The historic Villa de Leon, a landmark estate perched on the bluffs of Castellammare (left), is often misidentified by newspapers and magazines outside of Pacific Palisades as the Getty Villa, which is actually the museum complex tucked away in the adjacent canyon. The Villa de Leon was designed in 1926 by renowned architect Kenneth MacDonald and took entrepreneur and wool magnet Leon Kauffman more than five years to build. “This is one of the jewels of the Palisades and it just could never be duplicated today,” said Prudential California realtor Randy Freeman when the Italianate mansion went on the market in August 2005. Listed as 12,000-plus square feet with more than 35 rooms, including nine bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, the asking price was $14,995,000. The Villa eventually sold for $10 million in 2007, and was subsequently remodeled to serve as a venue for parties, movies, photography, weddings and leasing. The Villa eventually sold for $10 million in 2007.
Patricia Traxler, 88; Longtime Palisadian Was Married 63 Years
Patricia K. Traxler, who had lived in Pacific Palisades for 60 years, died August 1 at UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital after a brief illness. She was 88.’ Born in Kansas on April 4, 1920, Patricia graduated from high school in 1938 and went to work for Boeing. She worked as an electrical wire inspector at the B-29 plant in Wichita until World War II broke out, then joined the U.S. Navy and worked as a postal worker stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco. It was there that she met her future husband Douglas, who was also in the Navy working aboard a training ship. The couple enjoyed a short courtship before driving to Reno to get married on a three-day pass. After the war, Douglas, a petroleum geologist, returned to UCLA for a master’s degree and later began his career at Signal Oil and Gas. The couple rented a house in Beverly Glen and became parents. In 1948, they built their home on Friends Street and moved in a year later. Patricia was a homemaker who loved to cook and a member of the Junior Women’s Club. In addition to her husband of 63 years, Patricia is survived by her daughter, Saundra Dolbee of Santa Monica. A graveside service will be held. Please call Gates, Kingsley & Gates for more information at (310) 395-9988. Contributions may be made in Patricia’s name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3300 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson AZ 85718.
John Mario Benassi, 59; Attorney
John Mario Benassi, a former resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away suddenly on August 2. He was 59. Born September 21, 1948 and raised in the village of Roccapella, Italy, John immigrated with his family to Illinois in 1959. He attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a B.S. in engineering, and he graduated from George Washington University School of Law in 1974.’ After establishing his career in Los Angeles, John moved with his family to Rancho Santa Fe in 1995. John practiced emerging company counseling and intellectual property litigation for 31 years.’ He earned a well-deserved reputation as a go-to IP litigator, representing clients in both state and federal trials and appeals courts in technologies ranging from Internet commerce and semiconductors to medical devices and biotechnology.’ He loved the excitement of developing new businesses and was revered as a mentor by many.’ John loved his family above all.’ Whether watching his sons’ sports, spending time with his wife Marian and the boys at home, or savoring the joys of their garden, he made an indelible mark in their hearts and their lives. John was an expert in various forms of martial arts. He loved to bike and windsurf, and enjoyed all sports with his wife and’sons. Proud to be an American, John was also immensely proud of his Italian heritage and brought his family back to his childhood village every summer.’ In the Palisades, where they lived from 1988 to 1995, the Benassis were members of Corpus Christi Church and part of the original group of Las Casas/Grenola-loop families who began a baby group in 1990 that blossomed into a community of friends. John is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 20 years, Marian Roach Benassi; his sons Christopher (17) and Maximilian (16); his parents Louis and Josephine Benassi; his brothers Gregory Benassi and Anthony Benassi; and many loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends. John shared with everyone his love of life and his enthusiasm for learning. A funeral mass will be held at The Church of the Nativity, 6309 El Apajo Rd., Rancho Santa Fe, on Friday, August 8, at 10 a.m.’ The family requests that donations be made to The John Benassi Memorial Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 2016, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 or to Kids Korps USA (65 Santa Helena, Suite 130-A, Solana Beach, CA 92075).
Thursday, August 7-Thursday, August 14
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
Family Fun Night, sponsored by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, 7 p.m. at the new Rubell Meadow in Temescal Gateway Park (follow the signs inside the park). The free program includes nature stories, songs and a campfire (weather permitting) with marshmallows. Open to all. ‘Dainty Mabel & the Spiteful Child from Saskatoon,’ a Theatre Palisades Youth production, continues at the’Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd., tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.’Tickets ($12) are available by calling (310) 454-1970. Co-written and directed’by Palisadian Nancy Cassaro Fracchiolla, this original family-friendly’musical melodrama is’best described as ‘The Little Rascals’ meets ‘A Fractured Fairy Tale.’ Pacific Palisades resident Gene Harrison Starbuck discusses and signs ‘Cutler’s Gate,’ his Colorado-based novel about the 1918 flu epidemic that killed more Americans than all the wars of the 20th century combined, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
Second week of Movies in the Park, an every-Saturday-in August event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce event, features ‘Ghostbusters,’ starting at dusk (about 8:15 p.m.) on the Field of Dreams at the Palisades Recreation Center. Admission is free.
