours. Please call (310) 741-8422

GIRL FRIDAY/HOME ORGANIZATION: (including computer work). Dog walking, gardening, errands, driving, babysitting, light housekeeping, cooking. 20 years experience. Local references upon request. Reasonable rates. Call Michelle, (310) 433-6362

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

PERSONAL TOUCH. DOG WALKING/OUTINGS/SITTING SERVICE. Cats, too! 30 yr. Pali resident. Very reliable. Refs available. If you want special care for your pet, pls call Jacqui, (310) 454-0104, cell (310) 691-9893

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

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

DO YOU WANT TO PLAY PIANO? Study with a pro—in your home. UCLA graduate & California teaching credential. Beginning, advanced, all ages. Call (310) 453-1064

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, (310) 459-4722

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

K-4 ELEMENTARY TUTOR. CA & AZ Cert. Elem Teacher • Qualified in all subjects but specialize in reading skills K-4 incl phonics, reading comprehension, spelling & writing • Will strengthen learning while building academic confidence & self-esteem • Motivational, creative, positive relationships w/ students • Will come to your home. Caroline, (424) 228-5744 or email cmiller16@gmail.com

SPANISH TUTORING. South American teacher, university degree, all levels: college and beyond. Learn, improve, get confident for studies, work & traveling. Call (310) 741-8422

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

TUTORING K-12. Burritt Newton MD, retired. Elementary: Math, science, reading, vocabulary. High School: Anatomy, physiology, chemistry. Member, California EnCorps Teachers Program. (310) 454-1105

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 39 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pools, decks, patios, foundations, fireplace, outdoor kitchens, drainage control, custom stone, block & brick, tile. Excellent local refs. Lic. #309844. Bonded/ins./workmen’s comp. Family owned & operated. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 • www.horusicky.com

ELECTRICAL 16h

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

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

ELECTRICIAN: remodeling, rewiring, troubleshooting. Lighting: low voltage, energy safe, indoor, outdoor, landscape. Low voltage: telephone, Internet, CCTV, Home Theatre, Audio/Video. Non-lic. Refs. LichwaConstruction@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 * Columns * Crown * Base * Wainscoting * Windows * Mantles & more . . . New construction & remodels. Contractors & homeowners welcome. Call John @ (818) 312-3716. Licensed (#886995) and bonded.

JOLYON COLLIER • CUSTOM FINISH CRAFTSMANSHIP • Specialty Construction • JolyonCollier.com • Non-lic. • (323) 493-3549

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

HANDYMAN SERVING PALISADIANS for 14 years. Polite & on time. No job too small. Refs available. Non-lic. Ready for winter? (310) 454-4121 or cell, (310) 907-6169. djproservices@yahoo.com

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

PAINTER, SMALL JOBS PREFERRED. Interiors only. 20 years experience. References available. Very reasonable rates. Excellent craftsmanship. Non-lic. Tim, (310) 433-9610

JAN MASLER PAINTING CO. Interior/exterior, custom finishes, 20 yrs experience. Lic. #826711. Bonded. Insured. (818) 269-7744. “Taking pride in our work.”

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

ROOFING 16w

JOE (NOT THE PLUMBER), the roofer, carpenter, painter. Masonry, tile, brick, concrete, retaining walls, landscaper, winter specialty leaks, windows, chimneys, skylights, gutters, remodels. (310) 457-4652

HELP WANTED 17

RECEPTIONIST / PR / ADMIN. Exclusive practice in Pacific Palisades. Exceptional opportunity. Please call (310) 454-0317

PART-TIME NANNY NEEDED: Weekends & some after-school pick-up/care. Must have car w/ clean record & good refs. $15/hr. (10-15 hrs wk.) Call Sue, (310) 454-5450

AUTOS 18b

1958 CHEVY APACHE Longbed truck. Runs. $5,000. (310) 459-8211

2007 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. 16,368 miles. Fully loaded. No accidents. Carfax available. $24,595. Original owner. Call (310) 916-3479

‘05 RED CONVERT MINI COOPER, 36,000 mi. Grt condition. New tires, brakes. Leather int. Maint. records, air bags, prkng sensors, manual, 6 spd, super charged! $18,000 obo. (310) 944-1840

1999 CAMRY LE Sedan, automatic, fully loaded, beige, low mileage, one owner. Perfect condition inside & out. Reliable gem. $8,500. Office phone: (310) 454-3552

FURNITURE 18c

COME FURNISH YOUR HOME! Everything goes. Large home sold and downsizing. Quality furniture for all rooms. Everything must go in a week. Please call (310) 573-9831

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

FURNITURE GARAGE SALE—Etc., etc., etc. Sat., March 14th, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 855 Hartzell St. between Carey & Drummond

ENORMOUS 3 FAMILY ESTATE SALE!!! Appliances, sinks, hardware, rugs, clothes (adult and kids), toys, art, large-screen TV, great furniture, down sofas, beds, desks, and so much more!! March 13th and 14th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 15000 Corona Del Mar, Pacific Palisades

6 FAMILY GARAGE SALE! Beat the bad economy. Come to 832 Toyopa Dr., Sat. 3/14/09, 8-4. Great selection, household goods, clothes, toys, light fixtures, books, mountain bikes, etc.

