Somebody broke into the large gym at the Palisades Recreation Center sometime Sunday night and sprayed the fire extinguisher across the wood floor, causing an undetermined amount of damage. The culprit(s) replaced the extinguisher and then left. The crime is under investigation and fingerprints will be taken. There was no sign of forced entry. Parks Director Erich Haas suspects that someone hid in a closet or a bathroom stall as the gym was locked for the day and, when no one was around, came out and sprayed the extinguisher. According to Haas, the residue needs to be cleaned up with a solution and the floor buffed. ‘Maintenance tried to mop it up,’ he said, ‘but the floor still feels gritty.’ Haas has been told the city will send a crew to the gym on Friday and they will use a solution on the floor, then possibly buff it. At that point, the exact cost of the damage can be determined. ‘Someone did a number on the gym, and I don’t understand why they would want to do that to us,’ Haas said. ‘We have local schools who have permits for the gym, senior fitness classes and about 400 kids in the basketball program who will be affected.’ The Rec Center is in the middle of its basketball season and since there was an earlier water leak in the small gym that caused the wood to warp, there is now no facility available for basketball. Haas has been told that the entire floor in the little gym must be replaced, at a cost of $50,000. He hopes that a temporary fix (replacing the warped boards) can be done for $10,000. On Saturday evening, someone also smashed a window by the entrance to the new gym. The recent vandalism will severely limit open gym hours, which are currently about 20 hours a week. ‘I don’t have the staff to sit in open gym,’ Haas said. ‘The people who use the gym will have to suffer for the acts of a few.’ Haas suggested that in order to continue open gym hours, one alternative is to get volunteers to register with the city, then take turns supervising in the gym. In the past month, vandalism also resulted in problems with the field lights, several of which wouldn’t turn on. Park staff discovered that somebody had stacked several metal garbage cans in order to gain access to the control boxes on the poles, which are 12 feet tall. The lights were then switched off on several poles. That will no longer be possible once the light boxes are locked in the near future. ‘I’m just glad whoever did it, didn’t fall off the cans and get hurt,’ Haas said. ‘We would have had a lawsuit.’ ‘We’re working hard to get this park back to what it should be for this community,’ the director said. ‘This vandalism is time-consuming, expensive and frustrating.’ Anyone having information about the person(s) who damaged the gym floor should call Haas or Jacki Kochi at (310) 454-1412.
Secret Origins, Alter Egos
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
You most likely have never heard of Robert Kahn, Jacob Kurtzberg and Stanley Lieber. But if you’re a comic book fan, you know them by their alter egos: Bob Kane, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee. As with their superhero creations, artists Kane (Batman) and Kirby (Fantastic Four, Hulk), and writer Lee (Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-Men) chose aliases; assimilated names to disguise their Jewish roots in an era when ethnicity could hinder careers. ‘ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comics Books, 1938-1950,’ a new Skirball Cultural Center exhibit, chronicles a multi-million dollar entertainment industry (paralleling Hollywood) built on a notable and disproportionate contribution from Jewish-Americans. The Golden Age of comic book superheroes is actually happening now in 2009, but in the multiplex. Last year, ‘The Dark Knight’ became the second biggest of movie of all time. The second biggest 2008 movie was based on Marvel Comics’ ‘Iron Man,’ while the first movie to enjoy a nine-digit opening weekend was Marvel’s ‘Spider-Man’ (2002), which spawned a $2.5 billion-grossing trilogy. Next week, the highly-anticipated adaptation of DC Comics’ ‘The Watchmen’ hits theaters. Only recently, it appears, has Hollywood’s special effects technology caught up with the epic imaginations of Kirby, Will Eisner (‘The Spirit’), et al. But in 1938 through 1950, long before television, the Internet and video games eroded comic-book circulations to mere thousands, such titles as ‘Action Comics’ and ‘Detective Comics”’which introduced Superman and Batman, respectively”sold millions of copies per month. Right from the 1938 birth of Superman by teenagers Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the superhero idiom, a descendant of the Golem folk tale, has largely been a Jewish affair. What is the story of Superman, after all, if not a retelling of Moses: the lone baby floated out into the vast cosmos to become the larger-than-life deity among mortals. Superman was an immigrant from Krypton who assumed a new (WASPy) name and identity (Clark Kent) to fit into the mainstream; no doubt, an unconscious projection by how his Jewish creators felt about themselves, as they had cited in interviews how invisible they felt socially at high school. With Superman’s success, DC followed in 1939 with Batman, overseen by three young Jewish men, including ‘ZAP!’ curator Jerry Robinson [see sidebar]. The 1960s Marvel Comics architects were predominantly Jewish, as were DC and Marvel’s publishers and editors, many of MAD magazine’s creators, even the writers behind popular latter-day characters Wolverine and Blade. Former Marvel writer Danny Fingeroth authored the like-minded 2007 book ‘Disguised As Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation Of The Superhero.’ He spoke at ‘ZAP!’ at the William Bremen Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum in Atlanta, where the traveling exhibit originated. Fingeroth writes: ‘One can say that immigrants have an outsider’s view of a society and so understand it more clearly than someone born into that society. Still, one has to ask, how did Jews become so prominent in the entertainment area, more so than other immigrant groups? Maybe it was because where they emigrated from were not places where they felt any more at home than they did when they arrived in America.’ The beauty of ‘ZAP!’ is that it will appeal to the casual and diehard comic book appreciator alike. Family-friendly aspects include a rack of child-size costumes and ‘The Comic Studio,’ where kids can create their own superheroes. Installations recreating a World War II era newsstand and Superman’s phone booth, while ‘Batman’ and ‘Popeye’ themes play overhead, set the mood for visitors. A humorous high-point: the cute display of ‘Kryptonite.’ Of course, ‘ZAP!”s meat is the fantastic original art. The aforementioned creators are well-represented, topped by Shuster’s original Superman sketches and moonlighting cartoonist Robinson’s ‘Batman’ doodles on his college psychology-class notes. Other highlights: Robinson’s ‘Batman’ originals, a 1946 page of Joe Kubert’s signature Hawkman, and art by Mort Meskin (the biggest influence on original ‘Spider-Man’ artist Steve Ditko). Non-Jews are included, most notably: renowned fantasy artist Frank Frazetta’s cover art for ‘The Ghost Rider’ # 2; an ‘Iron Man’ page by co-creator Don Heck; and fan favorite John Romita’s ‘Spider-Man’ # 68 cover pencils. Fans of ‘Captain Marvel,’ ‘Green Lantern,’ ‘The Shadow,’ as well as ‘Popeye’ and ‘Dick Tracy’ strips, will also find plenty here. The Skirball’s own side-exhibit, ‘Lights, Camera, Action: Comic Book Heroes of Film and Television’ (included in the admission price), is a strong companion piece to the main event. It features vintage posters, the Batcycle from the 1960s ‘Batman’ TV show, Christopher Reeves’ costume from 1978’s ‘Superman,’ and Michael Keaton’s Batman costume, as well as myriad original first issues: ‘Fantastic Four’ (which launched Marvel Comics in 1961), ‘Spider-Man’ (this copy signed by Lee), and 1964’s ‘Avengers’ # 4 (in which Kirby revived his ’40s character Captain America). And then there’s the copy of the rare and expensive book that started it all: ‘Action Comics’ # 1. Fingeroth told the Palisadian-Post that ‘ZAP!’ benefits from ‘pioneer Jerry Robinson’s unique personal perspective. The show vividly demonstrates how and why the superhero became so prominent a part of the modern cultural vocabulary, not just of America, but of the world. ’The show is both personal and universal,’ he added. Like the comics and its creators themselves. Through August 9. Tickets: $10 general; seniors and students, $7; children 2’12, $5; and free to members and children under 2. For information on the show, contact: 310-440-4500; www.skirball.org.
