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TEA:

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Hearty, Warm, Sustaining

“Lord of the Southern Quadrant, the fiery Emperor, Shen Nong,” credited as the discoverer of tea. Korean, Joseon dynasty, 18th century. Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

To read tea leaves is to review the cultural and political history of tea over centuries, tracing the brew’s role as a medicinal palliative, spiritual assist, encouragement to artistic invention and world trade, and incitement for revolution and exploitation. But for those can’t read tea leaves, ‘Steeped in History: The Art of Tea’ now on view at UCLA’s Fowler Museum through November 29, will provide important insights. Curated by Beatrice Hohenegger, author of ‘Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea from East to West,’ the exhibition offers a visually stunning excursion through the centuries, beginning with the ‘discovery’ of tea as a medicinal plant in China a thousand years before the modern era, and the Chinese’s embrace of the art and uses of tea. The Fowler exhibit flows from gallery to gallery, following the migration of tea from China to Japan in the 12th century, and finally to Europe along with the Dutch traders, and America. A little background makes the significance of tea in world history even more remarkable. Like salt in ancient times, tea, because of its exclusive botany and particular climate and soil requirements, became an invaluable necessity and a desirable trading commodity. Tea comes from a single plant, camellia sinensis, native to southeastern Asia. The Chinese multiple-stem shrub (var. sinensis) has small leaves that protect it against cold weather, while the Indian single-stem plant (var. assamica) thrives in subtropical and rainy regions. The difference in color’black, green, oolong, yellow, red or white’depends on the varying levels of oxidation. Black teas are fully oxidized, white teas are nonoxidized. Chamomile, rooibos and herbal beverages are derived from other plants; they are infusions, not teas. While we may be accustomed to drinking loose-leaf tea stored in a tin or a bag, tea may also be compressed or powdered. During the Tang dynasty (619-907), tea was molded into bricks and then shaved and boiled in a cauldron. The custom of grinding tea into powder to form cakes or whisk with hot water in a tea bowl followed. The first teapots specifically designed for brewing loose-leaf tea were created in the 1500s. These early, unglazed vessels were designed and produced in Yixing, in eastern China. They were never washed, simply rinsed out with cold water, which resulted in the interior of the pot developing a residual layer of tea. The father of tea, according to legend, was the Chinese emperor Shen Nong, who tasted tea accidentally one summer day while visiting a distant region of his realm. He and his servants stopped to rest, and in accordance of the emperor’s ruling that drinking water be boiled as a hygienic precaution, he awaited his servants’ preparations. Dried leaves from a nearby bush fell into the boiling water and a brown liquid was infused into the water. As a scientist, Shen Nong is credited with identifying hundreds of medical and poisonous herbs by personally testing their properties. Tea, which acts as an antidote against the poisonous effects of some 70 herbs, was an important discovery indeed. Tea found its way to Japan along with Buddhism during the Heian period (794-1185) by monks who had traveled to China to study Zen and believed the beverage enhanced religious meditation. The custom spread to the royal court and was given imperial sponsorship, which elevated it to an art form and the creation of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, known as chanoyu (‘hot water for tea’).   Journalist/teacher Lafcadio Hearn, who lived and worked in Japan for 15 years at the turn of the century, married a Japanese woman and became a naturalized Japanese citizen, captured the significance of the Japanese Tea Ceremony: ‘The Tea ceremony required years of training and practice to graduate to art. The supremely important matter is that the act be performed in the most perfect, most polite, most graceful, most charming manner.’ This description of the ritual of tea ceremony is beautifully displayed through the accoutrements that complete the ceremonial pastime in the Fowler exhibition. These include tea bowls, each designed for a specific type of tea, (thick or thin), and season, shallow during the hot summer and taller with thicker walls for winter. A tea room has been constructed in the corner of one gallery in which the five essential elements are present: fire in the brazier, water in the water jug, earth in the ceramic tea bowl, wood in the tea-lacquered tea caddy, and metal in the teakettle. In the chado, or the ‘way of tea,’ the host symbolically brings together the entire universe through these elements.   Knowledge of tea in Europe began with the Portuguese, who developed the first trade route with China in the mid-16th century, transporting the tea aboard Dutch ships from Lisbon to France, Holland and the Baltics. Tea became popular in The Hague, due in part to its high cost (over $100 a pound), and as a result, became the exclusive domain of the rich. But as consumption increased, prices fell and the craze for things oriental swept Europe, tea became part of the way of life. By 1650, the Dutch were trading throughout the Western world. Peter Stuyvesant brought the first tea to America, satisfying the colonists’ taste for the exotic beverage. By the time the English arrived in America, they found that the small settlement of New Amsterdam consumed more tea at that time than all of England together. The history of tea takes on geo-political significance as trade meant power in the late 17th and 18th century, and this development takes up the final galleries in the exhibition.   Initially, tea was not valued as a commodity unto itself, but as tea-drinking became more popular, teapots and other Chinese ceramics were found to make practical ballast for sailing ships, which were sold after the voyage. Soon the demand for tea and the chinoiserie phenomenon spread across Europe in the 17th century. China remained the sole provider of tea in world trade throughout the 18th century. With the merger in 1773 of the John Company and the East India Company, both established to promote Asian trade, the British company held a privileged position with the British government, not only in trade monopolies but also in territorial rule, most notably in India.   Tea is re-emerging as a preferred beverage in the United States, cited for its health benefits and as a pleasant social accompaniment. Looking back through the Tea Manual Chashu by Xiu Cishu in the Ming Era, not much has changed. It advised the following occasions for drinking tea: In idle moments, when thoughts are confused, in the bridal chamber, after tipsy guests have left, and finally when viewing springs and scenic rocks. (Beatrice Hohenegger ‘Steeped in History’ guest curator and tea specialist considers the history and culture of tea at 4 p.m., September 12 at the museum. For more information, visit: wwwfowler.ucla.edu.)

