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CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2008

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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

SPECTACULAR MEDITERRANEAN SANDCASTLE beachfront. 5 bd, 4.5 ba. Channel Islands 1 hr North. $2.995M. Great investment & home. Call (808) 346-4644

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

2 BD, 1 BA, LARGE den, breakfast nook, dining room, hardwood and tile floors. 2 fpls, AC. Paid gardener. Available 9/20. Beautiful garden. $3,900/mo. (310) 454-9840

ONE LEVEL SINGLE family home, Palisades Highlands. Remodeled 3 bdrm, 2 bath. Nice private backyard, large community pool, tennis courts, etc. Call Judy, (310) 994-9289, (310) 454-0696

AMAZING WHITEWATER VIEW HOME. Steps to beach. 4 BR, 2½ BA, 3,000 sq ft. Lg LR, DR, family room, frplc, panoramic windows, 2 lg balconies, 2 car garage, 5 min to Santa Monica. $6,900/mo. www.MalibuCoastline.com • (310) 230-4200

PARADISE! 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. $6,500/mo. Adam, (310) 624-3443

2 BR, 1 BA, DEN, breakfast nook and dining room, hardwood floors, fireplace. Walk to stores, no dogs. Gardener included. $3,800/mo. (310) 455-3111

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

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

PALISADES 1 BDRM apt, refrigerator, clean, gas stove, near village, one year lease, covered parking with storage, laundry. No pets. Non-smoker. $1,285/mo. (310) 477-6767

A RARE FIND: THIS IS A TRUE JEWEL IN PRIME SANTA MONICA LOCATION. This unique property has only four units, each one distinctively beautiful. This charming one bedroom has the feel of an East Coast Hamptons cottage. Perfect for those who love their gardens and desire privacy. There are two large fenced and gated patios. The front with its own intercom, the rear patio has French doors that open from the dining room as well as a retractable awning. The interior is just as special as the exterior. Peg and grooved hardwood floors, gas fireplace, beam ceilings, French doors and windows and shutters throughout. Washer, dryer, enclosed garage, no pets. $2,250/mo. (310) 826-7960

HOLYOKE BLUFFS: Newly redone large studio. Top-of-line full kitchen w/ granite & stainless appls. Full bath. Design décor. Charming patio, separate entrance. Tranquil location. Laundry facilities, utilities, HD cable included. Unique setting for right person. Refs. 6 mo. Lease. $1,890/mo. w/ dep. (310) 454-3806

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

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

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

SUITE IN HOUSE. Separate entrance. Peaceful Highlands setting. Microwave, refrigerator, bathroom, shower. Student preferred. Refs. (310) 459-5046

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 Sept. 1st. 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.

PRIME OFFICE SPACE IN THE PALISADES VILLAGE. Last available space in newly renovated building in the Palisades. Attractive 3,200 sq. ft. space is move-in ready and includes eight offices, conference room, kitchen and reception area which is located on the 3rd floor of the Atrium Building. Monthly rent is $12,940/mo. For more information please contact Mandy at (310) 459-8556

LARGE FURNISHED OFFICE in heart of Village. Share entrance with writer. $600/mo. (310) 459-2757

LOST & FOUND 6a

FOUND: EARRING. Sunset at Carey. E-mail: larss90066@yahoo.com

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

BOOKKEEPER BY THE HOUR • Need help with getting your books in order? Help is near! Call Joanie, (310) 486-1055

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

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

DAYCARE CENTERS 8

PALISADES LEARN AND PLAY. Creative & nurturing Pre-K program. Crafts, music & educational curriculum. Openings for fall, F/T or P/T. (310) 459-0920

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

NANNY/BABYSITTER reliable, experienced, loves kids. Own transportation. 12 years experience. Call Alma, (310) 670-2209

MY WONDERFUL SPECIAL NANNY looking for F/T job M-F. 23 years experience with newborns. Legal, drives, speaks English. Excellent Palisades ref’s. Call Rosa, (818) 620-7507

EUROPEAN NANNY AVAILABLE MORNINGS. Palisades Mom looking to share wonderful European nanny. Fluent English, driving, college educated, very interactive. Available mornings M-F. Call Ann Marie (nanny), (818) 943-4364 or Daria (for reference), (310) 230-3125

CONNEE: HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER, M-F, full time. Car owner. Very good local references. Good English. (323) 898-7056

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

LOCAL FEMALE BANKER in village seeks room in exchange for light domestic duties, cooking, errands. For seniors and children. Excellent local references. Call Tiffany, (310) 454-1287

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, CERTIFIED ORGANIZER. Will clean your home sparkling clean and organized. Pet friendly. Will cook, do errands. Excellent refs. (310) 866-0940

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

HOUSECLEANING. Alicia available Thursday or Monday. Cleaning supplies furnished. Call (310) 367-3214

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER AVAILABLE Monday thru Friday. Honest and reliable. Own car. Please call Olga at (323) 495-2355

HOUSECLEANING AVAILABLE Monday and Thursday, every other week. Very good references. Let me make your home sparkle. Call Blanca, (323) 463-1330, or leave a message.

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/HOUSESITTING/BABYSITTING, Mon. thru Sunday. 25 years experience. Excellent refs. Reliable. Call Elizabeth, (323) 463-7889

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@goodcoseniorcare.com

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

MOVING & HAULING 11b

ALEXANDER DEMOLITION AND HAULING. Haul debris, concrete, dirt, trash. Apts, yard, garage. Residential and commercial. Lic. #911117. Free estimates. (310) 538-4774

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

THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Got view? Extremely detailed interior/exterior glass and screen cleaning. Specializing in high ladder work. 10% new customer discount & next day service available. Owner operated. Free estimates. (310) 926-7626

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

DRIVER/ASSISTANT. 18 years experience. Appointments, school, errands, marketing, doctor appointments. Computers, organizing, bills, pets, children. $20/hr. Resume/references avail. (310) 230-6877

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

GIRL FRIDAY—HOME ORGANIZATION! Errands, driving, light housekeeping, cooking, babysitting. Local refs. upon request. $15/hr. Call Michelle, (310) 453-5577

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

EXPERIENCED DOG WALKER in the Highlands only. I’m a student at Pali and I love dogs! Call Sydney, (310) 573-0223

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

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

HSPT/ISEE PREP CLASSES. Central Palisades Location. Small class size. 12 Classes, September start. (310) 459-3239

CREDENTIALED WORKING TEACHER, 30 years experience, Harvard education, master’s degree. Tutor in your home. Reading, writing, English, history. K-12. Reasonable rates. Call Robert, (310) 573-4163

EXCEPTIONAL TEACHER/CONSULTANT. Change performance. Increase skills. Improve grades K-8. Call Alexis, (818) 383-5404

PERSONALIZED SPANISH TUTORING! South American teacher with university degree. All ages & levels. Learn, improve, get confident for studies & traveling. Experienced w/ children. (310) 741-8422

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

PIANO LESSONS IN YOUR HOME! Children • Adults. Patient, experienced teacher. California Teaching Credential. UCLA Graduate. Call (310) 453-1064

