Packed with 64 chromosomes and a long pedigree, dahlias should please just about anyone’s taste. ‘Dahlias come in 18 different forms and 10 different sizes, from one inch to 16 inches,’ says dahlia expert Robert Papp, who will share his expertise and enthusiasm with members and friends of the Palisades Garden Club on Monday, October 6, 7:30 p.m., at the Palisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. The national flower of Mexico, the dahlia has found its way to North America after a trip through Europe, originating in Spain, where the tubers were thought to be tasty, like potatoes, but were not’not even to animals. In the 1800s, the English fancied the ‘dinner plate’-size blooms while the French preferred the cactus type. The flower is named for Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl, who was a friend of Carolus Linnaeus. Linnaeus originated the modern scientific classification of plants and animals. Papp, a confessed dahlia nut, grows 260 plants in his Long Beach garden’no more grass. Dahlias grow from tubers, which sprout in the spring and flower in the summer. The tree dahlias, which can reach heights of 30 feet, are the last to bloom, coming into their own as late as November. In his talk, Papp will show just a sampling of the more than 60,000 variety of dahlia and discuss the growing requirements and potential problems related to the flower.
The Musical ‘9 to 5’ Pokes Fun at Sexism
Theater Review
Like the 1980 hit movie ‘9 to 5,’ the new musical version amusingly portrays the ordeals women face in a testosterone-driven workplace. In the world premiere of the musical playing at the Ahmanson Theatre downtown through October 19, female employees thrive on gossip in the song ‘Tattletales,’ as they endure sexist comments from their boss, Franklin Hart (Marc Kudisch). The musical’s plot follows three disgruntled female employees who devise a humorous scheme to sabotage their boss, whom they commonly refer to as a ‘sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.’ The musical is set to open on Broadway in April at the Marriott Marquis Theatre. Patricia Resnick wrote both the screenplay and the book, while Dolly Parton contributed her delightful sense of humor by composing the musical’s 23 songs. Parton starred in the feature film playing Doralee Rhodes with actresses Jane Fonda (Judy Bernly) and Lilly Tomlin (Violet Newstead). In this version, actress Megan Hilty assumes the role of Doralee Rhodes, while Stephanie J. Block plays Judy Bernly and Allison Janney plays Violet Newstead. Block, whose character is working her first job after her husband left her for a woman ‘whose IQ matches her age,’ impressively sings ‘Get Out and Stay Out.’ With her powerful voice, Block bares Judy’s grief in losing love and her happiness in newfound independence discovered over the course of the play. Hilty takes on the most difficult leading character undertaking Parton’s tour-de-force role in the movie. Her character Doralee is a parody of Parton, a Southern country girl with a Barbie doll figure. It’s hard not to forget Parton’s Doralee, but Hilty delivers Resnick’s one-liners and Parton’s lyrics with sass and a nearly perfect Southern accent. Janney has the weakest singing voice of the lead actresses, but she more than makes up for it with her comedic intuition. Utterly deadpan, she captures the bitterness of her character Violet, who has worked at the company for years but has never received a promotion. Kathy Fitzgerald, who plays the love struck spinster Roz, gives the most delightful performance. She professes her character’s love for the boss in a song, ‘Heart to Hart,’ in the ladies room, flinging toilet paper in the air during a moment of passion. Scantily clad dancers burst out of the stalls, and the image of Hart ripping his shirt open and exposing his chest hair appears in the mirror. The scene is just one example of Andy Blankenbuehler’s amazing choreography. The most impressive aspect of the production is the set design, which flows seamlessly from one office scene to the next. The musical, directed by Joe Mantello, begins and ends with the catchy ‘9 to 5’ tune, which is hard not to hum later. Contact: 213-628-2772.
Rebranding America: College Students Propose Strategy for New President
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
As U.S. financial stability wobbles and world economies spin, we are reminded once again of the energetic force the U. S. exerts in the community of nations. It is this power’economic and political’that Occidental College professor Derek Shearer invited his students to examine in a course last spring titled ‘American Grand Strategy.’ The idea was to look at the future and offer a concrete set of foreign policy actions for the new administration that will come to power in January. The students, juniors and seniors, researched national and global public opinion and concluded that, after 9/11, President Bush and his administration had ‘squandered an enormous amount of international goodwill, lost considerable moral authority of the country, and approached the world with an Us vs. Them mentality.’ The students decided that it is vital for the next administration’whether Republican or Democrat’to regain the moral high ground and to lead rather than to dominate. ‘They looked at the world after Bush and what ideas are out there,’ says Shearer, a Palisadian who served in the Clinton administration as an economics official in the Commerce Department, and then as Ambassador to Finland. With the overwhelming number of books published in the last two years’from ‘Second Change’ by Zbigniew Brzezinski and ‘The State of the American Empires’ by Stephen Burman, to ‘World War IV’ by Norman Podhoretz and ‘Stagecraft’ by Dennis Ross”the students read from the experts, left, right and center, and began to deepen their understanding of issues and to identify the complications and consequences of U.S. global power. ‘Experts tend to be theoretical and standoffish,’ Shearer says. ‘I said, ‘Let’s be very clear and practical in our ideas.” The seminar format offered the students a forum to debate, argue and sometimes bang their heads together to come up with 10 problem areas they wanted to address. The list included: Iraq, Transnational Terrorism, al-Qaeda and Torture, Relations with Europe, NATO, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Iran and Nuclear Proliferation, Oil and Energy Issues, U.S.