Adderley Teaches the ‘Great White Way’

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Janet Adderley takes time out to reflect on the 13th year of her musical theater program in Pacific Palisades. Photo: Shelby Pascoe
Janet Adderley takes time out to reflect on the 13th year of her musical theater program in Pacific Palisades. Photo: Shelby Pascoe

You might think that, with two performing arts studios and an annual enrollment of 1,000 kids in musical theater and dance workshops, that actress/teacher Janet Adderley would have become a CEO caught up in the mechanics of running the business than imparting her energy and techniques to up-and-coming talent. Not so. Adderley, who is celebrating her 13th year in Pacific Palisades and is completing an addition to her studio on State Street in Santa Barbara, has honed a masterful faculty and administrative support team, which allows her to do what she always has done: teach.   A true Broadway baby, Adderley enjoyed a feast of theatrical parts, including roles in ‘Starlight Express’ and ‘Cats,’ before moving to Los Angeles in 1990 to work in film and television. With her luck not as stunning, and with two young daughters, she elected to set her stage career aside to teach kids and adults the magic of the musical, using Broadway as her text. She opened her 28,000-sq.-ft. studio in the Highlands in 1997 and launched the Santa Barbara school in 2005.   ’On the East Coast, theater is king,’ Adderley says while taking a ‘hot second’ to reflect on her mission. ‘All kids go into the city to see shows. Whole families go to New York for a week just to see Broadway musicals.’ It’s not so easy in Los Angeles and that’s why Adderley’s repertory is strictly Broadway, which she refers to as ‘the source.’ ‘It’s all about tried-and-true Broadway, where kids have an opportunity to chew on art, on words that have value and worth.’ While Adderley School’s text is Broadway, she doesn’t impose her favorites on her students; favorites that run from ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Westside Story’ to ‘Into the Woods.’ ‘If it takes a ‘High School Musical’ to get kids to sit down to watch ‘Guys and Dolls,’ that’s okay with me,’ she says. Students are between the age of 5 and 14, although several have started as young as 3. Adderley defines her school as striking a balance between those structured for the complete novice and the ‘I-can-get-your-kid-into-show-business’ model. Adderley’s mantra: As long as the student walks out that door loving the process, she feels as if she is doing her job’building a future audience and/or future craftsmen. The three-week summer camp, which met five days a week, mirrors the regular 14-week, once-a-week workshops. In the first week, children get to know one another, and the director, choreographer and musical director get to know each child. In the second week, the teachers tailor the productions to the kids, making sure that each child will be able to perform a solo and duet. They learn production numbers and dance steps, and work on blocking and scenes. The last week is dedicated to a ‘stumble-through, when we just throw it up there to see how it’s looking,’ Adderley says. Her students presented their culminating show, ‘Wicked,’ last Thursday in Santa Monica. Their ‘home’ theater, the Pierson Playhouse, was unavailable. While most of the older students, once in high school, become involved in their school drama programs, Adderley works with a group of ‘top drawer’ actors in the Adderley Repertory Company. These kids meet for four hours on Saturdays mastering their craft and preparing a show. Over the years, several of her students have gone all the way to Broadway and, on many occasions, the children have collaborated as backup choruses for musical productions and CDs. An upcoming video, produced by David Foster and featuring Andrea Bocelli, will include an Adderley chorus. Adderley is equally proud of her staff, some of whom have made the Broadway cut. Former teacher Jeff McLean, who got his break in the ‘Spamalot’ national tour in Las Vegas, recently offered a master class to about 30 summer camp students in the Palisades studio. Currently starring as Warner in ‘Legally Blonde’ at the Pantages, he was joined by cast members including Becky Gulsvig, who stars as lead character Elle Woods. Looking over the last dozen years, Adderley, who divides her time between the two studios, has made some self-discoveries. ‘As much as I want to feel that I can train people and walk away, I can’t,’ she says. ‘The secret sauce is me. I have learned that it’s way easier to be proficient and to teach the craft than to be loving, nurturing and mentoring. These are God-given gifts.’ Adderley says that she will continue to find young, energetic men and women who genuinely love children. ‘It fills us up when our progeny shines.’