CARPENTRY 16a

FINE WOODWORKING. Carpentry of any kind: decks, gates, doors, bathrooms, kitchen, cabinets. CSL #822541. No project too small. References available. Call Ed at (310) 213-3101

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 36 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pools, decks, patios, foundations, fireplace, drainage control, custom stone, block & brick, tile. Excellent local references. Lic. #309844. Bonded/insured/workmen’s comp. Family owned & operated. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 • www.horusicky.com

CONSTRUCTION 16d

ALAN PINE, GENERAL CONTRACTOR • New homes • Remodeling • Additions • Kitchen & bath planning/architectural services • Insured • Local refs. Lic. #469435. (800) 800-0744 or (818) 203-8881

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. Lic. #775688. 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

GREENHOUSE Handyman & Home Maintenance. Major & Minor Home Repairs/Installations. Green Home Improvements & Retrofits. Termite/Moisture Damage Specialist. (800) 804-8810

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

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITY. Create a realistic 5 figure income/mo. Opportunity and products with no rival. (800) 439-1193

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 message. (310) 994-7155

MAINTENANCE TEAM WANTED. Salary and living quarters. Please call (310) 454-2515 or (310) 633-0461 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

AREA REPS NEEDED for NEW Home Party Co., featuring entertaining, kitchen and décor products. Call for interview, (866) 878-1444

WEEKEND HOUSEKEEPER, also for holidays. References required. (310) 459-8211

P/T AFTER-SCHOOL CARE/homework manager, looking for individual to pick up two boys from school M-F, supervise homework with confidence. Proficiency in English a must. Clean driving record and references essential. Very good pay. (310) 779-0633 • traceallone@hotmail.com

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

1999 BMW 323i. Black, sunroof, 4-door. Original owners, low mileage. Excellent condition. $8,800. Contact Diana, (310) 454-7415

FURNITURE 18c

QUEEN MATTRESS SET, $195. Dinette set, $195, sofa sleeper $395, large screen TV stand, $185. Items never used! Recliner, $275 OBO. (310) 393-2338

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

ESTATE SALE: Pac Pal. 1101 Las Lomas, Fri.-Sat.-Sun., 9/12-14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This sale is filled with vintage collectibles, clocks, radios, lunch boxes, records, small cameras, books, designer briefcases, sewing machine, armoire, baker’s rack, wicker, end tables, bench, accessories, etc. PACIFIC ESTATE SALES

RE-DECORAT. SALE! Beaut furn/furnishgs/great TVs/wash/dry/fridge/hsehold, kitch goods/books/ tools/toys. Clothes/Hi-end & costume jewelry. FRI.-SAT., Sept. 12-13; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 717 Via de la Paz. Photos/details: www.bmdawson.com

MOVING SALE. Sat. 413 Swarthmore Ave. Beginning 9 a.m. Household furnishings, glassware, appliances, TVs, bookshelves, computer, armoire, stove, Queen mattress set, rugs.

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

ADORABLE YORKSHIRE TERRIORS for adoption. They are both AKC registered. They are raised in a beautiful environment. They have full blood line. They are current on their shots and vaccinations and their health condition is perfect. Email kenbruce02@yahoo.com if interested.

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

25 CUBIC FOOT REFRIGERATOR, white Amana side-by-side with dispenser, $350. White GE 30” stove, $125. Oak desk, $175. (310) 459-0765

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

Dolphins Lay It All on the Line

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Tanqueray Towns, Chris Chukwuocha, Bryce Williams and Joe Brandon surround quarterback Conner Preston.
Tanqueray Towns, Chris Chukwuocha, Bryce Williams and Joe Brandon surround quarterback Conner Preston.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Change is in the air at Stadium by the Sea. It may share the same name and wear the same colors, but the Palisades High team that takes the field for tomorrow night’s season opener against Hollywood is not the varsity squad that went 1-9 last fall. “We’re better in all facets of the game,” second-year Head Coach Kelly Loftus said. “The collective intelligence of this team is high and what I like best is that we haven’t had one behavioral issue yet. This is a really dedicated group of young men.” Loftus boldly lobbied to put Palisades in the upper division playoffs of the City Section playoffs’partly to motivate his players and partly because he truly believes the Dolphins can compete at the higher level. “Given where we were last year I’d be satisfied with 5-5 but I think we should be able to win six games and play someone tough in the playoffs,” he said. “I’ll be disappointed if we don’t do that.” Along with that dedication is a roster full of potential’players on both sides of the ball who are eager to prove themselves. Of course, a team can go only as far as its quarterback takes it and the Dolphins figure to go far under sophomore signal-caller Conner Preston, who impressed both his coaches and college scouts at summer camps with his accuracy and poise in the pocket. Preston also demonstrated the ability to grasp a new offense quickly after offensive coordinator Larry Wein resigned for good last week. In fact, he and his receivers got a 20-minute “chalk talk” session in the locker room prior to the Dolphins’ scrimmage against Washington last Thursday. “I thought we did great under the circumstances,” Preston said. “Give us one more week of work and we’re going to be clicking.” Backing up Preston at quarterback is junior Preon Morgan, who will double as a wide receiver and cornerback. “Preon’s a very capable back-up who gives us a little bit of a different look,” Loftus said. “He runs the ball more like a running back.” Not only has Preston been sharp in practice, so too have his receivers’particularly his primary targets, Joe Hyman, Trevon Jimenez, Loren Artis and Tanqueray Towns. Towns, a 5′ 7,’ 140-pound senior, said he and his teammates enjoyed playing at home on Thursday and look forward to giving their fans plenty to cheer about again Friday night. “The intensity Thursday night was higher than at any time last year,” Towns said. “I have a lot of faith in this team. It’s important for us to prove the Palisades of this year is different than the Palisades of last year.” In fact, Towns has even higher expectations than his coach. “We have all the potential in the world,” he said. “There’s not a team on our schedule we can’t beat. I’d be satisfied with 8-2 or 7-3 at the worst.” Towns also praised Palisades’ offensive line, which will be anchored by tackles Bryce Williams and David Arzumanov, guards Juan Climaco and Chris Chukwuocha and center Joe Brandon. Standing 6’2′ and weighing 310 pounds, Williams has improved his conditioning week in and week out. He will give Preston ample time to throw and he’ll open plenty of holes for Palisades’ stable of running backs, led by Khalid Stevens, Bobby Powell and Tyquion Ballard. Wein’s departure so close to the start of the season advanced the players’ learning curve, but Loftus said that could prove beneficial in the long run: “We haven’t abandoned what Larry taught them. Some of what he used we’ll keep. Right now, I think we’ll start with a 60 to 40 run-pass ratio but my goal is to get be about 50-50 by the team league rolls around.” Palisades should score more points than it did last fall, but the real strength of this year’s team could be the defense. Employing a 50 front and using a lot of Cover 3 zone, the Dolphins expect to force a lot of turnovers like they did against Washington when they recovered three fumbles. “The biggest thing I took from that scrimmage is the way our defense flew to the ball and the kids’ overall hunger,” said Loftus, who credited Dominic Hampton with providing stability as defensive coordinator after the resignation of Donnell Williams three weeks ago. “The kids have really responded to him,” Loftus said of Hampton. “Our defense won’t have a lot of wrinkles. We need to work on our tackling but I like the fact that our guys were at least in position to make the tackle.” Palisades was not allowed to work on special teams during last Thursday’s scrimmage, so Loftus devoted much of Friday’s practice to kick coverage. Artis will handle the punting while sophomore Alex Anastacio will most likely handle the placekicking duties. “Alex has been making 35-yard field goals consistently in practice but he needs to be quicker on his approach to the ball,” Loftus said. “He’s also been kicking 45 to 50 percent of his kickoffs into the end zone.” The Dolphins were confident of a turnaround season before they played Washington, but their efforts in that 30-play-per-side scrimmage boosted team morale even more. Though the Generals had an advantage in yards gained and outscored the Dolphins 3-2 (one of their touchdowns was called back on a penalty), Palisades forced more turnovers and was more effective in the red zone, scoring on a 10-yard strike from Preston to Hyman. “That team was rated 15th in the pre-season and we were 23rd out of 23 teams in the playoffs,” Loftus said. “So I’m pleased that we were able to hold our own against them. That team is better than a lot of the teams on our schedule.” Several of Palisades’ future opponents played last Friday night and Loftus and his coaches kept close attention. Western League champion Venice lost at home to San Fernando while Granada Hills’Palisades’ Week 4 opponent’trounced Monroe. “Right now, our focus is on Hollywood,” Bryce Williams insisted. “That’s our first game and I don’t want to look ahead.” Starting with Friday night’s game, the Dolphins open the season with six straight at Stadium by the Sea–in direct contrast to last season when the Dolphins played only one home game. The toughest games figure to be against intersectional opponents Santa Monica and Peninsula, the annual “Charter Bowl” against Granada Hills and their Western League showdown against Venice. Palisades beat Hollywood, 22-2, in last year’s opener’a victory that was later forfeited when it was discovered the Dolphins had used an ineligible player. Frosh/Soph Palisades and Washington each scored two touchdowns during last Thursday’s scrimmage and although “official” statistics were not kept, the Dolphins dictated play for most of the afternoon. Head Coach Rocky Montz and assistants Scott Plested, Al Heath, Chris Hawkes and Ray Mardsen, are working with a talented group of underclassmen, headed by speedy tailback back Solomon Israel.

