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Thoroughly Modern Merian

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New Getty exhibit reveals a German naturalist/artist who was ahead of her time

A piece by artist/naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian, the subject of a new Getty Center exhibition.
A piece by artist/naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian, the subject of a new Getty Center exhibition.

Her own life journey was marked by transformations as dramatic as the turns taken by the caterpillars she so passionately studied. Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717) grew up in Germany, married, had two daughters, left her husband to join a religious colony, moved to Amsterdam and, at 52, sold all her possessions to sail to the jungles of South America. All the while, she forged an unlikely career as an artist and scientist, bringing to life her meticulous study of plants and insects with vivid watercolors and hand-colored engravings. Even more remarkable, she did this during the 17th century, when women were excluded from scientific study and forbidden to paint in oils. And to focus on insects, then thought of as ‘beasts of the devil,’ showed particular verve. A new exhibition at the Getty Center spotlights Merian’s revolutionary work in art and science as well as those of her most important students’daughters Johanna Helena and Dorothea Maria. It’s the first solo show of her work in the United States. At the entrance to the exhibition, Merian’s portrait is reproduced alongside the great scientists and rulers of the day, people like Sir Hans Sloane, Albert Seba and Peter the Great. ‘You get an idea of the singularity of this woman who was able to navigate in a field completely dominated by men,’ says Stephanie Schrader, associate curator of drawings at the Getty and organizer of the exhibition. Merian’s lifelong fascination with the metamorphosis of insects began as a young girl in her native Frankfurt. At 13, she painted the transformation of silkworms into moths. For the next 50 years, she pursued the job of collecting and rearing caterpillars, directly observing them in order to accurately depict their life cycle. ‘Patience is a very beneficial herb,’ Merian once wrote about the time-consuming task informing her two volumes illustrating caterpillars’ growth stages and feeding patterns. These books helped disprove the commonly held belief that insects developed spontaneously from decaying matter. Nonetheless, scientists of the time largely ignored her work since the text had not been written in their official language, Latin. Unlike other scientific illustrators of her day, Merian was among the first to show caterpillars, chrysalises and butterflies with the specific plants they ate. ‘Her images are uncommonly compelling and dynamic,’ says Schrader, who underscores the point by displaying examples of the rote illustrations that were the norm among her contemporaries. Merian’s images, ruthlessly exacting while daring in color and composition, hold up to this day as individual, enthralling works of art. A good example is a watercolor of a pomegranate tree, the earliest work in the exhibition. ‘What she does that is so different is introduce the passage of time into this narrative,’ Schrader says. The image shows the exotic fruit in all stages from ripe to rotten and finally as a food source. ‘She’s already bucking the tradition of recording flowers solely for posterity.’ Family connections’Merian’s stepfather, Jacob Marrel, was a renowned still-life painter and her teacher’opened an otherwise closed door to art training. Her first publication, the ‘New Book of Flowers’ (1675-80), served as a pattern book for embroidery and became her calling card to teach young girls, the daughters of wealthy patricians, how to embroider and paint. She took advantage of the situation, raiding her clients’ vast gardens filled with specimens to further her scientific study. The precise reason Merian, at 39, left her husband and took off with her daughters to live in a strict Protestant community in Friesland (the Netherlands) is unknown, but the event changed her life. Despite her isolation, she was exposed to the most exotic specimens ever. The governor of the Dutch colony of Suriname, who shipped home large moths, lizards, snakes, and beetles from South America, owned the castle where she lived. Five years later, the religious community collapsed. Merian and her daughters fled to Amsterdam, where they supported themselves by supplying wealthy collectors with preserved animals and exotic insects from faraway lands for their curiosity cabinet. Ultimately, Merian tired of seeing only dead specimens from South America and sold everything she owned in order to go to Suriname for a firsthand encounter. Her work from this period forms the crescendo of the Getty exhibition, showcasing monumental, life-size portraits of the exotica she came face-to-face with, including beguiling lizards and snakes. Her research in South America culminated with her most important publication: ‘The Insects of Suriname.’ She didn’t shy away from nature’s violence, either, with graphic works showing the handiwork made of hummingbirds by blood-sucking tarantulas. ‘These really powerful image mess with people’s notions of gender,’ Schrader says. ‘People tend to think women only represent things that are pretty or decorative. But she didn’t shy away from depicting the violence she saw.’ She didn’t shy away either from making cultural observations about the foul-smelling climate, the local uses of flora and fauna for food, shelter and medicine, and the issues of slavery in the Dutch Colony. ‘We’re an art museum trying to bring art and science together,’ says Schrader, who has placed butterfly and other animal specimens–things we normally associate seeing in natural history museums–on view throughout the exhibition to allow visitors a fuller experience. ‘As in Merian’s work, there’s no clear division between these two disciplines, and they definitely overlap here.’ ‘Maria Sibylla Merian & Daughters: Women of Art and Science’ continues at the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Center through August 31. A lecture by Kim Todd, author of a new Merian biography, will take place tonight at 7 p.m. in the Harold M. Williams Auditorium. ‘Maria Sibylla Merian: A New Documentary Film’ will be screened on Sunday, July 27 at 3 p.m. in the auditorium. For a complete listing of related events, go online to www.getty.edu.

