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Jacqueline Diamant, 81; Colorful Adventurous, Involved Resident

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Jackie Diamant
Jackie Diamant

Jackie Diamant, a colorful and adventurous longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away March 9. She was 81. Jackie lived all of her life in Southern California, except for two years attending a London boarding school when her family relocated to London in 1937 (her father was studio manager of MGM there). The school cultivated her love of other cultures and solidified her disdain toward conformity, but she was happy to return to Los Angeles in September 1939, just after war was declared. The American embassy told Jackie’s parents that a boat was leaving in four hours for America and that they should be on it. After attending Beverly Hills High School, Jackie entered college at Bucknell but graduated from Los Angeles State in 1951. She married Edward (Ned) Diamant in 1954, and they lived in Redondo Beach and then in the Palisades, Jackie’s hometown for over 50 years. At various points of her life, Jackie was a docent at the L.A. Zoo, a program director at the YMCA, a curator at an art gallery, a school volunteer and an apartment building manager. Her hobbies included bodysurfing, gardening, cooking, anthropology and archaeology. Even though Jackie had very limited eyesight (calling herself ‘Mrs. Magoo’), she never let this limit her interests. No matter what she was engaged in, it sparked her favorite activity: frequent conversations. Jackie took an active role in the community. The Woman’s Club, the Temescal Canyon Association and the local AARP chapter all were passionate causes. Jackie also hosted monthly lectures at her home, inviting experts on subjects as disparate as terrorism and shamanistic healing. She welcomed everyone and every opinion’the more diverse the better. Vivacious and full of humor, Jackie had a warm heart and a generous spirit and was always ready to help a friend. Once, while on a trip to South America with UCLA Extension, she was burdened with an alleged sociopath for a roommate, who was irritating the other members of the party. They tried to petition the roommate off the trip, but Jackie stood up for her. ‘If I can put up with her, so can you,’ she told her fellow travelers. Jackie was determined to enjoy life despite the many physical obstacles she faced. She traveled to over 40 countries (‘My serious traveling began after my divorce in 1975,’ she once told the Palisadian-Post) and never let her deteriorating eyesight get in the way of a new adventure. Whether hot-air ballooning, traveling to Australia just a few years ago, or leading a tour at the zoo, Jackie’s wild, novice attempts at using a cane only added to the experience. She is survived by her sister, Gerry Berns; her nieces and nephews; and many good friends. A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held on Friday, March 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Oak Room, 1035 Swarthmore Ave. The public is invited.

Play Ball!

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Opening Day at PPBA

Former L.A. mayor Richard Riordan encourages the Pinto Red Sox, sponsored by his Village Pantry, before their first game Saturday morning at the Field of Dreams.
Former L.A. mayor Richard Riordan encourages the Pinto Red Sox, sponsored by his Village Pantry, before their first game Saturday morning at the Field of Dreams.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Christian Gambale hurls a strike in the Cardinals' 9-8 Mustang Division victory over the Cubs.
Christian Gambale hurls a strike in the Cardinals’ 9-8 Mustang Division victory over the Cubs.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The Palisades Recreation Center was abuzz with activity Saturday morning for the Palisades Pony Baseball Association’s 55th annual Opening Day ceremony at the Field of Dreams complex. The event, one of the community’s oldest and proudest traditions, consists of a pancake breakfast and the ceremonial first-pitch, tossed this year by former Mayor of Los Angeles Richard Riordan. ‘This is what American is all about,’ Riordan said. ‘I saw the balloons and people eating breakfast outside . . . like a scene from a hundred years ago . . . that community feeling. We’ve captured that here in the Palisades.’ Games began immediately after the first-pitch ceremony in the Pinto (ages 7-9), Mustang (9-10) and Bronco (11-12) Divisions. The league also has three Pony Division (13-14) teams. For the full scoop on Opening Day see Sports.

“Y” is for Yoga for Young Children

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Preschoolers in Teresa Power’s yoga class at St. Matthew’s set their tables, just as they see it in Power’s “The ABCs of Yoga for Kids.”
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