Batman and Robinson
In 1940, artist Jerry Robinson, 18, was the youngest member of the trio creating the original Batman comics. National Periodical Publications (since re-named DC Comics) demanded a follow-up to its history-making Superman. After its smash debut appearance, ‘Detective Comics’ # 27 (1939), Batman’ created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger with contributions from Robinson’received his own series in 1940. ‘Batman’ # 1 gave the world its first supervillain: The Joker. The Golden Age of costumed superheroes was officially under way. In addition to naming Robin the Boy Wonder, Robinson is credited with creating Batman’s most famous adversary, which just garnered an Oscar for the late Heath Ledger’s portrayal of him in ‘The Dark Knight.’ Robinson, set to discuss ‘The Golden Age of Comics Books’ at the Skirball on Thursday, March 5 at 8 p.m., spoke to the Palisadian-Post from his Manhattan studio. PP: Superhero comics are big on origins. So what is the origin of ‘ZAP!’? ROBINSON: The William Bremen Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum in Atlanta approached me to curate the show. It took us more than two years to put it together. It’s the first show of the Golden Age superhero era done with any depth. The show has since appeared in Jewish museums in Detroit, Miami and Cleveland [hometown of Superman creators Siegel and Shuster]. PP: Well, 2008 was truly the ‘Year of The Joker.’ How does it feel to have your character win the Golden Globe and the Oscar, not to mention highlight the second-biggest grossing movie in history? ROBINSON: It’s very exciting when you create something that comes to life on the screen and is given such a fantastic performance. You go through all of those feelings of pride and fulfillment. Like a child, you revel in his accomplishments. A fiendish one, but still a child. PP: The other side of the coin is that Ledger never lived to witness the acclaim. What went through your mind when you heard he had died? Did you worry it would dampen ‘Dark Knight”s reception? ROBINSON: It was very sad. I had no thought about the box office. But apparently, the public was able to accept the fact that he was gone. PP: Did you meet Ledger during filming? ROBINSON: No. When I went to London, he had finished his last scene the day before and he immediately took off. I did get to meet Christian Bale. A delightful guy. PP: You were 18 when you drew ‘Batman’ # 1 and introduced The Joker. ROBINSON: I also drew the first Penguin. I worked in tandem with Bob and Bill. Bob was 24, Bill, 25, the best writer of the time. Bill was crucial in the creation of the Riddler, Cat Woman, Penguin. We all lived in the Bronx. We ate, slept and dreamt Batman 24 hours a day. I was supposed to go to Columbia University’s journalism school. While taking classes, I volunteered to write one of the stories for ‘Batman’ # 1. I thought, fiendishly, that I would get paid for a story and also get credit in my creative writing class. Well, I knew from my studies that all great heroes had great antagonists. We had some reservations. Some thought it might overpower the villain. I felt differently. The stronger the villain, the stronger the hero. Don’t forget, we didn’t have the word ‘supervillain’ at the time. PP: Do you remember coming up with the first supervillain? ROBINSON: I wanted to make him bizarre and memorable. In my family were champion bridge players. I had my deck of cards with that classic clown card. PP: Historians cite ‘The Man Who Laughs’ as an influence on the Joker’s design. How relevant was that 1928 film to his creation? ROBINSON: I had never seen that movie at that point. Bill had been the only one who had seen it. When I showed him my first drawing of The Joker, he said that it looked like Conrad Veidt in ‘The Man Who Laughs’ and he showed me a newspaper clip. PP: You were pals with Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. In the late 1970s, you and superstar artist Neal Adams helped shame Time-Warner (which owned DC) into giving the duo annual stipends and creators’ credits on all Superman movies and comics. ROBINSON: When I was working on ‘Batman,’ Joe worked at DC at the desk right next to me. On the other side was Jack Kirby, Mort Meskin and Fred Ray, doing Superman covers. Jerry and Joe would often be hanging out at my apartment. Jerry was married, but Joe was still single. So we’d meet women, go out on dates together. The ‘Superman’ and ‘Batman’ artists double dating! Tickets for Jerry Robinson’s ‘Curator’s Talk’: $10, general admission; $8, members; $6, students. Contact: (877) SCC-4TIX or visit www.Skirball.org
Will Rogers Docent Explores The Legacy of the Humorist
Active, vital, funny and full of pep at 93, Leo Melzer credits his docent work at Will Rogers State Historic Park for his longevity. A volunteer at the park since 2002, Melzer is light-hearted about his age, surmising that it seems to be his most outstanding accomplishment to date. His secret: ‘Keep breathing.’ Melzer also holds the distinction of being one of the last few people living today who met the philosopher cowboy in person. His Civilian Conservation Corps duty took him from Gary, Indiana, to Lake Tahoe, where Melzer met Rogers in 1933 at a tree-planting ceremony. In 1940, after Melzer graduated from Indiana University with a business degree, he pursued a news career that included stints at City News Bureau in Chicago, United Press International, and the Los Angeles Mirror before joining the foreign service of the U. S. Information Agency in Washington, D.C. He served as information officer in Seoul, Korea, and Dusseldorf, Germany, before returning to Washington and retirement. Melzer has three children: son Mark, an Irvine-based architect, daughter Holly, owner of a tennis clothing company in Boulder, Colorado; and daughter Bell, recently retired from her career as a small-claims court referee in Christ Church, New Zealand. ‘Leo Melzer dazzles the public with his wit and humor,’ says State Park Interpreter Michael Allan. ‘Park visitors love to hear about his meeting with Will Rogers.’ Visitors can catch Melzer’s ‘Good Will’ tour on Tuesdays at Will Rogers State Historic Park and hear about his encounter with the man himself. Training is free. Contact: Michael Allan at 310-454-8212, ext. 103. Allan will be conducting a new docent class three Saturdays in March. Docents will give house tours either during the weekdays or on weekends. The 18-hour training program includes videos, VIP tours, activities and lunch. Volunteers will learn about life and times of Will Rogers, and study the art and artifacts that are on display in the house. The training dates: Saturday, March 14, 21, and 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Judith Coulter, an Active Mom Who Embraced Life