MONDAY, AUGUST 11
Moonday, a monthly Westside poetry reading featuring poets Annie Reiner and Carolyn Howard-Johnson, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12
Story-Craft Time, suggested for ages 4 and up, 4 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Final summer outing by the Temescal Canyon Association hiking group will explore the now-upscale Venice canals, with the option of dinner at one of many nearby restaurants. Meet for carpooling at 6 p.m. in the Temescal Gateway parking lot just north of Sunset. No dogs. Expect to be back close to 9 p.m. Contacts: visit temcanyon.org or call (310) 459-5931.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
Monthly meeting of the Palisades AARP chapter, 2 p.m. in the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Public invited.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
Meg Waite Clayton discusses and signs her novel, ‘Wednesday Sisters,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Humorous and moving, this novel’set in California during the tumultuous 1960s’earns a place among those popular works that honor the joyful, mysterious, unbreakable bonds among friends.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 7, 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
HOMES WANTED 1b
WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887
FURNISHED HOMES 2
FULLY FURNISHED, CHARMING & quiet 1 bdrm, 1 ba cottage. FP, walking distance to village & bluffs. Short term available. $2,500/mo.+security. (310) 459-0765
CHARMING FURNISHED 3 BDRM, 1¾ ba home, hardwood floors, F/P, walk to Village and bluffs. No pets. Short term available. $5,000/mo.+security.(310) 459-0765
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, included. Lrg pvt clubhouse, olympic pool, tennis, gym, gardener incl. Available 8/15. $4,200/mo. Marty, (310) 459-2692
3 BDRM, 1 BA. $3,600/mo., utils incl. 2 car pking, close to village, schools, shops & beach. Pets OK. Appliances, W/D, D/W, refridg. By appt. only. Eric, (310) 428-3364
PASEO MIRAMAR. Spectacular views! 3 BD, 2½ BA, 2 car garage, charming whitewashed ranch house. Deck, pool, gardener, fruit trees. $6,800/mo. Available now. (310) 459-7819
ATTRACTIVE 3 bdrm, 1.75 ba plus bonus room. El Medio bluffs area. Lrg mstr bdrm, fireplace, all appliances. Corner home with mountain view. Gardener included. Available approximately 8/20/08. $4,500/mo. Call (310) 454-1669
FAMILY COMING INTO TOWN and you want them close to you without the hassle of a hotel? Rent this Great house in the Palisades, walking distance to village. 3 bedroom plus loft, $250 a night from 8/19/08 to 9/1/08. Please call (310) 592-6289
LOVELY HIGHLANDS TOWNHOME. 2 bd, den, 3 ba, hardwood floors, high ceilings, private garage, mountain views, full spa. $3,850/mo.+security. (310) 459-0765
VIEW TO ZUMA BEACH 3+2.5 home, Castellammare. Indoor/outdoor lifestyle. $7,500/mo. Call Lynne, (310) 614-3106
OPEN SUN., 2-5 P.M. 680 Bienveneda Ave. (S of Sunset). 3+2 cozy beach bungalow, recently renovated, w/ hwd flrs, fplc, Fr drs, plantation shutters, stainls applncs, Waterworks fixtures, 43” flat scrn w/ Bose surround sound speakers, & yard w/ al fresco dining patio. $1,549,000. www.marcrobinsonrealestate.com
UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
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. Ref’s. 6 mo. Lease. $1,890/mo. w/ dep. (310) 454-3806
PALISADES 1 BDRM apt, remodeled, quiet, clean, gas stove, fridge, near village, one year lease, covered parking with storage, laundry. No pets. Non-smoker. $1,320/mo. (310) 477-6767
STUDIO GUEST HOUSE, Pacific Palisades. Bathroom, kitchenette, new carpet, walk to village and bus stop. N/S, no pets. $1,500/mo.+deposit, utilities included. Quiet. (818) 754-2892
SANTA MONICA. Uniquely special unit for a uniquely special person. Charm, style and luxuryall this and more in a prime Santa Monica location. This pristine one bedroom+den has it all. Luxurious “Waterworks” bath plus a powder room for a guest. Living room with high beam ceilings, custom shutters, and wood burning fireplace. Delightful marble kitchen, washer/dryer, AC & FA. This rare find is the separate top floor unitone of only four, in an enchanting “boutique” building. Also included, its own private garden patio and garage. No pets. Available Sept. $3,500/mo. (310) 826-7960
WANTED TO RENT 3b
LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisadian-Post, (310) 454-1321
LOOKING FOR HOUSE/guesthouse, December 18th-December 26th. In/near Village. 2 bds, King pref, kitchen, ref’s, 2 adults, n/s. Please contact Hermine, (808) 875-4209 or herminehaha@yahoo.com
OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c
PALISADES OFFICE suites available in the heart of the VILLAGE including: 1) Last remaining single office suite at $1,650 per month and 2) Office suites ranging in size from 700 sf to 2,400 sf, all with large windows with great natural light. Amazing views of the Santa Monica mountains, private balconies and restrooms. Building amenities include high speed T1 internet access, elevator and secured, underground parking. Call Brett at (310) 591-8789 or email brett@hp-cap.com
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
2 FURNISHED OFFICES on Sunset Blvd. In Spectrum Bldg. Across from beach. $1,100/mo. Each includes 2 desks; parking; utilities (except phone); shared conference room and kitchenette. High speed internet available. Please contact Pam or Rob @ (310) 230-6866
MEDICAL/DENTAL SPACE AVAILABLE in Palisades Village! Great location! 1,200 sq. ft. Newly renovated boutique building. 6 offices and reception area. Available Sept. 1st. 910 Via de la Paz. Please call Vicki, (310) 475-6400
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5
REALISTICALLY earn more money in the next year than the past 5 years combined. (800) 687-2735
PERSONALS 6b
ANNE MARIE: I am the person you dreamed of. Please call. Michael Heartsong, (323) 839-1578
MISCELLANEOUS 6c
Please join Governor Bill Richardson For An Event Benefiting • THE OBAMA VICTORY FUND • Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008 • 5:30 P.M. VIP Reception • 6:15 P.M. General Reception • Requested Contribution: $250 per person • Limited VIP tickets: $1,000 per person * SPACE IS LIMITEDRSVP REQUIRED PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE EVENT * RSVP REQUIRED. For more information contact Adia Smith at asmith@barackobama.com or (310) 277-2008 * * *
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
BOOKKEEPER BY THE HOUR • Need help with getting your books in order? Help is near! Call Joanie, (310) 486-1055
BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING AVAILABLE in the Palisades including financial reports, payroll & sales tax reports. Highly experienced, fast, discreet w/ excellent local references. Call Shirley, (310) 570-6085
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
NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
VIP NANNY AGENCY • “Providing very important people with the very best nanny.” • Baby Nurses • Birthing Coaches • Housekeepers. (818) 907-1017, (310) 614-3646
GREAT NANNYSAD DAY. Our nanny of 7 years is available Sept. 1st. Our youngest is off to Kindergarten! CA DL, own car, close to Pac Pal, reliable, honest, loves kids. Call Gretchen or Rick, (310) 456-2142
NANNY, 15 YRS. EXPERIENCE. All ages! PEACE OF MIND FOR WORKING PARENTS. Best references. CPR/CDL. L/O (L/I when needed). Loving care for baby/pets/home. Last 5 years in Palisades. Phyllis, (818) 340-7183
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. Available Monday-Friday. Good experience, honest, reliable. Excellent references. Call Rosalba, (323) 873-3255 anytime
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER Monday thru Friday. References, own car, CDL, light English, friendly, hard working. Please call Luz, (818) 523-6142 or (818) 270-5401
OUR FABULOUS HOUSEKEEPER available Wednesdays. Immaculate cleaner, great with kids. References available. Please call Barbara, (310) 454-4030
HOUSEKEEPERS’ PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, Mon.-Fri. Clean your home or apartment. Efficient, hardworking, pets no problem, no iron. Please call Lorena, (213) 568-2349 & Claudia, (323) 331-5150
FULL-TIME HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE. Tuesday, Thurs. & Sat. Housecleaning, laundry & ironing. Good w/ pets, exper, local refs. Please call Adelina or Magdalena at (323) 527-4538, (323) 634-0736
HOUSE CLEANING, 15 yrs experience, references if needed. Free estimate. Available Monday thru Friday. Speaks English. Call (323) 907-2213
HOUSEKEEPER, EXPERIENCED, REFERENCES, has own transportation, speaks some English. (818) 765-8728 home, (818) 391-8647 cell. Call anytime.