Festas Make Marks in France

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Rich Festa (left) keeps a watchful eye on his son Tony and Greg Dair at the European Championships off the coast of St. Malo, France.
Rich Festa (left) keeps a watchful eye on his son Tony and Greg Dair at the European Championships off the coast of St. Malo, France.

Palisadian Tony Festa is quick to point out he doesn’t speak French. When it comes to competitive sailing, however, he is fluent in winning and knows the “language of the sea.” That was proven last month when he competed against many of the world’s top sailors. Festa and his crew, consisting of his 14-year-old son Tony and his friend, 16-year-old Greg Dair from the California Yacht Club, were invited to race in St. Malo, France, for the European Championship by Phileas, manufacturer of the Open 570 boat that they race. Phileas helped the American trio, which won the Pacific Coast championship of the USA Open 570 fleet, get a boat to race in the mid-August event and off they went. “After spending a couple of days sightseeing in Paris we rented a car and drove 400 kilometers to St. Malo, where the race took place,” Rich recalled. “On the fourth day we rigged the boat and went out for a practice sail. Thank God we did a test sail because the boat had some major rigging issues which we fixed back at the dock.” St. Malo, a small town rebuilt after the bombings in World War II, is located about 100 kilometers south of Normandy Beach on the west coast of France. Finally, on the fifth day of the trip, Team Festa got to do what it had come to do. The first buoy race started in a calm 8-knot breeze and the first boats around the mark took advantage of the better wind. That group included the Festas, who by day’s end found themselves tied for fifth place out of 28 boats in the international field. “In the first race we got a good, clear start and decided to stay on the right side of the course, which turned out to be the favored side,” Rich recalled. “The wind got light on the downwind leg and we made some good tactical decisions and finished fifth, just a half of a boat length behind the winner. “In the second race of the day, we got a fantastic start and tacked to port immediately where we found plenty of room to maneuver which allowed us to sail fast and beat all but one boat to the windward mark,” Rich continued. “Unfortunately, the current at the mark was extremely strong and we had to make many uncalled for tacks to avoid hitting the mark. The local boats, meanwhile, sailed high and wide of the mark, playing the current perfectly as they passed us. We caught the fleet on the downwind leg and finished a respectable 10th.” The second day of competition was a painful one for Rich and a frustrating one on the waves. The first of four races was going according to plan until a mishap occurred after rounding the first mark. “Tony and Greg set the spinnaker and I jibed immediately only to get hit in the nose accidentally by Greg’s elbow while he was pulling in the spinnaker sheets in the 20-knot winds,” Rich recalled. “With a broken nose and stars spinning around my head I tried to hold it together, but 15 boats passed us.” Team Festa found itself poorly positioned in the second race and finished towards the rear of the fleet. In races 3 and 4 the trio was mid-fleet or better, but too many spots had been lost in the first two races. On the final day of racing, the language barrier proved to be the biggest obstacle for Team Festa. Unbeknownst to Rich, the race committee decided to push up the starting time of the first race because of 30-foot tides. “We realized that the race was starting sooner than we expected and I was quite upset since we were only about three minutes from the starting line,” Rich said. “Tony and Greg calmed me down as we sucked it up and raced, but of course we finished last.” In the eighth and final race, not knowing the lingo once again proved costly for America’s team. “This was a long distance race, not a buoy race, and we had no idea where we were going since the directions were in French,” Rich explained. “We followed the fleet and finished 12th, not bad considering we had no idea where the marks were or where the finish line was!” Two more days of sightseeing followed before Rich and his young crewmates headed back to California. Tony and Greg were the youngest participants in the race. “The French were very friendly and watching their reaction when they saw the USA sail number on our boat was quite amusing,” said Rich, who has vowed to learn French before next year’s race. “That way I can make it to the starting line on time!” (Editor’s note: Rich Festa has been a State Farm agent in the Palisades for over 23 years and is married to former Miss Palisades and lifelong resident Jeanne Elfant Festa.)

