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Post Seeks Travel Stories By March 9

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The deadline is Monday, March 9, for joining the Palisadian-Post’s annual travel writing contest, which offers readers a chance to have their travel stories published in the March 26 Travel Tales and Summer Camps special section. (Space limitations this year may result in not all entries being published.) Please write about a memorable trip or a portion of your trip in 700 words or less. Type it up (no handwritten submissions accepted) and e-mail it to: features@palipost.com. Entries must be from Pacific Palisades residents or those who work or attend school in the Palisades. Include a short bio (25-50 words) and include how long you’ve lived (or worked/attended school) in the Palisades, and a bit about your profession and family. Please include a phone number. Accompanying photographs of your trip (with caption information) are appreciated. The winning entry will receive a prize to be announced.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 12, 2009

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

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

FABULOUS MANUFACTURED HOME w/ spectacular 180º views, across from the beach. Sought-after Tahitian Terrace Home Park. Built in 1999; like new, 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

HOMES WANTED 1b

LOAN IN DEFAULT? Save your credit. Looking to buy defaulted loan. Private party. No brokers. Let’s talk. (310) 459-2639, (323) 547-5556 (cell)

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. $4,700/mo. plus util. (310) 502-8427

SPECTACULAR 5 BD 4.5 BA, Rustic Canyon, post & beam, architectural home. Open floor plan, secluded 1,200 sq ft deck surrounded by majestic trees. Master suite has private office, walk-in closet & spacious bath, Jacuzzi tub. Separate 1 bd unit w/ private entr, kitchen, bath, laundry hookups & patio. Great home for entertaining, feels removed from city life. Walking distance to Rustic Cyn Park, hiking trails & Will Rogers State park. Cedar steam sauna, 3 car garage. (310) 401-5802. Avail. after March 1st. $9,500/mo. See photos at http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/apa/1005336380.html

3 BD, 2 BA HOME on El Medio Bluffs. FDR, LVR with fireplace, family room, separate guest quarters. $5,500/mo. Call Ann, (310) 230-2470

2 BDRM, 1 BA, converted attic/den. Enclosed patio, 2 car garage, new paint inside, new carpet, lovely backyard. Quiet, peaceful neighborhood. $3,400/mo. (310) 454-5519, Debby Harrington, agent.

EL MEDIO BLUFFS. 3 BD, 2 BA, 1,640 sq.ft. home. Open & light on 6,000 sq.ft. lot. Nice yard, LVR with fireplace. Appliances, HW floors, washer/dryer, garage. Gardener incl. $5,000/mo. (310) 741-1138

VERY CHARMING 2 BD, 2 BA, plus den/office. New bath, new appliances, new W/D, hdwood floors, new H/AC. Nice yard. Quiet street. 1 blk to village, schools, park. $3,500/mo. (310) 454-5870

BEACHSIDE HOME, 2 bd, 1 ba. 2 car covered parking, W/D & pool on site. Newly remodeled with new bath. $1,800/mo. No pets. Available now. (310) 450-8070

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

UNFURNISHED APT. $3,600/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

HOLYOKE BLUFFS: Newly redone large studio. Top-of-the-line full kitchen w/ granite & stainless appls. Full bath. Design decor. Charming patio, separate entrance. Tranquil location. Laundry facilities, utilities, HD cable included. Unique setting. Single occupant. No pets. References. 6 mo. lease. $1,890/mo. w/ dep. (310) 454-3806

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

MOVE IN SPECIAL! 1st month FREE w/ good credit. Min. 1 yr. lease. 1 bdrm upper, hrdwd fl, laundry rm, cvrd pk. $1,450/mo. Walking dist. to village & beach. Small pets OK w/ pet deposit. (310) 589-9195 x203

SANTA MONICA 1+1. Stunning, top floor, totally remodeled, large 1 bdrm, hardwd floors, new kitchen/granite counters, marble bathrm. Well maintained building. Prime location. $1,750/mo. (310) 383-7455

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

3 BD, 2½ BA PALI HIGHLANDS TOWNHOUSE. Private two car garage, patio w/ French doors, dining room w/ wet bar, kitchen w/ granite, utility room & powder room. Second floor w/ large master suite, 2 addl. bedrooms share full bath. $3,595/mo. (310) 889-8998

REDUCED! OCEAN VIEWS, 2+2, designer interior. Steps to beach. 5 minutes to Santa Monica. All new cabinets, appliances, granite, marble, hardwood floors, high ceilings. W/D in condo. Large ocean view patio. Garage. 1,200 sq ft. Quiet, safe. $3,980/mo. (310) 702-1154, www.MalibuCoastline.com