When it’s teatime for the 4- to 5-year-olds in Teresa Power’s yoga class, it could be in Alice’s Wonderland. Tea tables materialize as each child morphs into a perfect plane, arms and legs as straight as pillars. An experienced yogini, Power started practicing yoga in 1984, when she and husband Trip moved to Pacific Palisades. For the past seven years, she has been conducting half-hour yoga sessions for preschoolers and kindergartens at St. Matthew’s. With the insights she accumulated, she decided to publish ‘The ABCs of Yoga for Kids,’ which offers the basic asanas (poses) illustrated by Kathleen Rietz, along with simple, rhymed instructions, such as: ‘A’ pose is the Airplane. ‘I am an airplane/Heading for the sky. Lifting my chest, arms, and legs, I begin to fly.’ Power and Rietz will host Kids Pajama Story Time at Village Books on Friday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. The day I observed Power’s session in Barbara Ingram and Rosie Strickland’s Preschool II class, the children were sitting comfortably in ‘Easy Pose,’ taking deep breaths in and out through their noses, legs crossed and backs straight. ‘We always come back to ‘Easy Pose,” Power says. The children then glided through the poses with ease: ‘Dog Pose’ for a count of 12; ‘Mouse Pose,’ which yoga practitioners will recognize as ‘Child’s Pose;’ and as the children arched into cobra, they were eager to add the ‘hisses.’ Power keeps a quiet dignity when leading the children. She performs the poses along with them, knows the children’s names’this is this class’s second year of yoga’and allows them an unexpected freedom. They play Simon Says, and ‘New Pose,’ which allows one child to create a new pose’any movement they want, which the class performs. ‘It was hard to match a pose to each letter of the alphabet,’ says Power, ‘so N became ‘New Pose.’ The ‘Do Nothing Pose,’ a mini shavasana or relaxing pose, is often used to begin and end a yoga session. So akin to cozy naptime, some children snuggled right in with thumbs firmly secured in their mouth. ‘I notice a difference with these kids,’ Power says. ‘Last year, some of them had difficulty staying tuned. But as with any discipline, the more you do it, the better you get at it. I see a difference especially with the boys. ‘If you start younger, they think it’s normal. Teachers say they love doing it and use some of the techniques in their classes.’ Power herself was originally drawn to Bikram’s Yoga’a challenging style of yoga practiced in a heated room and guided by specific number of poses’but has since modified her practice, although she still uses some Bikram poses, such as the ‘Tree pose.’ Her yoga sessions at St. Matthew’s were originally part of the after- school program, where her own children started yoga. Her daughter Kaitlyn is now 16 and attends Harvard-Westlake. She still practices and enjoys going with her father to Maha Yoga in Brentwood. Emmet, 14, is an eighth grader at St. Matthew’s.

Historical Society Presents a Night with Hollywood Stars

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Jerry Lewis (second from right) receives a celebratory cake on his induction as the Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades in 1953. His sidekick, Dean Martin, stands by to make sure all goes peacefully, fulfilling his duty as Honorary Chief of Police. Photo: Courtesy Palisades Historical Society
Jerry Lewis (second from right) receives a celebratory cake on his induction as the Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades in 1953. His sidekick, Dean Martin, stands by to make sure all goes peacefully, fulfilling his duty as Honorary Chief of Police. Photo: Courtesy Palisades Historical Society

The Pacific Palisades Historical Society will present an evening with movie stars past and present at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 23, at the Pierson Playhouse, corner of Haverford and Temescal Canyon Road. Whether they were internationally known (such as Oscar-winning leading lady Grace Kelly) or character actors more recognizable by their face than their name (Allen Jenkins), they made Pacific Palisades their home. Some lived in town for a lifetime and reared their children here; others spent no more than a couple of years here before moving on. Nonetheless, they all contributed to making Pacific Palisades something of an actors’ colony that provided a quiet retreat for them’far from the hustle of Hollywood’where they could blend into life seamlessly with residents employed in less glamorous professions. Many lived in the Riviera section of the Palisades, but there were also large concentrations in Rustic Canyon, the Huntington Palisades and Castellammare. Francis X. Bushman, one of the greats of the silent-movie era, lived humbly on one of the Alphabet streets. Roger McGrath and Randy Young have created a historical game of clues, questions and photographs that will challenge attendees while reminding everyone which stars of the silver screen made the Palisades their home. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot off Temescal.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 19, 2009

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

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

PICTURE PERFECT LEASE, Huntington Palisades. Beautifully decorated 3 bd, 3 ba, LR w/ FP, FR w/ FP, FDR, den, lovely garden, pool. Furn or unfurn at $14,500/mo. Contact Dolly Neimann, (310) 230-3706

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHARMING 2 BD, 1 BA, large backyard, refurbished kitchen, stove, refrigerator, microwave, washer/dryer. Hardwood floors, water & gardener included. Small pets ok. Close to village and schools. $3,000/mo. (310) 702-1758

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

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

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

THE PERFECT 2+2. Immaculate, like-new & gorgeous. Totally private & quiet! Spacious & sunny. Custom kitchen, W/D, AC. $2,900/mo. Call agent Pat Haight, (310) 454-1851

3 BED, 3 BATH corner unit. Ocean & mountain views, pools, tennis court, parking, gated. Pac Pal, Sunset/PCH. $3,950/mo. Includes utilities. Westside Leasing, (800) 551-1586