-U.N. Relations, Humanitarian Intervention and Global Health, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Israel and Palestine and Illegal Immigration and NAFTA. Shearer gave the students a practical framework to fit their strategy. ”What should the new administration do the first month in office, the first six months, and the first year and beyond?’ I also had them write a new mission statement for the U.S., which reminds government officials of the values enumerated in the founding documents. We had it printed on a card that would go in the wallet of every American in the State Department, the Pentagon, the CIA and other branches of government.’ Student pairs selected one of the problems, debated the strategy and wrote the report. Shearer says that nobody wanted to take Iraq, no doubt because they were as divided and perplexed as current experts as to the best course of action ‘Matt Hunter and Ian Henry took up the challenge, and despite their wide differences of opinion, they were able to knock their heads a bit, in a nice way, and come up with a practical solutions.’ The overall report, ‘Rebranding America,’ is refreshingly free from cynical punditry and engrained foreign policy beliefs. ‘The students are not hung up on their egos or reputations,’ Shearer says. ‘They were not auditioning for a job, they didn’t pose. So what we got is frank, straightforward, and optimistic.’ In solving climate change, for example, the report suggested that all U.S. political envoys worldwide be driven by hybrid vehicles. ‘Experts would say that was trivial.’ Shearer says. In the area of terrorism, Ian Henry suggested that during the first month in office, the President should ‘immediately renounce use of the term ‘War on Terror.’ ’A war on a tactic cannot be won, as it is renewed any time that tactic is used,’ he wrote. ‘Terror is not a discrete enemy or even an ideology.’ ‘These kids don’t come out of the Cold War and are not terrorized by ‘War on Terror,” Shearer notes. ‘These are good, practical solutions.’ Occidental College prides itself on its multicultural student body and Shearer’s seminar included a diversity of cultural and social experience. There was an African-American woman from Louisiana involved in theater and dance, a young Lebanese woman, an older Hungarian student, a Japanese-American, and a Russian from St. Petersburg. Since returning to Occidental in 1997 after serving President Clinton, Shearer was named the Chevalier Professor of Diplomacy and World Affairs and he directs global affairs in the college’s international relations, including the expansion of its international affairs programs. He, his wife, financial consultant Sue Togo, and their three dogs and cat live in Rustic Canyon. ‘As a former diplomat and government official, I am impressed with the quality of the students’ work and breadth of their creativity in proposing policy action for the next president,’ Shearer says. Copies of ‘Rebranding America’ have been sent to the foreign policy advisors for Senators McCain, Obama, and the chiefs of staff of the Senate and House Foreign Relations committees. It is also posted at www.OxyWorldwide.com for all interested U. S. and global citizens to read.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 2, 2008
HOMES FOR SALE 1
HAWAII EXISTS IN LA! NEW INVENTORY. 11 HOMES AVAIL. Terrific Opportunity! PCH/Sunset. Up to 1,600 Sq. Ft. $179,000-1.1 million. Some completely remodeled, many upgrades. Ocean views, wood floors, new kitchens, sun deck, rec center w/ pool/spa/gym. Steps from the sand. Condo alternative. Agent, Michelle Bolotin, (310) 230-2438
OPEN SUNDAY. Steps to the beach. View of ocean. 2+2+den. Spacious pre-fab in Palisades Bowl. $326,500. Lori Matson, KW, (310) 994-5894
UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
EL MEDIO BLUFFS 3 bdrm, 2 ba, Cape Cod. Corner lot, charming. 1/2 blk walk to bluffs. $6,000/mo. Call Elizabeth, (310) 293-8999
ONE LEVEL SINGLE family home, Palisades Highlands. Remodeled 3 bd, 2 ba. Nice private backyard, large community pool, tennis courts, etc. $5,000/mo. Call Judy, (310) 994-9289, (310) 454-0696
BEAUTIFUL! QUEEN’S NECKLACE ocean view. 4 bd, 3 bath+family room+den, 2 fireplaces, high beams, hardwood fl, new carpeting, granite, new appliances, lg spa, balcony, quiet cul-de-sac, avail 10/1. $6,250/mo. Adam, (310) 625-3443
HUNTINGTON: 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom; 2 family rooms; granite kitchen; lap pool, spa; large brick patio, 2 fireplaces. $11,000/mo. Owner, (310) 454-8632
MARQUEZ: 3 br+2 ba, great room, designer kitchen and baths, new AC, zen garden. $6,250/mo. (310) 502-3665
FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b
CONDO, LUXURY FURNISHED, 1,700 sq ft, 2+2, family, dining, living rooms. Three fireplaces, security, spa, on Sunset next to Gelson’s. (310) 871-4699
UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
PALISADES 1 BDRM apt, refrigerator, gas stove, clean, upper, near village, one year lease, covered parking with storage, laundry. No pets. Non-smoker. $1,285/mo. (310) 477-6767
CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d
GEM IN THE PALISADES, 2 bdrm, 2½ ba, townhouse, hdwd, tile, carpet. Large roof deck, own laundry room, W/D, dishwasher. Additional storage. Parking. $3,500/mo. (310) 392-1757
AWESOME VILLAGE CONDO. 2 bdrm, 2 ba. New kitchen w/ all appliances, granite counters, W/D, high ceilings, spacious, open, quiet, private. Avail. Nov. 1. $3,400/mo. Call Pat, agent, (310) 454-1851
2 BDRM, 2 BATH CONDO in the Palisades Village. Short term up to 6 months lease. $2,700/mo. Call (310) 890-2961
WANTED TO RENT 3b
LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisadian-Post, (310) 454-1321
WANTED: GARAGE TO RENT. (480) 323-0496
OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c
MEDICAL SPACE AVAILABLE in Pacific Palisades. Great location, Palisades Village. 1,200 sq ft. Newly renovated boutique building w/ pharmacy. 910 Via de la Paz. Avail now. Call Vicki, (310) 475-6400
PROFESSIONAL BUILDING in Pacific Palisades village for lease. Lovely and spacious suite available, newly painted, brand new pergo floors, 1,050 square feet conveniently located in the village. Please call (310) 230-6712 x105 for more details.
