So how did a Buenos Aires stray mutt named Gaucho come a Pacific Palisades resident? The answer, in short, is a Palisadian: Dr. Geoff Vernon, an ambulatory equine practitioner who travels with the United States Equestrian Team, a show jumping team. Originally from Toronto, the Canadian horse doctor tells the Palisadian-Post that there are only about ‘eight to 10 veterinarians in the world who do what I do at that level.’ Vernon accompanies the U.S. team to the Olympics, Pan Am Games, and World Equestrian Games, and various events in-between. In the sphere of animal sports medicine, Vernon described himself as ‘analogous to the team physician for the Green Bay Packers. I make sure the horses stay sound, their performance is optimized.’ As ‘a lot of the elite show jumping riders are in the U.S.,’ Vernon relocated four years ago to the Palisades, where his girlfriend, Gennifer Gardiner, lives. Gardiner is the daughter of filmmaker Chuck Workman, recently profiled in the Post (see ‘Friends of Film Screens Local Filmmaker’s ‘In Search of Kennedy,” September 25). When the U.S. team went to Argentina to compete in late November, Vernon arrived in Buenos Aires early before the opposing teams (primarily South American), and ahead of his own team’s horses, which were being flown in from Miami. ‘We try to get to the events earlier than necessary,’ Vernon says. ‘Before the competition, we arrived on a Sunday, so on a Monday, I had nothing to do.’ So he went jogging. While doing his morning exercise, Vernon spotted a ‘white object’ in a ditch. He kept going, but did the proverbial double take, backtracking to the spot. ‘He was very small,’ Vernon recalled, regarding the puppy. ‘He must have been a couple months old. I thought he was hit by a car. I watched him breath, his eyes were closed. I called him and he looked up and flopped his head back down. I was wary of picking him up because I didn’t know the rabies status in Argentina.’ Despite his veterinary expertise, Vernon was at a loss as to what course of action to take. ‘I don’t do dogs, I just do horses,’ he said. ‘I picked him up and brought him back to my hotel room, and put him in a bathtub right away. I had never seen more ticks and fleas, and what I thought was oil on his tail was really dry, crusted blood.’ The mutt slept for 12 hours. By morning, ‘I got him some breakfast from the breakfast buffet,’ Vernon said. ‘He was very gangly, his tail looked like a straw.’ Of course, Vernon had to work, but ‘the dog never left my side ever. I never had to train it. ‘During the big day of competition, he stayed at the barn and waited for me to come back,’ Vernon continued. ‘The horse show secretary gave him a VIP necklace [to differentiate him from feral dogs] so he could walk around [the venue].’ Vernon asked the young female riders on his team to name the dog. ‘I thought they’d name it, fall in love with it, and it will be their problem,’ he said. ‘The girls were too smart for me. None of them would name it.’ Vernon ended up brainstorming Gaucho’s moniker. Then came a big decision to make. ‘He called me and said, ‘I have a problem,” girlfriend Gardiner recalled. ”I found this dog, he’s half-dead, and I don’t know what to do.” So Gardiner hopped onto the Internet: ‘I started researching online how to bring a dog in from another country. ‘Gennifer was instrumental in bringing the dog to the United States,’ Vernon said. Getting Gaucho into America was a story in itself. The dog required a health inspection and a rabies shot from a Argentine veterinarian, which was not a problem, as there were many veterinarians at the horse show since feral dogs have been known to wander onto the tournament site. The horse show secretary informed Vernon that he needed a certificate of health from the Department of Agriculture, and she made some phone calls on Gaucho’s behalf. Since he was flying from Buenos Aires to Mexico City en route to Los Angeles, Vernon needed a health certificate just to get Gaucho into Mexico. Cutting it very close to his time of departure, Vernon literally had to get Gaucho’s paperwork relayed to him at a gas station located en route to the airport. The documents enabled Mexicana Airlines to accept the dog. Upon entry into the United States, the paperwork, along with forms that Gardiner had prepared on the U.S. side, became Gaucho’s passport into America. By Tuesday morning, Vernon checked Gaucho into the Pacific Palisades Veterinary Clinic on Via de la Paz, where the mutt was examined and vaccinated. Once at Gardiner’s Palisades home, Gaucho was greeted by new friends: Gardiner’s children, Damian, 9, and Kyra, 14; and a 16-year-old Jack Russell, Murphy. ‘He was malnourished and extremely thin,’ Gardiner said, initially worrying how Gaucho would interact with Murphy. All for naught. ‘He seems to have revived Murphy a bit.’ ‘Murphy and Gaucho get along great,’ Vernon reported, ‘Except they fight over dinner. Gaucho still eats like a stray dog and hogs all the food.’ Today, Gaucho lives like a Palisades celebrity, indulging in VIP care from the couple’s dog-walker, Connie Babin, and trainer, Julie Sterling. ‘I’ve thanked Geoff for bringing him into our lives,’ Gardiner said. ‘Gaucho is incredibly sweet and super-smart. He’s already house-broken, he doesn’t chew, and he loves his home.’ So does Gaucho have a favorite food? Says Gardiner, laughing, ‘The dog eats anything.’ And yet, the Argentine mutt has not forgotten the peripatetic vet who rescued him from a certain death, named him, and found him a home. ‘Gaucho’s very excited when he sees me,’ Vernon said.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 29, 2009