HOUSEKEEPER/HOUSESITTING, Mon. thru Sunday. 25 years experience. Excellent ref’s. Reliable. Call Elizabeth, (323) 463-7889
HOUSEKEEPER, EXPERIENCED. Weekends. Will keep your home sparkling clean w /personal care. CDL, car, English, pet friendly. Housesit while you are away. Ref’s. (310) 866-0940
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE every other Tuesday. Own transportation. California driver’s license. Good Palisades references. Call Maria, (323) 938-8108
HOUSEKEEPER Three days a week. Own transportation. References. 10 years experience! Call Teresa or Soledad, (310) 590-9763
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
PACIFIC TREE and LANDSCAPE. All your tree trimming and landscape design needs, brush clearing, removals, replanting. 25 years serving the Westside areas. Call (310) 866-3376
GARDENING SERVICE. Sprinkler installation, tree trim, sodding, seeding, maintenance. Free estimates. Call Salomón, (323) 252-0112
PRECISION LANDSCAPE SERVICES! Tired of mow, blow, let’s go! Specializing in fine maintenance • outdoor lighting • fertilizing • automatic timer repair & installation • artificial grass installation • hillside clean ups • new sod • sprinkler repair. Fair prices. (310) 696-6453
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
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
MISCELLANEOUS 12f
CARDIO FIT & FIT FOR SENIORS • Morning & Exercise Classes • $10 PER CLASS • Contact “TC” (310) 699-1491
CARPET CLEANING 13b
MARIO’S CARPET CLEANING. Commercial, residents and apartments. 7 day service! Free estimate! Call (323) 939-9295 or (323) 839-7018
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
AUTO DETAILING 13i
MARIO’S AUTO DETAILING. All hand wash and detail service. At your home or office. 897 S. Crenshaw Blvd. #11, L.A. Call (323) 939-9295 or (323) 839-7018
PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
HAPPY PET • Dog Walking • Park Outings • Socialization • Insured. Connie, (310) 230-3829
PACK LEADER DOG WALKING. Let me tire your dog out with fun walks! Training included in pack leader style, like “The Dog Whisperer.” Over 10 yrs exper. w/ dogs. Over 1 yr w/ Palisades clients. Liability insured. Refs. & pet sitting also available. Bea, (310) 467-9399
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
KEEP STUDENTS INVOLVED in learning. Relaxed summer reading, writing, grammar & math, reinforcement & review. 30+ years teaching/tutoring experience. 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
SAT/ACT/MATH TUTOR. UCLA Bachelors + USC Masters; 9 yrs of teaching standardized test prep; proven success in increasing students scores; private or small group lessons at your home; (310) 600-3027
ENGLISH TEACHER available to tutor in essay writing, grammar and important test preparation. Call Louise, (310) 459-2433
CARPENTRY 16a
FINE WOODWORKING/HANDYMAN. Porches, doors, kitchens, cabinets, etc. No project too small, references available. Reasonable prices. General contractor. Lic. #822541. Contact 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
HANDYMAN. Painting exterior/interior, baseboard, water damage repair, drywall repair, tile. 18 yrs. Excellent service & experience. Free estimates. Non-lic. Call Fortino Matias, (310) 502-1168
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
PACIFIC PAINTING SINCE 1979 • Interior/Exterior Residential/Commercial • Custom painting • Wallpaper removal • Drywall repair • Bonded & Ins. Lic. #908913. (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
MISCELLANEOUS 16z
INDEPENDENT SERVICES. Wood fences, iron gates, patio cover. Finish carpenter, door installation, casing, base, crown molding, drywall and paint. Call Emilio Cruz, (310) 6722055 or (310) 709-4124
HELP WANTED 17
DRIVERS: TEAMS EARN TOP DOLLAR plus great benefits. Solo drivers also needed for Western Regional. Werner Enterprises, (800) 346-2818 x123
PART-TIME live-out housekeeper. Must speak English, references, drive, CDL, car. Call (310) 230-0330
PART TIME BOOKKEEPER. Flexible hours, must have experience with QuickBooks Pro. Call Pam or Rob, (310) 230-6866
WANTED: GREAT HOUSEKEEPER! Must be experienced with great refs, own car, good English. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Saturday will sometimes be babysitting.) Vacation: Two weeks paid. Salary: $600/wk (raise after one year). Send letter or resume by email to bird@odysseyla.com or fax (310) 230-1604
HOUSEKEEPER WANTED: Full-time, live-out. Must speak English and have own car, CDL, local references. (310) 694-4674
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITY. Create a realistic 5 figure income/mo. Opportunity and products with no rival. (800) 439-1193
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Immediate F/T. Pacific Palisades solar company. Excellent communications & computer skills. Submit resume to info@sunkingsolarpv.com
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH: Organize & manage outreach programs for productions involving social, educational & spiritual outreach campaign. Organize & design educational publications, correspondence & socio-cultural event. Supervise staff & manage casting for in-house productions. Responsible for bi-annual newsletter. Job site: Pacific Palisades. Send resume to Paulist Productions, Inc. 17575 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
SEEKING LIVE-IN NANNY from Friday, 7:30 a.m. thru Sunday, 9:30 a.m. For nice Palisades family to care for 3-year-old twin girls. Must speak English well. Lisa, (310) 874-8508
INTERNET RESEARCH SUPPORT needed for locally funded service project part time. Responsiveness a must. Send resume to joe1263@aol.com
WRITER NEEDED for part time assignment. Approximately 100 hours to support a locally funded service project. Send writing copy and resume to joe1263@aol.com
AUTOS 18b
1999 FORD F250 Super Duty V10 Supercab Longbed, black w/ lumber rack & Weatherguard tool box. 265K miles. Great work truck! $6,500 OBO. Call John, (818) 621-0061
2005 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT. A show stopper with grey customized paint. 12k miles and smells like new! Asking $119k obo. Contact Warren at (323) 581-5200.