GIANT GARAGE SALE! Saturday, March 14th, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 700 Swarthmore. Appliances, books, antiques, sports, clothes, dishes, home furnishings, toys, knick-knacks galore! No early birds.

MOVING SALE: Sunday, March 15th, 2009, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: 734 Jacon Way, Pac. Pal. 30 years of stuff: Household items, furniture, toys, Mustang parts, collectables, Bonsai trees, patio furniture, too much to list!!! (310) 403-0737

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

VERY PRETTY CAT looking for a good home! Lovely and very lively, gray and white, spayed & de-clawed. If interested, please call Jackie (310) 454-4270

WANTED TO BUY 19

WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com

CAR WANTED: Great running and clean interior/exterior condition. Small, safe car with airbags for teen daughter. 10-15 yrs old, ok. Low price. Will pay cash. Contact: (310) 573-2004 or varelae@aol.com

Nine Teens Compete for Mr. and Miss Palisades

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Nine contestants will compete in the 2009 Palisades Teen Contest on Wednesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. in Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Road. Tickets ($20 adults, $10 students) are now on sale at the Chamber of Commerce office on Antioch. The Mr. and Miss Palisades contest is sponsored by the Chamber, with each winner receiving a $2,000 Cathie Wishnick memorial scholarship, and each runner-up $200. Thea White will once again choreograph the opening number and Sam Lagana and Nicole Howard will be the onstage co-hosts. Reigning Mr. and Miss Palisades, Chris Alexakis and Elena Loper, will give farewell performances, and Mimi Vitale, who was Miss Palisades in 2000, will sing. The female contestants are: ‘ Jackie Brody, Oaks Christian School sophomore, singer, pianist, soccer player and competitive skier. ‘ Samantha Elander, Palisades Charter High School sophomore, soccer player, swimmer and tutor. ‘ Sabrina Giglio, PaliHi sophomore, cellist, swimmer and Girl Scout troop leader. ‘ Courtney Kelly, Harvard-Westlake School sophomore, artist, environmental activist, and representative on City Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s District 11 Youth Council. The male contestants are: ‘ Jacob Correia, Brentwood School sophomore, violinist, runner-up in a previous Mr. Palisades contest, swimmer and water-polo player. ‘ Wyn Delano, PaliHi junior, impersonator, actor, opera singer and tap dancer. ‘ Sam Green, Crossroads High School junior, guitarist, photographer and DJ. ‘ Micah Gordon, Windward School sophomore, jazz pianist and tennis player. ‘ Julian Xavier Whatley, PaliHi senior, swimmer, U.S. history tutor, video-game designer. The judges will be: Gavin MacLeod, honorary mayor; Mona Golabek, concert pianist; Linda Vitale, vocalist; Marcie Gold, television producer; and Paola DeMari, board member of Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West. The event is organized by Carol Smolinisky (chairperson), Candida Piaggi, Ramis Sadrieh, Lauri McNevin, Thea White and Arnie Wishnick.

Veteran Dentist Bob Nelson Finds a Successor in Tapia

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Santa Monica resident Maria Tapia, DDS, is the new namesake of the nearly 50-year-old Pacific Palisades dental practice founded by Dr. Bob Nelson.
Santa Monica resident Maria Tapia, DDS, is the new namesake of the nearly 50-year-old Pacific Palisades dental practice founded by Dr. Bob Nelson.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