WALK-IN & FEEL AT HOME! Totally private, quiet, spacious, like new w/ granite countertops, custom cabinetry, W/D, refrig, microwave. $3,400/mo. 1+ yr. lease. Avail. Feb. 1st. Call Agent Pat Haight, (310) 454-1851, cell (310) 386-5686

4 CAR PARKING, walk to beach. Spacious 3 bedroom townhouse, family room, yard, pool, gym, walk everywhere: schools, park, tennis, supermarkets. Call (310) 454-9493, (310) 980-5748

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

STUDIO KITCHENETTE, FULL BATH, private entrance, private home. Walk to village, utilities included. $999/mo. 6 month lease. (310) 454-3883

VERY NICE MASTER BEDROOM & BATH. Private entrance. Includes patio, cable, WiFi, W/D, furnished/unfurnished. $1,000/mo. Lease open. Available Mar. 1st. (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

WANTED: GARAGE TO RENT. Would like long-term rental for one or two small vintage cars. Seldom driven. Please respond to Mr. Nye, (310) 839-1984 x114

OFFICE SPACE NEEDED. Want clean & light atmosphere for responsible health practitioner, bathroom inside or nearby required. Please call (310) 295-8823

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.

BEAUTIFUL FURNISHED BUSINESS or psychotherapy office for rent in the heart of Pacific Palisades. Private waiting room, bath & kitchenette. Parking available half day or full day as well as evening hours. Contact srl@ucla.edu

LOST & FOUND 6a

FOUND: SUNGLASSES. Large, turtleshell sunglasses with bifocals, in Intemperantia Chocolate Shop, 2-3 weeks ago. Call (310) 459-4703

ARCHITECTS 7

SINTESI DESIGN. Design, build for new or remodel, residential & commercial. We do: Green, energy efficient & affordable design. andreea@sintesidesign.com. Tel. (310) 394-9496, www.sintesidesign.com

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

Quickbooks Gathering of Data for 2008 to prepare for your visit to your CPA. Also bill paying, bank statements reconciliations, business or personal full-charge bookkeeping, property, staff and nursing care management/scheduling are available in the Palisades. Call Shirley at (310) 570-6085

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/

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

A SENSE OF ORDER ORGANIZING. Professional organization & coaching. Every area of your life & home. 16 yrs. exper, exclnt refs. Free consultation. Deva Taffel, Psy.D. (818) 787-4488

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 judgment? I can assist. Facing small claims? I can assist. Provide employment screening & background checks as well. Murphy Investigative Services. Licensed P.I. firm. Call (213) 804-8484

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

NANNY: FULL TIME. Available 5 days a week. Excellent refs. 40 years old. 20 years experience. Speaks English. clean DMV. Own transportation. Citizen. (818) 438-1859

PALISADIAN NANNY AVAILABLE! Mon. & Fri., 3-10 p.m. Yoga teacher (5 yrs), healing arts background (10 yrs). Local! 28 yrs old, $20/hr. Joyful & responsible. Local refs. Brooke Nachazel, (310) 774-7469

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.

DOMESTIC AGENCIES 9

VIP NANNY AGENCY • “Providing very important people with the very best nanny.” • Baby Nurses • Birthing Coaches • Housekeepers. (818) 907-1017, (310) 614-3646

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 ref’s. Call Maria, (310) 948-9637

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE 4 DAYS A WEEK. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. Good references. Speaks English & Spanish. Call Veronica, (323) 633-8398

HOUSEKEEPING OR BABYSITTING Monday to Friday. I have good local references. I drive my own car. Call Connee, (c) (323) 377-5138 or (h) (323) 735-5725

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.

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE. Responsible, experienced. Good references. Spanish speaking. Live-in or live-out. Call Elena, (310) 709-3298

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Very good local references. Own car. Clean DMV. CDL. Call Susana, (323) 933-6423 or (310) 409-9433

LOOKING FOR HOUSEKEEPING: Tues., Thurs., & Fri. or weekends, Sat. & Sun. Have own car. Speaks English well. Legal. Experienced, local refs. Yolanda, (323) 789-6832

HOUSEKEEPING • BABYSITTING • Avail Weds., Fri. & Sat. Live-out. Speaks English. Own transportation. 25 yrs exper. Excellent refs. Call Sibilina, (c) (323) 204-1101, (323) 766-7592, or (323) 732-6040

HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES. Experience over 10 yrs. Flexible rates. Available anytime. English speaking. Own transportation. Great refs. upon request. Call Maria, (310) 977-0142

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday through Friday. Excellent references. Speaks English. Own transportation. CDL. 20 years experience. Call Ana, (h) (323) 735-0082, (c) (213) 500-4631

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER & BABYSITTER available Monday & Wednesday. Also weekend babysitting. Excellent ref’s. Own transportation, CDL. Please call Maria, (c) (310) 560-2590, (h) (310) 677-4622

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

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

OUR FANTASTIC HOUSEKEEPER available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday. Fabulous cleaner. Excellent references available. Own transportation. Great with kids. Call Roman, (818) 399-9185

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 AVAILABLE Tues. & Thurs. Full time. Own car. Great Palisades refs. 10 yrs experience. English speaking. Great w/children & pets. Please call Lina at (562) 927-2219 & leave a msg.

