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Mona Woolard, 42; Popular Village School Staff Member

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Mona Woolard, a beloved Village School employee, passed away February 16 after a brief illness. She was 42.   Woolard joined Village School in 2000 and instantly became a valued member of the staff with her contagious laughter, her flair for fashion, and her organizational skills and efficiency. Working in admissions, she was often the first contact with prospective parents, and instantly put them at ease with her openness and warmth.   Her presence as ‘the divine Ms. Mona’ was felt throughout the school with her playful, yet caring ways. Her love of animals was readily apparent when a visitor entered her office and saw Freddie, the school’s pet rat, sitting on her shoulder.   Her humor was effusive and her inventiveness without question. It was always a treat to see what Halloween costumes she would devise. With her ‘Family Circle’ of students, Mona was always supportive, especially at Field Day when she provided ‘Monavation’ in the form of candy for her team. She also initiated special ways to honor the sixth graders from her ‘Family’ as they headed towards graduation.   As the mother of 11-year-old twin boys, Devon and Dahmien, Woolard wanted to instill in them an appreciation for learning and their surroundings. During the November 2008 fires near Sylmar, she took the boys to a shelter to comfort and care for those young and old. Her generosity of spirit, combined with her no-nonsense approach to life, had an immediate effect on everyone she came into contact with.   Members of the school community are devastated, but reflect on the cherished days shared with Woolard. She will be missed and remembered.   A memorial service was held last Friday in the Village School gym.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 5, 2009

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

HOMES FOR SALE 1

FABULOUS MANUFACTURED HOME w/ spectacular 180º views, across from the beach. Sought-after Tahitian Terrace Mobile Home Park. Like new, built in 1999. 2 BD, 2 BA, updated. Open floor plan w/ whitewater views. There is nothing to do but move in. Rent control. Pets OK, all ages. Offered at $429,000. By appointment only. Agent, Franklin, (310) 592-6696

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

RANCH STYLE 2 bd, 1 ba w/ oak floors, formal DR, lg LR, w/ wood frpl., Kit w/ deck. Brick patio. W+D hk-ups, gardener included. Huge fenced property allows rec veh parking. $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. Near Rustic Canyon park. $8,900/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

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

GUEST HOUSE FOR RENT. Single. Price: $1,350/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

PALISADES 1 BDRM apt, upper, sunny, new paint, carpet, gas stove, refrigerator, one year lease, covered parking, storage, laundry, near village. Non-smoker, no pets. $1,290/mo. (310) 477-6767

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

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

AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS, designer interior 2 BR+2 BA 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. Reduced! $3,850/mo. (310) 702-1154 • www.MalibuCoastline.com

AWESOME! 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

PALISADES OFFICE SUITES AVAILABLE in the heart of the Village including: 1) Last remaining single office suite at $1,600 per month and 2) Office suites ranging in size from 1,015 sf to 3,235 sf, all with large windows with great natural light. Amazing views of the Santa Monica mountains, private balconies and restrooms. Building amenities include high speed T1 internet access, elevator and secured, underground parking. Call Brett at (310) 591-8789 or email brett@hp-cap.com

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

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

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. Satisfaction guaranteed. $50/hr. or $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

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

NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER * L/out, F/T, CDL, SSN, Own car and insurance. Prof refs and experience. Light handyman work. Please call: (818) 825-9378, Maria L.

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

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

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER LOOKING for work. Avail. Mon.-Sat. or can work single days. Loves kids & pets. S.M. & Palisades refs. Speaks English, own transp. Adelina, (323) 527-4538 or (323) 481-4294

HOUSEKEEPING & BABYSITTING, EXPERIENCED. References if needed. Free estimate. Available Monday thru Friday. Speaks English. Call Nury, (323) 907-2213 (cell) or (323) 232-4287 (home)

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

HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER available Thursday and Saturday. Live-out. Local Palisades & Santa Monica references. Own transportation. Call Marta, (213) 365-6609. Please leave a message.

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

MY GREAT HOUSEKEEPER is looking for 2 days of work. Honest, reliable, speaks English, has own car. Loves kids & pets. Call Madeline, (310) 459-1651

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING. 25 years experience. Excellent references. Reliable. Call Elizabeth, (323) 463-7889

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 in your home. Available in the day M-F. Excellent local references. 10 years experience. Own transportation. CDL. Insured. Call Sandy, (c) (818) 272-3400 or (h) (818) 834-2524

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING 11

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

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

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!