The Grape Vine

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How to Make a Small Fortune in the Wine Business

Palisades resident Tim Perr, co-founder of the Pali Wine Company in Lompoc.
Palisades resident Tim Perr, co-founder of the Pali Wine Company in Lompoc.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

People in the wine business often say that the way to make a small fortune in the wine business is to start it with a big fortune. Traditionally, profits in the wine business in California have been primarily reserved for a privileged few, such as Gallo, Mondavi, and Two-Buck Chuck’because of their huge production and high-priced marketing. But a few boutique wineries get a reputation and then make a profit because of the high sales price compared to production costs. For such winemakers as the Firestone family, the Staglin family, and Walt Disney’s daughter, I’m not sure that profit is much of a motive. But for most winemakers in California, the cost of the land, the structures, the equipment and the labor (even at minimum wage) puts vintners under a heavy financial burden. It’s not that way in the small boutique wineries in France and Italy, where the winemaker often inherits the land and winemaking facilities from their ancestors, and the extended family makes the wine. I’ve known producers whose only cost in making the wine is to pay for the bottles and labels (a total of about $1.25 per bottle). So you have to take your hat off to Palisadian Tim Perr, co-founder of the Pali Wine Company in Lompoc. With a degree in applied mathematics and statistics, he did his homework before starting up the company, and he figured out that the odds were with him. Pali’s latest wine move is the Cuv’e program, with a lower priced pinot noir named after areas of Pacific Palisades. ‘The Huntington,’ ‘The Bluffs,’ even an ‘Alphabets’ pinot noir! Now that’s what I call an inside joke!   Why do some of these red wines sell for $50 a bottle while others go for $20? Well, the $50 wines are ‘Vineyard Designate wines.’ That means all the grapes come from the same vineyard. The Cuv’e wines, which sell for $19, are made from pinot noir grapes amassed from several different vineyards, but within a common ‘American Viticultural Area.’ When you make wines from grapes grown in different vineyards, you have to blend the grapes to get the best flavor. One would think that in light of that fact, that blended wines would be better than wines from a single vineyard because one would have better control over the taste with the blending process. But for some reason, that’s not the way the wine world works, and the single vineyard wines sell for more. But you might not find that they taste better. I asked Tim what he looks for in a pinot noir wine. Here is his reply: ‘The nose should be perfumed and enticing. I enjoy both red and black flavor profiles in pinot noir, and a modest amount of minerality. I do not like the under-ripe or green flavors in pinot (which were all too common among California pinots of the past). The mid-palate should be substantial but not syrupy. Oak should be present but not overpowering. The finish should be long and bright’I enjoy the more acidic wines. Tannins in pinot should be silky and not drying.’ As for his favorite local restaurants, he mentioned a nice diverse selection: Boa, Josie, Melisse, Rustic Canyon, and the Oak Room. Finally, I asked Tim what kind of wines he and his partners drink. He said, ‘My partners and I enjoy a diversity of wines from all around the world’red, white and ros’. For myself, I have moved away from California cabernets because they have tended to be too syrupy and oaky. I prefer Bordeaux for their balance. Of course, I love a good Burgundy, but I find my strikeout rate too high, given their cost. Most of the time, for reds I drink California pinots from the producers I like”Kosta, Browne, Loring, Auteur, AP Vin, and a few others. For whites, I love chablis (or chablis-style chardonnay). I also enjoy the less expensive fruity white wines of Italy. A good ros’ is one of the most versatile wines in the world. Nothing like a cold ros’ on a hot afternoon. Better than a beer, if you ask me.’ Pali wines can be found at the local Gelson’s market and on the wine list at the Oak Room.