Tekulsky Flycatcher Wins Exhibit Slot

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Mathew Tekulsky's entry-winning shot of the Southwestern willow flycatcher.
Mathew Tekulsky’s entry-winning shot of the Southwestern willow flycatcher.

Mathew Tekulsky’s photograph of a Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) has been chosen to participate in ‘Endangered Species: Flora and Fauna in Peril,’ an international juried art competition at The Wilding Art Museum in Los Olivos. The exhibition will run from June 22 through September 14 before traveling to the Department of the Interior Museum in Washington, D.C., and The Wildlife Experience in Parker, Colorado. The exhibition will feature 50 works of art in a variety of media (drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture) depicting flora and fauna listed as threatened or endangered in North America by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More than 47 species will be represented, among them the California condor, grizzly bear, black-footed ferret, Oahu tree snail, Sonora tiger salamander, Mesa Verde cactus, and Texas wild rice. This year’s works were selected from nearly 200 entries by a distinguished jury that included E. G. Hochberg, Ph.D., curator of invertebrate zoology at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History; Hollis Hunter, director of the Museum of the U. S. Department of the Interior; Amy Scott, curator of visual art at the Autry Museum of the American West, and Karen Sinsheimer, curator of photography at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. ‘It can be difficult to locate threatened or endangered species and ‘capture’ them artistically without harming them,’ points out Penny Knowles, executive director of the Wildling Art Museum. ‘I admire the artists who struggled with these issues to submit such visually stunning entries.’ A Pacific Palisades resident, Tekulsky’s love and knowledge of birds began with his love of nature. The artist has dedicated himself full-time to writing for National Geographic and producing a series of books, including ‘The Butterfly Garden’ and ‘The Hummingbird Garden.’ His days of capturing the perfect image are often long and arduous. When shooting on location, he generally spends several hours in the morning taking shots, then breaks for lunch and returns to his photography for another couple of hours. Tekulsky possesses a wealth of knowledge on the subject of fowl. He studies migration patterns and old trail guides in order to figure out when and where his feathered subjects might appear. ‘If you watch birds long enough, you can anticipate their movements,’ he says. The Wildling Art Museum”located in the town of Los Olivos in the Santa Ynez Valley, 30 miles from Santa Barbara”is an educational institution dedicated to presenting the art of America’s wilderness and preserving our natural heritage. For more information, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org or call 805-688-1082.

New Chamber Board Sworn In at Riviera

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New Chamber president Antonia Balfour tangos with re-elected honorary mayor Gavin MacLeod.
New Chamber president Antonia Balfour tangos with re-elected honorary mayor Gavin MacLeod.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Bobbi Farberow, flanked by Mort Farberow Award winner David Williams' daughters Sara and Hannah.
Bobbi Farberow, flanked by Mort Farberow Award winner David Williams’ daughters Sara and Hannah.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Best New Business Award winner Nicole Howard, creator of ThisWeekinthePalisades.com.
Best New Business Award winner Nicole Howard, creator of ThisWeekinthePalisades.com.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