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, helen@helenpalit.com
UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
RANCH STYLE 2 bd, 1 ba w/ oak floors, formal DR, lg LR, w/ wood frpl., Kit w/ deck. Brick patio. Hk-ups, gardener included. Huge fenced property allows rec veh parking. $3,600/mo. (310) 454-1575
EL MEDIO BLUFFS, Quiet studio guest house with full bath & walk-in closet. Separate entrance, mountain views, no smoking, no pets, ktchnt, H/AC included. $1,500/mo. Call (310) 230-1921
MARQUEZ: 3 BR+2 BA, great room w/ open beamed ceiling, Country kitchen & designer baths, new AC, patios & Zen Garden for entertaining. $5,250/mo. (310) 502-3665
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
BEACHSIDE COTTAGE. Newly remodeled. 2 bed, 1 bath, 2 car parking, washer/dryer & pool on site. $1,850/mo. No pets. Available now. (310) 450-8070
SPECTACULAR 5 BD 4.5 BA, Rustic Canyon, post & beam, architectural home. Open floor plan, secluded 1,200 ft, 2 deck surrounded by majestic trees. Mastr 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. Please do not disturb tenants. Phone for appt (310) 401-5802. Must see interior to fully appreciate. 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
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
GUEST HOUSE FOR LEASE. Clean downstairs guest house. Unfurnished. Walking distance to the Village & transportation. Opens to a beautiful garden w/ views. Washer/dryer in unit. 1 yr lease min. $1,000/mo. singles only, no smoking, no pets. Alex, (310) 266-4897, acardenas@c-logic.net
LARGE 1 BD FOR DISCRIMINATING TENANT in exclusive Palisades seaside neighborhood. Private entry, deck & backyard. New appls, wood floors, dble shower, built-in laundry. Lanai doors fold back to oceanside for short walk to sandy beach. Designed for privacy & comfort on quiet 4 hse street. Must see. Flexible lease, utilities included. No pets. $3,500/mo. (310) 454-7229
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. $3,500/mo. (310) 392-1757
MALIBU, 2 BDRM, 1½, BA, two story, two car parking, security. Across from the Colony. Views, pool, tennis court, great shopping & beach. $2,500/mo. (310) 589-9195 x205
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
COMPLETELY REMODELED 2 BD, 2 BA CONDO IN THE PALISADES VILLAGE. Laundry inside. Easy access to unit with secure parking. Also available furnished. $2,750/mo. (310) 454-6058
ONE BLOCK TO BEACH • 1 bdrm, 1½ ba condo overlooking Los Liones State Park, surrounded by hiking trails, pool, retreat ambience. $2,300/mo. (310) 420-1028
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 Agnt Pat Haight, (310) 454-1851, cell (310) 386-5686
LEASE 3 BD PALISADES TOWNHOUSE, 2½ ba, family room, pool, yard, 4 car parking $3,775/month. (310) 454-9493
ROOMS FOR RENT 3
STUDIO KITCHENETTE, FULL BATH, private entrance, private home. Walk to village, utilities included. $1,000/mo. 6 month lease. (310) 454-3883
LOVELY BRENTWOOD HOME, north of Sunset. Private garden, level furnished room w/ bath. W/D, pool, some kitchen privileges. N/D, N/S. No pets. $850/mo. Utilities incl. (310) 472-6466
ROOM/PRIVATE BATH FOR RENT! Bedroom/private bath in Palisades Highlands. Alcohol, drug, smoke free. $700/mo. $500 deposit. (310) 454-7263
WANTED TO RENT 3b
LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisadian-Post, (310) 454-1321
SUMMER RENTAL WANTED. Family of 5 looking for home/condo Jul 3-Aug 1. Excellent local references. Contact bsjanes@grandecom.net or (210) 861-3967
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
OFFICES FOR SUBLEASE. Large & small offices, 400-1,800 sf. Available short term. 881 Alma Real Dr. $800-$3,600/mo. (310) 459-8700
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 OPPORTUNITY ACROSS FROM PACIFIC OCEAN. Four offices available in Pacific Palisades, at corner of Sunset and PCH, fabulous ocean views. Includes telephone system, internet access & utilities. Lease terms negotiable. Call Angela at (310) 566-1888
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
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5
CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS! Billion dollar rock solid company creates a millionaire every 10 days. Make 2009 the year of the “Upturn,” not the downturn in your financial life. Call (310) 795-1515
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
QUICKBOOKS. FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS.Set-up, Data Entry, Reporting, Tax Preparation. 10 Years of Experience and Flexible Hours. Palisades Resident. Doris, (310) 913-2753
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/
Are Your Children Protected From Harmful Websites? • Parental Control Software • Virus Removal • Data Backup • File Recovery • Internet Training • Speed up your slow computer • (310) 433-4099 • www.pcrescuela.com • WE COME TO YOU!
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
NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
EXPERIENCED NANNY & HOUSEKEEPER. Reliable, caring & flexible. Bilingual and I provide my own transportation. Great local references. Call Nancy at (818) 209-6024
MY FABULOUS NANNY HOUSEKEEPER. 18 years same family. Looking for work in Palisades. US citizen. English-speaking. Drives. Great with babies and kids. Trustworthy. Loving. Call Vonnie, (310) 617-2644, or Rosa, (310) 617-2643
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
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
HOUSEKEEPING AVAILABLE FOR 1 DAY OR 5 DAYS of the week. I have good refs. Own transportation w/ valid driver’s license. For more info, call (310) 673-8758. Ask for Maria.