Kicking a Bruin Habit

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UCLA’s Kai Forbath Is Named Preseason All-American by ESPN, Sports Illustrated

Kai Forbath of Pacific Palisades made 19 of his 22 field goal attempts--including 13 straight--at UCLA last season.
Kai Forbath of Pacific Palisades made 19 of his 22 field goal attempts–including 13 straight–at UCLA last season.

Pressure is nothing new to UCLA placekicker Kai Forbath. In fact, he thrives on it. He has been called on in key situations time and time again and, fortunately for the Bruins, he almost always delivers. It’s why his teammates and Coach Rick Neuheisel have so much confidence in him. It’s also why both ESPN and Sports Illustrated have named him to their preseason All-American teams. A red-shirt junior, Forbath has already made 44 field goals in his UCLA career–fifth most in school history–including 13 in a row to end last season. He has made all six of his career attempts from 50 yards or more and is tied for first on the Bruins’ all-time list in that category. He ranks his overtime winner in the 2008 opener against Tennessee as the highlight of his career… so far. Forbath and teammate Alterraun Verner, a senior defensive back, were selected to ESPN.com’s All-America pre-season first team by college football columnist Ivan Maisel. Among this season’s leading contenders for the Groza Award, Forbath was the preseason All-America pick at placekicker by Sports Illustrated’s Stewart Mandel and Mark Beech in their 2009 College Football Preview issue. A Palisadian-Post Athlete of the Year in 2007 and 2008, Forbath began making headlines long before he arrived in Westwood for his first practice. He kicked Notre Dame High of Sherman Oaks to a 35-1 record and three CIF championships, scoring 213 points and converting 134 of 135 extra point attempts over his last two seasons. The Bruins will need Forbath to have another productive season if they hope to contend for the Pac-10 title. UCLA opens the season next Saturday night at the Rose Bowl against San Diego State.

Dynamic Duo Powers PPVBC

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Setter Oliver Deutschman (above) has passed the Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club boys' program to national prominence along with outside hitter and fellow Palisadian Matt Bagnard.
Setter Oliver Deutschman (above) has passed the Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club boys’ program to national prominence along with outside hitter and fellow Palisadian Matt Bagnard.