Judith Kircher Coulter, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away peacefully on February 4 with her family and loved ones by her side. She was 73. After undergoing a lung transplant nearly five years ago,’Judy gained’admiration and respect from those who witnessed her long battle to overcome’her many medical complications.’The optimism, strength and grace that she maintained throughout these difficult years inspired those who knew her. Even when she suffered, Judy never gave up hope and’ always had a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eye, and a positive attitude. She loved her family and friends, and it was her love of life that gave her the strength to fight the battle.’ Despite her recurring medical challenges, Judy’s last years were’filled with happiness, laughter and love.’Her family and friends are grateful for the borrowed time that was given to her and the many memories that they were able to share with her. Judith Lucille Kircher was born as an identical twin on April 3, 1935, in Hollywood, and grew up with her siblings Jean (the twin), Connie, Bill and Bob.’As a young child, Judy and her twin sister appeared in numerous films.’She shared an exceptionally close bond with Jeannie, who passed away six months ago.’ After graduating from USC, Judy and Jeannie had an elaborate’double wedding. Judy and her husband, Jack Coulter, whom she later divorced, moved to Pacific Palisades in 1972 with their three children: Wendy, Jami and Chris. They raised their kids in the Huntington neighborhood, where Judy proved herself to be a devoted mom and an active member of the Palisades community.’She didn’t simply carpool her children to and from their various activities; she led the activities.’She was the Brownie troop leader, the Assistance League chairman, the PTA president, the classroom volunteer, the second mother to her children’s friends and more.’She loved her kids and she loved Pacific Palisades. For many years, Judy was an active and social member of the Bel-Air Bay Club, where she played paddle tennis with her many close friends. She loved the beach, she loved being active, and she developed lifelong friendships at the club.’ In later years Judy was lucky to meet the love of her life, John Shepard Bryan.’Shep was born in St. Louis, and raised his children in West L.A. as well. He and Judy met about 15 years ago and it was ‘love at first sight.’ Although Judy and Shep were never officially married, it was clear to those who knew them that they were meant to be together. They laughed, they smiled and they embraced life together. Judy loved to have fun and Shep made life fun for her, even when she was sick. Favorite activities included lunch at Dante’s, meals at the Riviera Country Club, socializing with friends and family, and trips to St. Louis, Hawaii and Northern California.’They loved a good adventure as much as they loved the simple pleasures of life.’ Judy (‘Grammy’) will be greatly missed by her seven grandchildren, her three children and their spouses, her two brothers, her longtime love Shep, her’extended family and’her many, many friends. She was predeceased by her sister Connie. A memorial celebration was held on February 10 at the Riviera. Donations in Judy’s honor can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at pulmonaryfibrosis.org.
Donald Manser, Jr., Aerospace Veteran
Longtime Pacific Palisades resident Donald E. Manser, Jr., died at Saint John’s Hospital on January 23. He was 80. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Don attended Catholic University and graduated with a degree in physics. From Washington, he moved to New Jersey, to Denver, and then to the Palisades. He worked in the aerospace industry, primarily with Hughes Aircraft. He was proud of his work on the radar system for the Surveyor spacecraft of the 1960s, which soft-landed on the moon as a lead-up to the manned Apollo moon landings. Don also worked on many other civilian and military radar systems. Don enjoyed deep-sea fishing and, after his retirement from Hughes Aircraft, was an avid volunteer with Meals on Wheels West. He was also active as a member of Corpus Christi Parish, where he spent many hours volunteering, and American Legion Post 283. One of Don’s favorite pastimes was a good round of golf, and (especially) a good lunch afterwards with his friends. Don will be remembered with much affection by all of his friends and especially his family, who include his wife Jean Renner-Manser; sister Marilyn Manser of Chevy Chase, Maryland; stepsons Steve Renner (wife Mimi) of Grand Junction, Colorado; Brian Renner (wife Karen) of Malibu; and Paul Renner of Torrance; and by his grandsons Dan, Hunter, Nolan and Cheyne Renner. A memorial mass celebrating Don’s life was held at Corpus Christi on January 30.
Thursday, February 26 – Thursday, March 5
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. Pacific Palisades resident Matt Miller discusses and signs his latest book, ‘The Tyranny of Dead Ideas: Letting Go of the Old Ways of Thinking to Unleash a New Prosperity,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra will perform the rarely heard ensemble arrangement of Gustave Mahler’s Fourth Symphony (with Rachelle Fox, soprano), plus Broughton’s Saloon Music, 8 p.m. in the sanctuary, 1031 Bienveneda. Tickets at the door: $25, adults; $10, students. Contact: 310-573-7422; visit www.stmatthews.com/musicguild MONDAY, MARCH 2 Palisadians Barbara and Ed Kanegsberg will present a photographic journey through the gardens of Italy to Palisades Garden Club members and guests, 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 Palisadian Beverly Delott reads and signs ‘Pretty.Scary: Memoirs of a Plastic Surgery Consultant’ at 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. A memoir written under the nom de plume ‘Anne J.,’ this true story exposes the nightmarish excesses of doctors and patients alike, as one woman speaks out and tries to save what was nearly destroyed by the surgeon’s scalpel: her self-respect.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 26, 2009
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO NEW POSTAL REQUIREMENTS, THE CLASSIFIED DEADLINE WILL NOW BE FRIDAY AT 11 A.M.