BEAUTIFUL, NEW PROFESSIONAL office suite in downtown Pacific Palisades. Separate entrance/exit, waiting room, private bathroom, kitchenette. Individual offices avail Nov. 1. Contact srl@ucla.edu
VILLAGE OFFICE SPACE. Quiet location. 4 rooms, pvt entry, w/ bathroom. $1,695/mo. (310) 459-1220, Bob
LOST & FOUND 6a
LOST: CAT • Long-haired, dark grey body and head, white face and paws. Huge feathery tail. Answers to Mr. McGreggor. We miss him terribly. Large reward for his return. Call anytime, (310) 804-9575
MISCELLANEOUS 6c
PALISADES LUTHERAN OKTOBERFEST this Saturday. Dinner, songs, dance, traditional contests, raffle. All welcome! Door tickets and family package!! Info: (310) 459-2358
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
WEB SITES AND GRAPHIC DESIGN. Development for business. Photo editing, holiday cards. Contact Maggie, (310) 985-0959 or Maggie@maggiesweb.com
GARAGE, ESTATE SALE SERVICES 7f
PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? an estate sale? a moving sale? a yard sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. • BARBARA DAWSON • Garage Sale Specialist • (310) 454-0359 • bmdawson@verizon.net • www.bmdawson.com • Furniture • Antiques • Collectibles • Junque • Reliable professionals • Local References
ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER. Home/office/garage/ life! Clear your space, clear your mind. Get expert help w/ clutter, files, closets, garages, time management, more. Clarify priorities, transform your life! Sasha Lauren, (310) 927-0297 • www.RemarkableTransformations.com
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE, ORGANIZATION & bookkeeping. Superior services provided w/ discretion & understanding. Pali resident, local references. Extensive experience. Call Sarah, (310) 573-9263
NEED A PERSONAL ORGANIZER? Will organize, arrange & manage any space or schedule. I am fun, creative & meticulous. Very reasonable rates. Can provide refs. Naomi, (310) 625-6751
SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7l
ALTERNATIVE ENGINEERING SOLAR • GO SOLAR • TAX INCENTIVES! Design & engineering solar/wind systems • Huge rebates • Financing available • Local Palisades contractor • Lic. #912279 • Call for free consultation: (877) 898-1948
NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
CONNEE: HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER, M-F, full time. Car owner. Very good local references. Good English. (323) 898-7056
CHILDCARE. 13 YRS EXPERIENCE. CDL. Working in Pac. Pal. since ’03. Best local refs. P/T or F/T. Flexible. Loving care for baby, pets, & home. Peace of mind for working mom. Phyllis, (818) 340-7183. Available now!
TEMPORARY NANNY NEEDED Jan.-Apr. for 2-year-old twins. Must have car & references. F/T 4 days/wk. Dates flexible. Call Laura, (310) 454-6901
DOMESTIC AGENCIES 9
VIP NANNY AGENCY. “Providing very important people with the very best nanny.” • Baby Nurses • Birthing Coaches • Housekeepers. (818) 907-1017, (310) 614-3646
HOUSEKEEPERS 9a
“PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.” We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/ELDER CARE, day or night, available Monday-Sunday. Own transportation, excellent ref’s. Call Maria, (310) 948-9637
HOUSEKEEPING HOME/APTS. Professional service. Washing, cleaning, no ironing. Pets not a problem. Service 7 days, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call Lorena & Luz, (213) 568-2349, (323) 331-5150, (323) 272-8745
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Many years experience. Very reliable. Refs. Call Gloria, (323) 571-8299
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon, Wed, Thurs. Very good local refs. Own car. Clean DMV. CDL. Call Susana, (323) 933-6423 or (310) 409-9433
HOUSECLEANING ONLY. Many years experience. Good local references. Call Imelda, (323) 345-8902 or Carolina, (818) 941-9768
PROFESSIONAL HOUSECLEANING. Available any day of the week. Good references. Call Maria, (323) 356-0660
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon.-Fri. References. Own car. 20 years experience. Call Aida in the afternoon or leave a message. (Home) (323) 735-7603, or (cell) (323) 528-0291
HOUSEKEEPER, RELIABLE, EXPERIENCED, references. Own transportation. Speaks English. Avail Mon. thru Fri. Please call Mildred, (323) 274-6109 cell, (323) 750-4441 home, (323) 274-5384
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE full or part time. Has own car. Speaks English. Local references. Call Francis, (213) 595-0722 or mansalbar@gmail.com
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING. Available to travel. 25 years experience. Excellent references. Reliable. Call Elizabeth, (323) 463-7889
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tues., Thurs. & Sat. Live-out. Local Palisades & Santa Monica references. Own transportation. Call Marta, (213) 365-6609. Please leave a message.
HOUSEKEEPING/NANNY, 20 yrs experience. Available Tues. thru Sat. Live-out. Own car. CA license. Excellent English. Local refs. Please call Miriam, (562) 804-5071, or (562) 644-5288 (cell)
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING available 3 days a week. Excellent experience and local references. Own car, flexible hours. Please call Isabel, (213) 604-7004
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
HONEST PERSON looking for work. Elder care, housekeeper or babysitter. Monday thru Friday. Drivers license. Legal. Good references. Call Mirna, (213) 377-1274, Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-anytime.