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

LIVE-IN COMPANION/HELPER. Trade services for living quarters. Mature, responsible female. Excellent references. Assist w/ driving, shopping, organizing, meal prep, animals, etc. Compassionate, positive. N/S, N/D. English speaking only. Adriana, (310) 720-6103

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

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

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

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!

A CAT’S BEST FRIEND. Professional pet-sitting services, specializing in cats. Daily visits/overnight stays. Food, water, litter, play, medications/vit (incl. insulin), brush. (310) 573-3702

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

FAMILY FITNESS PROFESSIONALS. Providing fitness for the whole family—all ages! We come to you! Certified, local, w/ Palisadian refs. For more information call Joe Michel, (310) 467-4992

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

FRENCH TUTOR NATIVE, experienced. Emphasis on grammar understanding. Pronunciation. References, local. Reasonable rate. (310) 459-1417

ELITE SAT & SCHOLASTIC TUTOR. SAT, ACT, AP, Subject Tests, all levels English & math. Harvard graduate, Palisades resident, 12 yrs experience. Call Brian, (310) 459-0270

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

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 36 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pools, decks, patios, foundations, fireplace, drainage control, custom stone, block & brick, tile. Excellent local references. Lic. #309844. Bonded/insured/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

FENCES, DECKS 16j

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

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

DECK REPAIR, SEALING & STAINING. Local resident, local clientele. 1 day service. (See ad under handyman.) Marty, (310) 459-2692

FLOOR CARE 16m

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

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

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

COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION • New/Spec Homes • Kit+bath remodeling • Additions • Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large & small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction, (310) 710-3199

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

EARN $1,000-$3,200 a month to drive new cars with ads. www.YouDriveCars.com

SITUATIONS WANTED 17a

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Legendary Magazine Still Boosting Modernism