One of Pacific Palisades’ greatest traits is preserving an old-fashioned small-town spirit echoing mid-20th-century America. But change is a fact of life, and it will take place regardless. Alas, change is a necessary agent of growth. One such transition is taking place right now in the medical building on Monument, just north of Sunset. After 47 years of practicing in the same office, Dr. Bob Nelson”beloved local dentist who has personally tended to the teeth of several generations of Palisadians”is easing into semi-retirement. And he has found an unlikely successor to take over his practice in Maria Elena Tapia, DDS. Unlikely on the surface, that is. At first glance, the 32-year-old Tapia appears to be Nelson’s opposite: a young, female, Latin-American who immigrated to the United States relatively recently. But as Dr. Nelson, 75, explains, their core values are identical. ‘I selected her for her background, her professionalism and her ethics, which coincide with my own philosophy,’ Nelson says. Late on a sunlit Friday afternoon at the 984 Monument practice, Tapia shows the Palisadian-Post one of the offices, which possesses Nelson’s favorite dentist chair.   ’I really wouldn’t want to replace it. It’s one of the first chairs with hydraulics,’ Tapia says with a charming Spanish lilt in her English. Since officially taking over the practice in January, she clearly enjoys her new place of work. Maria Elena Tapia could attend a party in the clothes she wears to work. She looks fit and attractive, projecting a confidence you would wish a professional to have. That confidence is well earned. Back in Managua, Nicaragua, the city where she grew up, Felix Tapia raised his three daughters to be independent, and middle child Maria may well be the boldest. Her parents made sure that she went to private school in the poor Central-American country. Tapia started dental school at age 16, and she is the only of the Tapia girls to leave Nicaragua. In late 1998, after completing her undergraduate and graduate studies at Unan University in Leon, Tapia relocated to America to further her schooling and career, specifically the leafy suburb of Danville”on the East Bay outside of San Francisco”where she practiced dentistry. But she wasn’t professionally satisfied.   ’I decided I wanted to reach a higher level,’ Tapia says. In 2001, she moved to West Los Angeles to pursue her postgraduate dentistry studies at UCLA, where she met her fianc’, Marco. Tapia knows firsthand the needs of a patient, having herself suffered trauma to her two front teeth. In fact, going to UCLA as a patient to get her teeth repaired was her first brush with the college. Once she matriculated at UCLA, she found a mentor in Dr. Mete Fanuscu, then-director of the university’s dentistry program (with whom she still keeps in touch, despite his move to Europe), and in 2003, she graduated from the program with honors. By 2007, Tapia and her fianc’ had relocated to Fort Lauderdale so that Tapia could live closer to her family (two hours by plane, as opposed to 5 hours from L.A.). But after a year in Florida, they returned to L.A., where Tapia has many friends, while her fianc’, whom she will marry in January, lives closer to his native Seattle. The couple currently resides in Santa Monica. ‘I miss my family and the food,’ Tapia says. ‘But you can find almost any type of food here.’ Tapia joined Nelson’s office, which includes longtime staffers Carole Eule and Polly Holman, last November after Nelson considered several candidates. The day they met, Tapia says, she and Nelson talked for three hours. At first, Tapia was a bit intimidated by the fact that Nelson, who hung his Monument St. shingle in 1962, was so entrenched in the community. But Nelson has made her feel comfortable, introducing her to longtime clients. ‘They are very welcoming, very nice people here,’ Tapia says of Nelson’s loyal patients. ‘People have been coming for the last 20, 30 years. Some come from as far as Silver Lake, Las Vegas, Utah, even New York. ‘We share conservative ideas,’ Tapia continues, explaining her professional relationship with Nelson. ‘But it took time for him to realize. I had to prove myself to him.’ Indeed, the first thing Tapia did upon moving to Los Angeles was to seek out a Spanish-language Catholic church. Cut off from relatives, all of whom still live in Nicaragua, Tapia prioritized seeking out ersatz family, as well as the spirituality she experienced while growing up. She has since joined Corpus Christi Church in the Palisades. Her priorities of family and community are something that Nelson (and his wife, Cindy) can relate to, having raised his children here. The Nelsons have a son, Thomas, a daughter, Tracy, and grandchildren Curtis and Jamie. Nelson is also a past-president of the Optimist Club. In addition to working at her Palisades office, Tapia teaches restorative dentistry at the Wilson-Jennings-Bloomfield UCLA Venice Dental Center once a week. ‘It keeps you grounded,’ she says of working with students. For fun, Tapia prefers Pixar animated features and romantic comedies over downbeat fare. She wishes she had more time to explore her Santa Monica environs and go biking or play tennis, and she squeezes sports in when she can. She also loves to read, particularly motivational books. Tapia appreciates Nelson’s presence and values his wisdom and experience. ‘He’s still very active here,’ Tapia says, smiling. ‘He has my energy level! He brings the story of the Palisades to this practice. People know him and love him. He’s a part of the community.’ Meanwhile, Tapia is enjoying discovering the Palisades. She says that when she and her fianc’ are ready to start a family, they plan to move to the Palisades. Some things never change. Appointments at Maria Tapia, DDS: (310) 454-0912.