LUXURY PRIVATE PENTHOUSE/OFC, 3 BR+2.75 BA + office den, exquisitely designed. High ceilings, hardwood floor, recessed lighting, fireplace. Rooftop deck for entertainment w/city & mountain views. Top appliances including washer/dryer, microwave, wine cooler & more. Gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances. Pre-wired w/ surround sound & state of the art security & IT connectivity. Satellite & cable. A NEST FOR A TOP EXEC/ENTERTAINER. MUST SEE. Near CBS/Beverly/Grove. (310) 360-5199

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

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

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

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

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

VACATION RENTALS 3e

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

FOUR FULLY SELF-CONTAINED trailers for rent across from Will Rogers State Beach & about 2 miles from Santa Monica Pier. Two for $1,095/mo. and two for $995/mo. (310) 454-2515

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

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

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

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

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

YOUR OWN TECH GURU * SET-UP, TUTORING, REPAIR, INTERNET. Problem-Free Computing, Guaranteed. Satisfying Clients Since 1992. If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! COMPUTER WORKS! Alan Perla (310) 455-2000

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

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

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f

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

CUSTOM FILM & VIDEO TRANSFER 7k

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

SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7l

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

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

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

NANNY LOOKING FOR GREAT FAMILY * Nanny looking for morning work. Childcare, light housekeeping, have own transportation, great refs. Please call Karla at (323) 252-0881

BABYSITTER: FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME. Monday-Friday. Many years experience. Hard worker. Good refs. Please call Claudia, (323) 348-8882 or leave a msg. Thank you.

BABYSITTER OR COOK. Full time or part time. Spanish and American food. Many years experience. Very good refs. Speaks English. Please call Ofelia, (213) 446-9131

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

“PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.” We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE, day or night, available Monday-Sunday. Own transportation, excellent references. Call Maria Patricia, (310) 948-9637

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

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

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

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

HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER • • Available anytime for work. One year experience. Speaks a little English. Excellent references. Call Maria, (213) 249-3099

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

NANNY * HOUSEKEEPER * looking for work. Excellent refs. Many years experience. Avail any day. Live-in, live-out. Own transportation. Call Lupe, (323) 583-3202 or (714) 992-0679

GREAT HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER available any day. Good references. Spanish-speaking, learning English. Flexible & open for cooking also. Call Yolanda at (909) 767-8053

WONDERFUL HOUSEKEEPER & BABYSITTER! 10 yrs experience. Available anytime. Live-out. Great with pets. Excellent references. Call Maria, (213) 739-8928

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. Leave a msg.

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE TO WORK Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday. Speaks English. Own car. Excellent local references. Please call Francis, (818) 472-8119

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

CAREGIVER, PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Many years of experience. Good references. Please call Beatriz, (323) 572-9379

PERSONAL ASSISTANT/CARE GIVER. Mature, reliable, educated lady with experience & local refs. Available with a car. Flexible. Please leave me a message. (310) 383-6593

NURSING CARE 10b

YOUR EXTRA SPECIAL PALISADES-BASED STAFFING AGENCY. Registered nurses, LVNs, CNAs & caregivers. Best rates! Free smiles!! Call Jim, (310) 573-9436 (ofc), (310) 795-5023 (c). yourextraspecial.com

GARDENING/LANDSCAPING 11

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

MASSAGE THERAPY 12b

SWEDISH MASSAGE BY A SWEDE! Private and business. Outcalls only. $100/hour. Non-sexual! Swedishimage@gmail.com (323) 360-4231

WINDOW WASHING 13h

THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Detailed interior/exterior glass & screen cleaning. High ladder work. 10% new customer discount. Next day service available. Free estimates. Licensed & bonded. (310) 926-7626

HAVING A PARTY? SELLING some real estate, or just want to do some spring cleaning? Get those WINDOWS SHINING by calling No Streak Window cleaning, where we offer fast friendly quality service you can count on! For a free estimate, call Marcus, (323) 632-7207. Lic. #122194-49, insured.