Time flies when you’re having fun and for Palisadians Oliver Deutschman and Matt Bagnard the last five years have been a blur. They have formed the backbone of a boys’ team from the Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club that has enjoyed unprecedented success since they joined the program. “Just by chance, their parents decided to get their kids involved in the local program and everything blossomed from then on,” said Matthew Diaz, their coach at PPVBC for the past four years. “Our program stresses the fundamentals of the game, so when the opportunity presents itself to play at the next level (JV, varsity, college, professional or in the Olympics), our athletes are ready, willing and able to succeed at that level. We’ve been around for 22 years now but the accomplishments over the last few years are merely byproducts of the dedication and loyalty these boys have and instilled in their teammates.” Deutschman, Bagnard and their team, now called ‘Pali 18 Kaepa’ have enjoyed quite a run, taking the silver medal at the U.S. Junior Olympic Championships in 2005, winning the gold in 2006, winning the bronze in 2007, winning the gold in 2007 and taking the bronze again this year. The 2008 Youth National Team captain, Deutschman was the Most Valuable Player of the 15s and 17s age divisions at the Junior Olympics and made the All-Tournament team in the 16s and 18s divisions. He was voted best setter at the NORCECA championships last year and will attend UC Santa Barbara this fall. He was captain of his high school team at Crossroads in Santa Monica. Bagnard, meanwhile, has been the team’s starting outside hitter for five years and made the All-Tournament team in 2006. Harvard-Westlake High’s star was a key component for the USAV’s A2 Member Phoenix last year and will attend USC this fall. Rounding out the Pali 18 Kaepa roster were fellow Palisadian Robert Feathers, a junior-to-be at CIF Division I and state champion Loyola High; Matt Hanley, a First-Team All-City hitter at Palisades High, who moves on to UCLA; Jake Kneller of Westlake Village who is bound for Stanford; Eric Dates of Los Angeles, now headed for Ohio State; Evan Mottram of Leona Valley (USCB); Ryan Kachold of Quartz Hill (UCLA); Ian Satterfield of Manhattan Beach (long Beach State); Scott Kevorken of Westlake Village (UC Irvine); Hunter Horn of Quartz Hill; and Westlake Village sophomore Travis Magorian. Of the 10 seniors on the local 12-player squad, nine are going on to play at Division I universities and the other (Horn) is playing Division II football. The two sophomores (Magorian and Feathers) enter their junior years in high school as top recruits to watch. Amazingly, five of the 19 boys picked to train for the U.S. Youth National Team were on the PPVBC squad (Deutschman, Satterfield, Kevorken, Feathers and Mottram). Mottram was the only one to make the traveling team competing in the World Championships in Italy this month. Eight players (Deutschman, Bagnard, Kneller, Kevorken, Satterfield, Dates, Mottram and Kachold) made Volleyball Magazine’s ‘Fabulous 50’ underclassmen list.

Vincent Back on Court

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Palisadian Caroline Vincent returned to her winning ways at the Paseo Club in Santa Clarita, where she took the Girls' 10s crown last weekend.
Palisadian Caroline Vincent returned to her winning ways at the Paseo Club in Santa Clarita, where she took the Girls’ 10s crown last weekend.

Caroline Vincent got on such a role late last year that it appeared she might never lose another tennis match. That was until she injured a hand in March and had to sit out four months. So how would she play once she got back on the court? The answer came last weekend at the sixth annual Paseo Club Junior Tournament in Santa Clarita. Looking sharp, as if she never took any time off, the rising young Palisadian won the Girls 10s age division without dropping a set. It was not as easy as it might seem, however. After receiving a first-round bye, Vincent appeared to be on her way to an easy victory over Nicole Alvarez of Newhall. She took the opening set 6-2 but fell behind 5-0, 30-love in the second set before rallying to win it in a tiebreaker and advance to the final. The championship match proved to be anticlimactic as the confident Vincent steamrolled Valencia’s Amanda Tabanera, 6-1, 6-0. For a girl who had just started training again at the Palisades Tennis Center to get back into playing shape it was an impressive tournament and an indication that more first-place trophies could be on the horizon for one of the Palisades’ most talented young players. Vincent, soon to be starting fourth grade at Calvary Christian, made the 2008 Palisadian-Post Athletes of the Year list after winning five straight events in the Girls 8s division prior to injuring her hand. One of the victories came at the high-caliber Santa Monica Junior Open, where she made short work of Kaitlin Zuber, 6-0, 6-2, in the semifinals and outlasted Jane Homer, 7-6, 6-4, in the final. Her most impressive tournament in that stretch might have been the Rancho Cienega Junior Open, where she won six out of seven sets on her way to the 8s singles title. * * * * * * Goldberg Gets Gatorade Bath Pacific Palisades resident Ben Goldberg was selected to represent Southern California at the 20th annual Pacific Zone Team Championships last week in Tucson, Arizona, and his team, called the Jaguars, beat the hometown Southwest/Arizona squad and teams from Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest and Northern California to reach the finals. The average temperature throughout the tournament was a blistering 108 degrees and yet nothing was quite as hot as the Marquez Elementary student, who notched valuable singles and doubles points each day for his team. In the championship match against a rival Southern California squad, Goldberg paired with Zachary Scurrah of Ventura to win the doubles point. Then, with the match tied, Goldberg was the last singles match on the court and the Jaguars’ victory would ultimately rest on the outcome of his match against Albert Chtchyan of Los Angeles. They split the first two sets, then Goldberg fell behind 3-0 in the decisive set. However, rather than give in to the oppressive heat and his determined opponent, Goldberg dug deep and reeled off six straight games to win 6-3 and clinch the team championship for the Jaguars. When the final point was over, teammates mobbed Goldberg and gave him a Gatorade shower. He was named championship MVP of the Boys 12s age division for his stellar play in the clutch. Meanwhile, Ben’s younger sister Caroline played her first-ever Open tournament and took first place in the 8-and-under singles division at the Pacific Tennis Open in Westlake Village. She beat Monique Savner from Thousand Oaks, 6-1, 6-2, and Colbey Shae Emery of Ventura, 6-4, 6-3. * * * * * * Oleynik Wins PTC Open Playing on the very courts where she hones her skills Ilana Oleynik won the Girls’ 12s division of the Palisades Tennis Center Junior Open Tournament two weeks ago at the public facility off Alma Real. Seeded No. 2., Oleynik beat Diana Silvers, 6-2, 6-1, in the quarterfinals and Sarah Khattab, 6-2, 6-2, in the semifinals, setting up a championship showdown against top-seeded Juliana H. Simon. After dropping the first set, Oleynik began to make more shots and won the last two sets, 6-4, 10-7 to take the title and the trophy. The PTC’s own Jameson West reached the semifinals of the Boys’ 16s, Roscoe Bellamy won the 10s and made the semifinals of the 12s and fellow Palisadian Jackson Kogan lost in the finals of the 12s. Bridget Stokdyk made the semifinals of the Girls’ 10s singles and Palisadian Daniela Festa made the quarterfinals of the 18s draw and the semifinals of the 18s doubles with partner Alexandra Smith.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 20, 2009