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Palisadian Frances Nathanson shows off her original copy of Arts & Architecture dating from February 1948. The magazine is open to the page describing her own house, Case Study #18, designed by Rodney Walker.
Palisadian Frances Nathanson shows off her original copy of Arts & Architecture dating from February 1948. The magazine is open to the page describing her own house, Case Study #18, designed by Rodney Walker.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The magazine Arts & Architecture has made a timely return’if only in reprint. During its more than 20-year reign, from 1945 until 1967, the avant-garde magazine spread the word about modernism and sought to revolutionize residential architecture. During a time when traditional architectural styles dominated the landscape, Arts & Architecture launched the Case Study House Program, promoting what today might be labeled as ‘smart houses’: clean-lined, low-cost dwellings all about simplicity and function.   Masterminded by John Entenza, the magazine’s editor, the experimental program attracted the biggest talents of the day’people like Neutra, Eames, Saarinen, Ellwood, Lautner, and Koenig’and ranks among the most innovative events in American architectural history. It shone the spotlight on California architects as never before, and most of the action occurred in Los Angeles, where the magazine was headquartered, and in particular, Pacific Palisades, where five of the 20 completed Case Study Houses were built (36 prototypes were designed in all). Taschen’s reprint of the first nine years (1945-1954) of Arts & Architecture, a limited-edition boxed set, brings the groundbreaking magazine back to life while providing a comprehensive record of mid-century American architecture. ‘The waves of the future were breaking on our shore,’ said David Travers during a recent interview. Travers succeeded Entenza as Arts & Architecture editor from 1963 to 1967 and wrote the introduction to the facsimile edition. ‘In a roundabout way, the East Coast picked up on it via Europe.’ As Travers points out in his introduction, architectural critic Reyner Banham went so far as to credit the magazine for changing the itinerary of the Grand Tour pilgrimage for European architects and students: America replaced Italy and Los Angeles was its Florence. ‘What’s considered avant-garde architecture today is kind of kooky and fragmented,’ Travers notes. ‘To me, it’s not really architecture in the sense we were showing it, thoughtful straight-lined stuff that was reproducible and inexpensive.’ Indeed, the current popularity of mid-century design transcends its retro-chic appeal. A no-nonsense, streamlined approach to living attracts an ever-growing number of eco-conscious consumers, many of whom are encountering shrinking bank accounts. As such, more than a nostalgic eye is being cast while perusing old issues of Arts & Architecture. The articles deliver the ultimate blueprint of how to fashion moderately scaled, unpretentious houses that maximize free-flowing living space from inside to out. Four such houses from the late 1940s, all originally appearing as Case Study House designs in the pages of Arts & Architecture, are clustered along a lane off Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades, the most famous of which is the Eames House (CSH #8). Situated nearby is Entenza’s own residence (CHS #9), designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen (today, the fully restored house is used as guest quarters to a new primary residence; the property is currently on the market for $14 million). Richard Neutra, perhaps the most acclaimed of the architects to participate in the program, designed CSH #20, also known as the Bailey House, which sits a few doors away. Completing the colony is CSH #18, conceived by Rodney Walker, one of the lesser-known contributors. CSH #18, also called the West House, shares an ocean-facing promontory with the Entenza House. The architect took full advantage of the site, keeping the street-facing fa’ade of the one-story structure private while fashioning the main rooms with glass walls to gloriously embrace the south and west exposures to the ocean. It’s this feature above all that inspired the Nathansons to the purchase the house in 1975. Originally seduced by the views, they learned after the fact about the home’s historical significance. ‘The original owners gave us this issue of Arts & Architecture,’ recalls Frances Nathanson, pointing to her well-worn copy dating from February 1948. ‘This was our real introduction to the house.’ The magazine contains a five-page spread showcasing the merits of the modernistic house constructed mostly of plywood and glass. The text elaborates about the invention of a fantasy client and how their needs could be met. They were assumed to be a married couple in their 30’s who liked to entertain. The couple owned two dogs. The husband was an engineer and enjoyed woodworking. The wife liked gardening and sewing. This profile meshed with the real-life Nathansons (the home’s second owners), whose two sons were grown when they moved into the house. Over the years, entertaining has been key (they’ve hosted two weddings) and Frances does indeed enjoy gardening and is an accomplished seamstress. ‘The only part that doesn’t match is the workbench and my husband,’ she says with a laugh. Large sliding glass doors allow interior spaces to be opened to outdoor living areas. One the most outstanding interior features is a freestanding copper and brick fireplace that dominates the living, dining and garden rooms and around which the roof is raised to accommodate clerestory windows. The ceiling over the main living areas is 11 feet high, giving a sense of openness and grandeur to an otherwise modestly scaled, 1,600-sq.-ft house. Their love of home was severely tested when the 1994 Northridge earthquake struck and the house was heavily damaged. ‘It looked impossible for us to rebuild,’ Frances recalls. Ten feet of their backyard tumbled down the hillside onto Chautauqua. The earthquake also damaged walls, caused the fireplace to collapse and broke every window. The Nathansons persevered, joining forces with the L.A. Conservancy to meticulously restore the house, an effort recognized with a Preservation Design Award. With four grandkids, all of whom share an enthusiasm of the house and its historic nature, the Nathansons plan to leave the home to family. ‘I know they’ll keep the integrity,’ says Frances, who isn’t in any hurry to vacate the premises. ‘Where could we go and be any happier?’