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
MOVING SALE, INDOORS. Saturday, 8/9/08, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Furniture and others. 15515 W. Sunset Blvd. #213. Call for entrance info. (310) 663-9575
MULTI-FAMILY SALE: Outdoor mosaic fountains, bistro, bar tables, chairs, furniture, wicker, art, clothes, more! Friday, 8-10 a.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 1036 El Medio, Pacific Palisades.
GREAT COLLECTIBLES. Nice gifts, fun treasures, very eclectic. Antique dresser, & armoire, opened boxes and found much more. Friday only 8/8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 618 Erskine, P.P.
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com
Junior Lifeguards Make Waves
Will Rogers Junior Lifeguards sent seven teams to the Taplin Relay competition held at Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey last Friday. Junior Lifeguard programs from L.A. County’s southern-most beaches (Avalon in Catalina to Zuma Beach in Malibu) competed, with each team consisting of six runners, six paddlers and six swimmers. Of the 21 teams in the C category (ages 9-11), Will Rogers sent two, one of which finished third behind Torrance and Hermosa. “It’s such a team thing where both teams cheered each other on,” said Will Rogers’ C team instructor Cheri Ellington, who has completed her sixth year as an instructor. “I love the Taplins, they’re such high energy.” The C’s started at 9 a.m. and when they finished at 10:30 a.m., the B team competition began. Will Rogers’ two B teams (ages 12-13) competed against 25 others and placed fifth and 18th, respectively. That age group battled some of the largest waves of the day as five- and six-foot swells made entry into the water a challenge. The public address announcer described the action as paddlers took the tag from the runners, trying to enter the water to paddle out to buoys bobbing up and down in the ocean. “That paddler just did a turtle roll, which means they turn their board and roll, preventing them from getting smashed [by the waves],” said announcer Jim Kim, who is also a county lifeguard. He then continued his play-by-play. “Oh, carnage!” Kim said, “That was rad, that wave just had its way with him.” Kim described to the gathered spectators how guards first entered the water by high-stepping, then used a dolphin technique to skirt through the breakers until they were able to swim past the waves. “Any wave can push you into first or chop you into last,” Kim said. Manhattan Beach continued its 10-year domination in A’s (ages 14-16), with Will Rogers’ squads taking fifth and 10th in the co-ed division. In the all-girls division, locals Tessa Chandler, Bonnie Wirth, Emily Newman, Mara and Ana Silka and Hayley Hacker, took third behind Manhattan Beach and Venice. The relays are the culmination of five weeks of lifeguard training that is patterned after adult training and includes long distance running, sprints, paddling and buoy swims. “The Guards program gives the kids discipline,” Will Rogers’ A instructor Eldin Onsgard said.