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

HOMES FOR SALE 1

GREAT DEALS. Homes Steps from Sand. Right in the Palisades! $125-450,000. Fab ocean views. For use as homes/offices/weekend retreats/condo alt. Terrific opportunity! PCH Between Sunset and Temescal. 8 sold last year. Remodels and fixers available. Heated pool and rec center. Agent: Michelle Bolotin, (310) 230-2438, www.michellebolotin.com

HOMES WANTED 1b

up to MILLION DOLLARS paid for single family home in Palisades. Private family. Please e-mail: wantedpalihome@aol.com

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR SALE 1e

SENIOR CONDO FOR SALE Must be 62 years or older. Maximum household income not to exceed $42,129. Sales price $148,305. 1 bdr, 1 ba. Contact Karen at Palisades Realty, (310) 890-4561

FURNISHED HOMES 2

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

LIGHT, AIRY, SPACE IN THE TREE-TOPS. 1 bed/bath, huge living areas for 1-2 non-smoker, no pets. Laundry, spa, cable, internet, dishes . . . Avail. 10/10 monthly with 3 mo. min. $2,800/mo. includes all. (310) 454-2568

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

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

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

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

CHARMING CAPE COD 2 bdrm + office/den, 1.5 bath, private patio & garden. Washer & dryer & A/C. Quiet area. Village close. Lease $3,900/mo. (310) 454-7826

3 BEDROOM, 1 BATH. Original Palisades home near village. Available now. $3,500/mo. (818) 559-5659

NEAR BLUFFS, VILLAGE & SCHOOLS. 4 bedroom, 3 bath. Living/dining room w/ fireplace. Large yards & patios. Gardener included. 1 year lease. $5,100/mo. (310) 454-8621

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

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

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

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

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

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

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

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

FURNISHED CONDO, $4,500/MO. Unfurnished $4,000/mo. Large 3+2, 1,850 sq. ft., living room, relaxing sun room, 2×2 parking. Walk to the beach, market, stores, go surfing or walk to the hiking trails. We are 1/2 block from the Self-Realization Center, great schools and min. away from Pepperdine. This is a beautiful and completely furnished condo, with a spectacular view, perfect for a writer, yoga or just relax and enjoy the home. Heated pool, and it’s ready to move in. Everything is brand new. Call (310) 497-0880. For photos: 17339tramonto.shutterfly.com/26

SPACIOUS 3+3 TWNHM w/ ocean vu. FLR, FDR, family area, bonus rm, laundry rm, 2-car gar dir access, gated. Furn/unfurn. Flex time frame. $5,500/mo. robbie sikora, (310) 710-5214

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

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

GARDEN VIEW. Master bedroom & bath. Private entrance, patio, fireplace, cable, WIFI, w/d. $950/mo. Available Sept. 1st. (310) 459-8751