LIVE-IN COMPANION & HELPER will trade services for lodging. Mature, responsible female, looking for live-in helper situation, will trade for living quarters. Run errands, shopping, some food prep. Care for dog(s), etc. Longtime Westside resident, great local references, healthy lifestyle, n/s, n/d. English speaking only. (310) 720-6103
EUROPEAN CAREGIVER. Any days & some nights. Over 12 yrs experience in private homes, hospitals, convalescent homes. Excellent local references. Call Martine, (310) 458-3037 or (424) 214-9091
GARDENING, LANDSCAPING 11
PALISADES GARDENING • Full Gardening Service • Sprinkler Install • Tree Trim • Sodding/Seeding • Sprays, non-toxic • FREE 10” Flats, Pansies, Snap, Impatiens. (310) 568-0989
WATERFALLS & POND CONSTRUCTION: Water gardening. Japanese Koi fish. Filtration pond service, repair & maintenance. Free estimates. (310) 435-3843, cell (310) 390-1276. www.TheKingKoi.com
JEFF MAYER LANDSCAPE DESIGN. Custom residential landscaping, irrigation, lighting, maintenance. C-27#853041. Certified Arborist #WE-5991A. Phone (951) 236-9891
BUDGET SPRINKLERS and LANDSCAPING. Installations, upgrading & sod. Repairs, wood fencing. Free est. (310) 398-8512. St. lic. #768354. Free houseplant w/ every estimate. “You call, we haul”
MOVING & HAULING 11b
HONEST MAN SERVICES. All jobs, big or small. Hauls it all. 14 foot truck. 20th year Westside. Delivery to 48 states. (310) 285-8688
MASSAGE THERAPY 12b
MASSAGE BY GHASSAN! If you have back pain, neck pain or headache, we will come to you! Experienced more than 20 years! Call Ghassan, (818) 489-2009
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 12c
NEIGHBORHOOD THERAPIST: Caring, patient & local Palisades Psychotherapist available for help and insight into issues relating to your personal and interpersonal life.
To make an appointment with Dr. Aunene Finger, Board Certified MFT, please call (310) 454-0855. www.neighborhoodtherapist.com. Lic. #37780
WINDOW WASHING 13h
EXPERT WINDOW CLEANER • Experienced 21 yrs on Westside. Clean & detailed. Can also clean screens, mirrors, skylights & scrape paint off glass. Free estimates. Brian, (310) 289-5279
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
THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Extremely detailed interior/ exterior glass & screen cleaning. Specializing in high ladder work. 10% new customer discount & next day service available. Owner operated. Free estimates. Licensed & bonded. (310) 926-7626
PERSONAL SERVICES 14f
GREAT ORGANIZER! Declutter your home, office, closet, etc. Errands, bill paying, etc. No project too large or too small. Local references! Please call “T”, (310) 488-9575
SEEKING MORE OUT OF LIFE? Want a life you can be proud of? Tired of worry and stress and feeling emptiness and void? We can help you through. Call for more information: (818) 398-8777 or (405) 819-2998
PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
HAPPY PET • Dog Walking • Park Outings • Socialization • Insured. Connie, (310) 230-3829
PERSONAL TOUCH. DOG WALKING/sitting service. Cats included. Pali resident over 25 yrs. Very reliable. Refs available. If you want special care for your pet, please call me. Jacqui, (310) 454-0104, cell (310) 691-9893
FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a
HAVE FUN! GET FIT! NORDIC WALKING CLASSES. Certified Advanced Nordic walking instructor, Palisades resident teaches private/group classes in the Palisades. Weekends. (310) 266-4651
TUTORS 15e
Start School With The Right Backup. In-home private tutoring K-12. 30+ years teaching/ tutoring exper. Math, reading, grammar, essay writing & study skills. Former special ed teacher. Call Gail, (310) 313-2530
SCIENCE & MATH TUTOR. All levels (elementary to college). Ph.D., MIT graduate, 30 years experience. Ed Kanegsberg, (310) 459-3614
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
EXCEPTIONAL TEACHER/CONSULTANT. Change performance. Increase skills. Improve grades K-8. Call Alexis, (310) 854-9627
PERSONALIZED SPANISH TUTORING! South American teacher w/ university degree. All ages & levels. Learn, improve, get confident for studies & traveling. Experienced w/ children. (310) 741-8422
SCIENCE & MATH TEACHER FOR HIRE. Super organizer. Start on the right foot! B.S. Biochemistry, SUNY Stony Brook, M.A. Columbia University, Teacher’s College. Certified New York (Westchester) public school teacher, now teaching in LA! Prefer students 7th grade to College. I work in the Palisades, but prefer to tutor at your home. Practice tests available! SAT II subject test coaching! Academic progress monitoring & notebook organization! Alex Van Name: (310) 295-8915, www.310tutoring.com
ENGLISH/ESL LESSONS. Study English online w/ certified teacher, textbook writer, 10 yrs exp. All ages, levels. $30 /hr. Call Holly, (818) 371-6936, or visit www.LanguagePals.com
SPANISH TUTOR, CERTIFIED TEACHER for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications, 21 yrs exper. Palisades resident, great references, amazing system, affordable rates. Marietta, (310) 459-8180
FRENCH TUTOR. Fun native French speaker available to tutor beginner, intermediate and advanced students of all ages. Available week days and weekends. Contact Elias: Eliassfaxi@gmail.com or (310) 740-7247
MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h
FIND YOUR VOICE! Singing & Performance Coaching • All ages • Singing • Songwriting • Recording • Demos • Talent Shows • School Plays • Laurie, (310) 579-5668 • Native Palisadian • soundeyes@aol.com
CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c
MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 36 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pools, decks, patios, foundations, fireplace, drainage control, custom stone, block & brick, tile. Excellent local references. Lic. #309844. Bonded/insured/ workmen’s comp. Family owned & operated. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 • www.horusicky.com
DOORS 16f
“DOOR WORKS” • Residential and commercial door repairs, replacements. Handicap services, weatherstripping. Free est. Premium service. Lic. #917844. (310) 598-0467, (818) 346-7900
ELECTRICAL 16h
PALISADES ELECTRIC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437 Insured Professional Service
ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local service only. Non-lic. Please call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286
ELECTRICAL WORK. Call Dennis! 26 yrs experience, 24 hours, 7 day service. Lic. #728200. (310) 821-4248
FENCES, DECKS 16j
THE FENCE MAN. 14 years quality workmanship. Wood fences • Decks • Gates • Chainlink & overhang • 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. Marty, (310) 459-2692
FLOOR CARE 16m
GREG GARBER’S HARDWOOD FLOORS SINCE 1979. Install, refinish. Fully insured. Local references. (310) 230-4597 Lic. #455608