Worthy of a ‘Rabbit’ Following

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Theater Review

Historically, Los Angeles has received a bad rap for not being much of a theater town. But if there were more productions such as ‘Rabbit Hole,’ now playing at Malibu Stage Company, such notions would be handily overturned. Commissioned by South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, David Lindsay-Abaire debuted ‘Rabbit Hole’ his work at the Pacific Playwrights Festival reading series in 2005. It won the Pulitzer for Drama in 2007. Directed by Graeme Clifford, ‘Rabbit Hole’ is a meditation on the many faces of grief, and how different people personalize and act out their anguish. The plot follows Becca and Howie Corbett as they struggle to cope with the recent death of their four-year-old, Danny, killed by an automobile. We see firsthand the emotional divide between the young married couple calcify as they express their grief in different ways. If this all sounds too depressing for a night out, do not be discouraged from going: the drama in ‘Rabbit’ comes leavened by sharply observed humor throughout. When Becca learns that her younger sister, Izzy, has lost her job, Becca yells at her, ‘How can you get fired from Applebee’s?’ Izzy brushes it off: ‘It was all politics, I don’t want to get into it.’ There’s not a weak link in this five-person cast. Sharon Gardner, as the high-strung Becca, succeeds as the play’s volatile driving engine. Jeffrey Doornbos portrays Howie as a guy who is, on the surface, laid-back and affable. A touch of Ryan O’Neal and Robert Redford in appearance, he’s the kind of guy everybody has gone to college with or met at a party. He appears to be handling his son’s death better than his wife at first, but he starts to unravel when Becca unconsciously removes evidence of Danny around the house. The snapping point for Howie arrives when Jason, the teenager who struck Danny, pays an unexpected visit. As the family matriarch, Katherine Ross, best known as Elaine Robinson from Mike Nichols’ film classic, ‘The Graduate,’ enters the play like a lioness with a hysterical riff on Camelot and the ‘Kennedy Curse.’ Tasha Ames is the most perfectly cast as the brash Izzy. She does a spot-on portrayal of a blunt teen, down to the giggle. Mimo Reynolds effectively portrays the soft-spoken and philosophical, guilt-racked reckless teen. He explains to Becca the concept of rabbit holes’portals to parallel worlds and alternative realities simultaneously taking place across the universe. ‘So this is just the sad version of us?’ Becca responds, softly. Director Clifford has an impressive entertainment-industry background. He worked as a film editor on movies by Sam Peckinpah and Robert Altman, and he has also directed for television. The set is no-nonsense but effective, with Danny’s room providing a constant reminder of the departed. It’s worth noting that actor Reynolds composed the play’s melancholy incidental music. One of the play’s running gags is a constant flow of desserts’cr’me caramel, torte, birthday cake, banana bread, etc.’consumed by the characters. It’s a good thing for the actors involved that this play has a short run, or else it might start to show on their waistlines. But for those of us gasping for good theater, its short run is a bummer. This is one of the best productions in recent memory, so catch this ‘Rabbit’ while you can. ‘Rabbit Hole’ plays Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. through March 1 at the Stage Company, 29243 Pacific Coast Hwy. For tickets ($20), visit BrownPaperTickets.com or call 310-589-1998. For more information, visit www.MalibuStageCompany.org.

Writer Fradkin to Talk on Stegner and American West

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Nature, culture, and enlightenment come together as Philip Fradkin, award-winning author and long time environmental writer, shares his biographical insight of author Wallace Stegner at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17 in Temescal Gateway Park, at the corner of Sunset and Temescal Canyon Road. Fradkin will discuss and sign his 2008 biography ‘Wallace Stegner and the American West’ (University of California Press). In his talk, hosted by the Culture in the Canyon Chautauqua series, Fradkin explores Stegner’s life as an influential environmental writer,from his hardscrabble youth to his positions as head of the Stanford Creative Writing Program.   Stegner is best known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning ‘Angle of Repose’ and the National Book Award-winning ‘The Spectator Bird.’ However, he ‘was a premier chronicler of the 20th century Western American experience and landscape,’ Fradkin says.   ’I can’t think of anyone in the American West who has contributed on so many levels,’ Fradkin told the Palisadian-Post. ‘There are three aspects. As a writer of fiction and nonfiction, as a teacher of writing, and as a conservation activist.’   As a teacher of writing, Stegner influenced a number of writers, including Kentucky farmer, activist, ecologist and writer Wendell Berry, novelists Larry McMurtry and Ken Kesey, and nature writer Edward Abbey, Fradkin says. ‘Some went on to do really great things, some who didn’t go on to do anything at all, but wrote incredible letters to Stegner.’   Stegner was a conservation activist, Fradkin says. In 1962, he founded the Committee For Green Foothills, (equivalent to the Friends of the Santa Monica Mountains), which launched a campaign to create open space above Palo Alto and in the foothills. ‘He did a lot on both the local and national level. He was the special aide to Secretary of the Interior Steward Udall, chairman of the National Parks Advisory Committee and served on the board of directors of the Sierra Club.’   Two previous Stegner biographies were written by professors of literature and dealt mainly with him as a literary figure, Fradkin says. ‘I was pleased to work with the man and the physical landscapes he inhabited; someone who was not perfect, but who had a code of behavior that he stubbornly adhered to.’   Although Fradkin wrote his biography 15 years after Stegner had died in 1993, he meet him briefly in 1981. ‘I was the Western editor of Audubon Magazine, and had started writing books, the first one being ‘A River No More,’ about the Colorado River. I was working on a book about the Sagebrush Rebellion’a movement which pitted Western state ranchers and miners, who wanted to acquire public land in the West, against the federal government’s open space protections.   ’I had wanted to talk to him and I wrote him a letter, although I had purposely stayed away from him until that time because I didn’t want to be overly influenced by any one person. I got a postcard back, saying that he was glad that we were going to meet and that he was reviewing my Colorado River book. It was the first validation I had received on becoming a writer.’   Fradkin, a former Los Angeles Times newspaper journalist (1964-75), started the paper’s first environment column. He recalls a story he wrote for the Sunday Times that suggested, ‘making something of value of all the land purchases in the Santa Monica Mountains.’ In 1978, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was established. The program and parking are free.