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

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

MATURE WOMAN SEEKS PRIVATE ROOM. Wanting to exchange excellent office/household help for lowered rent. N/S N/P Quiet. Local references. Margie, (310 289-5689

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PALISADES OFFICE & RETAIL SUITES AVAILABLE in the heart of the Village: Single room offices & office suites ranging in size up to 3,235 sf, all with large windows with great natural light. 700 sf retail suite. Amazing views of the Santa Monica mountains, private balconies and restrooms. Building amenities include high speed T1 internet access, elevator and secured, underground parking. CALL BRETT AT (310) 591-8789 or email brett@hp-cap.com

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

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

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

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

PALISADES OFFICE, two rooms, 2nd floor, 15115 1/2 Sunset Blvd. Across from Ralphs. $950/mo. (310) 459-3493

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

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

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

BOOKKEEPING. Payroll a specialty. Household & small business. Local. Trina, (310) 459-4807

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

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

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

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

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

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

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f

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

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

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

SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7l

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

MESSENGER/COURIER SERVICES 7n

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

DAYCARE CENTER 8

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

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

WE CAN HELP YOU! We work as a team. Many years exper w/ exlnt refs. Licensed. Reliable. Own transportation & cleaning supply. Please contact any time. Maria, (310) 430-0514

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

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

HOUSEKEEPER, LOCAL REFERENCES, 20 years experience, own transportation, good driving record, available Monday-Friday. Call anytime. (323) 440-4258

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

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

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE. Reliable, trustworthy, good references. (310) 229-9327

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

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

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

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

NURSING CARE 10b

WANTED: ROOM. Excellent RN ready to care. Details, (310) 699-1650

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING 11

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

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE 12a

MON./TUES./WED. SPECIALS. Brazilian Straightener, $150 & up. Hair Extensions, $150 & up. Relaxers/J-Curls/Hi-Li, $38 & up. Color or B-Dry & Style, $28 & up. Men’s cut, $10. Ladies cut, $15. App. only, (310) 463-0577 or (702) 542-3949. Annette @ Marcelle’s Salon ‘ 15 yrs exp. 251 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. WWW.HAIRBYANN.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. Lic. & bonded. Insured. (310) 926-7626

CATERING 14

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

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

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

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

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

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

TUTORS 15e

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HGTV Design Team (former). HGTV Design Team. We are a full service construction/design team ready to remodel a room for you! Formally on the hit HGTV show, Rate My Space. We revive any room or outdoor space for you. With our inspired, affordable, licensed construction and design staff, we can bring your ideas to life. From simple affordable alterations to extensive overhauls and additions, we are the right company for you!! Lic. #858904. Call (310) 877-5577 & (818) 445-0951. http://debonairrenovations.com/Home/Home.html

ELECTRICAL 16h

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

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

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

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

FENCES, DECKS 16j

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

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

FINISH CARPENTRY 16k

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

FLOOR CARE 16m

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

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

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

HANDYMAN 16o

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

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

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

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

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p

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

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r

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

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

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

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

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

WALLS TO GO. Single wall flat interior includes: washing, patching, sanding, priming, two coats of paint, $150. 4 walls, $400. 20 years experience. Local resident. School teacher. Non-lic. Call Tim, (310) 433-9610

PLUMBING 16t

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

REMODELING 16v

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

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

COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION ‘ Kitchen+bath ‘ Additions ‘ Tile, carpentry, plumbing. Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large & small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction, (310) 774-9159

HELP WANTED 17

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

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

FURNITURE 18c

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

PERSIAN RUG. 116′ x 70,’ $800. Coral, lite turquoise & lite blue on a creme background. Very good condition. Rocky Bowman, (310) 766-2844

The Wild, Wild Wet!

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At the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Brazilian surfer Adriana DeSouza shredded up some waves (July 2009).
At the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, Brazilian surfer Adriana DeSouza shredded up some waves (July 2009).
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Rumor has it that there was a really big “sail” going on near Marina del Rey (June 2003).
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Water You Waiting For? Our Staff Photographer Celebrates His Eighth Year at the Palisadian-Post with These Summer Images

Palisadian Dancer Honored

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Jill Roberts Piscatella received the President
Jill Roberts Piscatella received the President