Pali Teams Open Seasons

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The Palisades High girls’ tennis and volleyball teams began their respective seasons as City champions. Whether either holds that title in November remains to be seen, but both look to make a statement early. The tennis team, under the leadership of new head coach Sean Passan, traveled north on Pacific Coast Highway to begin its campaign against Malibu on Tuesday in the first round of the Bay Area Classic (result unavailable at press time). “I’m still tinkering with the lineup,” Passan admitted. “I’ll probably change it around depending on who we’re playing.” Palisades returns home Friday, where it will host Marymount in an intersectional match at the Palisades Tennis Center. The Dolphins then head for Manhattan Beach to take on Mira Costa next Monday in the second round of the Bay Area Classic. Meanwhile, the volleyball team, led by 2007 City Coach of the Year Chris Forrest, played Carson in a scrimmage Tuesday and head for Gahr High in Cerritos on Friday and Saturday for the first two rounds of the Gahr tournament. The tournament continues next Monday and Wednesday. “It’s always hard to defend your championship but my outlook is very positive,” Forrest said. “I like what I’ve seen in practice and I think this team will be very good.” The girls golf team began its season Wednesday, taking on LACES, Venice and Narbonne in a 1A League match at Penmar Golf Course.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2008

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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

SPECTACULAR MEDITERRANEAN SANDCASTLE beachfront. 5 bd, 4.5 ba. Channel Islands 1 hr North. $2.995M. Great investment & home. Call (808) 346-4644

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

HIGHLANDS 3+2 HOME: Beautiful panoramic mtn w/ ocean views. Bright, airy, high ceilings, 2 decks, new paint, F/P, tile, ss appls. Lrg pvt clubhouse, olympic pool, tennis, gym, gardener incl. Available 8/25. $4,000/mo. Marty, (310) 459-2692

LOVELY HIGHLANDS TOWNHOME. 2 bd, den, 3 ba, hardwood floors, high ceilings, private garage, mountain views, pool & spa. $3,850/mo.+security. (310) 459-0765

2 BD, 1 BA, LARGE den, breakfast nook, dining room, hardwood and tile floors. 2 fpls, AC. Paid gardener. Available 9/20. Beautiful garden. $3,900/mo. (310) 454-9840

ONE LEVEL SINGLE family home, Palisades Highlands. Remodeled 3 bdrm, 2 bath. Nice private backyard, large community pool, tennis courts, etc. Call Judy, (310) 994-9289, (310) 454-0696

AMAZING WHITEWATER VIEW HOME. Steps to beach. 4 BR, 2½ BA, 3,000 sq ft. Lg LR, DR, family room, frplc, panoramic windows, 2 lg balconies, 2 car garage, 5 min to Santa Monica.
$6,900/mo. www.MalibuCoastline.com • (310) 230-4200

PARADISE! 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. $7,000/mo. Noelle, (310) 457-1522

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

PALISADES 1 BDRM apt, remodeled, clean, gas stove, fridge, near village, one year lease, covered parking with storage, laundry. No pets. Non-smoker. $1,300/mo. (310) 477-6767

SANTA MONICA “Small Country Home”. Montana and 14th Street neighborhood. Uniquely special unit for uniquely special person. Charm, quiet, style and luxury in pristine one bedroom. Living room with high beam ceilings, hardwood floors, woodburning fireplace. Gated and fenced private entry with intercom opens to lovely garden patio. Kitchen w/ stainless appliances and limestone bath. Enclosed garage, no pets, $2,500/mo. (310) 826-7960

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

SUITE IN HOUSE. Separate entrance. Peaceful Highlands setting. Microwave, refrigerator, bathroom, shower. Student preferred. Refs. (310) 459-5046

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

LOCAL FEMALE BANKER in village seeks room in exchange for light domestic duties, cooking, errands. For seniors and children. Excellent local references. Call Tiffany, (310) 454-1287

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

BEAUTIFUL, SINGLE OFFICE available for an individual. Located in the heart of Pacific Palisades. Includes free internet. Ready to move in at $1,250/mo. Call Liz, (310) 230-8335

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 Sept. 1st. Call Vicki, (310) 475-6400

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING in Pacific Palisades village for lease. Lovely and spacious suite available, newly painted, brand new pergo floors, 1,200 square feet conveniently located in the village. Please call (310) 230-6712, x105 for more details.

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

BOOKKEEPER BY THE HOUR • Need help with getting your books in order? Help is near! Call Joanie, (310) 486-1055

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

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

DAYCARE CENTERS 8

PALISADES LEARN AND PLAY. Creative & nurturing Pre-K program. Crafts, music & educational curriculum. Openings for fall, F/T or P/T. (310) 459-0920

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

OUR WONDERFUL NANNY available part time or full time. Starting mid Sept. Light housekeeping, great with kids. Please call Irma direct, (323) 702-5188

GREAT NANNY—SAD DAY. Our nanny of 7 years is available Sept. 1st. Our youngest is off to Kindergarten! Cal. DL, Own car, close to Pac Pal, reliable, honest, loves kids. Call Gretchen or Rick, (310) 456-2142

WONDERFUL NANNY LOOKING for F/T work, M-F, loving, great with kids, newborns. 23 yrs experience. Legal, drives. Call Regan for ref’s, (310) 922-2077, or Rosa, (818) 620-7507

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, CERTIFIED ORGANIZER. Will clean your home sparkling clean and organized. Pet friendly. Will cook, do errands. Excellent refs. (310) 866-0940

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

HOUSECLEANING. Alicia available Thursday or Monday. Cleaning supplies furnished. Call (310) 367-3214

HOUSE CLEANING AVAILABLE. Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Own transportation. Reliable, experienced, honest. Local references. Call Delmy, (323) 363-9492

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER AVAILABLE Monday thru Friday. Honest and reliable. Own car. Please call Olga at (323) 495-2355

HOUSEKEEPER, RELIABLE, EXPERIENCED, references. Own transportation. Speaks English. Available Monday thru Friday. Call (323) 274-7109 cell, (323) 750-4441 home

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@goodcoseniorcare.com

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

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

ALEXANDER DEMOLITION AND HAULING. Haul debris, concrete, dirt, trash. Apts, yard, garage. Residential and commercial. Lic. #911117. Free estimates. (310) 538-4774

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

THE WINDOWS OF OZ. Got view? Extremely detailed interior/exterior glass and screen cleaning. Specializing in high ladder work. 10% new customer discount & next day service available. Owner operated. Free estimates. (310) 926-7626

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

DRIVER/ASSISTANT. 18 years experience. Appointments, school, errands, marketing, doctor appointments. Computers, organizing, bills, pets, children. $20/hr. Resume/references avail. (310) 230-6877

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

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 & Spanish! 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

HSPT/ISEE PREP CLASSES. Central Palisades Location. Small class size. 12 Classes, September start. (310) 459-3239

CREDENTIALED WORKING TEACHER, 30 years experience, Harvard education, master’s degree. Tutor in your home. Reading, writing, English, history. K-12. Reasonable rates. Call Robert, (310) 573-4163

SUPER TEACHER/CONSULTANT. Proven techniques improve ADD, ADHD, confidence. Grades K-9. Experienced, successful, references. Call Alexis now for an appointment, (818) 383-5404

MUSIC LESSONS & INSTRUCTION 15h

PIANO LESSONS IN YOUR HOME! Children • Adults. Patient, experienced teacher. California Teaching Credential. UCLA Graduate. Call (310) 453-1064