WONDERFUL HOUSEKEEPER looking for employment. Full time, part time or per day. Excellent experience and refs. Honest & responsible. Call Aleida anytime, (310) 597-9326 or (323) 608-8483
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 Looking for work. Flexible days, 19 yrs experience. Honest & dependable, speaks English, own transportation. Local references. Please call Teresa, (323) 754-8058
HOUSEKEEPER, BABYSITTER, ELDER CARE. Available day or night. Mon. to Sat. Own transportation. Excellent refs. Call Ludivina, cell (323) 775-8268, home (323) 661-3049
EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER. Available Mon., Wed., & Fri. Good refs. Own car. 25 years experience, good English. Please call Aida, (323) 735-7603
MY WONDERFUL HOUSEKEEPER is available Tues. & Thurs. Best housekeeper ever! Completely reliable, professional, efficient, very thorough, hardworking & pleasant. Own car. Call Stephanie Lord, (310) 402-9522 or Lorena, (323) 737-2105 or (213) 327-5609
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
EXCELLENT, LOVING MALE CARE GIVER looking for full time employment. 5 years experience. Great references. Live-in or live-out. Bilingual. Own transportation. Call Carlos, (213) 926-7287
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
GOT ROSES—FRUIT TREES? Now is the time to prune and treat! 100% organic—Invisible Gardener. (310) 457-4438 • organicdatabank.info
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. helen@helenpalit.com
PERSONAL SERVICES 14f
PART-TIME PERSONAL ASSISTANT. Can help in your office or home. Clear the clutter from your life! Westside only. Call (310) 459-9330
PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
PRIVATE DOG WALKER/runner/housesitter, Palisades & Santa Monica. S.M. Canyon resident. Please call or email Sherry, (310) 383-7852, email: Sherry230@verizon.net
PERSONAL TOUCH DOG WALKING/OUTINGS/SITTING SERVICE. Cats, too! 30 yr. Pali resident. Very reliable. Refs available. If you want special care for your pet, pls call Jacqui, (310) 454-0104, cell (310) 691-9893
PUPPY HEAVEN • TRAINING/WALKING • Play groups and hikes. 30 years Pali resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog!
FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a
HAVE FUN! GET FIT! NORDIC WALKING CLASSES. Certified Advanced Nordic walking instructor, Palisades resident teaches private/group classes in the Palisades. Weekends. (310) 266-4651
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
PERSONAL TRAINER 15c
PEAK PERFORMANCE Fitness Training • Ivan Baccarat, N.S.C.A., A.C.E. Cert. Personal Trainer • Body Shaping • Strength • Fat Loss • Prenatal/Post Partum • Cardio • Kickboxing • Stretch/Flexibility • • Plyometrics • Endurance • Core Work • Individualized Program Design • Balance training for older adults • 20 yrs. experience • Insured • Excellent references • Call for a free consultation, (310) 829-4428
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, 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
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
ALAN PINE, GENERAL CONTRACTOR • New homes • Remodeling • Additions • Kitchen & bath • Planning/architectural services • Insured • Local refs. Lic. #469435. (310) 457-5655 or (818) 203-8881
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
ELECTRICAL WORK. Call Dennis! 26 yrs experience, 24 hours, 7 day service. Lic. #728200. (310) 621-3905
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
PAINT/PAPERHANGING by NANCY. Master craftsmanship in Palisades. Since 1988. Free estimates. Lic. #537105. (818) 883-4600
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
HELP WANTED 17
WANTED: LIVE-IN CAREGIVER, at least 3 years experience, for one hospice patient. Pay commensurate w/ experience. FT or PT. Call (310) 454-1956. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Good personal appearance a plus.
SATURDAY NANNY NEEDED. Family w/ 2 boys seeks Sat. help; approx 10+ hr. job incl. activity driving, homewk help, lt. errands & lt. meal prep. $15/hr. Car & refs a must. Call (310) 454-5450
PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT WANTED for busy fitness center in Pacific Palisades village 5 mornings per week, incl. Sat. Must love exercise & people. Start Apr. 7th. (310) 459-9845
AUTOS 18b
REDUCED! 1999 FORD F250 Super Duty V10 Supercab Longbed, black w/ lumber rack & Weatherguard tool box. Great work truck! $5,000 OBO. (310) 576-0622
2006 SUBARU TRIBECA B9. Gold, very good condition, almost fully loaded. 14,000 miles. $18,000. (310) 471-2423
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
APT FULL OF ANTIQUE FURN/Furnishgs/art & collectibles. Fri.-Sat., Jan 30-31, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 1633 Berkeley. 2 blks So. of SM Blvd./So. of Colorado. Photos/details/directions: www.bmdawson.com
MULTI FAMILY SALE! Bikes, adult & kids clothing, toys, house wares, art, furniture & more. Saturday, Jan. 31st. 8-11 a.m. 16104 Northfield St. Pacific Palisades.
ESTATE SALE—SUNSET MESA—SATURDAY! Estate Sale, Saturday, January 31st. Beautiful upscale furniture + rugs, accessories + more! Sunset Mesa, 3735 Malibu Vista Drive, Malibu, CA 90265 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Prices range from $50-$500.