HOMES FOR SALE 1
FABULOUS MANUFACTURED HOME w/ spectacular 180º views, across from the beach. Sought-after Tahitian Terrace Mobile Home Park. Like new, built in 1999. 2 BD, 2 BA, updated. Open floor plan w/ whitewater views. There is nothing to do but move in. Rent control. Pets OK, all ages. Offered at $429,000. By appointment only. Agent, Franklin, (310) 592-6696
EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE HOME, Poipu, Kauai, end of cul-de-sac. 1 blk from beach. Pool, separate ‘ohana, view of mtns over backyard pool. $2.35 million. (808) 634-7189
FURNISHED HOMES 2
PICTURE PERFECT LEASE, Huntington Palisades. Beautifully decorated 3 bd, 3 ba, LR w/ FP, FR w/ FP, FDR, den, lovely garden, pool. Furn or unfurn at $14,500/mo. Contact Dolly Neimann, (310) 230-3706
PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY while you are away: Housesitter living in your home or condo, feeding your pets, watering plants while adding occupied residence protection from unwanted intrusions. A professional woman with no bad habits, unless eating crackers in bed counts, seeking a furnished or unfurnished residence for a year or so enabling you to be worry free on your journey also. Helen Palit, (213) 280-0585, hpalit@angelharvest.org
UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
RANCH STYLE 2 bd, 1 ba w/ oak floors, formal DR, lg LR, w/ wood frpl., Kit w/ deck. Brick patio. W+D hk-ups, gardener included. Huge fenced property allows rec veh parking. $3,600/mo. (310) 454-1575
RUSTIC CANYON CRAFTSMAN CHARMER with 3 bd, 3.5 ba, great room with river rock FP, & cathedral ceilings. Huge porch & large yard. $7,000/mo. Call Dolly at (310) 230-3706
CHARMING 2 BDR, 2 BA, furnished/unfurnished. Breathtaking view from back deck, rolling yard. Available immediately. 1 yr. lease min., F/L. $4,450/mo. plus util. (310) 502-8427
RUSTIC CANYON 5 BD, 4.5 BA. Open post & beam plan. Spacious secluded deck, separate 1 BD unit w/ private entrance & amenities. Private office, steam sauna, jacuzzi, 3-car garage. Near Rustic Canyon park. $8,900/mo. (310) 633-0123
EL MEDIO BLUFFS. 3 BD, 2 BA, 1,640 sq.ft. home. Open & light on 6,000 sq. ft. lot. Nice yard, LVR with fireplace. Appliances, HW floors, washer/dryer, garage. Gardener incl. $5,000/mo. (310) 741-1138
VERY CHARMING 2 BD, 2 BA, plus den/office. New bath, new appliances, new W/D, hdwood floors, new H/AC. Nice yard. Quiet street. 1 blk to village, schools, park. $3,500/mo. (310) 454-5870
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
PALISADES 1 BDRM apt, upper, sunny, new paint, carpet, gas stove, refrigerator, one year lease, covered parking, storage, laundry, near village. Non-smoker, no pets. $1,290/mo. (310) 477-6767
MOVE IN SPECIAL! 1st month FREE w/ good credit. Min. 1 yr. lease. 1 bdrm upper, hrdwd fl, laundry rm, cvrd pk. $1,450/mo. Walking dist. to village & beach. Small pets OK w/ pet deposit. (310) 589-9195 x203
SANTA MONICA 1+1. Stunning, top floor, totally remodeled, large 1 bdrm, hardwd floors, new kitchen/ granite counters, marble bathrm. Well maintained building. Prime location. $1,750/mo. (310) 383-7455
CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d
GEM IN THE PALISADES, 2 bdrm, 2½ ba, townhouse, hdwd, tile, new carpet. Large roof deck, W/D, dishwasher. Parking. $3,350/mo. (310) 392-1757
AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS, designer interior 2 BR+2 BA condo. Just steps to beach. 5 min to Santa Monica. All new cabinets, appliances, granite, marble, hardwood floors. High ceilings. W/D in condo. Ocean view patio. Garage. 1,200 sq. ft. Reduced! $3,850/mo. (310) 702-1154 • www.MalibuCoastline.com
AWESOME! Totally private, quiet, spacious, like-new w/ granite countertops, custom cabinetry, W/D, refrig, microwave. 1+ yr. lease, Available. $3,100/mo. Call Agent Pat Haight, (310) 454-1851, cell (310) 386-5686
ROOMS FOR RENT 3
STUDIO KITCHENETTE, FULL BATH, private entrance, private home. Walk to village, utilities included. $950/mo. 6 month lease. (310) 454-3883
WANTED TO RENT 3b
LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisadian-Post, (310) 454-1321
OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c
PALISADES OFFICE SUITES AVAILABLE in the heart of the Village including: 1) Last remaining single office suite at $1,600 per month and 2) Office suites ranging in size from 1,015 sf to 3,235 sf, all with large windows with great natural light. Amazing views of the Santa Monica mountains, private balconies and restrooms. Building amenities include high speed T1 internet access, elevator and secured, underground parking. Call Brett at (310) 591-8789 or email brett@hp-cap.com
PROFESSIONAL BUILDING in Pacific Palisades village for lease. Lovely and spacious suite available. Lease hold improvement allowance. 850 square feet conveniently located in the village. Please call Ness, (310) 230-6712 x105, for more details.