CARPENTRY 16a

FINE WOODWORKING. Carpentry of any kind: decks, gates, doors, bathrooms, kitchen, cabinets. CSL #822541. No project too small. References available. Call Ed at (310) 213-3101

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 36 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pools, decks, patios, foundations, fireplace, drainage control, custom stone, block & brick, tile. Excellent local references. Lic. #309844. Bonded/insured/workmen’s comp. Family owned & operated. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 • www.horusicky.com

CONSTRUCTION 16d

ALAN PINE, GENERAL CONTRACTOR • New homes • Remodeling • Additions • Kitchen & bath planning/architectural services • Insured • Local refs. Lic. #469435. (800) 800-0744 or (818) 203-8881

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. Lic. #775688. 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

GREENHOUSE Handyman & Home Maintenance. Major & Minor Home Repairs/Installations. Green Home Improvements & Retrofits. Termite/Moisture Damage Specialist. (800) 804-8810

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

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITY. Create a realistic 5 figure income/mo. Opportunity and products with no rival. (800) 439-1193

CUSTOMER SERVICE F/T for WLA manufacturer. Good communication skills, CS & general office experience needed. Pleasant office. Benefits. E-mail resume: hr@bennye.com, or fax: (310) 839-1939

LIVE-IN NANNY needed for a long term position with loving family. Must speak English, drive and have experience and references. Please leave message, (310) 994-7155

CHROME HEARTS, MALIBU, is looking for experienced professional retail SALES MANAGERS, SALES PEOPLE and CASHIERS with long-term contacts/relationships in the Malibu area. If you are: a self-starter, a hard-worker, an experienced sales manager, sales professional and/or cashier, organized, detail-oriented, passionate about high-end luxury goods, especially jewelry, dedicated, committed, loyal and trustworthy, then we have a career for you. We require at least three years high-end retail experience in the Malibu area and we prefer a high school diploma. Serious candidates only. Please email your resume and a cover letter to: mitraf@maxfieldla.com. No phone calls, please.

MAINTENANCE TEAM WANTED. Salary and living quarters. Please call (310) 454-2515 or (310) 633-0461 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

AUTOS 18b

MERCEDES-BENZ CLK 320 COUPE. Silver with charcoal grey interior. 55,000 + miles. Excellent condition inside and out and under the hood. $12,000. Call for appointment (323) 461-5328

1999 FORD F250 Super Duty V10 Supercab Longbed, black w/ lumber rack & Weatherguard tool box. Great work truck! $6,500 OBO. (310) 576-0622

1999 BMW 323i. Black, sunroof, 4-door. Original owners, low mileage. Excellent condition. $8,800. Contact Diana, (310) 454-7415

FURNITURE 18c

BEAUTIFUL HACIENDA STYLE mesquite wood dining set. 4’ x 8’ table. Carved edges. Iron base. 8 oversized tan buckskin leather chairs. Paid $6,700. Best offer. (310) 454-2164

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

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ADORABLE YORKSHIRE TERRIORS for adoption. They are both AKC registered. They are raised in a beautiful environment. They have full blood line. They are current on their shots and vaccinations and their health condition is perfect. Email kenbruce02@yahoo.com if interested.

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Journey Down the Los Angeles River

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In order to prove to the Army Corps of Engineers that the L.A. River is navigable, a group of kayakers (including Palisadian Jeffrey Tipton) paddle near the Hyperion Bridge, located near Silver Lake. Photo: Tom Andrews
In order to prove to the Army Corps of Engineers that the L.A. River is navigable, a group of kayakers (including Palisadian Jeffrey Tipton) paddle near the Hyperion Bridge, located near Silver Lake. Photo: Tom Andrews

If you’ve never kayaked before, you wouldn’t start by going down the Los Angeles River, a stream that travels along a mostly cemented riverbed. But Palisadian Dr. Jeffrey Tipton was a willing participant this July when he joined a 12-person group that wanted to convince the Army Corps of Engineers that the L.A. River is a navigable waterway and thus deserves protection under the Clean Water Act. The river’s fate was suddenly at stake this spring when it lost its federal designation as navigable, according to Fran Diamond, chairman of the L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board. She told the Palisadian-Post that a rancher wanted to fill in a dry creek bed in the Santa Susana Mountains north of Chatsworth in order to develop property (Those mountains are part of the watershed for the L.A. River). After the rancher argued that the river itself was a dry streambed, the Army Corps reviewed the stream and determined that less than four miles was navigable and removed its classification on June 4. While the classification might seem unimportant for a cemented urban riverbed, a 2006 U.S. Supreme Court ruling stated that the Clean Water Act’s protections against pollution apply to a stream or wetland only if it had a ‘significant nexus’ with ‘traditional navigable waters.’ Congressional representatives, state legislators, environmental groups and citizens such as Tipton were outraged at the Army Corps decision. ‘It is a critical issue,’ said Tipton, who is also the director of student health services at Cal State L.A. and owner of the Palisades Integrative Medical Clinic in the Pharmaca building. ‘The Army Corps was looking at the L.A. River as an ephemeral river, one that comes and goes, as more of a storm channel,’ said Tipton, who noted that taking away the designation would eliminate control of the pollutants added to the water. ‘How could they turn our river into a sewer?’ He asked. ‘It’s a living thing.’ Tipton initially became interested in the waterway last year after taking a tour of the river with his family (wife Evelyn Wendel and children, Miles, 11, and Maude, 8) led by environmental writer Jenny Price, the author of ‘Thirteen Ways of Seeing Nature in Los Angeles.’ A week later, Tipton, Wendel, and a friend, George Wolf, shot a short film about a frustrated commuter who hops out of his car and kayaks to work. The humorous video, ‘George’s L.A. River Commute,’ can be found on YouTube. Fast forward to this July when Tipton and his 12-member group began kayaking the entire 52-mile length of the L.A. River from Canoga Park to Long Beach during the dry season. Although people are not allowed to kayak, wade or play in the river, the group received permission because they had a film permit. With kayaks donated from Sports Chalet, they began their two-and a-half day journey on July 25 in the San Fernando Valley. They followed the river’s course as it moves toward the Sepulveda Dam Recreational Area, then turned east toward Burbank and Glendale, taking a turn south through Vernon, Commerce, Maywood, Bell, Bell Garden, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Paramount, Carson, and ending in Long Beach, where the river ‘flows’ into the Pacific Ocean. Although he was a rookie kayaker, Tipton was one of only three who paddled the entire length of the river As he kayaked, Tipton was amazed by the landscape surrounding the waterway. ‘It was like a mini-jungle with birds and trees, in sections along Encino and Glendale,’ he said. ‘We saw people fishing at Atwater Village near Los Feliz. For six or seven miles there is no concrete on the bottom of the river. There are even artesian wells underground.’ Further down the stream, Tipton saw a naked homeless man shaving in the river. ‘Do you have a permit to be in the river?’ the homeless man asked Tipton. ‘Do you have a permit to be naked?’ Tipton replied. When the man admitted he didn’t, Tipton said, ‘Then let’s call it a draw.’ The kayakers drove home each night and returned to the river in the morning. On the second day, police helicopters circled the group and officers told the kayakers to get out of the water. But pedestrians on the bridge overhead shouted for them to stay in. Police showed up on the edge of the river, but once they learned that the paddlers had a permit, they let them continue the journey. ‘I’ve discovered that if you say you have a film permit, the police will let you do almost anything,’ Tipton joked. He admitted that the final day was grueling. ‘It was physically challenging. The river was fast flowing and I had to do a lot of paddling.’ To add to his problems, his kayak had sprung a leak. ‘I did tip over once and got a mouth and nose full of water. . .yuck,’ he said. The group’s journey was covered by the media and, on August 19, the Los Angeles Times reported that ‘the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] told the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that it is stepping into an obscure debate over whether the river and its tributary streams are ‘traditional navigable waters.’ ”It’s important for us to protect urban rivers and waterways around the country,’ said Benjamin H. Grumbles, an EPA assistant administrator for water (who was quoted in the article). ‘We are stepping up to ensure that the Clean Water Act tools are applied consistently and fairly and we all work together to protect the L.A. River.” Tipton believes that his group’s river trip helped push the EPA in the right direction. ‘Essentially, this whole thing boils down to who has the right to protect, clean and use the river,’ he said. ‘We decided that we, the people, have the right.’ Last Thursday, Tipton, who is bilingual and has a master’s degree from UCLA in public health, was on Channel 34, explaining in Spanish the importance of keeping the Los Angeles River under the Clean Water Act. ‘I’m happy that the EPA is going to look at the navigability,’ Fran Diamond said. ‘We can reclaim the L.A. River as an important resource for the community; a place where people can recreate and a habitat is restored. ‘There is a concerted effort to remove as much concrete as we can, while maintaining safety by preventing flooding,’ she continued. ‘One of the ways we can make this city livable is with the L.A. River, recreating it with green space and make it the resource that it once was.’ A 284-page Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan was completed in 2007 and suggests ways that this can be accomplished. The plan would include establishing community parks, riparian habitats and promenades with overlooks. ‘I was struck by the possibility that the river could actually become a regular river again,’ Tipton said. ‘I was also thinking how great it would be for Angelenos to reclaim the 52 miles of river as a greenbelt. We have more than enough concrete in LA; it’s time for us to green things up a bit.’   Friends of the L.A. River conducts bus tours along the river twice a year and car caravans four times a year. A car-caravan tour is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be led by Jenny Price. Youth under 18 are free and dogs are welcome. Spaces are limited and advance sign-up is required. Contact Ramona at mail@folar.org or (323)223-0585. Customized tours are also available. Visit www.folar.org.