Gimme Shelter

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Staging animal adoptions every Sunday at the Palisades farmers’ market, two gutsy rescue groups go the extra mile to place down-and-out cats and dogs in the right home.

Star Paws Rescue, a group with a regular presence at the farmers
Star Paws Rescue, a group with a regular presence at the farmers
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Animal advocacy draws its own particular breed of person: generous souls with fierce and unyielding devotion to their ‘clients.’ Not for the faint of heart, those who toil on the front lines of animal rescue confront almost daily the best and worst of humanity. A puppy tied to a lamppost and used as bait for pit bulls incurred 150 bite wounds before being rescued by a bystander armed with only a broom. ‘This incredibly brave woman called our hotline,’ says Melya Kaplan, founder and director of Voice for the Animals (VFTA). ‘Who knows what other horrors Billy would have endured before being left to die?’ Kaplan’s nonprofit organization took Billy on, along with all of his medical bills. The fully healed pit bull mix is now looking for a new home. VFTA, best known to market-goers in Pacific Palisades for their cat adoptions, has been a constant presence on Sundays for the past six years. Kaplan estimates that between 100 and 150 animals have been adopted each year. Her operation, composed of five staff members and more than 200 volunteers, relies entirely on foster homes as ‘halfway houses’ until animals find a permanent home. ‘We’re begging people to please consider fostering,’ Kaplan says. ‘So many animals are being killed in shelters.’ VFTA’s hotline is inundated with calls from people surrendering their pets because of home foreclosures. Often, the animals are simply left behind. ‘People should know we have a fulltime person devoted to the hotline,’ Kaplan says. ‘I’m so sad to think of all the calls we don’t get.’ According to statistics posted by Los Angeles Animal Services, the euthanasia rate for dogs and cats rose 30 percent in 2008 as compared to 2007, a direct result of the economic downturn. In all, 19,617 dogs and cats were killed in the city last year. Despite the increase, the years 2006 through 2008 saw the three lowest euthanasia rates in the department’s history. The worst year was 1971, when 110,835 dogs and cats were put down. The steady decline in euthanasia coincides with more effective adoption practices, along with increasingly aggressive spay and neuter programs. Last October, Los Angeles enacted one of the nation’s strictest pet sterilization laws, mandating that the city’s pet owners have their cat or dog spayed or neutered by the time the animal is four months old. Though enforcement of the law is a sticking point, anything that might help stem the tide of pet overpopulation is welcome news to Star Paws Rescue, an organization specializing in dog adoptions. At the heart of Star Paws are three attractive women who laugh easily and seem especially bonded to one another. Their breezy manner belies the serious, often heartbreaking nature of their rescue work. Each has spent a small fortune of her own money for the sake of animals. Even more impressive, they all manage to save dogs while juggling busy professional lives. During a recent interview, the three speak shorthand to one another concerning the status of different canines. ‘When we get together, this is what we talk about 90 percent of the time,’ says Sylva Kelegian, an actress who has been known to forage landfills to save puppies and has driven as far as Las Vegas to deliver a dog to its adoptive family. ‘There’s never a day when we’re not involved with animal suffering. It’s second nature for us to be constantly scanning the street for stray dogs.’ In fact, on her way to the interview, Kelegian spotted a loose dog in Mandeville Canyon and tucked him back in the owner’s fenced yard. ‘I’m going to stop and talk to that person on my way home,’ she says. ‘It’s another tragedy waiting to happen.’ She had been roaming Mandeville Canyon on another mission, looking for Elsa. ‘We’ve overseen more than 300 adoptions since 2000,’ says founder Victoria Burrows, a Hollywood casting director. ‘This is the only dog that has ever gone missing.’ Star Paws prides itself in following strict measures to ensure an animal’s well-being. Before going up for adoption, every dog is spayed or neutered, given proper medical treatment and microchipped. ‘Microchipping is so important and such an easy step for pet owners to take,’ Burrows says. Each year, more than 10 million pets are lost. According to the American Humane Association, only about 17 percent of lost dogs and 2 percent of lost cats ever find their owners. Most of the dogs taken in by Star Paws are found in just such a way: animals wandering around without any identification. Other dogs come from owners who need to relinquish their pets. Some are snatched from certain death at the shelter.   Star Paws has no facility to keep animals. They, the same as VFTA, rely on a network of foster homes to house the animals. In each case, they supply all the necessary food and equipment. ‘Every day brings a new drama,’ says Linzi Glass, an author who completes the threesome. ‘Our stomachs are constantly in knots.’ As the three women begin their shift at the farmers’ market, good news has turned to bad. The two Labs they’d placed a week earlier haven’t found their forever home after all. ‘The owner wants me to pick them up this afternoon,’ says Sylva, who shrugs her shoulders in disappointment. ‘Sometimes it just doesn’t work out.’ The group’s ultra-liberal policy allows for adoptive families to give dogs back at any time’even 10 years later’no questions asked.   After an initial application process, Star Paws requires a home visit before relinquishing animals to new owners.   ’The truth is we turn down more than we approve,’ says Burrows. ‘Everyone has good intentions. However, sometimes the concept of having a pet is more alluring than the reality. We’re really looking out for the best interest of both the animal and the human.’ Burrows concedes that some rescue groups can go too far in the screening process. ‘One place requires adoptive families to keep the animal’s name and allow lifetime visits,’ she says to a round of laughter. The average cost to make a dog adoption-ready is $500 (though some cases can go as high as $2,000). The charge to adoptive families is between $250 and $350.   ’You definitely don’t get in the rescue business to make money,’ says Melya Kaplan, who estimates that her VFTA foundation also spends roughly $500 per animal. In the end, it’s all about chemistry. ‘You fall in love with an animal the same way you fall in love with a person,’ Kaplan says. ‘It doesn’t matter the color, breed, size or age.’ To reach Voice for the Animals, call (310) 392-5153 or go online to www.vftafoundation.org. To learn more about Star Paws Rescue, call (310) 289-5409 or visit www.STARPAWSRESCUE.com.