OFFICE SUBLEASE W/ OCEAN VIEW. Four offices available in Pacific Palisades, at the corner of Sunset & PCH, fabulous ocean views. Includes telephone system, internet access & utilities. Lease terms negotiable. Call Angela at (310) 566-1888
BEAUTIFUL OFFICE FOR RENT in psychotherapy suite, in the heart of Pacific Palisades. Private waiting room, bath & kitchenette. Parking available. Half day or full day as well as evening hours. LEASE ALSO AVAILABLE. Contact sri@ucla.edu
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5
WHY SETTLE FOR AN AVERAGE JOB with average pay? Discover the career path that will let you do what you love and finally get paid what you’re worth. Call Michelle, (800) 844-7187
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
Quickbooks Gathering of Data for 2008 to prepare for your visit to your CPA. Also bill paying, bank statements reconciliations, business or personal full-charge bookkeeping, property, staff and nursing care management/scheduling are available in the Palisades. Call Shirley at (310) 570-6085
BOOKKEEPING & FINANCE services: prepare for taxes, pay bills, reconcile accounts, financial analysis/ planning/budgeting/counseling. Computer expertise. Caring & thorough. (310) 218-6653, (310) 459-2066
COMPUTER SERVICES 7c
MARIE’S MAC & PC OUTCALL • I CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE WITH: • Consultation on best hard/software for your needs • Setting up & configuring your system & applications • Teaching you how to use your Mac or PC • Upgrades: Mac OS & Windows • Internet: DSL, Wireless, E-mail, Remote Access • Key Applications: MS Office, Filemaker, Quicken • Contact Managers, Networking, File Sharing, Data backup • Palm, Visor, Digital Camera, Scanner, CD Burning • FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL — BEST RATES • (310) 262-5652
YOUR OWN TECH GURU * SET-UP, TUTORING, REPAIR, INTERNET. Problem-Free Computing, Guaranteed. Satisfying Clients Since 1992. If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! COMPUTER WORKS! Alan Perla (310) 455-2000
THE DETECHTIVES™ • PROFESSIONAL ON-SITE MAC SPECIALISTS. PATIENT, FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE • WE COVER ALL THINGS MAC • Consulting • Installation • Training and Repair for Beginners to Advanced Users • Data recovery • Networks • Wireless Internet & more • (310) 838-2254 • William Moorefield • www.thedetechtives.com
USER FRIENDLY—MAC CONSULTANT. User friendly. Certified Apple help desk technician and proud member of the Apple consultant network. An easy approach to understanding all of your computer needs. Offering computer support in wide variety of repairs, set-ups, installs, troubleshooting, upgrades, networking, and tutoring in the application of choice. Computer consulting at fair rates. Ryan Ross: (310) 721-2827 • email: ryanaross@mac.com • For a full list of services visit: http://userfriendlyrr.com/
PALISADES COMPUTER SERVICE • Excellent local references for 8 years. Satisfaction guaranteed. $50/hr. or $30/half-hr. FIRST HALF-HOUR IS FREE! Call Matt: (310) 383-2471
GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f
PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? an estate sale? a moving sale? a yard sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. • BARBARA DAWSON • Garage Sale Specialist • (310) 454-0359 • bmdawson@verizon.net • www.bmdawson.com • Furniture • Antiques • Collectibles • Junque • Reliable professionals • Local References
ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h
A SENSE OF ORDER ORGANIZING. Professional organization & coaching. Every area of your life & home. 16 yrs. exper, exclnt refs. Free consultation. Deva Taffel, Psy.D. (818) 787-4488
SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7l
SOLAR ENERGY with ALTERNATIVE ENGINEERING SOLAR. Go green, save 40% to 50%! Huge rebates and tax incentives! Call for free estimate or questions. Local Palisades contractor. Lic. #912279. (877) 898-1948. e-mail: sales@alternativeengineering.net
MISCELLANEOUS 7n
BEEN TO COURT? Received a judgement? I can assist. Facing small claims? I can assist. Provide employment screening & background checks as well. Murphy Investigative Services. Licensed PI firm. Call (213) 804-8484
NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER * L/out, F/T, CDL, SSN, Own car and insurance. Prof refs and experience. Light handyman work. Please call: (818) 825-9378, Maria L.
PALISADES NANNY SEEKS morning, light housekeeping/child care duties in same area. Excellent references. (310) 903-2542
HOUSEKEEPERS 9a
“PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.” We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE, day or night, available Monday-Sunday. Own transportation, excellent references. Call Maria or Patricia, (310) 948-9637
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE. Responsible, experienced. Good references. Spanish speaking. Live-in or live-out. Call Elena, (310) 709-3298
LOOKING FOR HOUSEKEEPING: Tues., Thurs., & Fri. or weekends, Sat. & Sun. Have own car. Speaks English well. Legal. Experienced, local refs. Yolanda, (323) 789-6832
HOUSEKEEPING • BABYSITTING • Avail Weds., Fri. & Sat. Live-out. Speaks English. Own transportation. 25 yrs exper. Excellent refs. Call Sibilina, (c) (323) 204-1101, (323) 766-7592, or (323) 732-6040
HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES. Experience over 10 yrs. Flexible rates. Available anytime. English speaking. Own transportation. Great refs. upon request. Call Maria, (310) 977-0142
EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER LOOKING for work. Avail. Mon.-Sat. or can work single days. Loves kids & pets. S.M. & Palisades refs. Speaks English, own transp. Adelina, (323) 527-4538 or (323) 481-4294
HOUSEKEEPING & BABYSITTING, EXPERIENCED. References if needed. Free estimate. Available Monday thru Friday. Speaks English. Call Nury, (323) 907-2213 (cell) or (323) 232-4287 (home)
HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER AVAILABLE any time. Good references. Spanish speaking, learning English. Hard worker. Great w/ pets. Call Veronica or leave a msg. (213) 487-4347 or (c) (213) 393-1993
HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER available Thursday and Saturday. Live-out. Local Palisades & Santa Monica references. Own transportation. Call Marta, (213) 365-6609. Please leave a message.
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Mon./Tues./ Thur., flexible Sat./Sun. Experienced, reliable, skilled, numerous local references. Speaks English. Claudia, (323) 481-5834 or (323) 252-1680. Thank you.