Daytime’s Reigning ‘Don’

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Actor Don Diamont Balances ‘Young and the Restless’ with His Real-Life Role as Palisadian Dad

Actor Don Diamont (center) and his family at their Santa Monica Canyon home. Left to right, standing: Alexander, Sasha and wife Cindy Ambuehl. Seated: Davis, Anton and Luca. Not pictured: Lauren and Drew.
Actor Don Diamont (center) and his family at their Santa Monica Canyon home. Left to right, standing: Alexander, Sasha and wife Cindy Ambuehl. Seated: Davis, Anton and Luca. Not pictured: Lauren and Drew.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

He’s just your average Palisadian dad. He picks up his kids from school, listens to Elvis, and shops at Target. He also happens to be a Hollywood heartthrob adored by millions of female viewers nationwide who watch him daily and religiously on CBS. Okay, perhaps Don Diamont is not your average Palisadian after all. But aside from his handsomer-than-average looks, you’d never mistake this unpretentious 45-year-0ld for the Hollywood actor stereotype. If any soap opera deserves this town’s rooting interest, it’s ‘The Young and the Restless.’ After all, the Palisades is well represented not only by Diamont (as the ethically suspect Brad Carlton) but co-stars Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) and Joshua Morrow (Nicholas Newman), who both live here. A 23-year ‘Young and the Restless’ veteran, Diamont says that he still loves working on the show, especially since it affords so many story twists and license to test a thespian’s range. For example, something major in Brad Carlton’s character arc occurred on the July 28, 2006 episode, when it was revealed that Carlton was, in fact'[gasp!]… Jewish! Turns out that Carlton’s real name was George Kaplan, and his mother was an Italian Jew forced into hiding after cataloguing looted Nazi art. Post-war, she immigrated to the United States, started a new family, and became a hunter of stolen works. That’s when her adversaries bludgeoned her family to death, except for herself and George, who managed to go into hiding. The back story was not only a shocker to Brad Carlton, but to the actor who had played him for two decades. ‘I came across the part [in the script] that revealed Brad’s real name is George Kaplan,’ Diamont tells the Palisadian-Post. ‘I said, ‘Hmm. George Kaplan.’ I called Lynn [Latham, then-head writer] and asked her, ‘Is he really Jewish?’ She wanted to have a Jewish family in daytime. I was the first real Jewish male lead in daytime. I said, ‘Let’s do it!’ It’s out of the box and I totally embraced it.’ The identity twist was doable for two reasons: as scripted, Carlton had always been something of an enigma’and in real life, Diamont himself is Jewish. ‘There was a 20-year history of mystery of Brad’s past,’ he says. ‘Nobody knew anything about him. Nothing.’ In 2006, Latham told a reporter her reasons for making Carlton Jewish. ‘I have always preferred to write for an ethnically and racially mixed cast that represents most religions. That’s the world … most of us live in.’ So how did the soap’s attentive following react? ‘Fans were very supportive,’ Diamont says. ‘The ratings were higher than they were for a while.’ An understatement, given that ‘Young and the Restless,’ while celebrating its 35th anniversary in March, broke industry records by topping the ratings for the 1,000th consecutive week, averaging 5.79 million viewers daily and outperforming various prime-time shows. As Variety put it, ‘The CBS daytime drama that has been on top since the final weeks of the Reagan administration.’ ‘We’ve been number one for 17 years,’ Diamont says, although with a caveat: ‘There’s definitely an attrition going on. You have the Internet, 500 TV channels ‘ it’s ever more of a challenge.’ And after 23 years, isn’t playing the same character a challenge in itself? ‘A lot of that comes from the writers and the stories that they come up with,’ he counters. ‘They keep you enthralled.’ Diamont brings personal history to the character’s identity change. Like Carlton, he downplayed his Jewishness while growing up because of some bullying he encountered as a teen. Although Diamont excelled at basketball and football while attending Brentwood School, his negative experiences had a cumulative effect, and when he began to pursue his acting career, Diamont adopted his mother’s less ostensibly Jewish maiden name over his surname (Feinberg). Raised secular, ‘I didn’t know who I was, or why I should have pride in who I was,’ he told a reporter in 2006. ‘Part of me was ashamed because I had been shamed … I wanted to hide.’ Thankfully, today’s climate is more multicultural, and Diamont can take pride in his ethnicity, as do fellow Palisadian mensches Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow and Steven Spielberg. Several deaths in the Diamont family unit helped the actor make peace with his heritage. He learned that his mother’s cousin had been injected with gasoline at Auschwitz. Dying of cancer in 1987, Diamont’s father lamented raising his children without a cultural identity. When Diamont’s brother, Jack, was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years later, the siblings decided on a joint bar mitzvah. Only Diamont made it to Stephen S. Wise Temple’s bima, from which he paid tribute to his late sibling. More recently, Diamont’s sister, Bette, succumbed to cardiac arrest, and his mother died of emphysema in 2006. Diamont struggled to work. ‘It is ironic that as my mother passed, my TV mother has just been introduced on the show,’ he said at the time. No doubt, millions of women would like to bed down bad boy Brad Carlton, but his real-life doppelganger is spoken for. Diamont’s wife is Cindy Ambuehl, 43, who starred as Renee Peterson on the long-running primetime series ‘JAG,’ also on CBS. Rounding out the Diamont-Ambuehl nest in Santa Monica Canyon are the couple’s twin boys, Anton and Davis, 5; and Diamont’s children from a previous relationship, Lauren, 19, Sasha, 16, Alexander, 13, and Luca, 7. Diamont’s Tulane-bound nephew, 19, the son of the actor’s late sister, also lives with them. Ambuehl, who has a front-row seat to the fanfare Diamont receives from viewers, explains how fan reaction vacillates, depending on what’s happening in Brad Carlton’s world. ‘Sometimes it’s, ‘Oh, Brad, we love you,” she says. ‘Other times, ‘Brad, we’re so mad at you.’ The fans are always flipping out when they see him. Whether it’s at the beach or at the mall, he is so gracious. He never ceases to amaze me. [Recently], he hosted nine fans on the set. Donald truly appreciates his fans.’ Continues Diamont’s number-one fan, ‘He’s Jerry Lewis in an Elvis Presley body. He’s very funny and goofy.’ Diamont and family love the Palisades. ‘When we were looking for a home, it was our desire to live in near the water and in a healthy, relaxed environment,’ Diamont says. ‘What better place than the Palisades? You’re in a metropolitan city, but you feel completely removed from that in this beach community.’ Outside of his day gig, Diamont posed for Playgirl and landed in People’s ’50 Most Beautiful People’ issue. His movie credits include ‘Anger Management’ starring Sandler, and ‘A Low Down Dirty Shame.’ But features are not priority, as Diamont has a more important commitment pending: football season. Alexander, who practices at Palisades High, will quarterback the Westside Bruins in the Valley Conference, and dad wants to be there, watching from the stands. ‘What brings me my greatest joy is my family,’ Diamont says.