MISCELLANEOUS 18g
LARGE TRAMPOLINE for sale! Good condition. Best offer. Call (310) 344-1777
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com
Palisadians Protest Temescal Pool Closure
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Pacific Palisades resident Judith Springer learned to swim at the pool in Temescal Canyon in 1972. Resident Lawrence Kaplan, met his wife, Ann, there in 1981 and later watched their son participate on the Palisades Charter High School’s swim team. ‘This pool has been a tremendous part of my life,’ said Springer, who swam daily until a year ago. ‘It’s a terrible loss.’ Kaplan and Springer were among 100 Pacific Palisades residents who gathered at Temescal Gateway Park last Saturday morning to protest the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy’s recent action to fill in the pool with gravel and dirt. The Palisades-Malibu YMCA had operated the pool until last February, at which time the facility was closed for repairs estimated to cost $400,000. In December, the Conservancy board decided to develop a long-term plan for Temescal Gateway Park before possibly offering a new pool lease. Citing liability concerns, the Conservancy decided to fill in the empty pool for the interim and use the area for picnicking. Crews began work on January 8, and the pool is now filled in and covered with grass. Friends of the Temescal Pool, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reopening the pool as soon as possible, coordinated Saturday’s protest. The organization has filed a lawsuit against the Conservancy and its partner, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, asking the court to order the Conservancy to negotiate a pool lease, pay to repair the pool, and make the park fully accessible to the disabled. The organization contends that the land was purchased with Proposition A funding, which is partly intended to create recreational facilities for senior citizens. According to the lawsuit, ‘The pool was the only part of Temescal Gateway Park that was open and accessible for recreation use by many handicapped and senior citizens of the community.’ The pool was handicapped accessible and the YMCA offered rehabilitation programs. Friends of Temescal Pool also argues that by filling in the pool, the Conservancy violated its contract agreement with the Presbyterian Synod, which sold the land to the state agency in 1994. On Saturday, protesters marched under gray skies, from the YMCA property at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon Road to the pool, carrying ‘Save the Pool’ signs and wearing matching purple T-shirts. Some of the residents made the trek in wheelchairs, while others used canes. Nine-year-old Allegra Smith, a fourth-grader at Corpus Christi, wore bright-pink swimming goggles and carried a homemade sign. She had learned to swim at the pool. The group chanted, ‘Save Our Pool,’ and sang to the tune of ‘This Land is Your Land’ by Woody Guthrie, ‘This park is our park, we paid our taxes. We’d like the pool back, despite their axes. They filled the pool up, but we won’t shut up. This park is here for everyone.’ Friends of the Temescal Pool co-founders John Yeh and Ilene Cassidy led the rally. ‘Keep the faith; we are not going away,’ Yeh said. ‘We are going to get the pool back.’ Resident Michelle O’Neill read a poem that she wrote about the camaraderie among the women swimmers. ‘We talk about our children, husbands, wives and tea; We talk about the war and cops and all the misery; We talk about the sky and God, Jung, Freud and entropy ‘ We are the YMCA outdoor pool; Palisadians, Topangalites, women all shampooed,’ she said. Then, all of the residents joined hands outside the currently locked and gated pool area. ‘I think the Conservancy has yet to give us a good reason for why the pool should not be here,’ said Emmy Funke, a 36-year resident and a master swimmer. ‘It seems like a no-brainer; it benefited so many people.’
Convicted of 1987 Murder, Earl Down Is Denied Parole
Earl Henry Down, who was found guilty in 1987 of one count of second-degree murder of 15-year-old Clinton Heilemann, a student at Palisades High School, and three counts of attempted murder, has been denied parole. At a January 5 hearing at Vacaville, the Board of Prison Terms also mandated a 15-year denial for further parole hearings under Marsy’s Law, which was passed last November by voters, giving victims and their families increased rights. The board, which bases parole requests on several factors including future employment and living plans, improvement through self-help programs, education, remorse, restitution and responsibility for the crime, heard from several speakers including members of Justice for Victims of Homicide; the deceased’s father and sisters; and friends Kenneth Waco and Matthew Williams, who was wounded in the shooting on Los Liones Drive on July 3, 1987. Williams told the Palisadian-Post that there were more than 75 letters from the community, as well as a letter from L.A. Chief of Police William Bratton, asking the Board to deny Down a parole. Down’s sister and brother were at the hearing. Both said that if he was paroled, they would try to help, but the brother is in an assisted-living facility and the sister is from Arizona, which meant that neither qualified as a location that Down could be released to. Down, 57, has two daughters; neither attended the hearing. At the proceedings, Down’s entire criminal history was open to review. Williams knew that when Down was sentenced in 1987, he was already a convicted felon, but Williams did not know that Down had previously been charged and convicted of child molestation, chasing people down on the freeway and fighting with them, wife beating, voyeurism against children and teens, multiple drug offenses and beating a police officer. ‘It took 45 minutes to just go through what he did in the ’70s,’ said Williams, who attended the entire four-hour hearing. ‘His history was horrible; it was sordid.’ The board expressed concern about Down’s violent attacks that seemed to escalate and especially his history of violence against children. In Williams’ statement to the Board, he said, ‘We have been sentenced to a lifetime of parole hearings, in which we are forced to relive Clinton’s murder and reiterate the reasons why this inmate must remain incarcerated.   His unprovoked attack on us was vicious, terrifying, excruciatingly painful and deeply traumatic. He threatened a group of youths without reason or provocation, physically assaulted one, and as they fled in fear of their lives, he shot them, permanently wounding two young adults [Daniel Dawson and Williams] and killing a 15-year-old boy.’ Heilemann was an altar boy at Corpus Christi, and an Eagle Scout candidate.
Thursday, January 29 – Thursday, February 5
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 Pacific Palisades resident Nancy Spiller (recently featured in the Los Angeles Times) discusses and signs her funny, satirical novel ‘Entertaining Disasters: A Novel (With Recipes),’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 The Chatham Baroque Ensemble with guest trumpeter Barry Baugess and guest organist Webb Wiggins will give an 8 p.m. concert at St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda. Tickets at the door: $25 for adults, $10 for students. Contact: www.stmatthews.com/musicguild
Theatre Palisades presents Neil Simon’s ‘Lost in Yonkers,’ through February 15 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Directed by Sherman Wayne and produced by Martha Hunter and Pat Perkins, the play runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: call (310) 454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.org. SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 L.A. Opera Speakers Bureau representative Bonnie Helms will discuss renowned 19th-century composer Richard Wagner, 2 p.m., in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The talk (with music) will focus on Wagner’s four-opera epic ‘The Ring Cycle.’ MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Horticulture expert Dave Lannom is guest speaker at the Pacific Palisades Garden Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. The public is invited. (See story, page 12.) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Baby and toddler storytime, for ages under 36 months accompanied by a grown-up, 10:15 a.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Due to the structure of this storytime, latecomers will not be admitted. One child, one lap, please.