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
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE • • Day or night/available Monday-Sunday. Responsible, experienced, good references. Spanish speaking. Live-in. Call Silvia, (323) 252-0112
ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a
GOOD COMPANY Senior Care, a premiere private duty home care agency. Provides in-home care and companionship to help people remain independent and happy at home. If you are a caring individual who would like to join our team, please call (323) 932-8700. joni@goodcopros.com
ELDER CARE in your home. Available in the day M-F. Excellent local references. 10 years experience. Own transportation. CDL. Insured. Call Sandy, (c) (818) 272-3400 or (h) (818) 834-2524
HOUSECLEANING, ORGANIZING and/or being a companion to an elderly person. Santa Monica refs. Available Mon.-Fri., can live in. Call Maria, (310) 217-0584 or (310) 458-6513
GARDENING/LANDSCAPING 11
PALISADES GARDENING • Full Gardening Service • Sprinkler Install • Tree Trim • Sodding • Sprays, non-toxic • FREE PLANT • Cell, (310) 701-1613, (310) 568-0989
MISCELLANEOUS 12f
LICE TREATMENT & NIT REMOVAL at home for kids & family. Manual nitpicking by professional technicians. Organic products, flexible schedule. Home care (stuffed toys, bedding). Contact LICEBUSTERUSA: (310) 880-1350 • www.licebusterusa.com
WINDOW WASHING 13h
THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Detailed interior/exterior glass & screen cleaning. High ladder work. 10% new customer discount. Next day service available. Free estimates. Licensed & bonded. (310) 926-7626
CATERING 14
HOLIDAY EVENT PLANNER & CULINARY STUDENT. Le Cordon Bleu student and event planner to help with your holiday prep, cooking, serving, menus & all event details. 10+ years experience. $40/hr. Please call Danielle, (310) 691-0578. daniellesamendez@gmail.com
HOUSESITTING 14b
PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY while you are away: Housesitter living in your home or condo, feeding your pets, watering plants while adding occupied residence protection from unwanted intrusions. A professional woman with no bad habits, unless eating crackers in bed counts, seeking a furnished or unfurnished residence for a year or so enabling you to be worry free on your journey also. Helen Palit, (213) 280-0585. hpalit@angelharvest.org
PERSONAL SERVICES 14f
HOUSEHOLD HELPER. ORGANIZE OFFICE, cook, water plants, housesitting while you’re out. Walk dogs, lite housekeeping, help w/ children. Avail part time, afternoon shifts. Contact Ruth, (310) 429-2459, ruthtrzn@msn.com. 20 yrs local refs & experience.
PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
PRIVATE DOG WALKER/runner/housesitter, Palisades & Santa Monica. S.M. Canyon resident. Please call or email Sherry, (310) 383-7852, email: Sherry230@verizon.net
PERSONAL TOUCH DOG WALKING/OUTINGS/SITTING SERVICE. Cats, too! 30 yr. Pali resident. Very reliable. Refs available. If you want special care for your pet, pls call Jacqui, (310) 454-0104, cell (310) 691-9893
PUPPY HEAVEN • TRAINING/WALKING • Play groups and hikes. 30 years Pali resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog!
A CAT’S BEST FRIEND. Professional pet-sitting services, specializing in cats. Daily visits/overnight stays. Food, water, litter, play, medications/vit (incl. insulin), brush. (310) 573-3702
MISCELLANEOUS 14k
WINE SHOPPING ADVENTURES WITH LIZ. With 26 yrs as a wine consultant, let me teach you how to buy good wines w/confidence & learn to pair wine w/ food. Call Liz, the Wine Coach, (c) (252) 256-0170
FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a
HAVE FUN! GET FIT! NORDIC WALKING CLASSES. Certified Advanced Nordic walking instructor, Palisades resident teaches private/group classes in the Palisades. Weekends. (310) 266-4651
YOGA ALLIANCE-CERTIFIED trainer avail for upbeat private & studio classes. (310) 463-2741. Studio classes at Village Arts Center. Mon. & Sat.: 10:15 a.m., all levels. Tue. & Thur.: 11:15 a.m., Beg. & prenatal
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
ELITE SAT & SCHOLASTIC TUTOR. SAT, ACT, AP, Subject Tests, all levels English & math. Harvard graduate, Palisades resident, 12 yrs experience. Call Brian, (310) 459-0270
EMORY GRADUATE (CLASS OF 2008). In-home tutoring at great rates. Tutoring math, science & SAT Prep. Call Jonathan, (310) 929-5858
ENSURE YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS! Experienced tutoring: math, science, history & writing. Grades 6-12. Recent Univ. of California graduate. Palisades resident. Nick, (310) 487-3637, nsinclair.ak@gmail.com
TUTORING K-12. Burritt Newton MD, retired. Elementary: Math, science, reading, vocabulary. High School: Anatomy, physiology, chemistry. Member, California EnCorps Teachers Program. (310) 454-1105
CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c
MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 39 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pools, decks, patios, foundations, fireplace, outdoor kitchens, drainage control, custom stone, block & brick, tile. Excellent local refs. Lic. #309844. Bonded/ ins./workmen’s comp. Family owned & operated. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 • www.horusicky.com
CONSTRUCTION 16d
JOLYON COLLIER • CUSTOM FINISH CRAFTSMANSHIP • Specialty Construction • JolyonCollier.com • Non-lic. • (323) 493-3549
ELECTRICAL 16h
PALISADES ELECTRIC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437 Insured Professional Service
ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local service only. Non-lic. Please call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286
FENCES, DECKS 16j
THE FENCE MAN • 18 years quality work • Wood fences • Decks • Gates • Chainlink & patio • Wrought iron • Lic. #663238, bonded. (818) 706-1996
INDEPENDENT SERVICE CARLOS FENCE: Wood & Picket Fences • Chain Link • Iron & Gates • Deck & Patio Covers. Ask for Carlos, (310) 677-2737 or fax (310) 677-8650. Non-lic.
DECK REPAIR, SEALING & STAINING. Local resident, local clientele. 1 day service. (See ad under handyman.) Marty, (310) 459-2692
FINISH CARPENTRY 16k
CUSTOM FINISH CARPENTRY * Cabinets * Doors * Columns * Crown * Base * Wainscoting * Windows * Mantles & more . . . New construction & remodels. Contractors & homeowners welcome. Call John @ (818) 312-3716. Licensed (#886995) and bonded.
FLOOR CARE 16m
GREG GARBER’S HARDWOOD FLOORS SINCE 1979 • Install, refinish. Fully insured. Local references (310) 230-4597 Lic. #455608
CENTURY HARDWOOD FLOOR • Refinishing, Installation, Repairs. Lic. #813778. www.centurycustomhardwoodfloorinc.com • centuryfloor@sbcglobal.net • (800) 608-6007 • (310) 276-6407
HANDYMAN 16o
HANDYMAN • HOOSHMAN • Most known name in the Palisades. Since 1975. Member Chamber of Commerce. Lic. #560299. Call for your free est. Local refs available. Hooshman, (310) 459-8009, 24 Hr.