‘Rainbow Bar & Grille’ to Open

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“Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grille,” directed by Mike Macready (pictured), begins Friday at Pierson Playhouse. Macready has lived in Pacific Palisades since 1948.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Tomorrow night, director Mike Macready once again returns to the Pierson Playhouse with a production that promises to kick off the new Theatre Palisades season on an unpredictable note. Produced by Cindy Dellinger, ‘Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grille,’ by playwright Bruce Graham, is a black comedy set in a bar in rural Pennsylvania on what may be the last day of life on earth as we know it, until a mysterious visitor arrives on the scene and offers new hope to some of the townsfolk. The cast includes Quinn Gonzales, Lewis Hauser, Palisadian George Lissandrello, Mary Dryden, Kimshelley Garner and Macready, all of whom have appeared in previous Theatre Palisades’ productions. Stephen Knight will make his Theatre Palisades debut. Dellinger has produced plays at Theatre Palisades since 1999, and ‘Early’ will mark the 10th show she has produced or co-produced with Macready, who lives in Santa Monica Canyon.   ’Our first collaboration together was ‘Bus Stop,” Macready recalls. ‘That came off very well. She is somebody who is a detail person and helps support me. We work in concert together nicely. We’re at the point where we have to say very little. It’s worked out very well.’ Macready last directed ‘Fatal Attraction’ for Theatre Palisades two years ago, and he has also helmed productions of ‘The Dining Room’ and Steve Martin’s ‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’ over the last two decades. ‘I love working with this theater because I love how intimate it’s set up,’ says Macready, who has also directed productions at the Long Beach Playhouse and Burbank’s Little Theatre. ‘Rainbow Bar and Grille’ was selected from about 30 plays considered for this year’s five productions, with musicals usually slotted for summer and heavier fare for fall and winter. ‘We have a play-reading committee of 8 to 10 people,’ Macready says. ”Rainbow’ looked like a fresh piece of material, with a nice earthy appeal. It’s a difficult show to do because the author doesn’t tell you that it’s a comedy. I call it a black comedy. There’s a message in there about our lovely planet and what we’re doing to it.’ The deadpan nature of ‘Rainbow Bar and Grille’ produced some challenges for its director. ‘There are a couple of very long scenes,’ Macready explains. ‘The traps of the play are making it too serious. If you can couch the message in humor, the characters are very, very rich and funny, and you make it more palatable for the audience.’ Beyond the above-the-line talent, ‘Rainbow Bar’ intends to deliver a quality production. Sherman Wayne, a recent multiple-winner of the Theatre Palisades Awards (he was director and set designer of ‘Noises Off’), has designed the set. Other credits include costume designs by Sherry Coon, lighting design by Andy Frew, sound design by Bill Prachar, props by Dennis Owens and graphic design by Joanne Reich. The show will be stage managed by Karin Huebner. ‘Rainbow Bar and Grille’ debuted at the Harold Prince Theatre at the University of Pennsylvania under the auspices of the Philadelphia Festival Theater on December 2, 1986. Originally directed by Gloria Muzio, the production subsequently opened about a year later at the WPA Theatre in New York. The play has not been mounted often since. Having never seen a staging of it, Macready is working blind with his interpretation of the material, which the director sees as a big plus: ‘What’s interesting is it’s not done much, so you can make it your own.’ ‘Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grille’ shows at the Pierson Playhouse (corner of Haverford Avenue and Temescal Canyon Road) on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through October 12. Tickets: call (310) 454-1970 or visit www.theatrepalisades.com.