“Good Thinkin’ Lincoln” Hits Village Books Friday

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Voice in the Wall Productions presents a happy 200th-birthday salute to Abraham Lincoln on Friday, February 13, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. The program, produced by Eric Vollmer, offers a variety of speeches and songs that pay homage to Lincoln. Lee Boek presents Lord Buckley’s Hip variation on the ‘Gettysburg Address;’ John Campbell sings and plays Civil War Era songs; Madison Miller reads a young girl’s letter of advice to Lincoln to ‘grow whiskers,’ and recites ‘Sweet Evelina,’ a Civil War Soldier’s Lament; Joshua Corwin makes his own original speech in homage to Lincoln and Obama. William H. Bassett presents Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address; Walt Whitman’s ‘O Captain, My Captain’ and a tribute to Abe by poet Carl Sandburg; songcologist Gary Gordon weighs in with satirical reflections past and present; Fred Starner adds folk music to bring Abe’s message of Liberty home; and Kate Friedrichs reads Steven Bartel’s Civil War book ‘Pray Tell, Private Hell.’

Town Rallies in Wake of Tragedies

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In the aftermath of the January 31 accident on Palisades Drive that claimed the life of 18-year-old Nicholas Rosser, the community has pulled together to examine ways to prevent future driving tragedies.   As reported in the Palisadian-Post, more than 100 residents and city officials attended a meeting in Rustic Canyon on February 2 to explore ways to curb dangerous speeding on Palisades Drive and engineer a safer roadway.   Last Thursday, Highlands resident David Eagle held a meeting for teens to begin a dialogue for finding ways to emphasize safety and good sense among the town’s youngest drivers.   Eagle and Highlands teenager Eric Bollens (a sophomore at UCLA) have organized the Pali Safety/Westside Safety Committee and are looking for a second youth, preferably a high school junior or sophomore, to co-chair the committee.   Last night, a second public meeting was held at Rustic Canyon, with Councilman Bill Rosendahl scheduled to attend. The meeting’s agenda included discussing residents’ suggestions for improving safety on Palisades Drive, as well as hearing recommendations for the road from L.A. Department of Transportation engineers.   This past week, the Post received numerous letters and e-mails from residents regarding Palisades Drive, which included recommendations for improvements to the road and cautionary reminders such as ‘Roads cannot be engineered to prevent accidents caused by speeding. Palisades Drive is a safe road if you drive the speed limit.’   Other readers suggested that warning signs be installed to remind drivers to slow down, especially as they enter the S-curves in the canyon, and that there be memorials to all the drivers, pedestrians and bike riders who have died on Palisades Drive.   In December, Highlands resident and USC engineering student James Carcich prepared a report on Palisades Drive and wrote a paper with the engineering remedies that include (1) center-road dividers with reflective markings placed between the four highway lanes, and (2) signs that warn drivers of the downhill gradient and of the impending S-curves. Meanwhile, as part of ongoing fundraising for Sgt. Curt Massey’s family, California Pizza Kitchen is donating 20 percent of customer tabs and take-out orders to his memorial fund this week. Palisades Elementary organized a student pizza day for 400 students and, at Calvary Christian School, parents provided students, teachers and staff with CPK lunches in honor of Massey. Pinocchio’s, located on Monument, is also donating 20 percent of its receipts (dine in, take-out and catering) to the Massey Memorial Fund for the week of February 9 through 15. Simply mention Massey when ordering and reference this article. Massey, a Palisades resident and Culver City police officer, was killed in a head-on collision on the Santa Monica freeway on January 28. He is survived by his wife and three small children. Checks made payable to the Sgt. Curt Massey Memorial Fund can be sent to the Culver City Employees Federal Credit Union, 9770 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.