LABOR OF LOVE carpentry, plumbing, tile, plaster, doors, windows, fencing & those special challenges. Work guaranteed. License #B767950. Ken at (310) 487-6464
LOCAL RESIDENT, LOCAL CLIENTELE. Make a list, call me. I specialize in repairing, replacing all those little nuisances. Not licensed; fully insured; always on time. 1 Call, 1 Guy: Marty, (310) 459-2692
HANDYMAN SERVING PALISADIANS for 14 years. Polite & on time. No job too small. Refs available. Non-lic. Ready for winter? (310) 454-4121 or cell, (310) 907-6169. djproservices@yahoo.com
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p
SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942 (310) 393-5686
PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r
PAUL HORST • Interior & Exterior PAINTING • 55 YEARS OF SERVICE • Our reputation is your safeguard. License No. 186825 • (310) 454-4630 • Bonded & Insured
TILO MARTIN PAINTING. For A Professional Job Call (310) 230-0202. Refs. Lic. #715099
SQUIRE PAINTING CO. Interior and Exterior. License #405049. 25 years. Local Service. (310) 454-8266. www.squirepainting.com
ZARKO PRTINA PAINTING. Interior/Exterior. Serving Palisades/Malibu over 35 years. Lic. #637882. Call (310) 454-6604
PAINTER, SMALL JOBS PREFERRED. Interiors only. 20 years experience. References available. Very reasonable rates. Excellent craftsmanship. Non-lic. Tim, (310) 433-9610
JAN MASLER PAINTING CO. Interior/exterior, custom finishes, 20 yrs experience. Lic. #826711. Bonded. Insured. (818) 269-7744. “Taking pride in our work.”
A PACIFIC PAINTING. Residential, commercial, industrial. Interior/exterior. Drywall, plaster, stucco repair, pressure washing. Free estimates. Bonded & insured. Lic. #908913. “Since 1979.” (310) 954-7170
REMODELING 16v
KANAN CONSTRUCTION • References. BONDED • INSURED • St. Lic. #554451 • DANIEL J. KANAN, CONTRACTOR, (310) 451-3540 / (800) 585-4-DAN
LABOR OF LOVE HOME REPAIR & REMODEL. Kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, tile, doors, windows, decks, etc. Work guar. Ken Bass, General Contractor. Lic. #B767950. (310) 487-6464
COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION • New/Spec Homes • Kit+bath remodeling • Additions • Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large & small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction, (310) 710-3199
ROOFING 16w
JOE (NOT THE PLUMBER), the roofer, carpenter, painter. Masonry, tile, brick, concrete, retaining walls, landscaper, winter specialty leaks, windows, chimneys, skylights, gutters, remodels. (310) 457-4652
HELP WANTED 17
RECEPTIONIST / PR / ADMIN. Exclusive practice in Pacific Palisades. Exceptional opportunity. Please call (310) 454-0317
CAREGIVER W/ CAR needed by mature, active local professional to assist in care of spouse at home. Must be articulate, flexible, simple meals. Days 9-5 & some eves. Refs req. (310) 454-5118
SITUATIONS WANTED 17a
I WANT A JOB!!! I’m willing to be trained with pay for any kind of full-time job. Preferably in an office environment. I’m an upbeat man who enjoys people. I was a receptionist for a real estate company for almost 20 years and was recently laid off. Call Rick, (310) 454-9433
AUTOS 18b
1958 CHEVY APACHE Longbed truck. Runs. $5,000. (310) 459-8211
FURNITURE 18c
COME FURNISH YOUR HOME—Everything goes. Large home sold and downsizing. Quality furniture for all rooms. Everything must go in a week. Please call (310) 573-9831
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
COMMUNITY RUMMAGE SALE. Saturday, Feb. 28th, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Community United Methodist Church. Accepting donations as of Feb. 23. (310) 454-5529
25 YRS OF BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE/traditional furn/furnishgs/knick-knacks/fun collectibles/art/clothes/books/kitch/hsehold gds. 1158 Chautauqua (N. of Sunset/at Bestor). FRI.-SAT., Feb. 27-28, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Photos/details: www.bmdawson.com
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com
Council Supports Local Temescal Pool Campaign
The Pacific Palisades Community Council voted 13-1 with nine abstentions last Thursday ‘to support the efforts of the community to resurrect the community swimming pool in Temescal Gateway Park.’ The pool was closed last February because of leaking pipes with repairs to cost $400,000. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Palisades-Malibu YMCA, which operated the pool, were unable to reach a new lease agreement. Citing liability concerns, the Conservancy has since temporarily filled in the pool with gravel and dirt covered by sod. Community Council vice chair Susan Nash drafted the motion, saying ‘I think in this particular area, we can do something useful, by urging the stakeholders to work this out,’ she said. ‘The goal I have for tonight is that we support the efforts of the people to raise the money and open the pool.’ Members of Friends of the Temescal Pool (FTP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to reopening the pool, spoke last Thursday about what they have done so far and their goals for the future. 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. FTP contends that by filling in the pool, the Conservancy violated its contract agreement with the Presbyterian Synod, from which it acquired the property in 1994, and its obligation under Proposition A to provide 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.’ FTP President Jane Albrecht said her organization is working on a business plan with concrete proposals for reopening the pool. The operator may be the YMCA or another interested party. The organization has decided that a swim card should be available to any community member who wishes to use the pool. When the YMCA operated the pool, it was for members only. ‘The idea is to present the plan to the community and Conservancy once it is complete,’ Albrecht told the Palisadian-Post. ‘We will work to get it ready as quickly as possible and are aiming to have it done in six to eight weeks.’ At the meeting, Albrecht announced that Stephen Groner, a real estate investor who lives in Santa Barbara, has pledged $100,000 to repair the pool. Groner’s mother, Barbara Groner, drove from Santa Monica to swim at the pool every day for 15 years before she died last year. Many of Barbara’s fellow swimmers cared for her after she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Albrecht is confident that more money can be raised. Ilene Cassidy, co-founder of FTP, told the Council that the pool was a special place where lifelong friendships were formed. ‘With the loss of this pool in Temescal Canyon, the Conservancy has destroyed a longstanding essential gathering place and a base of social support,’ Cassidy said, adding that the organization has found contractors willing to repair the pool at a reasonable cost and make it ‘green.’ ‘We could and should have the pool up and running by mid-summer,’ said Cassidy, a masters swimmer at the pool for 26 years. Albrecht unveiled FTP’s new logo, a life preserver circling a shovel and grass, with the phrase ‘Rescue the Pool.’ Resident Lee Kovel, a partner in the advertising agency Kovel/Fuller in Culver City, voluntarily created the logo, which will be used on yard signs, T-shirts and sweatshirts. ‘Our goal is simply to restore this jewel in the park,’ Albrecht said, noting the organization has about 2,200 members and is growing. After hearing the presentation, Council member Peter Fisher responded, ‘What is most impressive to me is the support [Friends of Temescal Pool] has received. To me, that is the community speaking about what they want.’ Member Gil Dembo offered his support, saying ‘This pool creates an asset to the community.’ However, members Barbara Kohn and Flo Elfant questioned whether Temescal Gateway Park (a state park) was the appropriate location for a community pool. Additionally, member Harry Sondheim expressed concern that Palisades Charter High School representatives were not at the meeting. The school hopes to begin constructing the Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center this spring. The center will be open to the public during non-school hours, so ‘they have a stake in this,’ Sondheim said. Sondheim asked to table the motion until PaliHi Executive Director Amy Dresser-Held or swim coach Maggie Nance could attend. The Council voted down his suggestion. Member Laura Chung argued that if PaliHi school officials had a stance on the issue, they would have voiced it by now. Jason Lemire, a new Council member representing Pali Blues Soccer Club, said there is always a need for recreational facilities, so he thinks there would be a demand for two pools. Following the debate, Council Chair Richard G. Cohen appointed member Kurt Toppel to head a committee that will work with stakeholders to resurrect the pool.
Mickelson Makes More Magic
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
There have been times in his brilliant career when Phil Mickelson has let the pressure of the moment get the best of him. It happened here two years ago when he bogeyed the 72nd hole and lost in a playoff. When it counted most on Sunday, however, the world’s fifth-ranked player showed why he is one of the best golfers in the world, calmly draining a six-foot putt on the famed 18th green to defend his Northern Trust Open title by one stroke at Riviera Country Club. Mickelson combined a couple of spectacular rounds (including a 62 on Saturday, one off the course record set by Ted Tryba in 1999) with two mediocre rounds to shoot a 15-under-par 269–three shots better than his winning total last February. He also pocketed the winner’s check of $1.134 million, though he admitted his 35th PGA Tour victory was anything but easy. “I’m pleased to be sitting here as the champion,” he said in the interview room later. “I started with a four shot lead and I won by one so obviously a lot of people beat me today. I was able to just hold on enough.” Mickelson looked like he might run away with the trophy after sinking a putt for an eagle on the first hole to increase his lead to seven shots, but after pulling an 8-iron and bogeying No. 2 he gradually watched his lead dwindle on the front nine. “The bad of it came in that I need to be a better frontrunner. The good thing was that I was able to fight hard. When I didn’t have my best stuff and I came out with birdies on 16 and 17 and a tough par on 18. That meant a lot to me.” Mickelson’s three-year Riviera run (second place, winner, winner) matches what Ben Hogan accomplished from 1946-48, the course being called “Hogan’s Alley” ever since in recognition of his mastery. “Well, I don’t think I’ve emulated his style of how he played Riviera. He seemed to drive it to the fairway a little bit more and what have you,” Mickelson said of Hogan, who he’ll undoubtedly join in the Hall of Fame someday. “I’ve been fortunate to play well here the last few years. I love this golf course. Growing up with the kikuyu grass and poa annua greens has helped.” After his drive on 14 found the front right bunker, Mickelson blasted out of the sand to within four feet but lipped out his par putt to fall two shots behind Steve Stricker, who was playing one group ahead of him. “The key shot for me was the 9-iron I hit on 16,” he said. “It was playing 152 [yards] with the downhill. I stuck it within five feet and made the putt.” Walking to the 17th tee, Mickelson saw that Stricker had bogeyed 18, meaning he could regain the lead with a birdie. He proceeded to hit his best drive of the tournament–straight down the fairway. His approach reached the front of the green, rolling to a stop 72 feet from the cup. He two-putted from there to move one stroke in front. Applying pressure all day were Mickelson’s playing partners, past Riviera champion Fred Couples and Argentinian Andres Romero. They finished tied for third with K.J. Choi at -13. “The greens were good but nobody made the putts,” said Couples, himself a winner at Riviera in 1990 and 1992. “I just don’t make every three, four for par. .You just cannot catch up on Sunday. There aren’t enough holes.” Couples’ second shot on 18 hit a tree, all but ending his hopes of forcing a playoff. Mickelson, meanwhile, guided his second shot to the right fringe, then placed himself in winning position below the hole, setting up his clinching par putt. For Stricker, it was an opportunity lost and, perhaps, a lesson learned: No lead is safe on a Sunday afternoon at Riviera. “This is bittersweet,” Stricker lamented. “I played well all week and I’m happy I was in a position to win but I’m disappointed I didn’t after being two strokes up.” Though much of the pre-tournament hype focused on Japanese teen sensation Ryo Ishikawa, who chose Riviera to make his pro debut, the 17-year-old missed the cut after playing the first two rounds in two over par. Almost forgotten in light of Tiger Woods’ announcement that he is returning to the PGA Tour this week for the Accenture Match Play Championships was Mickelson’s sparkling 63 last Thursday, by far the best opening round he has played this year. When a reporter sarcastically asked if he thought it was a mere coincidence, Mickelson wouldn’t take the bait: “No, we need him back. I love the challenge of trying to win with Tiger in the field. And I hope he stays healthy because it’s evident the game of golf needs him. The economy has been struggling, the sponsors have been struggling. To have him back is critical for the sport.” Yes, Tiger is back, but Lefty’s win at Riviera shows that he too is capable of winning anywhere, on any course. “This gives me confidence and something to build on for the rest of the year,” he said. “I’ll work with [swing coach] Butch Harmon on Tuesday and see if I can carry some momentum heading into Augusta.”