Breast cancer specialist Dr. Patricia Ganz will talk about the current state of detection, diagnosis, treatment and cure, noon to 2 p.m. at Kehillat Israel, 16019 Sunset. The charge is $25 per person; $30 at the door. Call (310) 459-2328.
Reflections on the President’s Inauguration
By ALICE LYNN Special to the Palisadian-Post Words can never fully capture the emotions I felt while witnessing the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama; pictures seem flat without the depth or expanse of dimension, and without the sounds of voices echoing joy and jubilance. But on the cold, crisp, sunny morning of January 20th, my two children and I were witness to a historic event that still leaves me reeling. The stories began on Monday, as my son Eric and I walked from our hotel, first to the Hart Senate Building, where we stood for over two hours with thousands of others in a security line to pick up our Inaugural tickets from Senator Boxer’s office, and then to the Congressional Office Building and Congressman Waxman’s office for additional tickets. Everywhere one looked, strangers spoke, new friendships formed, and hugs were freely given. We all seemed to be experiencing a new depth, a new connectedness that is uncommon in our lives; we were all celebrating together, and the feelings emanating from these human connections were astounding. Monday night over dinner with fellow Palisades friends, Gail Wirth and her daughter, Hannah, we shared experiences. Earlier, Gail had met Jesse Jackson as he was leaving our hotel and ironically, sitting next to us, was Jackson’s son, Jonathan, and his friends. A spirited conversation developed, and when Jonathan learned I was a therapist, we spoke for some time on the changing black family and the dynamics he witnesses among his friends, all successful in business but often feeling less sure in their parenting and marital roles. How does one capture the emotion experienced by being part of this extraordinary event? Perhaps it is best told in the vignettes of stories, of lives touched that so moved my family and me. ‘ There was the white judge, a Republican, who drove from North Carolina with his two teenage children, who never had voted for a Democrat, and who spoke of how moved he was by Obama and his message of hope. ‘ There was the African American foreign service officer from Maryland who spoke of his difficult time in foreign countries as diverse as Turkey, China and Morocco and how tarnished our reputation has become. He spoke of the enormous hope that America would once again regain our world standing. ‘ There was the white owner of an office furniture store, the campaign director from North Dakota, who spoke of meeting Obama and how they talked for over 20 minutes on being parents, and his warm impression of the man, of his poise and genuineness, who is our President. ‘ There was the African American family from Colorado who brought their two school-age boys to see the first black president inaugurated so they could someday tell their children they were witness to this historic event. ‘ There was the young hearing-impaired white woman, a recent graduate of Gallaudet University in D.C., who had experienced her first involvement in politics working on Obama’s campaign, and who with her Latina friend, a recent Stanford grad, were overjoyed at being able to attend the Inauguration. ‘ There was the 92-year-old African American woman from Missouri, who with tears in her eyes said, ‘Never in my lifetime did I expect to see a black man become President.’ ‘ There was the hearing-impaired white couple signing with enthusiasm and smiles. ‘ There was seeing the T-shirt on an African American man in his 50s that read ‘My President Looks Like Me!’ We walked, and we waited for hours in the biting cold, with thousands of others, and there was not once an incidence of unruly behavior or negativity. People of all complexions and nationalities, the able and disabled, with walkers and wheelchairs, the very young to the notably old’all Americans were represented, and we all felt the experience of coming together. When Eric and I arrived at our standing position in front and to the right of the Capitol, we looked back over the Mall and could barely take in the emotion of seeing thousands and thousands of faces stretching beyond the Mall and the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. My daughter Jennifer and her husband were standing just behind the Reflecting Pool and had even a greater perspective of the multitudes. No one else, my son observed, could have or has affected and energized and excited our country and the world in so profound a way as Barack Obama, simply by his rhetoric and inspiration. My daughter reflected on change in feelings between the races; having lived in D.C. with her husband for 10 years, she said the anger often seen was clearly absent, replaced by reconciliation between the races. As a young girl, a daughter of an Armenian immigrant, I remember keenly the road trip my family took in the summer of 1951. We were driving though the South. I had seen the ‘whites only’ signs, the difference in outdoor movie theaters and the homes distinctly differentiated by race. But when we stopped at a Fosters Freeze one hot summer day, and I went to the side of the building for water, and saw the two fountains, I ran back to my mother with great excitement to announce, ‘They have colored water!’ It was then that the full impact of racial division hit me. It is an experience that has never left.   (Alice Lynn, an active member of the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club, coordinated a group of about 20 friends who attended the Inauguration.)