MISCELLANEOUS 14k

WINE SHOPPING ADVENTURES WITH LIZ. With 26 yrs as a wine consultant, let me teach you how to buy good wines w/confidence & learn to pair wine w/ food. Call Liz, the Wine Coach, (c) (252) 256-0170

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, (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

EMORY GRADUATE (CLASS OF 2008). In-home tutoring at great rates. Tutoring math, science & SAT Prep. Call Jonathan, (310) 929-5858

ENSURE YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS! Experienced tutoring: math, science, history & writing. Grades 6-12. Recent Univ. of California graduate. Palisades resident. Nick, (310) 487-3637, nsinclair.ak@gmail.com

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

CONSTRUCTION 16d

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

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-CONSULTATION, design & installation: Electrical: 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.

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

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.”

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

REMODELING 16v

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

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

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

PART-TIME BOOKKEEPER in an interior design studio. Bright, enthusiasm a must! (310) 454-9068 ext. 3

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

FURNITURE 18c

TWO MATCHING CUSTOM COUCHES: Hi-end, 8-way hand-tied springs, etc. Oatmeal chenille fabric. Contemporary. Almost unused. $1,000 ea. Details/pics: (310) 459-4224, noshir@noshirgroup.com

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

CULV. CITY. WHOLE HSE! ‘60s furn/furnishgs/knick-knacks/collectibles/art/clothes/books/kitch/hsehold gds. 5342 Kalein Dr. (So. of Culver Bvd/bet. Sawtelle & Sepulveda). Fri.-Sat., Mar 6-7, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. www.bmdawson.com. for details/photos.

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

PALISADIAN RESIDENT SELLING 12 week old purebred Maltese female puppy. All baby shots. $950. Call (310) 488-3270

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

It’s Unanimous!

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Humby Defends Super Welterweight Crown on Points over James Martinez

Baxter Humby poses for the photographers after dominating his Muay Thai title bout against James Martinez Saturday night at the Hollywood Park Casino. Photo: Dana Torrey
Baxter Humby poses for the photographers after dominating his Muay Thai title bout against James Martinez Saturday night at the Hollywood Park Casino. Photo: Dana Torrey

In a fight that had the capacity crowd at the Hollywood Park Casino in Inglewood roaring with every punch and kick landed, Baxter “One Arm Bandit” Humby prevailed by unanimous decision last Saturday night to defend his Muay Thai World Super Welterweight championship over James Martinez. Being the main event on the card, Humby’s bout didn’t start until about 10 p.m. but spectators who stayed were treated to an exciting fight. Humby won all five rounds and when it was over the Palisadian’s hand was raised in victory. “I hit him with everything I had and he just wouldn’t go down,” Humby said. “My strategy was to work his body because that’s where he’s weakest, but he took it. I had him in trouble with a left hook in the third round but I couldn’t finish him.” Humby, who weighed in officially at 160–one pound lighter than his opponent, used a variety of kicks to keep Martinez off balance. “Technically, this was one of my best fights because he had some strong punches and I didn’t want to let him get lucky and take my title, so I just boxed him,” Humby said. “I made him missed and countered every time.” The 36-year-old fighter wants to stay as active as he was last year when he fought and won four times. He both trains and teaches at Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center and the Palisades-Malibu YMCA. He is sponsored locally by Tivoli Cafe. “I’ve fought at least a dozen times at Hollywood Park Casino and enjoy it because this is so close to home and easy for my friends and fans to come and watch,” Humby added after upping his professional kickboxing record to 35-5 (13 knockouts). “I feel like I can’t lose right now so I want to fight four or five times a year to stay sharp.” Next on Humby’s calendar is a mixed martial arts bout in April in Brazil. Humby was born in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1974 and got his nickname because he his right arm was amputated at birth just below his elbow. After capturing the Canadian Super Welterweight Kickboxing Championship in 1996 Humby moved here to pursue his professional kickboxing career. Like Rocky, Sylvester Stallone’s mythical movie character, Humby is recognized all over town and each win he adds to his record adds to his legacy as well. “I’ve got so much support from so many people,” Humby said. “So yes, I have a lot to keep fighting for.”

Highlanders Find Right Formula

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Kathryn Gaskin shows her frustration after hitting the post late in the first half of last Wednesday's 2-0 loss to Granada Hills in the quarterfinals of the City soccer playoffs.
Kathryn Gaskin shows her frustration after hitting the post late in the first half of last Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to Granada Hills in the quarterfinals of the City soccer playoffs.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