CATERING 14

HOLIDAY EVENT PLANNER & CULINARY STUDENT. Le Cordon Bleu student and event planner to help with your holiday prep, cooking, serving, menus & all event details. 10+ years experience. $40/hr. Please call Danielle, (310) 691-0578. daniellesamendez@gmail.com

HOUSESITTING 14b

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

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

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

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

PRIVATE DOG WALKER/runner/housesitter, Palisades & Santa Monica. S.M. Canyon resident. Please call or email Sherry, (310) 383-7852, email: Sherry230@verizon.net

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

MISCELLANEOUS 14k

EXPERT ALTERATIONS BY FILEMON (of Emerson LaMay). Custom made dresses: weddings, proms, costumes, etc. Men’s & women’s clothing. Free pick-up & delivery. Call (818) 419-8986

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

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

TUTORS 15e

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

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

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

CLEARLY MATH & MORE! Specializing in math & now offering chemistry & physics! Elementary thru college level. Test prep, algebra, trig, geom, calculus. Fun, caring, creative, individualized tutoring. Math anxiety. Call Jamie, (310) 459-4722

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

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

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

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

SPANISH TUTOR, CERTIFIED TEACHER for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications, 21 yrs exper. Palisades resident, great references, amazing system, Colombian native speaker. Marietta, (310) 459-8180

MATH & SCIENCE TUTOR. Middle school-college level. BS LAUSD credentialed high school teacher. Test Prep. Flexible hours. AVAILABLE to help NOW! Seth Freedman, (310) 909-3049

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

HOME SCHOOL • TUTOR • LEARNING COACH • Individual Approaches to Learning. Lifetime Credentialed Teacher 4-12. NANCY LA ZAR, (310) 699-8957. dlazar527@verizon.net

CARPENTRY 16a

FINE WOODWORKING: Carpentry of any kind. Bathrooms, kitchens, doors, cabinets, decks & gates. State lic. #822541. No project too small. References available. Reasonable prices. Contact: Ed Winterhalter at (310) 213-3101

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

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

ELECTRICAL 16h

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

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

ELECTRICIAN: remodeling, rewiring, troubleshooting. Lighting: low voltage, energy safe, indoor, outdoor, landscape. Low voltage: telephone, Internet, CCTV, Home Theatre, Audio/Video. Non-lic. Refs. LichwaConstruction@gmail.com (310) 270-8596

FENCES, DECKS 16j

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

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

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

FINISH CARPENTRY 16k

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

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

FLOOR CARE 16m

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

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

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

HANDYMAN 16o

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

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

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

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

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p

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

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALL SEASONS PAINTING: Spring clean-up specials. Kitchen cabinets • Decks • Garage doors • No job too small. Interior/exterior painting. Free estimates. Call Randy, (310) 678-7913. Lic. #106150

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

HELP WANTED 17

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

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

SEEKING WEEKEND NANNY: Saturday, 8 a.m. to Sunday 12:00. Live-in. Some light housekeeping involved. Palisades home. Call Lisa, (310) 407-3422

HOUSEKEEPER WANTED: We are looking for an experienced live-out housekeeper to start immediately. Mon-Fri. Must have good English, driver’s license & own car. Must be organized & have great references. Must like dogs. Job includes cleaning, laundry, closet organization, running errands, shopping & some meal prep. Please call (310) 459-0806

BABYSITTER/MOTHER’S HELPER: 2 afternoons/wk in Pac Pal. Help 9 & 7 yr olds w/ homework, projects, sports,etc. Assist w/errands, dinner, organizing. Must have experience w/ children, be happy, energetic, fluent English & drive. $17/hr. 7 plus hrs. Call Polly, (310) 740-1266

AUTOS 18b

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

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

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

ESTATE SALE: WESTWOOD. 90-yr-old man moving East. Antiques, art, books, silver, baby grand piano. ALL must go. Fri. & Sat., 3/20 & 3/21. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 10933 Wellworth Ave. #7

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

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

Locals Kick H-W to Title

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Palisadians (L-R) Cami Chapus, Erin Landau, KC Cord, Christine Kanoff, Maddie Lenard and Alyssa Garcia celebrate Harvard-Westlake's 1-0 victory over La Jolla on Saturday. Photo: Mary Ellen Kanoff
Palisadians (L-R) Cami Chapus, Erin Landau, KC Cord, Christine Kanoff, Maddie Lenard and Alyssa Garcia celebrate Harvard-Westlake’s 1-0 victory over La Jolla on Saturday. Photo: Mary Ellen Kanoff

Presented with a second chance, Maddie Lenard was not about to let it slip by. Harvard-Westlake’s senior captain scored on a direct free kick from 37 yards in the 53rd minute to lift the Wolverines to a 1-0 victory over La Jolla on Saturday in the Southern California Division II Regional Soccer Championship at Downey High. Lenard, one of several local players on the Wolverines’ roster, was invited to play in the Las Vegas College Showcase the same day but chose to skip it in order to remain with her high school team. Also contributing to the victory were Palisadians Cami Chapus, Erin Landau, KC Cord, Christine Kanoff and Alyssa Garcia. The Wolverines (20-5-3) lost to Saugus in the Southern Section Division II final on March 8 but were selected to represent the Southern Section for regionals.

Riordan Makes His Pitch

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

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

Runners Back on Track

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

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

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

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

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

Beglaris Seek Variance for Their Home

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

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