CENTURY HARDWOOD FLOOR • Refinishing, Installation, Repairs. Lic. #813778. www.centurycustomhardwoodfloorinc.com • centuryfloor@sbcglobal.net • (800) 608-6007 • (310) 276-6407
GOLDEN HARDWOOD FLOORS. Professional Installation and refinishing. National Wood Flooring Association member. License #732286. Plenty of local references. (877) 622-2200 • www.goldenhardwoodfloors.com
JEFF HRONEK, 39 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
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 • 54 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. 35 years in service. License #637882. Call (310) 454-6604
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. Michael Hoff Construction today, (424) 202-8619
HELP WANTED 17
DRIVERS: TEAMS EARN TOP DOLLAR plus great benefits. Solo drivers also needed for Western Regional. Werner Enterprises, (800) 346-2818 x123
SUNRISE OF PACIFIC PALISADES. Part time care managers wanted. (310) 573-9545
NANNY TO WORK full days Sat./Sun. or Sun./Mon. in a long-term position with a loving family. Must speak English, drive and have experience and references. Please leave a message. (310) 994-7155
PART-TIME HOUSEKEEPER. Monday & Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Must have car, speak English, references and be on time. Call for interview, (310) 230-0330
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR Malibu office: Career-oriented, organized, detailed. Excellent communication, phone, writing skills. Computer literate (Quickbooks, Word, Excel, Photoshop). Email resume: adam@amazingtaste.com
SITUATIONS WANTED 17b
HOUSEMAN, DRIVER, light cooking, household needs including contacts, plumbing, electrical, catering, local knowledge, country club, beach club, schools. Excellent refs. Over 10 years experience. P/T, F/T. Available. Call John Mueller, (310) 709-9143
AUTOS 18b
1999 FORD F250 Super Duty V10 Supercab Longbed, black w/ lumber rack & Weatherguard tool box. Great work truck! $6,500 OBO. (310) 576-0622
2001 BMW X5 4.4i. 71,260 miles. Black on black, w/ black windows. Full sport package, many extras. $17,500. (310) 871-7801
FURNITURE 18c
QUEEN MATTRESS SET, $195. Dinette set, $195, sofa sleeper $395, large screen TV stand, $185. Recliner, $275 OBO. Items never used! (310) 393-2338
TWO MODERN MATCHING DISPLAY CASES six feet long. Like new. Blonde wood. $150 each. GE dryer & washer, $100 total. Misc. Call (310) 459-3259
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
ESTATE SALE IN PALISADES VILLAGE. Furniture from: Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Z Gallerie. By appointment only: (310) 795-1899 or email: ecgarrity@yahoo.com
A FULL GARAGE! Redecorating Sale! Desks/beds/tables/chairs/lamps/linens/clothes/toys/hsehold goods! 841 Muskingum (No. of Sunset). Fri.-Sat., Oct. 3-4; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Photos/details: www.bmdawson.com
GARAGE SALE, Sat & Sun., Oct. 4th & 5th, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 401 Swarthmore Ave. Pacific Palisades. Lots of furniture, housewares, pictures, lamps, exercise equipment & much more.
AMAZING INTERIOR DESIGNER HOME furnishings, bedding, adult/baby. Shabby Chic, Modern. Bountiful vintage designer clothing, Chanel, Gucci, Prada. Bargain prices. Sat., 10/4/08. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 826 Galloway St.
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com
Honore Comet; Versatile Linguist, Outdoorsman
Honore Comet, a 46-year resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away on September 10. He was 81. Born July 10, 1927 in Valdeblore, France, Honore lived a long and fascinating life. A strong facility for language led to a rewarding career in linguistics. Towards the end of World War II, Honore was a translator for the 82nd Airborne Division. His skills were instrumental in the capture of several Nazi spies posing as French military officers. Soon after the war, Honore moved to the United States, where he continued his quest for knowledge at Tulane University, the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne. Honore was director of a number of Berlitz schools across the country. In 1962, he moved his family to Los Angeles, settling in Pacific Palisades, which reminded him of his favorite city: Nice, France. In 1968, Honore started his own company, All World Language Institute, teaching, interpreting and translating foreign languages for heads of state, Fortune 500 executives and numerous celebrities in the entertainment industry. He was an active member in three clubs (Jonathan, Rotary and Lions), and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed skiing, hiking and working in his garden. Honore found true love later in life and married Michelle Brunet of Nice; they enjoyed building the house of their dreams in the Alps, where he was born. He is also survived by sons Jacques of Ojai and Chris of Palm Desert; daughters Madeline of France and Michele of Santa Monica; and five grandchildren. He will be sincerely missed by all of his family and friends. A private service has been held in Nice.
Ray Dodd, 91; Home Builder
Ray W. Dodd passed away peacefully due to natural causes on September 19 at his Santa Monica Canyon home. He was 91. Born on September 16, 1916 in Enid, Oklahoma, Dodd, the youngest of six children, spent his childhood in Chicago and Wheaton, Illinois. He moved out to Santa Monica in 1933 at the urging of his brother, Paul A. Dodd, former dean of UCLA’s College of Letters and Science, after whom Dodd Hall on the Westwood campus is named. Dodd was a beach boy at the Bel-Air Bay Club and later found work at Douglas Aircraft Company. He married Margaret Doherty of Santa Monica in 1940 and built their home on San Lorenzo Street in Santa Monica Canyon. They remained married until Margaret’s passing in 2004. During World War II, Dodd entered the U.S. Air Corps and became a B-17 bomber pilot. In 1948, he became a general contractor and developer who built more than 500 apartment units in Santa Monica and West L.A. and more than 900 homes throughout California until he retired in 1981. Dodd coached a youth baseball team (sponsored by The Hot Dog Show) at the Palisades Recreation Center, with his son, Declan, as one of the pitchers. He was a lifetime member of the Santa Monica Elks and an avid golfer (belonging to the Riviera Golf Club from 1962 through 1985), gemologist and numismatist. In addition to his wife Margaret, Dodd was predeceased by his son Declan. He is survived by daughter Deidre Logsdon (husband Phil) of Brentwood, daughter Colleen Tillemans (husband Denis) of Big Pine, grandchildren Kerry, Philip, Kellie, Eric and Mark, and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral and memorial will be held October 18 at 2 p.m. Please contact Gates, Kingsley in Santa Monica at (310) 395-9988 for details. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that well-wishers make a contribution to Santa Monica/UCLA Hospital.