All season long the winning formula for the Palisades High women’s soccer team was simple: score goals and keep the other team from scoring them. It sounds simple, and, until last Wednesday, it was. On that day, things went according to plan for the black-clad visitors from Granada Hills, who upset Palisades, 2-0, in the City quarterfinal game at Stadium by the Sea. “This is a typical game for us, it’s how we’re used to winning,” Granada Hills Coach Don Ledesma said. “It usually comes down to whichever team capitalizes on its opportunities better. We did that today.” First, Highlanders forward Liz Landon scored on a misplayed ball in the 16th minute–the first goal Palisades had allowed in over 810 minutes, a span of 11 games. Then, before the Dolphins could recover, Melissa Hernandez curved a long shot into the corner of the net for a 2-0 lead. “The first goal was my fault–I let the ball bounce over my head,” Palisades goalie Kiki Bailey said. “The second goal was just a great shot by her.” If the first goal was a shock to the Dolphins’ system, the second was a wake-up call. Palisades dominated the rest of the half, the best chance being Katherine Gaskin’s give-and-go from Melissa Tallis that clanked off the left goal post. Despite a huge advantage in shots and scoring chances, the Dolphins had little to show for their efforts. “It’s frustrating to come this far and lose but we can hold our heads high,” Bailey said. “We never stopped playing hard. We never gave up.” The Highlanders seemed content to sit on their two-goal lead in the second half, allowing Palisades to control the ball in the middle of the field but tightening their defense in their own penalty area. The strategy worked, as the Dolphins’ best opportunities came off of fouls and set plays. Leslie Ota’s long throw-in ability led to several missed headers in front of the goal but, try as they might, the Dolphins couldn’t break Granada Hills’ spirit. “All the teams we play use the long ball,” Ledesma said. “We like to play more of a possession game to keep the score low and today it worked.” Gaskin finished the season with a team-high 19 goals, Katie van Daalen Wetters had 14 and Natasha Burks added 13. Meredith Kornfeind tallied a team-best 17 assists and Erika Martin had 13. Bailey posted 12 shutouts. “We knew we were taking a step up in competition from the teams we played in league but we hung with one of the top Valley schools,” Palisades Coach Kim Smith said. “We scored 105 goals. It was an incredible season.”

Lisberger to Play for Blues

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Palisadian and current Texas Longhorns soccer sensation Amanda Lisberger has signed to play with the Pali Blues this coming season. Photo: University of Texas
Palisadian and current Texas Longhorns soccer sensation Amanda Lisberger has signed to play with the Pali Blues this coming season. Photo: University of Texas

The Pali Blues Soccer Club announced Monday that Pacific Palisades resident and University of Texas midfielder Amanda Lisberger will play for the team during its sophomore campaign in the USL W-League. “It’s great to be able to add more local talent to the roster,” Blues Coach Charlie Naimo said. “Amanda is a very accomplished club soccer player who I’ve come up against a few times as a coach and it’s no surprise to me that she’s off to a great start in college. I hope she’ll inspire other local players to want to wear a Pali Blues uniform one day.” Lisberger, who was invited to join the Korean Republic National Team Pool for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, wrapped up her freshman season at Texas this past fall, scoring two goals and adding an assist in 20 games. Before suiting up for Texas she enjoyed a successful high school and club career. Lisberger was a three-sport athlete at Brentwood School, where she set school and conference records with 201 points on 86 goals and 29 assists. She was named to the All-CIF First Team three times and led Brentwood to three league championships. The four-time Olympic League First Team pick and three-time MVP was a California Gatorade Player of the Year finalist in 2007 after scoring the decisive header for her Eagles club team in the 2007 California State Championships–the first of the team’s two straight state crowns. “Amanda is another great example of why we are truly the Westside’s hometown team,” Blues General Manager Jason Lemire said. “Amanda’s rise, from CIF and club soccer, on to college, international play and now the Blues, charts the path, the ‘dare to dream’ mentality, we hope to inspire in the young players in our community.”