Pali Blues Win W-League Title
Heading into last week’s W-League playoffs, Pali Blues Coach Charlie Naimo had but one concern: how well his team would respond to adversity. The answer finally came in the waning moments of Saturday’s championship game, when the Blues rallied for two goals in eight minutes to edge FC Indiana, 2-1, at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. The win capped a perfect season for the Blues (14-0-0) and the second league title for Naimo, who admitted being worried as the seconds ticked away late in the game. “Their coach Shek [Borkowski] did an excellent job tonight,” Naimo said. “He was able to take away our athleticism and we were really in trouble.” FC Indiana celebrated after appearing to score in the 30th minute when Lauren Sesselmann headed in a cross from Laura Del Rio, but the play was ruled offside and the goal disallowed. Pali goalie Val Henderson deflected a shot by Del Rio just before halftime to keep the game scoreless. Early in the second half, the Lionesses struck first when Jessica O?Rourke headed home a bending corner kick from Mexican international Fatima Leyva. It was the first deficit the Blues had faced since falling behind 1-0 to Cal State Northridge in their final exhibition game April 23. “We really struggled to make anything happen at the start of the second half so I switched from a 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3 formation to try and get some energy up top,” Naimo said. The Blues began applying more pressure and their aggression was rewarded in the 83rd minute when Rosie Tantillo sent a corner kick into the goal mouth. Amy LePeilbet outjumped two defenders for the ball and re-directed it past FC Indiana keeper Kristen Luckenbill for the tying goal. Suddenly, the momentum had swung to the Blues and it took just five minutes for them to tally the go-ahead goal. Kandace Wilson, a defender moved up for attack, crossed to Italian international Ilaria Pasqui, whose diving header found the back of the net. Naimo credited his team’s depth: “Our depth was a huge reason why we won this game,” said Naimo. “Our bench gave us the energy we needed and helped put us on top.” Though the Lionesses pressed for the equalizing goal they were unable to score. Amy LePeilbet, who anchored Pali’s defense all season, was named Most Valuable Player. Many Blues players will likely try to play for an emerging women’s pro league, making next year’s roster uncertain. For now, though, Naimo and his players are savoring sweet victory. “We’re very proud to bring a championship back home to the Palisades,” Naimo said. “That was our goal right from the start and it feels good to have accomplished what we set out to do.”
Shotgun 21 Comes up Aces
Pros Thrill Palisades Tennis Center Crowd at Inaugural Unisex Tourney
For more than 10 years now the Palisades Tennis Center has served as our beloved local tennis facility and has turned Pacific Palisades into one of the world’s foremost tennis communities, serving as a breeding ground for many of the top junior players in the country. Last Sunday, however, it was the pros who took center stage for the inaugural Shotgun 21 World Championships, a unique drop-hit format pitting men and women against each other in a single-elimination unisex tournament orchestrated by PTC founder Steve Bellamy. “Every year we want to do something special for the community that says thanks for supporting the tennis center,” Bellamy said. “But this was by far the best collection of tennis talent we’ve ever had on these courts.” The rules were designed to create better, longer, more strategic points to give men and women a more even playing field and to finish in a few hours, instead of an entire week. Players had to serve underhanded, switching sides and rotating servers every five points like in ping pong. There were no second serves or lets. Revolutionizing the sport and making it more accessible to the public has been Bellamy’s mission ever since he took over the public facility on Alma Real in 1997. This time, though, he even exceeded his own expectations. “With the power in the game now you don’t see too many long rallies like there were today,” Bellamy said. “There were some phenomenal points.” The lone survivor at the end of the 32-player main draw was Alex Bogomolov, who shrugged off a furious comeback by fellow former USTA Junior No. 1 player, Phillip King, to win the final match, 21-20, in front of a packed late afternoon crowd at the public courts off Alma real. Bogomolov had to come from behind to knock off another ATP Tour pro, John Isner, 21-20, in the semifinals while King upset top-seeded Sam Querrey by an identical score in the second semifinal. “It’s a lot of fun–they should have more of these,” said Querrey, who eliminated “Bush” lead singer Gavin Rossdale in the round of 16. “I’d definitely like to come back and do this again.” Querrey is currently the third-ranked American player and left for Beijing on Tuesday with the United States Olympic team. “At this level, everyone is so good and the level of play was extremely high,” said Rossdale, who trains at the PTC when he’s not touring with his band. “When you’re a musician, you’re used to being on stage and being loose and this is the same type of thing except a different setting.” Jill Craybas, ranked No. 50 on the WTA Tour as recently as May, advanced the furthest among the women, falling to Querrey in the quarterfinals. A qualifying draw was held earlier in the afternoon and there were three celebrities who received wildcards into the main draw. All other players were either ATP or WTA players. Craybas beat actress Melissa Rivers in the first round while Querrey eliminated “Bush” lead singer Gavin Rossdale in the round of 16. “The fact that I actually won a few points is a miracle to me,” said Rivers, a 10-year Palisades resident who plays in the PTC’s 3.5 workouts two or three times a week. “Just being on the same court with a pro like Jill was a blast.” Bogomolov blitzed to a 8-0 lead in the finals and built a 20-13 advantage before King reeled off seven straight to force a winner-take-all 41st point, which Bogomolov won when King’s approach shot landed inches long. “Alex came out blazing but he finally cooled off a bit,” said King, a four-time All-American at Duke, where he was coached his senior year by PTC teaching pro Jon Neeter. “I hung in there and gave it a good fight.” The draw was a who’s who of tennis talent and included active pros Zack Fleishman, JP Fruttero, Eric Taino and Cecil Mamiit. ATP pros Tommy Haas and Vince Spadea and WTA star Ashley Harkleroad, intended to play but were nursing injuries, yet all three showed up to watch. “I would love to have played but I was unsure about playing five matches right before the Countrywide,” said Haas, who lost his opening match at the Countrywide Classic at UCLA two days later. “But I wanted to come out and support Steve [Bellamy] and [Director of Tennis] Andy McDonnell.” Former pros Scott Davis and Derrick Rostagno squared off in a thrilling round of 16 match on Court 2. Davis starred at Palisades High and was ranked No. 2 in the world in doubles and No. 11 in singles. Rostagno is now a practicing attorney and a regular at the PTC’s Saturday morning workouts. Bogomolov, who has risen as high as No. 97 in the world rankings, took home the $10,000 winner’s check and a $2,000 limited edition Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. “I love this format because it plays to my strengths,” the 5′ 10″ baseliner said. “It’s more of a disadvantage for the taller guys with big serves.” Approximately 650 people visited the PTC throughout the day and those that did were treated to three and a half hours of world class tennis’for free. “The last three matches epitomized the drama of sports,” Bellamy said. “For all of them to be decided by one point–which never happens in tennis–was amazing. We couldn’t have scripted it any better.” By the end of the day, the tournament’s first-ever champion proved to be its biggest endorser. “I’ve played World Team Tennis too and I think exhibitions like this that introduce new rules are good,” Bogomolov said. “Anything that attracts more people to the game is only going to help our sport.”