Local Vassar Graduate Joins Teach For America Program

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Kathryn Madden
Kathryn Madden

This year, 386 college graduates will carry out the mission of Teach For America’s Los Angeles chapter to equalize the educational playing field for inner-city schools. One of those teachers will be a Palisadian: Kathryn Madden, 22, who graduated in May from Vassar College. The dearth of Teach For America instructors in this region only underscores how important Madden’s role is. The art history major tells the Palisadian-Post, ‘I’ve always been interested in education. I took a class at Vassar about contemporary issues in education and was shocked to hear the problems in our educational system. ‘Teaching has always been in the back of my mind,’ she continues. ‘I was planning on either getting my master’s or working in a museum before this came into my life.’ So Madden made a two-year commitment to teach under TFA’s auspices. It was an easy decision for her to make. Like so many people, Madden is unhappy with the achievement gap in our country’s public schools, where income brackets and race can divide a gifted child from a good education. ‘Basically,’ she says bluntly, ‘your zip code can determine the quality of education you receive, especially in L.A.’ Teach For America recruits college graduates to instruct children in America’s urban and rural areas with the goal of closing the widening achievement gap among students in deprived areas. Since its inception in 1990, the program has nurtured more than 17,000 teachers. Currently, about 5,000 TFA members teach in 26 areas in dire need of assistance. This year, three new communities”Kansas City, Indianapolis and Jacksonville”were added. Madden, whose family moved to the Palisades from Bel-Air in the fall of 2000, attended St. Matthew’s School and Marymount High School. As her Vassar experience wound down, she applied for TFA and entered an admissions process she dubs ‘very vigorous,’ which included an online application, phone interviews, and an all-day interview process at TFA’s New York City office. ‘They’re looking for people with leadership experience and comittment to closing the gap and solving this problem,’ says Madden, who volunteered for various nonprofit organizations throughout high school and, during her college years, worked as the assistant editor of the yearbook and as a docent at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center. She also interned at the Santa Monica Museum of Art. To ready herself for her first year, she took part in TFA’s five-week training session in July and August.   That experience consisted of living with her TFA peers at Loyola Marymount and ‘getting bussed to our school sites, then teaching until 1 p.m.’ at Animo Leadership Charter High School in Inglewood. This baptism by fire required Madden to jump into a routine that included rising at 5:30 a.m. each day, planning lessons, and meeting with teachers. ‘They kind of threw us in there but we had much support,’ Madden says. ‘We got observed every day, we met with advisers. That said, I still have a lot to learn and I’m excited to learn from veteran teachers.’ Observing TFA members really inspired her, Madden says, as she witnessed ‘how the kids responded to the young people coming in with such energy.’ Contrary to impressions, TFA is not a volunteer organization. Madden will receive a salary, plus a $5,000 bonus from the program: ‘I am paid through inner-city schools ‘ LAUSD or the charter school. The grant goes to getting my master’s in urban education and my teaching credentials.’ Come September 8, Madden looks forward to teaching 10th grade English at Frederick Douglass Academy High School, a new charter school near USC. ‘We only have up to the 11th grade right now,’ she says of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard site, where she’ll teach predominantly African-American teens hailing from areas such as Watts and Culver City. Madden will apply all of her two-year commitment toward working at Frederick Douglass: ‘I’m planning on staying even longer,’ she says. ‘Actually, two-thirds of Teach For America alumni remain in the teaching field.’ Madden harbors no illusions. She knows her work is cut out for her. ‘I’ve talked to second-year corps members. The [State of California’s school] budget cuts are causing a lot of anxiety. It’s a mess of a system and there needs to be some sort of systemic change. I went to St. Matthew’s, which was a great school and to see the [contrast] is really frightening.’ Nevertheless, Madden cannot wait to get started. ‘I never questioned my commitment to the cause at all, but meeting my students [this summer] gave me the drive to continue teaching perhaps for the rest of my life. It was inspiring to meet my students and hear their stories.’ The budding teacher highly recommends that prospective educators take part in TFA and make a firsthand difference in closing the academic gap at hard-pressed schools. ‘I’ve never worked harder, I’ve never been more tired, but I’ve never been happier,’ she says of her training sessions. Now comes the real work. For information on Teach For America, visit www.teachforamerica.org.

Wachovia Bank Opens Today on Sunset

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Employees at the new Wachovia Financial Center on Sunset are ready to greet customers and visitors when the bank opens today.
Employees at the new Wachovia Financial Center on Sunset are ready to greet customers and visitors when the bank opens today.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Wachovia Corporation will open its 34th financial center in Los Angeles County today when the doors open at its 5,000-sq.-ft. location on Sunset Boulevard, between Swarthmore and La Cruz. This means that eight banks are now vying for customers in the heart of the Pacific Palisades business district, but Linda Russell, Wachovia’s retail bank director for L.A. County, was optimistic during a preview tour on Tuesday. ‘I’m absolutely confident that there’s enough money to go around,’ said Russell, when queried by the Palisadian-Post, ‘and when people come in, they will realize we offer something different,’ in terms of Wachovia’s company-wide emphasis on customer service and its full spectrum of financial services. ‘I think it’s good for people to have opportunities and choices in their banking,’ said Russell, a 25-year veteran in the industry. As an introductory inducement for new checking accounts, Wachovia will put $75 in the customer’s account once it has been activated by writing a check. Customers also receive $25 for referring a new account, as does the new account holder. The new Wachovia center will have two financial specialists, Hector Cedillos and Yaniv Shimoni,who are ready to assist customers with their banking and financial-planning questions. This include free guidance for individuals and families in a private setting, ‘where we look at where you are financially, where you want to go and how to bridge that gap,’ said branch manager Jovon English. The center (which replaces the former Coldwell Banker office) will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. There are ATM machines inside the entrance lobby, and more than 50 offsite ATMS in the state as Wachovia builds a network beyond its 179 financial centers. Wachovia, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, conducted extensive research before developing its financial center prototype for the West Coast. Unique features of new centers include public restrooms and offices where customers can conduct their financial business in private. In addition, as part of its commitment to preserving the environment, Wachovia is using ‘green’ building practices to reduce impact. Some features include:   ’ Clearstories above vision glass to reflect daylight into the lobby and workspaces. ‘ High standards for air quality; building techniques that prevent tobacco smoke from getting inside. ‘ Preferred parking for low emitting, fuel-efficient cars. ‘ Building materials made of recycled content. ‘ Low flow fixtures that use 44 percent less water than standard fixtures.   ’ A cleaning staff that uses ‘green’ cleaning products.   The waiting area of the new Wachovia features paintings by two members of the Pacific Palisades Art Association, Esther Pearlman and Anne Schwartz. Other artists will be featured quarterly as part of the Association’s latest program, ‘Art in Our Community,’ which places fine art with merchants throughout the Palisades. Russell pointed out that for each of the past seven years, customers have ranked Wachovia No. 1 in customer satisfaction on the American Customer Satisfaction Index, the nation’s most prestigious independent survey of customer service. In addition, J.D. Power and Associates ranked Wachovia No. 1 for customer satisfaction in home equity and mortgage lending. ‘Pacific Palisades represents an extremely attractive market for Wachovia,’ Russell said in a press release. ‘We are already receiving an enthusiastic response from residents who know that Wachovia is passionate about strengthening the neighborhoods we serve through employee volunteerism, philanthropy and community development.’ Wachovia now employs nearly 1,500 people in Los Angeles County and more than 9,000 people statewide. The company gives all of its employees four paid hours per month’or six paid days a year’to volunteer for the causes they care about. In 2007 in California, Wachovia: ‘ Contributed more than $11.4 million to charitable organizations through company and foundation giving. ‘ Provided more than $8.9 billion in community development loans and investments to revitalize neighborhoods. ‘ Logged nearly 26,000 hours of employee volunteer community service.   ’Our customer and our community service is how we’re measured as employees’internally, within the company,’ said Russell. ‘This is our first and foremost measurement.’

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