Varsity Beats Alumni 8-3

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Varsity starting pitcher Jon Moscot kept the alumni in check until Palisades' offense ignited in the late innings.
Varsity starting pitcher Jon Moscot kept the alumni in check until Palisades’ offense ignited in the late innings.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The alumni who showed up to take on Palisades High’s varsity squad Saturday evening in the program’s annual alumni baseball game seemed determined to prove that, on the diamond at least, experience sometimes gets the better of youthful enthusiasm. Sometimes, perhaps, but not last Saturday. Many former Dolphins were only a few years removed from Pali pinstripes, like 2006 teammates Tim Sunderland, Matt Skolnik, Alex Pekelis, Jeff Dauber and Brendan Polis and 2004 alum Steve Nirenberg, who admitted he was not in shape, having only picked up a bat the day before. For others, like 1983 graduate Jim Vatcher, who went on to play in the major leagues with the Phillies, Braves and Padres, it had been a bit longer. Polis predicted the game would be a “slaughter,” while Sunderland and Pekelis thought it would be a “nail-biter.” Dauber, who also played alongside brother Zach (a 2007 alum), works on the Disney show “Sweet Life with Zach and Cody,” and hasn’t been playing baseball, but he was on the show’s softball team–which he hoped would pay off on Saturday. When the lights were turned off and the dirt settled at George Robert Field, however, there was no Hollywood ending for the alumni, who lost 8-3. Assistant varsity coach Nick Amos, himself a former Dolphins’ catcher, volunteered to coach the alumni for Saturday’s game. When asked if he was going to tip off signals for his ‘new’ team, Amos said: “I’m going to close my eyes and try to keep it fair.” Varsity ace Jon Moscot got two quick strikeouts in the first inning before yielding the alumni’s first hit off the bat of Matty Ehrlich (2004). Pitching for the alumni was Vatcher, who looked more like a rookie in spring training trying to win a roster spot. He allowed only one hit and struck out eight batters in four innings, then led off the fifth with a home run. Ehrlich’s second hit scored two more runs, giving the alumni a 3-0 lead. The alumni nearly increased their margin in the sixth when P.J. Squire was hit by a pitch, stole second and moved to third on a hit by Pekelis. However, Squire was picked off of third and two subsequent fly outs ended the threat. Vatcher’s departure started the varsity’s comeback, as they scored runs by the bucketful in innings six through eight to build an insurmountable lead. Earlier in the afternoon, Palisades’ junior varsity lost 8-5 in seven innings to the alumni “old-timers.” High school teachers Rick Steil and Steve Burr led the charge for the older alumni. “I usually play in the later game, but this year I decided to play in the earlier one,” said Burr, who went two for three at the plate. “I haven’t swung a bat in two years, but it was fun.” Burr played for former coach Russ Howard from 1985-88. Palisades’ varsity opens the season Friday night at Burbank.

Pali Spikers Hold Alumni Game

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By KENE IZUCHUKWU

Jordan Cohen, Wylie Janousek, Taylor Savage and Matt Hanley hold the 1998 banner, one of many which will be on display at Palisades' first alumni volleyball match April 4.
Jordan Cohen, Wylie Janousek, Taylor Savage and Matt Hanley hold the 1998 banner, one of many which will be on display at Palisades’ first alumni volleyball match April 4.

When the Palisades High boys’ volleyball team won last year’s City championship, it returned to prominence one of the winningest programs in the state. Now the school plans to recognize and celebrate its volleyball tradition with an alumni reunion and game Saturday, April 4, in the gym. The event, billed as both a reunion and fundraiser, will bring together over five decades of volleyball alumni, many of whom have gone on to become some of the most successful players in the sport. Along with their former teammates, several of the best athletes ever to don a Dolphins jersey will have the opportunity to challenge the reigning champion varsity squad. During the event, Palisades will honor its five Olympic gold medal recipients: Ricci Luyties, Chris Marlowe, Steve Salmons, Dave Saunders and Kent Steffes, along with 2008 Hall of Fame inductee Randy Stoklos. Former coach Howard Enstedt will also be recognized. In his 30 years on the bench Enstedt guided Palisades to eight section titles and is credited with starting the volleyball program as a club. “I can’t take all the credit, because if you have the talent, then you win,” he said. The program has always bred talented players, including 2008 graduate and Post Cup winner Scott Vegas, currently playing for UCLA. “It’s going to be great playing with these legendary players who have totally different styles,” Vegas said. “It is an honor and a great fundraiser for the present program.” Steffes is looking forward to the event and the chance to rekindle previous relationships. “I’ve been able to get into contact with a bunch of people who have gone to Pali and played at Pali,” he said. “I’ve gotten a few calls and heard from some people that I haven’t heard from in a decade or so. This was such a great job for all the people who put this together; it’s going to be fun.” Stoklos plans to attend and play on the alumni team. During his high school career, Stoklos’ teammates included fellow gold medalists Saunders, Luyties and Salmons. He looks forward to reuniting with many of the former players: “It’s such a unique thing that Palisades has so many gold medalists in just one sport. It’s going to be a great time and a great opportunity to rejoice in Palisades volleyball.” Current coach Chris Forrest is excited about past meeting present for the first time. “I feel honored to be a part of such a successful volleyball program,” he said. “Just seeing some of the names that have come through here humbles me.” The gym doors open to the public at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. All proceeds go to support the boys’ volleyball program. There will be a serving contest for prizes, raffles and a silent auction. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. “I’m looking forward to defending our title this season since many City coaches are already branding the trophy with Sylmar’s name on it,” Forrest said. “The guys are using this talk as fuel for their fire. You can bet nothing will be given away by us, especially seeing the level our boys are playing at. It’ll be exciting!”

PTC Dominates South Bay

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RJ Sands gets ready to smack a forehand winner at last weekend?s South Bay Junior Open.
RJ Sands gets ready to smack a forehand winner at last weekend?s South Bay Junior Open.