PaliHi Elevator Delayed, Gym Repaired
Palisades Charter High School’s physically handicapped students still do not have an elevator to reach their second-story classes. In 2004, the Los Angeles School District began developing plans to install a long-sought elevator, located near the library, and construction started in May 2007. ‘We’re anticipating the elevator will be complete and certified in May,’ said Neil Gamble, LAUSD’s director of maintenance and operations. PaliHi mother Lainie Sugarman, whose son has had to use crutches on and off throughout high school, said she remembers being told that it would take six months to install the elevator. When the Palisadian-Post reported on the progress last September 18, LAUSD officials predicted the elevator would be up and running by December. ‘It’s absolutely insane,’ Sugarman said last Friday. ‘Talk about bureaucracy; all they keep doing is delaying it.’ Her son, Alon, will graduate in June. The school buildings, which are connected by an outdoor walkway on the first and second floors, do not have an elevator because they were constructed long before the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, said PaliHi Executive Director Amy Dresser-Held. To assist students with physical disabilities, heart conditions, seizure disorders or broken bones, the school attempts to schedule their classes on the first floor or provides an assistant to help them with the staircase, Dresser-Held said. Students with moderate to severe disabilities are in a classroom on the first floor. The elevator, with a projected cost of $623,233, is still not complete because of issues with the fire alarm, Gamble said. LAUSD, which owns the school grounds and is in charge of maintaining and upgrading the buildings, hired an electrical engineer who designed the instructions for installing the alarm based on the school’s site conditions and code requirements. The contractor followed those instructions when installing the alarm, but the Division of the State Architect (DSA) inspector was concerned about how the alarm was mounted, Gamble said. The fire alarm may have to be redesigned and both LAUSD and DSA will have to inspect and certify it, Gamble said, adding he anticipates this process taking two months. Then, the district and the state inspector will have to test the overall function of the elevator and approve it before its operational. When LAUSD started the project, workers discovered an underground vault with wires and pipes that had to be relocated before construction of the elevator could begin, Dresser-Held said. ‘It’s not unheard of to have different site conditions in construction, especially when dealing with existing buildings, that delay the project,’ Gamble said. o o o In other facilities news, the Post reported on December 11 and January 1 that LAUSD found unacceptable levels of lead in the water at PaliHi in November, and all of the 22 drinking fountains were capped. During winter break, PaliHi purchased 10 individual carbon filtration systems for selected drinking fountains. ‘We made it a priority to fix at least 10 fountains in the most trafficked areas throughout campus because we were distributing bottled water for free,’ Dresser-Held said. All the other drinking fountains will remain capped until LAUSD can make the necessary repairs. Buildings constructed before 1989 may have lead in the water because they have brass fixtures, galvanized pipes or pipes where lead solder was used. PaliHi opened in 1961. o o o Over winter break, LAUSD also finished re-piping PaliHi’s gym for a cost of $623,421. The district began that project last May because the aging pipes were leaky and rust was contaminating the water. PaliHi administrators had expected the project would be done when school started in September. This fall, students were unable to use the restrooms or wash up after gym class, team practices and home games.
Business Is Strong at Stokes Tire Pros
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Although the economy is as deflated as a flat tire, business is thriving for Castellammare resident Jon Stokes, owner of Stokes Tire Pros in Santa Monica. His shop also services brakes, shocks and struts, and does vehicle maintenance and oil changes.   This third-generation family businessman thinks that one of the reasons his company has been so successful in a down economy is honesty.   ’If you bring your car in and tell me you want new brakes, and we look and see you still have two months left, I’ll tell you to bring the car back in two months,’ Stokes said. He gives the same candid advice to customers who believe they need a new set of tires.   In addition, Stokes credits his long-time employees, who have been specially trained in helping car owners select the right tires. ‘I have quality employees,’ he said. ‘They’re about putting good wheels on your car.’   Stokes has been in the business of fitting tires for Vipers, Lamborghinis, Porsches and BMWs, as well as family cars and vans, for more than 30 years.   One challenge he faces is helping customers understand tire costs. ‘People don’t realize that tires are tied into petroleum prices. Tires now cost 25 to 30 percent more than two or three years ago.’ Stokes said. When asked if the recent plunge in oil prices will result in lower tire prices, he said no, and cited several factors, including rising shipping costs .   ’America is not a manufacturer any more and products are not made here,’ he said, noting that the leading tire manufacturers have plants worldwide.   Another factor is the trend in automobile manufacturing to give each new car a specific tire, which means all of the models require different tires. Manufacturers make more tires, but less of specific models, and less production of an item results in higher costs.   Last Friday morning, a high-performance Viper was having four wheels replaced at a cost of $2,000.   ’A race car cannot do what it can without the specialized rubber,’ said Stokes, who spends his spare time racing cars in the Super Unlimited and Super Touring classes at Willow Springs, Button Willows and Fontana racetracks. In 2006, he won a Sportsman of the Year award, and in 2007 he was a time-trials champion with his Caterham Super 7.   ’Tires will win a race or lose it,’ Stokes said. ‘I can change how the car feels or handles just by changing the tires.’ The Stokes family business history began in the late 1930s, when Jon’s grandfather, Bill, opened a gas station on Pontius and Idaho in West Los Angeles.   His father, Jack, eventually opened four stations, the last of which was located on 10th and Wilshire in Santa Monica in 1966.   Beginning at age 9, Stokes worked in that station, helping to wash windows and check tire pressure alongside an employee who was also a hockey fan. Because of that influence, Stokes wanted a career as either a professional hockey player or a rock star. ‘Either would have been fine,’ Stokes said, laughing.   After graduating from North Hollywood High School, where his favorite class was woodworking, Stokes started his career with a furniture company. His goal was to make enought money to go to hockey camps and spend more time with his rock band, Witness. So when he had enough money saved to support himself for awhile, he would quit. And when he ran out of money, he’d go back to work.   That lifestyle stopped about 35 years ago when his dad bought a retail tire store at 1117 Santa Monica Blvd., where Stokes Tire Pros now stands. He gave up his lease on Wilshire and combined the service station and retail business crews. When several employees didn’t get along, and quit, Jack asked his son to help.   ’I was working in a high-end, cabinet-building store, and I would have kept that job forever,’ Stokes said. ‘What was supposed to be short-term turned into my life career.’   With his 13 employees, it is obvious that Stokes likes where he is in life. ‘I enjoy amateur racing, I enjoy interacting with customers and I enjoy the business,’ said the 18-year Palisades resident, who has three sisters who grew up in this area: Kim, Christy and Kelly. Contact: (310) 393-0767 or visit www.stokestirepros.com.