Legion’s $2,150,000 Spurs Fisher House

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City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, representing District 11, shakes hands with members of Pacific Palisades American Legion Post 283, which donated $2.15-million towards the Fisher House. Rosendahl, a Vietnam veteran, is also a member of the Post.
City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, representing District 11, shakes hands with members of Pacific Palisades American Legion Post 283, which donated $2.15-million towards the Fisher House. Rosendahl, a Vietnam veteran, is also a member of the Post.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Members of Palisades American Legion Post 283 received a round of applause during a dedication ceremony last Friday for having donated $2.15 million toward the newly constructed Fisher House on the Veterans Administration’s property in West L.A. ‘Thank you for what you did; these are the heroes today,’ said City Councilman Bill Rosendahl, while standing behind a podium in front of the Fisher House, located adjacent to the 405 freeway at Sawtelle Boulevard. The two-story, $6-million house will offer families a place to stay for free while their loved ones are hospitalized at the VA. Along with 21 private suites, there’s a communal kitchen, living room and dining room to give families a chance to interact and support one another. ‘Part of the treatment of people is not just those that are sick or injured, but to their families,’ said Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles County supervisor for the 3rd District, during his speech. ‘This is a wonderful thing; you are bringing families together when families are most vulnerable and most need each other.’ In 1990, Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher established the Fisher House Foundation, which has built 43 Fisher Houses on the grounds of military and VA medical centers around the world. Once the houses are constructed, they are given to the U.S government as a gift. The military and VA medical centers are then in charge of maintenance and operation, which is largely provided by volunteers. In 2005, the Fisher House Foundation offered to build a house on the VA Greater L.A. Healthcare System campus, and the West Los Angeles Fisher House Foundation was formed to fundraise. Former Legion Post 283 Commander Louis Cozolino, also a foundation member, said the group was having difficulty raising funds, so in 2007, he approached the executive board of Post 283 about donating $2.15 million. The board unanimously voted in favor of the idea and afterward, ‘we all stood and applauded each other,’ Cozolino said. Post 283 was able to make such a significant contribution because of the buildings it leases to the U.S. Postal Service (15243 La Cruz Dr.) and CVS (864 Swarthmore Ave.). ‘This was a meaningful gift,’ Cozolino told the Palisadian-Post. ‘It was not something that was going to disappear.’ The West L.A. Fisher House Foundation raised a total of nearly $3 million for the house, and the national Fisher House Foundation provided matching funds. The West L.A. Foundation, led by Executive Director Tim Byk, still hopes to raise an additional $500,000 for any remaining construction costs and to start an endowment to help with maintenance and operation. On Friday, Donna Beiter, director of the VA Greater L.A. Healthcare System, thanked Post 283. ‘This Post has donated to us every year and has been a wonderful support for our medical facility,’ she said, adding that the VA is striving to provide a homelike atmosphere for its patients and families. ‘This beautiful house helps us on this journey.’ The West L.A. Foundation now has plans to build a second Fisher House on the West Los Angeles campus. ‘This mission must continue until vets get what they deserve: a system that cares for them; a nation that honors them,’ said Ken Fisher, grandnephew of Zachary Fisher and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation. Other keynote speakers included CNN television host Larry King, Master Sgt. Richard Pittman (recipient of the Medal of Honor) and Thomas Johnson, secretary of California Department of Veterans Affairs. After a ribbon-cutting, the approximate 500 attendees had a chance to tour the house. Scott Erickson, a Post 283 member and West L.A. Foundation board member, said he enjoyed viewing the home after four years of working to get it built. ‘It was tremendously rewarding,’ he said, adding that he looks forward to seeing families use it. To donate to the West L.A. Fisher House Foundation, mail to 11301 Wilshire Blvd. Building 512, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Contact: (310) 440-8400.

Accident Sparks Questions about Highlands Fire Road

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When Palisades Drive was closed on January 31 due to a fatal accident, many residents could not locate Highlands Fire Road (above), the only other way to enter or exit the Highlands.
When Palisades Drive was closed on January 31 due to a fatal accident, many residents could not locate Highlands Fire Road (above), the only other way to enter or exit the Highlands.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Following a fatal car accident that occurred about 6 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, the Los Angeles Police Department closed Palisades Drive in both directions, leaving drivers with only one way to exit or enter the Highlands: The Highlands Fire Road. There are no detour signs in the Highlands, so many residents and visitors drove around aimlessly trying to find the paved fire road, located off Palisades Drive at the end of Piedra Morada Drive and connecting to Lachman Lane in Marquez Knolls. Meanwhile, Highlands residents and visitors who were trying to reach the Highlands did not know where the fire road started off Lachman Lane. Haldis Toppel, secretary of the Pacific Palisades Community Council, was visiting with friends in the Highlands that evening with plans to head to Santa Monica for dinner around 7 p.m. She and her friend drove down Palisades Drive and were stopped with about 100 other cars. Shortly thereafter, a Palisades Patrol vehicle led a line of cars via a U-turn to the fire road. However, many vehicles lost sight of the lead patrol car and ‘ended up lost, cruising through the Highlands by following cars ahead of them that did not intend to exit,’ Toppel said. Fortunately, Toppel’s friend knew where the fire road was located. The gates, which are on both ends of the road, were opened when they arrived. The police and fire departments have keys to open the gates when an alternate route is needed. Once Toppel and her friend started traveling down the road, they discovered it was one-way and overgrown with vegetation. Toppel is concerned that if Palisades Drive were to become impassable, the fire road would not provide speedy evacuation, especially at night. Moreover, Lachman Lane could become congested easily because it is narrow, steep and winding. It would also be difficult to move emergency equipment into the Highlands along the road at the same time as evacuating vehicles. In addition, Toppel was unable to get cell-phone reception. Steve Nuccio, chair of the Highlands Presidents Council, has already taken some action and has spoken with Bel-Air Patrol. He plans to print maps for the private patrol service to distribute to whoever is handling traffic control on Palisades Drive. Nuccio and the Bel-Air Patrol also intend to purchase detour signs for various locations along Palisades Drive. Captain Dan Thompson, Fire Station 23, said Palisades Drive (which has four lanes) is the primary evacuation route for the Highlands, and he believes it can be used in the majority of emergency situations. ‘If there was going to be an evacuation, we would let the residents know several hours in advance,’ Thompson said, in case of a brush fire, for example.