A new president, a new board, and re-induction of the town’s honorary mayor. Not bad for an evening’s festivities. At its 59th Installation Dinner, held last Thursday at the Riviera Country Club, the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce swore in president Antonia Balfour and her 2008-09 board of directors. ‘If you look around the room, at every table you’ll see people who have positively impacted the community,’ said Balfour, delivering the evening’s most compelling speech. Elegant in a dark gown, the co-owner of Oasis Palisades (a new acupuncture and massage salon in Marquez), who has sat on the board for five years, thanked her husband Marc and acknowledged the efforts of Marie Steckmest and Lester Wood for their environmental activism on the local level. The trio has formed the Business Greening Committee and is working to place recycling receptacles throughout the business district. Dressed to the nines in an off-white suit, actor Gavin MacLeod was inducted for a rare second term (two years) as honorary mayor. He expressed his gratitude for various Palisadians, past and present, who have helped give this community its luster. The actor’s roster included the late Ted Knight, his longtime friend, colleague and erstwhile honorary mayor; Broadway legend John Raitt (‘The big thrill was when I met him at Gelson’s one day!’), and Arnie Wishnick and Marilyn Crawford at the Chamber office”my second home, especially since they have goodies to eat there.’ Early in the evening, Palisadian-Post publisher Roberta Donohue presented the Mort Farberow Business Person Award (named for the late owner of the former Mort’s Deli, who died in 2002) to restaurateur and Palisades High soccer coach David Williams. ‘If anyone understands the value of giving back, it’s lifelong Palisadian David Williams,’ said Donohue, a Chamber past-president and 2005 winner of the Farberow Award. The owner of Mogan’s Caf’ in the Highlands accepted his award in absentia, via video in Austria, where he is serving as personal chef and training camp manager for heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine. Williams’ daughters, Hannah and Sara, accepted the award on their dad’s behalf. President-elect Ramis Sadrieh (owner of Technology for You!) presented the Best New Business Award to ThisWeekinthePalisades.com creator Nicole Howard, who remembered her first brush with Pacific Palisades as a 13-year-old living near Wilshire and Robertson. After a visit here, she told her mother, ‘I’m going to live my life in the Palisades.’ Today, she, her husband David, and their two boys, who attend Palisades Elementary, are living that dream amid ‘an abundance of beautiful dogs and a casually dressed yet intelligent community.’ Kevin Niles, president-elect of the Palisades Rotary Club, awarded the annual Beautification Award to Palisades Charter High School for installing a synthetic-turf football/soccer field and an all-weather running track that will benefit the entire community. Outgoing Chamber prez Brad Lusk received kudos from the city and state, with emcee Sam Lagana doing his best ‘Ah-nuld’ impression while reading a proclamation from the Governor. ‘Thanks, Arnold’I mean Sam,’ joked Flora Gil Krisiloff, who represented County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and praised Lusk’s contributions to the Palisades community. Also appearing at the podium: Cheri Orgel, representing Assemblymember Julia Brownley, and Stephen Chung, field deputy for Mayor Villaraigosa, who applauded the Palisades for its mixture of ‘community pride and civic engagement.’ Officiating at the Board’s installation was Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, who literally arrived hot on the heels of two previous engagements: a 25th wedding anniversary, and a tribute to Doug Dutton, who recently closed his treasured book store in Brentwood. Rosendahl praised the Palisades for having ‘a sense of identity and community that is breathtaking’ and inducted the new board: Sanda Alcalay (Coldwell Banker), attorney Brett Bjornson, Rena Bornstein (Cognitiatives Brain Training Systems founder), Zara Guivi (California National Bank), Nicole Howard, Sam Lagana (associate vice chancellor of athletics at Pepperdine University), Jennifer Lowe (Metrocities Mortgage) and Angela Parker (Body Inspired Fitness). In addition to Balfour, the Chamber’s executive committee includes Brad Lusk (Sunrise Senior Living Santa Monica), Ramis Sadrieh, John Petrick (Perennial Financial Services), Greg Wood (Palisades High), Roberta Donohue, David Williams, Sandy Eddy (The Discovery Shop) and Roy Robbins (Roy Robbins Gifts & Stationery).