The best players have a nack for playing their best in the biggest tournaments so it was only natural that several local juniors from the Palisades Tennis Center have reached the second weekend of the 28th annual South Bay Junior Open–one of the premiere events in Southern California. The tournament started with 1,176 players from California, Texas, New York, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Illinois, Indiana and even Tokyo, Japan–all looking to earn national ranking points. In the Boys 10s, PTC players Harry Cohen, Lucas Bellamy and RJ Sands each got through the first three rounds last weekend. Cohen dropped only four games with wins over Glendale’s Matt Tsoiakyan and Santa Barbara’s Phil Hicks. Bellamy and Sands also did not drop a set on their paths to the second weekend. In the Girls 10s, Mary Profit barely lost a game en route to advancing. Lucas’s older brother Robbie got through five rounds in the Boys 14s and did not drop a set on the way. He knocked out the 17th seed from Newport Beach, Dante Saleh, by a score of 7-5, 6-2, then beat fourth-seeded Abe Hewko of Palm Desert, 6-1, 6-2. Also in the Boys 14s, Alex Solonin got through five matches without losing a set, even ousting Corpus Christi standout Blake Anthony in the fourth round. One of the best performances of the tournament was turned in by emerging PTC star Cristobal Rivera, who played “up” in the Boys 16s and posted three big wins–including a 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 triumph over third-seeded Erik Lim of Palos Verdes Estates. Rivera, who has been training at the PTC for four years, used powerful groundstrokes to pin Lim to the baseline. Reid Shumway survived through three rounds in the Boys 12s before losing to No. 1-seeded Gabe Rapoport of Malibu. Shumway lost a mere five games before that match. In the Boys 14s, Derek Levchenko won his first three matches before falling to the fifth seed. PTC standouts Josh Rosen, Alex Giannini, Michael Genender and Elizabeth Profit also moved on to this weekend’s elite rounds.

Blosser Picks Princeton Soccer

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Palisadian Caitlin Blosser will taker her talents on the soccer field to Princeton next winter.
Palisadian Caitlin Blosser will taker her talents on the soccer field to Princeton next winter.

Palisadian Caitlin Blosser, one of the top high school soccer players in the area, has formally committed to play at Princeton University next winter. Blosser picked Princeton over several other Division I programs including Notre Dame, Harvard, UC Berkeley and Santa Clara. Twice named to the Palisadian-Post’s athletes of the year list, Blosser is a four-year starter and current captain of the Brentwood School varsity team, having scored 40 goals in her high school career. She has also been invited to the 33rd annual Soccer Showcase game next Sunday at East L.A. College. Blosser is a three-time All-CIF and All-Olympic League selection. She is also captain of the Real SoCal club team, currently ranked 13th in the country, where she has been the starting center midfielder for the last five years and scoring the winning goal last May in the California State Club Soccer Championship. She also led Real SoCal to the semifinals of the Far West Regional Championships in Honolulu last June, the Coast Soccer Premier Championship in 2006 and Surf Cup Championships in 2007 and 2008. Blosser was voted Most Valuable Player at the 2007 United States Club Soccer North American Championships and was chosen to the U.S. Club Soccer Olympic Development Program in 2007 and the Cal-South Olympic Development Program state team/pool from 2004-06.