Valerie Freeman’s Multimedia Work at Branch Library through April

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“Aloe Fan Trio,” digital photograph by Valeria Freeman

Chamber of Commerce and Pacific Palisades Art Association member Valerie Freeman will be exhibiting a variety of her multimedia artworks from Saturday, March 14 through April 26 at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. The exhibition is open to the public during library hours, with an artist’s reception planned for this Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.   On exhibit will be a glimpse of the various series Freeman has created over the past decade. The artist, inspired by nature and life experiences, experiments with various plein-air painting and photography techniques. The exhibit will include several of her Chinese brush paintings of animals that are studies for her pond paintings.   Coming from a photo-realistic painting style that she’s used since the age of 14, Freeman has since simplified her approach. Included in the exhibition will be prints of her new series of experimental digital photography, in which she fuses spirituality and nature.   A Long Island transplant, Freeman earned her BFA from Pratt Institute and is a recipient of several awards and commissions, including the Municipal Arts Society of NYC and the Ford Foundation. She has also taught art aboard a Crystal Cruise line.   Freeman has balanced her career as an artist with private and corporate painting commissions, teaching, decorative painting/murals and faux finishes, and printmaking and marketing her fine art. She recently served as gallery director and curator in the Antelope Valley, and she curated an exhibit of local artist George Kalmar’s work at the Antelope Valley College Art Gallery. She has also created a Pacific Palisades Art Association Web site (which includes a blog, calendar of events, and members’ links): www.paliart.com.   Freeman will begin a series of private group art classes for youths and adults. These classes include Chinese Brush Painting, and Catalyst for Spiritual & Emotional Healing.   On Thursday, April 16, from 4 to 5 p.m., Freeman will teach a free class at the Library dubbed ‘An Introduction to Chinese Brush Painting.’ For more information, call 310-200-3027; email val@freemanart.com

Laura Keehner to Marry Michael Rigas in May

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Laura Keehner and Michael Rigas
Laura Keehner and Michael Rigas

  Irene and Gary R. Keehner of Rancho Santa Fe announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Christine Keehner of Washington, D.C., to Michael John Rigas of Washington, D.C., son of Mr. and Mrs. John Rigas of Boston.   Keehner, a graduate of the College of William and Mary, recently concluded more than five years of service as a political appointee in President George W. Bush’s administration. During her tenure, she served as press secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, and as a senior advisor at the U. S. Department of Justice. While at William and Mary, she was student body president and a member of the Board of Visitors, and played Division 1 volleyball on an athletic scholarship.   Keehner grew up in Pacific Palisades and attended St. Matthew’s School and the Marlborough School before graduating from The Bishop’s School in La Jolla. She and her mother remain active members of the National Charity League. Keehner was presented at the League’s 1997 Debutante Ball.   Rigas received his undergraduate degree from Boston University and holds graduate degrees from Boston University and Harvard University. He just completed his tenure with the Bush Administration as the associate administrator for the General Services Administration, where he focused on helping small businesses and veterans contract with the federal government. Previously, he held positions at Mellon Bank and at Brown Brothers Harriman and Co.   A May 3 wedding is planned in Washington, D.C., followed by a honeymoon in the Greek Islands.

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