Palisadian Merz Named Top U.S. Woman Cardiologist

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Palisadian Dr. Noel Bairey Merz
Palisadian Dr. Noel Bairey Merz
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Noel Bairey Merz, M.D., a nationally recognized authority on preventive cardiology and women’s heart health, will receive the inaugural Dr. Carolyn McCue Woman Cardiologist of the Year Award on February 26 in Richmond, Virginia. The award, which includes national publicity and a $10,000 prize, will be presented by the Virginia Commonwealth University Pauley Heart Center. Merz, who lives in the Palisades Highlands, is director of the Women’s Heart Center and the Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiac Center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. In addition, she holds the Women’s Guild Endowed Chair in women’s health and is a professor of medicine at Cedars-Sinai. The McCue Award, which honors the memory of one of the few cardiologists of her time and a pioneer in the field of pediatric cardiology, is meant ‘to encourage and inspire other young women to pursue careers in cardiology,’ said the McCue family.   ’Dr. Bairey Merz has devoted her professional life to improving women’s health,’ said Eduardo Marb’n, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. ‘Through her research, we now have a much better understanding of the unique nature of heart disease in women.’ ‘Heart disease is the leading killer in women,’ Merz told the Palisadian-Post in a 2006 interview. ‘As a proportion, there are more strokes in women than in men.’ Every year since 1984, more women than men have died of heart disease in the United States. Both sexes suffer large-artery blockage, which means the artery lining becomes hardened and swollen with plaque (calcium and fatty deposits and abnormal inflammatory cells), minimizing or stopping blood flow. An angiography is used to diagnosis this condition. In women’s arteries, the plaque lining is smooth and even, unlike their male counterparts, which means the condition isn’t diagnosed through an angiogram and, quite often, is misdiagnosed because the symptoms for heart attacks in women are different from those in men. ‘Symptoms in women can include persistent chest pain or pressure,’ Merz said. ‘Patients describe it as a constricting band or ‘elephant on my chest’. They have fatigue and shortness of breath. Often the women have already had an angiogram and were told that nothing is wrong.’ Why do more women have small-artery disease? Women have smaller arteries than men and although size might be part of it, more probably it’s sex-related. ‘If you take a male donor and transplant that heart into a female, the arteries will not change, they will stay large,’ Merz said. ‘If you take a female heart and transplant it into a male, the arteries get larger.’ Available tests over the years have been geared towards the male and large-artery blockage. ‘Dr. Merz has made significant contributions to our understanding of how women’s hearts and arteries differ from men’s, and this award is a recognition of her body of work in this field,’ said P.K. Shah, M.D., a long-time colleague and former mentor of Merz, and director of the Division of Cardiology at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. Merz has authored more than 170 peer-reviewed research papers and has been an invited presenter at more than 300 scientific meetings. ‘Merz truly exemplifies the qualities of McCue,’ said George Vetrovec, M.D., chair of the VCU School of Medicine’s Division of Cardiology. ‘She is a trailblazer, a prolific researcher, an inspiring educator and mentor, and a very fine cardiologist. Her groundbreaking work in both preventive cardiology and women’s heart health has advanced our knowledge base and given serious momentum to these critically important areas of our field.’ Merz and her husband Rob, also a cardiologist, have three daughters: Alexa, a triathlete and senior at Stanford; Caroline, a fencer at Princeton; and Allison, a junior at Harvard-Westlake.=

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