‘Last Beat’ Standing
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
‘Corso’s a poet’s Poet, a poet much superior to myself. Pure velvet … whose wild fame has extended for decades around the world from France to China.’ ‘ Allen Ginsberg Call him the Beat Generation’s Zeppo. Or Gummo. Or maybe it’s Shemp. Nunzio ‘Gregory’ Corso did not become a college graduate’s household name like his fellow literary assassins and drinking buddies Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs. But those in the know knew who he was: the real deal. ’The Beat writers were reacting to the mechanistic world in which 16 million people were killed during World War II,’ says Palisades writer/director Gustave Reininger, whose new documentary, ‘Corso: The Last Beat,’ chronicles the author’s final years. ‘They had a certain worldview and it was celebrating spiritual values. They had amazing core values. They were very dedicated to get the African-American arts, lingo, and jazz into the mainstream, as well as Latino and other minorities. They also became the voice of middle-class kids who wanted to be heard.’ Several generations since the Beats shook up literary circles, middle-class kids are still appreciating the avant-garde writers, including actor Ethan Hawke, born in 1970 and a Corso reader since his teens. The ‘Training Day’ star, a friend of the late poet, appears in, as well as narrates, Reininger’s movie, which is currently seeking distribution. Garrulous and mealy-mouthed in old age, the colorful Corso, as on display in the ‘Last Beat’ film, reminds this reporter of an Al ‘Grandpa Munster’ Lewis. We see this firebrand cut a march to the sea across Europe like a literary General Sherman. In Paris, he taunts a P’re Lachaise Cemetery guard near Jim Morrison’s grave, brazenly challenging the description ‘poet’ that appears on The Doors singer’s tombstone in favor of Oscar Wilde, buried several plots away. We watch the man behind such powerful poems as ‘Power’ and ‘The Whole Mess’ Almost’ revive ghosts at old haunts such as Harry’s Bar in Venice, and Hotel Richou (a.k.a. ‘The Beat Hotel’) on Paris’s Rue Git de Coeur, where Corso had lured his famous friends (Burroughs wrote ‘Naked Lunch’ there). We can not believe what we’re watching when Corso visits Rome’s Protestant Cemetery and burns the ashes of Allen Ginsberg (well, a photo of him anyway) on Percy Shelly’s headstone. Later in ‘Last Beat,’ Hawke pays the poet a hospital visit and recites Corso’s ‘Marriage,’ which he had memorized at age 16. Like Hawke and singer/songwriter Patti Smith, who also appears in the film, Reininger, a Pacific Palisades resident of 22 years, is no stranger to the entertainment industry. As a writer, he created ‘Crime Story,’ the 1980s NBC program that coat-tailed on ‘Miami Vice.’ Although ‘Crime Story’ ran for only 17 episodes, it garnered three Emmy nominations. Reininger also wrote a ‘Miami Vice’ episode (‘Forgive Us Our Debts’) in 1986. Throughout the ’90s, Reininger developed projects for TV and film with Michael Mann, Penny Marshall, Paul Verhoeven and Dino DeLaurentiis. He also consulted on ‘Homicide,’ wrote various pilots for CBS and ABC that did not go to series, and worked as a script doctor on features. ’I’m originally from Kentucky,’ Reininger says. ‘I started out in international investment banking, lived in London and Paris, then settled in New York.’ In 1987, Reininger and then-wife, Gale, moved out to California with their 1-year-old son. Today, Haven, 23, is a Yale graduate. Daughter Olivia, 17, attends the Putney School in Vermont after graduating from Corpus Christi School and St. Matthew’s, while Isabel, 14, attends Corpus Christi. The Reiningers also had a daughter, Anthea, who died from a tainted vaccine. She is buried at St. Matthew’s. Reininger is active in the Palisades. He is on the vestry at St. Matthew’s, and, for a decade, he served as assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scouts Troop 223. By the mid-1990s, Reininger began feeling the itch. He wanted to direct and ‘get out of this pigeonhole of being a writer of cops-and-robbers shows,’ he says. The film that evolved into ‘Corso’ stemmed from Reininger’s lifelong fascination with the late-1950’s Beat Generation. ’There was this explosion of creativity taking place in the ’50s and ’60s,’ he says. ‘This [Beat youth movement] was the first time that this happened in the history of the world. ’There’s this resurgence of interest among young people today with the icons of youth culture,’ continues Reininger, who is almost single-handedly spearheading the Corso revival. From January 15 through February 7, the University of Cincinnati has been hosting ‘I Gave Away The Sky: A Festival Celebrating Life and Legacy of Gregory Corso,’ which Reininger helped organize, with the participation of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and the Art Institute of Cincinnati. The exhibit includes the original manuscript of the Beat poet’s masterpiece, ‘Bomb.’ ’Corso liked to paint portraits of poets,’ Reininger says. ‘Everyone from Poe to Orpheus to the Greek god Hermes and Dickinson. He was a very good painter. He was friends with Robert Motherwell, Jackson Pollock and Larry Rivers.’ Ever since ‘Sea Chanty,’ his first poem at 15, Corso had built his work, his personal mythology, on the premise that the mother he never knew was long gone; a downbeat subtext that ran through all his compositions”’Bomb,’ ‘Destiny,’ ‘How Not to Die.’ The melancholy of his mother, who had given him up for adoption at an early age when she fled Corso’s abusive father, fueled his poetry, which got him through hard times, including life on New York’s streets and prison time for petty crimes. And then, halfway through ‘Last Beat,’ filmmaker Reininger himself becomes the crucial player in resolving the mystery surrounding Corso’s missing mother. What’s remarkable about ‘Corso: The Last Beat’ is that the camera is there as Corso’s final years evolve from a requiem for days past to a surprising reboot of his personal history, played out before the viewer’s eyes. The search for Corso’s mother takes hold of the documentary’s narrative, as Reininger pushes and challenges the iconoclast on film. ’We’re sitting around, looking at the flood in Venice,’ Reininger recalls. ‘I said to Gregory, ‘You’re doing those readings and what you’re doing is repeating yourself. It’s not developing.’ He said, ‘[Expletive] you! You had a mother!’ ’So I suggested that we could find her grave. Whoo! He didn’t like that. He said, ‘You just want to see me cry at her grave on film!” Reininger visited Corso’s mother’s place of birth, the Vatican, New York Cardinal Joseph O’Connor, Governor Mario Cuomo: ‘All dead ends,’ he says. Then came a chance encounter in Manhattan. ’I had just sold my apartment on 84th Street, and I met a little old Italian lady,’ says Reininger, who told her about his quest for Corso’s mother. ‘She says, ‘Do you know what I do? I’m a bounty hunter for bank deposits.” The woman found Corso’s sister, Marie, who had incurred two parking tickets. Reininger drove up to the Poconos to Marie’s doorstep, and Marie helped him find Corso’s mother. As it turns out, she was still very much around” an uneducated former coffee shop waitress who had been residing in Trenton, New Jersey, all along”a mere half-hour’s drive from her son”oblivious to beatnik culture. The inevitable reunion forms ‘Last Beat”s dramatic centerpiece. Soon after, Corso died in 2001, when he was buried at the Protestant Cemetery, next to his literary hero, Shelly. ‘His life came full circle,’ says Reininger. Filmed over nine years with a small crew, ‘Corso”The Last Beat’ is the culmination of uncontrived cinematic miracles. Initial financing for Reininger’s film came from a foreign investor. Along the way, he secured additional funding from several private investors and the support of Benetton, which has the world’s largest Beats library at their corporate headquarters in Milan. ’I originally wanted to do a narrative feature about the Beats,’ Reininger says. That was until he ran the idea by Ginsberg, who suggested that he make a documentary about Corso. Reininger enjoyed filming Corso and Ginsberg together. ’They were completely fused,’ Reininger remembers. ‘They had a friendship that was so intimate, it was indescribable because they had gone through so much. They had met each other at a dyke bar, the Pony Stable. Soon after, Gregory was watching a woman sunbathing nude. Turns out it was Allen’s girlfriend. One of Allen’s rare forays into heterosexuality. ’I picked up Gregory at a very tender, poignant moment in his life when his friend [Ginsberg] had died.’ Ginsberg passed away early in the shoot, in 1997, when Reininger suddenly shifted his film’s focus to Corso, the only surviving Beat, as Corso renews his Beat association at a time when he was on the cusp of burying his literary past. Reininger opines why Corso may be the least known Beat: ‘Allen was a publicist, Kerouac’s ‘On The Road’ was a novel that caught a generation’s attention, and Burroughs, bizarreness.’ Couple that with Corso’s loathing of publicity or any ‘scene.’ And yet, even though, chronologically, Corso was the baby of the Beats, to the other writers, he was the most revered and profound, according to Reininger: ‘Kerouac got a football scholarship to Columbia, Ginsberg’s father taught at Columbia, Burroughs went to Harvard. They saw Gregory as the real thing. Someone who came up from the working class.’ Philosophically, Reininger short-hands the Beats this way: ‘Kerouac introduced Buddhism into Christian circles, Ginsberg introduced Buddhism to Jewish circles, and Corso stuck to basic Roman-Greco values. ’For a while,’ the filmmaker admits, ‘I thought he was one of the greatest con artists I had ever met,’ as their Euro-trip hi-jinks included Corso translating hieroglyphics on the wall of the Louvre, or contacting the Duke of Caniglia Nico from a Veneto gas station. ‘Then I began to realize what a remarkable life this guy has had.’ As Reininger discovered, ‘Gregory never had a choice. Poetry was his only way in life.’
Longtime Residents Ann Kerr, Ken Adams Exchange Vows
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Ken Adams and Ann Kerr were married on Sunday, December 28, in a quiet family service in Ann’s garden with the Pacific Ocean glistening in the background. Their combined seven children and 10 grandchildren were all present, as well as members of their extended families. Officiating was Palisades resident Andy Kelly, a close friend of Ken’s and Ann’s families who introduced the couple in the summer of 2007. A selection of classical music and popular ballads was played by Ken’s sister-in-law Mary Ann Cummins and her daughters Emily and Anna. The bride and bridegroom are longtime Palisadians, who, with their late spouses, Malcolm and Mimi, raised their respective families in town, where they attended local schools. Ken is a graduate of UC Berkeley and Columbia Law School and served as a navigator in the Air Force during the Korean War. Before practicing law, he was a business manager of a local opera company. Ann studied at Occidental College, the American University of Beirut and the American University of Cairo and eventually taught at the latter two universities. She currently runs the Fulbright visiting Scholar Enrichment Program at UCLA. She is the author of two books: ‘Come with Me from Lebanon’ and ‘Painting the Middle East.’ Noting their one-month anniversary, the couple say that they ‘are celebrating every week to catch up, so it’s already four!’ They are heading off on their delayed wedding trip on Saturday to Costa Rica, and then to Puebla, Mexico, to visit Ann’s son, John, and his wife, who are on sabbatical there.