Bulls, Bathhouses, Hideouts and Speakeasies: The Santa Monica Canyon Story

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‘The Canyon is our western Greenwich Village, overrun now by various types of outsiders, but still maintains an atmosphere of Bohemianism and unpretentious artiness.’ – Christopher Isherwood 
”The Shore,” Harper’s Bazaar, 1952 As the sun sinks into the Pacific Ocean, Randy Young and Doug Suisman kick back at a table on the patio of the Golden Bull on West Channel Road. It’s not by accident. Sipping on margaritas and mai-tai’s, the men hit the popular steakhouse-and-cocktails destination to indulge in the laid-back, Santa Monica Canyon lifestyle at what is arguably the beach community’s most storied restaurant. The Bull, after all, is where Steve McQueen once occupied an indoor corner booth (‘Because he could be invisible,’ Young says), where Palisadian Lee Marvin came in for a drink (‘A charming man”unless you were in a fistfight with him,’ Young says), where venerable actors such as Peter Graves and Peter Fonda have dined for decades, and where New Hollywood-types, such as the Wilson Brothers”Owen, Luke and Andrew”spend their down time in between movie shoots. Welcome to Santa Monica Canyon, a funky interstice of Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica, bifurcated by two parallel, restaurant-lined main drags”West Channel Road and Entrada Drive”and bordered by Pacific Coast Highway. Less than one square mile in diameter with a clear view of the Pacific, this overlap between chic ‘n single Santa Monica and the family-friendly Palisades has managed to carve an identity all its own into the canyon. Today, lifelong Palisadian Young, 57, and Suisman, 54, an urban planner and Canyon resident, discuss plans to adorn exterior wall space at Canyon School (where Suisman’s kids attend) with banners reproducing archival photographs, taken in the area a century ago. Young, a local historian and co-author of ‘Santa Monica Canyon: A Walk Through History,’ has arrived with stacks of boxes brimming with old postcards and photographs of such landmarks as the Bull, Ted’s Grill, and the old Bundy Bath House. During the late 19th”/early 20th”century period, when the area was nicknamed Rancho Boca de Santa Monica (‘The Mouth of Santa Monica Canyon’), Spanish and Russian populations, a village at the Long Wharf at Potrero Canyon was home to 300 Japanese fishermen and their families, and a portion of L.A.’s Jewish community used to descend on the neighborhood right before Rosh HaShanah, to perform their pre-Jewish New Year tashlich ritual (a symbolic casting away of sins by throwing bread into the sea). At 212 Entrada, William Randolph Hearst erected an English-style structure, as part of the estate built on the beach in Santa Monica, for his mistress, Marion Davies. Created by Julie Morgan, the same architect who designed Hearst’s Castle at San Simeon, the 16-room guest house was eventually sold in 1945, reopened as a hotel, and renovated in 1993 by a screenwriter as a house dubbed ‘Rosebud’ (referencing the cinematic Hearst allegory ‘Citizen Kane’). ‘The Canyon is a very odd juxtaposition, a mix of restaurants, tacky ’60s apartments and Craftsmen homes,’ Young says. ‘Not the classic beach town.’ Back in the mid-20th century, ‘it was total anarchy, not [self-conscious] like Laguna Beach.’ Young describes the neighborhood’s hey day, not entirely tongue-in-cheek, as ‘a den of inequity. It had a naughty aspect,’ perhaps rebelling against the strict moral codes of the Methodist community that had populated the Palisades by the 1920s. Young notes that Santa Monica Canyon upholds a tradition of intellectuals, movie industry people, a European contingent (including German exiles), and a prominent gay culture that goes back to novelist Chris Isherwood. The Bull still enjoys a young, affluent gay clientele (among other demographics), as did one of the previous incarnations of neighboring bar The Hideout. ‘When [artist David] Hockney came to L.A., this was the first place he stayed at,’ Young says. ‘It was always very laid back in the 1960s and ’70s,’ says Don Cranford, owner of the Golden Bull. ‘In the old days you can walk down the street and walk into 10 parties.’ ‘It’s always been a mixed neighborhood, never exclusive,’ adds Suisman, a former New Yorker who moved to the Canyon in 1997 and chalks up his residency here to ‘undeserved luck.’ ‘I bought the house here as a bachelor, and when I moved here, I was the youngest,’ says Suisman, now a father of two. ‘There were no kids in the Canyon. Now there are more and more families.’ But the Canyon’s eclectic nature remains intact. ‘The thing I love most is the community,’ Suisman says. ‘The long history of creative people. The topography is non-conforming, and so are the residents here: painters, musicians, novelists, a lot of screenwriters.’ ‘Whereas the Palisades has more actors,’ Young says. The Canyon’s commercial center, surrounded by a hilly residential area with ocean views, is not without its problems. Pan-handling transients tend to gravitate to the busy intersection of W. Channel and Entrada at PCH, and the tunnels, intermittently flooded with water and/or the homeless, have seen better days. ‘We care about the tunnels,’ says Suisman, who cared enough to lead the charge with the Boca Neighborhood Association in the 1990s. ‘We got Cal Trans to pump water out of the flooded tunnel. ‘The beauty of the Canyon is that it’s walkable,’ he continues, describing some of its back channels and short cuts. ‘You have to sort of learn it.’ Young takes the Palisadian-Post on a walking tour of the neighborhood, beginning with West Channel. ‘The street used to be a channel (hence the street’s name), but it got clogged up and buried in six feet of mud,’ Young says. The original Ted’s Grill, owned and operated by Ted and Mabel Pemberton, was built by real estate developer Frank E. Bundy (as in Bundy Drive) in 1914. It originally stood at 170 W. Channel, the Golden Bull’s present-day address. In the 1920s, it moved to 146 Entrada, and a section of the now-defunct restaurant, dormant but still standing, remains the Canyon’s oldest structure ‘It’s always been a focal point of this community,’ says Young, who characterizes the Canyon’s business community as ‘very independent with no chamber of commerce.’ On Channel, there’s the upscale Italian restaurant Georgio’s, its fa’ade obscured by shrubs. The most famous and politically connected establishment, it’s known to be a favorite of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In the 1920s, what is now known as the Canyon Lounge Hideout was Doc Law’s drug store malt shop. Moreover, during the Prohibition, it housed a speakeasy that became Will Rogers’ watering hole. ‘They had picnic benches out back and they drank out of tea cups,’ says Young, who shares a salacious story of how once Santa Monica’s chief of police and librarian were seen running out the back during a police raid. In the early 1950s, the bar began to go through a series of incarnations, including the gay-friendly The Friendship Cafe, before reinventing itself in 2007 as the Hideout, which today services a young college crowd with a thirst for such cocktails as the Hot ‘n’ Dirty, the V.C.R. and the Bikini Tini. Young greets Sam Elias, the ‘Sam’ in Sam’s Restaurant, standing at the entrance of his establishment, which is about to open for dinner. Elias was one of several partners when the establishment opened 12 years ago as a Mediterranean French restaurant. He took over the restaurant himself and ‘I converted it to my idea in 2000 to a French bistro.’ ‘You can’t ask for a better neighborhood,’ Elias tells the Post. ‘It’s the ideal place to live in all of Southern California,’ although his one quibble is the difficulty to park in the area. He suggests that the city create a parking structure to accommodate visitors, as the restaurant traffic easily piles up on weekends. However, the California Coastal Act of 1972 limits development on parking, as well as building up the area with hotels, condos, and skyscraper structures, so Elias’ point is probably moot. At the corner of W. Channel and PCH is a shuttered establishment that Young says had evolved ‘from a four-star restaurant to an A & W Root Beer in the 1960s, to the fancy French restaurant Cent’ni in the late 1970s, The Beach in the late 1980s/early ’90s and, most recently, the Brass Cap, before culminating with a dramatic conclusion worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster. ‘A car drove into it off of PCH, right into the building, and the restaurant went under in 2003,’ Young says. As Young discusses the former restaurant, a pair of policemen haul away a transient loitering in front of it. The abandoned cardboard sign on the ground reads: ‘I miss my mom. Any kinda money will help.’ ‘The Canyon has a little bit of a big city that people should be exposed to,’ Young says with a devilish grin, relishing the grit that sometimes dusts the community like sand blown in from the beach. On the opposite corner, behind the florist at the corner of PCH at 101 Chautauqua, stands a building with an aquarium mural along its roofline. The edifice’s lower part used to be the Bundy Bath House, built by Bundy and managed by A. F. Young, from 1915 and through the late 1920s. It housed an open market in the late 1980s. Today, the building accomodates InTheCanyon.com and Canyon Service and Detail. At the corner of Entrada stands State Beach Liquor and Deli. ‘Ron Waller, the pro-football player who played for the Rams, opened it in the late 1950s,’ Young says. A dormant Ted’s Grill still stands at 146 Entrada. In the ’70s and ’80s, Rustic Canyon resident Bob Morris had taken over the address and opened Gladstone’s 4 Fish. ‘Gladstone’s was more tourist-y, and Ted’s was where all the neighborhood people went,’ Young says. ‘I remember when I was a kid, you could buy chicken for $1. There was a bar on the side, a deep dark bar, it was like a pit.’ Young dispels a myth that Entrada favorite Patrick’s Roadhouse, opposite State Beach Liquor, used to be a railroad station. The restaurant was built afterwards. Strolling up Entrada, Young points out Canyon Beachwear, ‘the first bikini in America was here.’ In the 1940s, painter Joe Lathwood, credited with designing the bikini, created them from her W. Channel apartment in the 1940s and sold them to area stores. As popular as Patrick’s is its neighbor, Marix Tex Mex. But the restaurant, which today caters to a UCLA college crowd, wasn’t always so hip, as its Pegoda-shaped exterior hints. In the early 1980s, the building opened as a traditional Japanese restaurant. ‘But it didn’t go over well,’ Young says. ‘It folded after two years.’ The best food for demanding epicureans, in Young’s opinion, can be found at Caffe Delfini, across Channel from the Bull. Once a branch of the Big Yellow House, Delifni is now a cozy upscale Italian bistro, where area celebrities go to enjoy the intimate atmosphere, the rigatoni gorgonzola and the fettuccine Bolognese, and a glass of Graham’s Tawny port. On a weekday, one can often find one of Delfini’s valets, a Peruvian fellow, leaning against a nearby parking-lot wall and serenading the setting sun with his bright orange accordion (on his breaks, as he does not perform inside the restaurant for diners). There’s something about the accordion’s lazy notes, intermingling with the setting’s sun’s long purple shadows, the perfectly sells the Canyon’s laid-back romanticism. The Golden Bull is a true survivor, having suffered damage during the great flood of 1938 and the 1994 Northridge Quake. Owner Cranford has worked at the restaurant for 42 years. For almost half of that time, he has worked as a bartender and manager. By the mid-1980s, Cranford reached a fork in his career. ‘When it came up for sale, I either had to look for a new job or buy the place,’ he says. So Cranford bought the restaurant from a partner of Glen Billingsley (who started Billingsley’s British-flavored restaurant, currently on Pico Boulevard in West L.A., and whose brother, Sherman Billingsley, opened the Stork Club in New York). ‘The Golden Bull started as a [California] chain in 1948,’ Cranford says. ‘It was a red-brick building, first it was a real estate office, then Ted’s Grill.’ And it was originally called Billingsley’s Golden Bull. But by the late 1960s, the 10 or so Billingsley’s Golden Bulls had died out, and Cranford’s Bull remains the only one still in business. The leathery, booth-filled Bull packs an old school, Rat Pack flavor, but Cranford chalks up the success of his establishment to its great prices, the menu, and the location. ‘If you have to live somewhere, it’s a great place to live,’ says Cranford, who has lived in the Canyon for years and commutes to work by foot. In 1994, the Northridge Quake devastated Santa Monica Canyon, indiscriminately taking down parts of certain establishments, including the Bull, while leaving other places intact. It took 20 months to rebuild and reopen. ‘We tore half the building down, it was originally all brick and it completely collapsed,’ Cranford says. ‘We lost the whole dining room. We were red tagged. It was very stressful. We didn’t know whether we were going to open or not. ‘But the people here were great. They came by every day to see when we were going to reopen. I had people sending me checks in advance for their first meal.’ Of course, the Bull did re-open…only to close again for a week ‘because the main shoreline collapsed and then we reopened again,’ Cranford says. ‘A lot of our old customers came back. The people in this neighborhood are just nice.’ Those people often include celebrities. ‘Chris Isherwood used to come in here, David Hockney,’ Cranford says. ‘That’s what this place was about in the ’50s and ’60s. Everyone was either a writer, an artist, was unemployed or had money. ‘We’ve got a lot of new actors come in, but we mostly get the old timers.’ In years past, Bea Arthur, Anne Baxter and Natalie Schafer (Mrs. Howell on ‘Gilligan’s Island’) were among the regulars. ‘We want to keep it low key,’ says Cranford, who admits he’s bad at recognizing celebrities. ‘I’ve only got two autographs all my life: Mae West and Betty White.’ The Bull was not the only location hit hard by the Northridge Quaek. The apartment building next door had to be rebuilt from its foundation. The Friendship, owned at the time by Cranford, closed down for two years. On Entrada, Canyon Athletics was hit hard. ‘Canyon Athletics used to be brick front,’ Young says. ‘It’s been rebuilt since the Northridge Quake.’ According to Young, in the early 20th century, it used to be the Golden Butterfly, ‘a dance hall and whorehouse. Edmund Goulding [director of ‘Grand Hotel’ and ‘The Razor’s Edge’] would have these orgy parties and they’d go there afterwards to continue the fun.’ Several incarnations later”which included a hippie restaurant called the New Hope Inn and a tool emporium”the storefront is peddling flesh once again, but in a legal, innocuous fashion as the area’s gym. Back at the Bull, Young and Suisman list the Canyon’s most popular culinary destinations: Patrick’s, Marix, Georgio’s, Delfini, Sam’s, and, of course, their current hangout. ‘It really has become a destination for really good restaurants,’ Young says. He later points across the street to a house on the hill, above where Short Street ends and just west of the Channel Road Inn: ‘That’s where Mae West used to live.’ It’s only fitting, notes Young, that the sassy, brassy film comedienne lived in this part of town: chickadees of a feather. ‘The Canyon is chi-chi and elegant and classy and tacky,’ Young says. ‘It’s still kind of avant garde, but it’s a younger crowd than the Palisades.’ ‘The Bull is the one place that’s the true neighborhood hangout,’ says Suisman, who will sometimes amble by and find Young entertaining friends on the patio. As if on cue, another friend arrives, joining Young and Suisman, and Young and the visitor decide to order dinner. Suisman admits that when he first moved to the neighborhood as a single man, he felt a tad lost. ‘Now you’ll have to pry me out with a large hammer,’ he says. ‘We leave our canyons in a box!’ says Young, laughing, as he clinks glasses with Suisman. CAPTION: The Golden Bullfrog? Not quite! The Toed Inn Barbecue, circa 1938, was a local example of California’s wacky restaurant trend, which popularity peaked by mid-century. CAPTION: The Canyon was no stranger to disasters. The fire of May 1916, started by careless fishermen, destroyed two hotels, a store and several residences. The Flood of 1938 (above) when everything changed so severely it closed the chapter on the frontier mood. Took out trees, straightened the roads. More recently, the Canyon was hit hard by the 1994 Northridge Quake. CAPTION: —The bath house which once stood at the corner of Chautauqua and PCH. CAPTION: Inside Doc Law’s drug store and malt shop, which, during the Prohibition era, fronted a speakeasy out back. CAPTION: Mabel and Ted Pemberton, owner of Ted’s Grill (inset). CAPTION: Patrick’s Roadhouse, circa 1980.

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