Council Debates Chabad Preschool Site
Before Palisades Chabad opens a preschool on Sunset Boulevard near the western end of Marquez Avenue, the Pacific Palisades Community Council wants the religious group to conduct a traffic study. After listening to citizens express concern about traffic safety last Thursday evening, the Council voted 13 in favor (with three abstentions) to ask the city not to issue any permits until a traffic study is conducted and a traffic plan is approved by the L.A. Department of Transportation (DOT). On behalf of Chabad, property owner Richard Jones and attorney Alex DeGood have applied to the city for approval-in-concept, plus pre-inspection and building and certificate of occupancy permits to place two modular classroom buildings at 17000 Sunset Blvd. The building permits have not yet been approved, but the city has approved the approval-in-concept application. ‘This approval entitles the applicant to apply to the California Coastal Commission (within 30 days) for an administrative coastal development permit (CDP). If the Coastal Commission determines that a CDP is required from the city, the applicant is then referred back to the city,’ Councilman Bill Rosendahl told the Palisadian-Post. ‘This project is at the Coastal Commission now, waiting to see if the commission will grant the CDP or if it will send the project back to the city.’ Greg Shoop of City Planning said an approval-in-concept application gives residents and business owners who are pursuing minor or temporary developments an opportunity to try to forego the city’s CDP process, which takes longer and is more expensive. The preschool would operate from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and educate as many as 40 children (20 in the morning and 20 in the afternoon), said Rabbi Zushe Cunin, the school’s director. ‘This is a temporary home,’ Cunin told the Council. ‘Our plan is to have this for this year [2008]; our arrangement with the Jones family is until the end of the year.’ (Chabad is still negotiating a lease agreement with Jones.) Cunin hopes to relocate his school, previously located in Temescal Gateway Park for the past eight years, permanently to a vacant storage building off Los Liones Drive adjacent to the Getty Villa property and the Mormon church. Chabad is trying to secure conditional use and coastal development permits for that location. At last Thursday’s meeting, Officer Chris Smythe of LAPD’s West Traffic Division and many residents explained that they think it would be dangerous for parents to make left-hand turns into and out of the Sunset property, which is located close to a sharp curve. ‘I would not want to witness an accident of a child at that location,’ said Marquez resident Denise Kwok. Hamed Sandoghdar of DOT agreed and said his department would recommend only right turns, which could be achieved by installing no-left-turn signs and right-turn-only signs. Residents were also worried about traffic congestion and flow, so the Council, which has no legal authority, passed a motion asking the city to prohibit left turns for ingress and egress, assign a traffic officer to the school to enforce traffic rules and ensure that parents with children who are walking use the proper crosswalk at the Sunset and west Marquez intersection. The Council also asked that no Chabad preschool traffic travel through the area referred to as the Marquez Flats (Marquez residents exempt), and that no Chabad preschool parking be allowed in the Marquez flats. ‘If the traffic situation can be worked out for a short-term basis, it should not be a problem,’ Council member Gil Dembo said. Cunin agreed to conduct the traffic study and devise a traffic plan. ‘We would like to create this place for children and work with the community to mitigate any inconveniences,’ Cunin said. ‘We will make sure that we enforce whatever commitment we make.’ At the meeting, Malibu Village residents, who reside below the Sunset property, also raised concerns because the modular buildings would be placed on a landfill that could slide. ‘We did have the grading inspectors review that part of the application,’ said David Lara of the L.A. Department of Building and Safety. ‘Because it is a temporary-type structure and limited as far as use, the grading area was approved.’ Chabad’s researcher David Lacy said because the buildings would not be anchored to the ground, there would not be any disturbances to the soil and the plumbing would be self-contained. The Council passed a motion asking that ‘There shall be no irrigation or other water used to flow into the grounds of the property in order to prevent any adverse impact on the geological stability of the property.’ Cunin agreed that he would not landscape the property. Council member Jack Allen said he thinks Chabad might try to stay at the Sunset location longer because he doubts the religious group will secure the Los Liones site. The Council agreed and passed a motion asking Chabad to vacate the Sunset property by August 31, 2009. The storage building off Los Liones is not easy to access because it is located behind the Mormon church’s gated parking lot and along the Getty Villa’s service road. The Getty and Mormon church have denied Chabad access. Chabad found a dedicated public easement (existing only on paper) but would have to receive permission from the city to pave a road. On September 5, the Department of City Planning suspended Chabad’s conditional use permit application. ‘The neighboring property owner (Getty) has informed my office that a portion of the building being proposed for the child care use is located on their property, and therefore the Getty must also sign the Master Land Use Application authorizing the use of their property,’ according to a notice from the L.A. Zoning Administration Office. The suspension was in response to an August 11 letter from Getty attorney Jeffrey Haber who wrote, ‘The warehouse is located in part on the Getty’s property, and the Getty does not consent to the proposed use of the warehouse.’