A Garden View of the Villa
For those of us in Pacific Palisades who enjoy the benevolence of a Mediterranean climate, the influence of Roman garden design on our residential landscapes may be elusive. But looking around at our familiar trees and plants, we may not realize their origins. Pines and bays, boxwood and ivy and a whole salad of herbs’fennel, parsley, and mustard’were indigenous to the ancient Roman world. To understand the history of Roman gardens, a visit to the Getty Villa is an incomparable resource. Louise du Pont made a gesture toward antiquity by creating a ruined garden in Pennsylvania partly modeled on Roman antecedents, and William Randolph Heart’s gardens at San Simeon incorporated partial reconstructions of Roman garden features. But nowhere in the United States can you find a more complete recreation of Roman villa and garden than at the Villa. J. Paul Getty’s ambitious undertaking in the 70s drew upon the historical plan of the Villa dei Papiri, a large suburban villa just outside of Herculaneum on the Bay of Naples that was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Papirwas rediscovered in 175, and at that time a plan was drawn of the house and the peristyle gardens and pools, which have been faithfully recreated on a hillside in Pacific Palisades overlooking the sea. Getty chose a setting for his villa that the Romans would have approved. While it lies adjacent to the small ranch house the oil magnate used to store his extensive antiquities collection, the Villa takes full advantage of its ocean vista and breezes, and its location on a natural spring. Water was a distinguishing feature in Roman gardens and accounted for the main difference from their Greek antecedents, says Lynn Lynne Tjomsland, manager of grounds and gardens for the J. Paul Getty Trust. The gardens in Roman villas only had fountains and other water features if a villa was situated near a natural water source, such as a spring, stream or river. Urban gardens were nourished by collected rainwater or by water supplied by aqueducts. Common to all Roman gardens, whether in the cities or country villas, was the balance between rich and diverse plantings and strong architectural decoration. As visitors enter the Getty Villa, they make a symbolic walk through history’the walls are layered as if exposing geological strata’and emerge through time until landing at Papir. This march through time, Tomland says, reminds us that Roman gardens were influenced by previous civilizations. They borrowed the symmetrical layout, painted pavilions, terraces, and avenues of trees from Egypt; from Greece they not only copied classical sculpture to place in their gardens, but also the idea of the peristyle (covered colonnades) that formed an intermediary between the house and garden. Roman gardens served several functions. They provided a suitable space for leisure and the arts’the display of sculpture or painted murals. They were also the ancient version of the modern spa, where health and exercise were enjoyed, and they provided space for growing fruits and vegetables, especially new varieties that had been collected from the lands that fell under Rome’s conquest. The gardens at the Getty Villa illustrate basic Roman design principles in both the enclosed garden in which the buildings surround the garden, and the open garden, which surrounds a building. The inner peristyle provides a tranquil setting between the atrium, where visitors enter the museum, and the courtyard garden. The outer peristyle encloses the large garden surrounding the pool. The centerpiece of this garden is the long, narrow reflecting pool, whose water is gently agitated by three low-level jets of water. Statues occupy the niches placed along the pool’s length. Sculpted low evergreen hedges, including boxwood and rosemary, line the walkway alongside the pool, while bay laurel, acanthus and ivy topiary are planted symmetrically on both sides of the pool. The courtyard garden encapsulates a Roman garden on a small scale’water, symmetry and a quiet palette of green and gray-green plants and trees. The showstopper at the Getty Villa is the outer peristyle garden, dominated by the azure pool that runs the length of the surrounding colonnade. In Roman times, pools such as these were customarily painted blue or lined with blue tiles and provided the cooling effects of the breezes floating over the water. Romans also enjoyed the reflections that played over the surface of the water. The garden is laid out symmetrically, interrupted by intermittent benches placed under pergolas, draped with grapevines. Garden sculpture, both in the pool and stationed along the paths, was intended to evoke a mood set by the owner, be it a sacred theme with figures of gods and goddesses, a sense of reflection with ancient philosophers, or just a rustic atmosphere depicting fauns, satyrs and nymphs. While the Romans enjoyed the luxuries of art and culture, they never lost sight of the fact that the true object of the garden was to display the joys of nature as seen in its plants. And Tjomsland never loses sight of the intention for this garden as it was originally laid out 30 years ago. ‘All the gardens are scripted following the standards of the original landscape design team,’ she says. ‘The garden is an extension of the collection.’ While Tomland acknowledges the advantages of our Mediterranean climate in achieving horticultural authenticity, she has taken some liberties with plant material. ‘So we can present a meaningful picture and feel, it has been necessary to substitute certain varieties for others that are more suitable to our climate,’ she says. ‘The boxwood is the Japanese version, not the English variety, the rosemary and thymes in the herb garden are those that are available on the market.’ Tomland, who also oversees the Getty Center garden, visits the Villa at least three times a week. Her crew of between 45 and 60 groundsmen manage and maintain the garden ‘at a high level all the time,’ she says. ‘The gardens are very stand-alone and part of the regular docent tour.’
Palisadian Joins ‘Merchant Moms’ with My Little Roo
By ALYSSA BRICKLIN Palisadian-Post Intern Kelsey Clark, a Palisadian mother of three, has a new business called My Little Roo’a company that makes slipcovers for front baby carriers, adding function as well as style. The covers are easily machine washable and feature a front pocket. ‘The pocket is ideal for me,’ says Clark, who has an 11-month-old son, Vance. ‘I walk everywhere, and now I don’t have to carry a baby and a bag, I can just slip my phone and keys in there.’ My Little Roo covers fit most baby carriers, including Baby Bjorn, Snugli, Jeep, Infantino, and Lascal, and prolongs their usable life by reducing the need for washing. The idea for My Little Roo was born in 2001 along with Clark’s first son, Aidan. Two children later, she decided to get the ball rolling. ‘I thought, if I’m going to do it I need to do it now while I have a baby of my own to promote it,’ she tells the Palisadian-Post. She began working on the business three months ago, and her self-created Web site debuted last week. Clark and her mother sewed a makeshift model of what they wanted the slipcover to look like, and then took it to a small design company in Redondo Beach. Now the company manufactures nine versions of the product for Clark’three unisex fabrics, three girls’ fabrics and three boys’ fabrics. ‘I wanted to go with a vintage feel,’ explains Clark, who handpicks the material with an eye on the environment: the inside of the cover is made with chenille recycled from vintage bedspreads she finds at estate sales and on eBay. It also creates a soft surface that is comfortable for the baby. My Little Roo products have already reached celebrity hands, thanks to helpful contacts Clark made while working as an assistant to movie director Robert Zemeckis for seven years. She was able to send two custom My Little Roo covers in a gift package from a producer to Angelina Jolie’s twins. Tory Spelling and Matthew McConaughey also own the custom covers, and Clark personally delivered a sample of her product to big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton. Starting a family-centered business has been a fun and meaningful project for Clark who, after her fast-paced Hollywood job, had to make a major transition into stay-at-home motherhood. ‘You have to sort of reinvent yourself,’ explains Clark, who has channeled her creativity into My Little Roo. ‘It was something I needed to do for me. Plus it helps with the insanity of having three kids!’ Clark clarifies that although she is enjoying being busy with work, family always comes first. Through the process of starting her business, Clark was surprised to find many other mothers running similar small operations from home. In fact, she created her Web site under the Web host ‘merchant moms.’ She says she would like to eventually take her budding business to stores, but for now she’s focusing on testing the market. ‘The idea right now is to get My Little Roo into the public eye and into as many hands as possible,’ says Clark, who hopes the product will catch on with the many celebrity moms, and that the word will spread throughout the local community. A native of Southern California, Clark attended college in Utah. She and her husband Aaron, a land-use consultant in Westwood, have been residents of Pacific Palisades for three years. They have three sons: Aidan, 7; Brennan, 3; and Vance, whom Clark carries in her own baby carrier’covered with a My Little Roo slipcover, of course. To view and purchase a My Little Roo cover ($59.99) visit mylittleroo.com. The site also features sleek gift-wrapping in recycled packaging.