By DANIELLE GILLESPIE Staff Writer Pacific Palisades resident Jill Roberts Piscatella has spent the past 10 years helping the community through her love of dance.   In 1999, she founded the D.A.R.E. America Dance Program, which brings dance into high-risk schools as a positive alternative to drugs and gangs.   ’We really fill the need of something for the kids to do after school,’ Piscatella told the Palisadian-Post. ‘A lot of these kids don’t have a lot of positive influences.’   That same year, she created a program at Georgetown University Medical Center, where dancers work with cancer patients through stretch and movement to improve their quality of life.   For her efforts, the 36-year-old recently received the U.S. President’s Call to Service Award, which is given to an individual who has committed more than 4,000 volunteer hours to various causes during a lifetime.   In Sacramento on August 2, Piscatella received the award as well as a certificate from the Corporation for National and Community Service and USA Freedom Corp., a letter signed by President Barack Obama, a letter from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, and a service pin from Obama’s office.   After earning degrees in psychology and pre-medicine at Georgetown University in 1995, Piscatella worked as the director of dean’s affairs at the school of business at Georgetown University and spent all of her free time dancing.   Piscatella, who began jazz dancing at age 7 and later added tap, modern and ballet to her repertoire, taught tap and jazz to children and adults at the Joy of Motion Dance Center in Washington, D.C., and served on the center’s board. She performed in the CityDance Ensemble and choreographed numerous stage productions.   After several of her family members were diagnosed with cancer, Piscatella developed the dance program ‘Lombardi Moves’ at Georgetown’s Lombardi Cancer Center.   ’I wanted to help [cancer patients] feel better, to bring them joy, through stretch and movement,’ said Piscatella, who actively volunteered for the program until moving to Los Angeles in 2004 with her husband Joe, a screenwriter who wrote Disney’s ‘Underdog’ and worked on rewrites of ‘Kung Fu Panda.’ He is currently writing an animated film for Sony Pictures Entertainment. The couple has two children: Mary, 3, and Joe, 11 months.   After starting ‘Lombardi Moves,’ Piscatella decided she wanted to create an after-school dance program for youth, so she sent a proposal to D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), a program founded in 1983 that strives to give kids the skills they need to avoid drugs, gangs and violence.   She had earlier been president of a chapter of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Driving Drunk) at Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Maryland, and wanted to be a part of another effort to stop substance abuse. The mayor of Annapolis honored her with the Distinguished Citizen Award for her efforts to combat drunk driving.   D.A.R.E. hired Piscatella to start a pilot dance program in five cities on the East Coast. Today, she serves as director of the dance program, which has expanded to 22 cities with 80 programs in 72 schools. In the Los Angeles area, the program is available in 10 schools, including Westminster Avenue Elementary in Venice and Carthay Center Elementary in West Los Angeles.   Elementary and middle school students can join a free 20-week dance class led by a professional dance instructor. At the end of the course, they perform in a community or school setting and have the opportunity to earn a scholarship to a dance studio.   In 2000, Piscatella took on a larger role with D.A.R.E. as national director of after-school programs and supervisor of the National Youth Advisory Board, consisting of one high school student from each of the 50 states. The teens attend a conference once a year to learn about drug trends and how to serve as mentors.   Piscatella’s work through D.A.R.E. is paid, but the President’s Call to Service Award recognized her for the hours she puts in above and beyond. Captain Jeff Moore of the Demand Reduction Unit of the National Guard and former colleague through the D.A.R.E. Program nominated her for the award.   For more information, visit www.dare.org.

Lauren Jaffe, Simon Sweeney Exchange Vows at St. Monica

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Simon and Lauren Sweeney
Simon and Lauren Sweeney

  Lauren Jaffe, daughter of Howard and Joan Jaffe of Pacific Palisades, and Simon Sweeney, son of Andrew and Catherine Sweeney of Melbourne, Australia, were married on June 19.   The wedding ceremony, which took place at St. Monica Catholic Church, was followed by a dinner reception at the Bel-Air Bay Club.   The couple met while they were both completing postgraduate studies at the University of Melbourne.   The bride graduated from Corpus Christi School, Marlborough School, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Melbourne. She is a marketing and public relations professional who has worked at Tourism Victoria in Melbourne and the Hilton Hotel Corporation.   The bridegroom received both his bachelor’s and graduate degrees at the University of Melbourne. He is the assistant director of New Roads Malibu Middle School, where he also teaches science and math.   Lauren and Simon honeymooned in Paris and London and currently live in Santa Monica.

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