Waldorf Seeks Time, Collaboration on Signal
It has been almost two years since the Westside Waldorf School received a temporary certificate of occupancy (COO) to move to its Sunset Boulevard location providing that the school install a traffic signal at the critically dangerous intersection at Los Liones Drive and Sunset. The school has lagged on its $150,000 commitment, and in September asked the City Zoning Administration to postpone a hearing to review the school’s COO, in order to allow the school to first meet with Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s office, the L. A. Department of Transportation (LADOT)and community groups. No meeting date has yet been set. Rob Gritz, Waldorf’s chief administrative officer who replaced former administrator Jeffrey Graham this summer, requested the 45-day extension on the zoning hearing so ‘I can catch up and understand the history of this project and to be overt about our contribution as a matter of ethics.’ While reiterating the school’s commitment to the long-sought signal, Gritz told the Palisadian-Post that he sought the assistance of Rosendahl’s office to work to contain the scope and costs of the project. ‘The simpler it is and the more controlled the budget, the more rapidly the project will be executed.’ Gritz was hired as a part-time consultant in December 2006 to ‘help the school overcome challenges with its own construction and speed them into getting into the school’ he said. He became fully engaged in the school’s day-to-day affairs and finances in late August. In November 2006, the Department of Transportation allowed the K-8 school to submit an alternative circulation plan, which allowed the school to open its doors and gain more time to raise funds for its portion of the estimated $350,000 overall cost of the project. After several construction delays, the school finally moved from its Santa Monica location to the site of the former Santa Ynez Inn and Transcendental Meditation Center in January 2007. LADOT estimated a year ago that the project’s total cost would be $350,000, with construction expected to account for $270,000 of that cost. The Getty Villa Community Relations Committee agreed to commit $150,000 toward the total cost of the signal once Waldorf completed fundraising, former Director Graham told the Post in December 2007. Councilman Rosendahl has said he would use district funds to pay the difference between the final costs of construction, based on the 2007 estimates, and the $300,000 paid by Waldorf and the Getty Committee. Since then, the city traffic engineer has amended the original budget by adding six street lights to the project at an additional cost of $115,000. In the summer of 2007, Waldorf contributed $50,000 toward the design phase of the project, but the school’s fundraising efforts have yielded just a fraction of the school’s remaining commitment. Graham said last December that school-sponsored raffles and benefits had raised ‘close to $10,000,’ leaving the school roughly $85,000 short of what it must raise. Recently, Castellammare residents using Los Liones Drive exerted their influence by complaining that the intersection was becoming increasingly dangerous, and in a letter to the zoning administrator in September urged the city to withhold granting Waldorf permanent occupancy until the school completed funding the signal. Rosendahl has reiterated his position that the school will be held to its obligation. ‘The Council office is also asking for a commitment of a timeline,’ said Rosendahl’s Northern District Director Norm Kulla. ‘The temporary permit to operate the school will continue to include the traffic light.’ In addition, Richard G. Cohen, chairman of the Pacific Palisades Community Council, said that the council expects the city to uphold its rules, laws and ordinances. The zoning hearing officer will accept correspondence from the public until October 24. A hearing date has not been set. ‘This is a condition of their occupancy permit,’ said Shirley Haggstrom, a Castellammare resident. ‘The school is responsible for the traffic-light installation and the increased traffic at that intersection. Because of the school, the intersection has become more dangerous. Bottom line is safety of children and everyone who goes through that intersection.’ Waldorf’s Gritz said that he is willing to declare openly what our commitment is and hopes ‘to hear from the other stakeholders as to what they’re willing to do. We’re not trying to hide from it, but deal with it. We’re good citizens and will contribute fully to our portion.’
Tivoli Waitress’ Pies Hit the Sweet Spot
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Tivoli Cafe’s entrees and pizzas have a good reputation around town, but word is spreading about another reason to visit the Sunset-at-Swarthmore trattoria: homemade pie. Specifically, pies created by waitress Nika LaRue. Her pies come in five varieties, including chocolate and apple, but you don’t need to open the menu to find them. Just listen for the cheers! Indeed, when the Tivoli employee of three-and-a-half years arrives with her fresh baked goods, knowing customers give her a hero’s welcome. ‘People are like, What’d you bring, what’d you bring?’ the 30-something LaRue says, chuckling. ‘Everyone’s got their favorite.’ On the ‘Tivoli Treats’ dessert menu, you’ll find LaRue’s solid standards: Chocolate Brownie Cake Sunday, described as Belgian chocolate cake with deluxe chocolate chips, chocolate sauce and whipped cream; and a Triple Berry Crumble Cobbler, combining raspberries, blueberries and marionberries in a deep-dish crumble (sans nuts) with whipped cream. LaRue recently introduced three new entries: Grandma’s Fresh Apple Pie (topped with caramel sauce and whipped cream); Prize Pecan Pie, replete with chocolate chunks; and ‘The Great Pumpkin’ Pie (its moniker referencing the ‘Peanuts’ Halloween special). These seasonal confections will stick around until February. The whole thing began innocuously enough in February when LaRue was in the kitchen with the restaurant’s owner, Sohail Fatoorechi, and chef George Lepe. The two men were unhappy about the lukewarm response to their desserts which, except for homemade tiramisu, Tivoli had contracted out. ‘I’ve had recipes that were in my family forever,’ LaRue says. ‘I baked a pie and gave everyone a piece and they said, ‘Wow, can you bring more of these?” Within three months, LaRue’s pies also made the menu at Tivoli’s sister restaurant, Il Forno Caldo, in Beverly Hills. Soon, a demand for LaRue’s creations began to take hold with locals, including a celebrity or two. ‘We’ll go in there on Tuesdays and Saturday nights just for Nika’s pies,’ says Cindy Ambuehl, an actress and real estate agent married to soap opera star Don Diamont. Ambuehl once starred in a short-lived TV show with LaRue’s older sister, Eva LaRue, who now appears on ‘CSI: Miami.’ She insists that Diamont was so fond of LaRue’s banana cream pie (when it was on the menu) that his catch phrase (upon trying other baked goods) was ‘Not as good as Nika’s!’ Tivoli’s owner attests to the pies’ success. ‘We’re serving a lot of dessert,’ Fatoorechi says. ‘It’s doing really well for us.’ The restaurateur adds that the initial pies that he sampled, which sold him on the notion of carrying her line of baked goods, were the Triple Berry Crumble and the Pineapple Upside-Down cake. Tivoli also added LaRue’s Key Lime and Black Bottom Banana Cream pies to the menu. ‘He is really like family, he’s helped me so much,’ LaRue says of her employer. LaRue was raised in Orange County and the Inland Empire, where her mother lived. She would also visit her father’s side of the family in Puerto Rico, Florida and Alabama. ‘I’ve been baking since I was really young,’ says LaRue, whose paternal grandmother was her culinary inspiration. ‘It seems that anytime I spent time with the women in my family, it was in the kitchen.’ For LaRue, baking these pies for Tivoli’s feels like she’s exposing family secrets by tapping into grandma’s recipes. The Pineapple Upside-Down is her father’s favorite (‘I’m sharing a piece of my dad with the public,’ she says) and she has mastered gingerbread cranberry shortcake, a favorite of her grandma’s. LaRue balances her week between baking pies on Sundays at Il Forno’s facilities for both restaurants (and private individual customer orders via bake4u@luckymail.com), waitressing several times a week, pursuing her teaching credential at Cal State Los Angeles, and raising K. J., her active 12-year-old son, who partakes in Boy Scouts activities when he’s not playing baseball, basketball or football. Tivoli and Il Forno each buy about 15 pies per flavor for the week, which sometimes takes LaRue up to eight hours straight to create. If Tivoli runs out of pie during the week, LaRue goes back into Il Forno late at night, after business hours, and bakes more pies, which LaRue delivers to Tivoli when she shows up to waitress. LaRue, who commutes to the Palisades from Culver City, is wary of expanding her production on too big a scale. ‘I think that a lot of bakers get greedy about their ingredients,’ she explains. ‘Once they start mass producing something, you can taste it because they start using manufacturer’s lard. You get icing that tastes like Crisco. I would rather make something of quality.’ Despite a packed schedule, LaRue finds the time to experiment with new recipes. ‘I always take suggestions from people,’ she says, adding that she is already mulling over some potential ‘Tivoli’s Treats’ for next spring. ‘I might do a peach cobbler, I might even do a strawberry shortcake!’
Acclaimed Editor and Children’s Authors Read at St. Matthew’s
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Keeping an audience of 450 third- through sixth-grade students quiet and entertained is a Herculean challenge, but two Newbery Award-winning authors, Sharon Creech and Kate DiCamillo, and their editor Joanna Cotler, did exactly that last Friday morning in Sprague Auditorium at St. Matthew’s School. The three women read selections from DiCamillo’s latest book, ‘Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken,’ and Creech’s latest book, ‘Hate That Cat,’ in a reader’s theater presentation. The audience giggled, applauded and, at the end of three chapters of ‘Louise’ and an equal amount of time spent reading from ‘Hate that Cat,’ asked numerous questions. DiCamillo, who lives in Minneapolis, won a Newbery Honor in 2001 for her first novel, ‘Because of Winn-Dixie,’ and that same year she was also a National Book Finalist for ‘The Tiger Rising.’ She won a 2004 Newbery Medal for ‘The Tale of Despereaux,’ which has since been made into a movie scheduled to be released in December. Creech received the 1995 Newbery Medal for ‘Walk Two Moons.’ Her ‘The Wanderer’ was a 2001 Newbery Honor book, and ‘Ruby Holler’ received the 2002 Carnegie Medal. ‘Hate That Cat’ is a sequel to her best seller ‘Love That Dog,’ a story about a student, Jack, written as a collection of his poetry. Students attended from eight other Westside private schools: Brentwood, Carlthorp, Echo Horizon, Mirman, PS1, Turning Point, Willows and Overland Avenue. One of the first questions asked was how the authors got the ideas for their books. ‘The idea for ‘Love That Dog’ came from a poem that someone sent me,’ Creech said. DiCamillo responded that ‘Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken’ came about because ‘Louise is not afraid of anything, and I’m afraid of everything.’ The two authors were queried about writer’s block. ‘I don’t believe it exists,’ DeCamillo said. ‘I write three pages a day whether I feel like it or not.’ ‘Sometimes I go for a walk,’ Creech said. Editor Coulter explained that she has edited hundreds of books and each author is an individual. ‘One writer took five years to write a book,’ she said. Creech admitted that the longest time it took her to write a published book was three years and DiCamillo said, ‘A year and a half. I have eight chapters and I’m working on it now.’ The students wanted to know what inspired the women to become writers. ‘When I was your age I wanted to be a reporter,’ Creech said. ‘But then I started to make things up, which means I would make a terrible reporter.’ She told the students that once she started writing stories, ‘it was the coolest thing in the world.’ DiCamillo said she wanted to be a veternarian, until she was at the vet’s office and someone brought in a German shepherd with an eye problem. ‘I thought maybe I didn’t have what it takes to be a vet,’ she said. She then began telling everyone she was a writer, though she hadn’t actually written anything. ‘Just before I was 30, I realized if I wanted to be published, I had to write.’ The authors and editor were asked which of their books were their favorites. ‘Whatever book I’m working on is my favorite at the time,’ Cotler told the audience. ‘Each book is a favorite, but for a different reason,’ Creech said. ‘I don’t have favorites,’ DiCamillo said. ‘They’re all kind of like my kids.’ That afternoon the three women were scheduled to do a similar reading at Crossroads School in Santa Monica. ‘We’re both starting tours,’ Creech said, ‘and Joanna [Cotler] thought it might be a good idea.’ ‘We’re two ships passing in the night,’ DiCamillo said. ‘From here I’m going to San Francisco and then local stuff around Minneapolis.’ ‘I just went to San Jose, San Francisco, Salt Lake City and I’m headed to Chicago,’ Creech said. Cotler has worked with a distinguished list of authors, including William Steig, Art Spiegelman, Francesca Lia Block and Jamie Lee Curtis. She was the publisher of Joanna Cotler Books at HarperCollins Children’s Books for 13 years, before stepping down last May to become an editor-at-large. ‘It’s a great thing to edit the book and then read with the authors,’ Cotler said. ‘You hear what the book is about in a different way. It’s also a great way to bring the book alive.’