PAPA Holds July 4 Decorating Contest

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Homeowners and business owners along the Fourth of July parade route are invited to participate in the inaugural PAPA/Coldwell Banker Patriotic Home and Business Decorating Contest. “Seeing the town decked out in red, white and blue generates a lot of excitement for the Fourth of July,’ said Rob Weber, president of the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA). ‘Our committee thought that this contest would be a wonderful way to encourage even more participation.” Weber continued, “Coldwell Banker has been a long-time supporter of the parade and other community events, and we are pleased that it has joined with PAPA to support this new Palisades tradition.” He noted that Robbie Sedway, manager of Coldwell’s office on Sunset Boulevard, right along the parade route, enthusiastically stepped up to support the contest. Valuable prizes will be awarded to the two homes and businesses that the panel of celebrity judges deems to be the most patriotic’from the start of the parade at Bowdoin and Via de la Paz, all along Sunset to Drummond, and then west on Toyopa to Alma Real, where the parade finishes. There is no entry fee or registration required: just decorate your home or business with Fourth of July fervor, and you are entered in the contest. A panel of judges will walk along the parade route on July 3, between 5 and 7 p.m., to determine the winners. ‘Perhaps this will even spark some good-natured competition among neighbors and business owners to earn the ‘Most Patriotic Home or Business’ title,’ Weber said. Prizes include an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

More Street Furniture Will Be Installed

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Despite objections from the Pacific Palisades Community Council, more advertising signs will be displayed around the community in the coming months. In 2002, the Los Angeles City Council pre-approved a bus shelter, with advertising panels, for the corner of Sunset and Via de la Paz, which will be installed this summer. Two public amenity kiosks are proposed for the southwest corner of Sunset and Castellammare and on the northeast corner of Sunset and Pacific Coast Highway. These kiosks are free-standing three-sided or two-sided structures, which have one or two advertising panels and a panel for a local vicinity map, community poster or public service announcement. ‘We decided that the least hurtful on the eye is out of the Village,’ Jennifer Rivera told the Palisades Community Council at last Thursday’s meeting. Rivera is a field deputy for Los Angeles Councilman Bill Rosendahl, representing District 11. Rosendahl and his staff negotiated for public amenity kiosks at those locations as part of a contract with CBS/Decaux that requires 3,350 bus shelters, newsstands, public toilets, kiosks and benches to be installed citywide in the next 20 years. The City Council entered into an agreement in 2001 with CBS/Decaux, which is installing and maintaining the street furniture in exchange for the right to sell and display advertising. The city receives a guaranteed share of the total profit (about $150 million) from the advertising revenue and uses the money for beautification projects. The Community Council, which has no legal authority, has historically opposed the street furniture, arguing that it creates blight in the community. The Palisades already has four benches and bus kiosks located on Temescal Canyon Road, PCH and Sunset. ‘This deal that was cut seven years ago is a lousy deal for District 11,’ said Rosendahl, adding that the district must install a large portion of the street furniture. ‘I want to do whatever I can to listen to my constituents. It’s an ongoing discussion, and the law is not on my side.’ Rivera asked the Council to approve the two proposed locations on Sunset and Castellammare and Sunset and PCH or suggest other sites. The Council did not make a decision at Thursday’s meeting. Council member Gil Dembo, who represents the Temescal Canyon Association, said he disapproves of the bus shelter at Sunset and Via de la Paz because he has records of all previous conversations about where the street furniture could be placed and that location was never approved. ‘They have an obligation to inform us,’ Dembo said. ‘I feel like this was done behind our backs.’ Rivera responded that the bus shelter was approved before Rosendahl came into office in 2005, and she could not speak to why the Council was not informed. ‘It’s out of the hands of the Councilman,’ Rivera said, adding the appeal process has passed. The Council is considering joining Brentwood Community Council’s efforts to oppose street furniture. The Brentwood council has sought legal advice regarding the issue and is requesting a financial contribution from the Palisades council. Attorney Beverly Grossman Palmer of Strumwasser & Woocher found that the contract between the City of Los Angeles and CBS/Decaux violates the city’s General Plan, which protects scenic highways (such as Sunset Boulevard) and scenic corridors against advertising signs. Grossman also found that the contract also violates the Brentwood and Pacific Palisades Specific Plans, which have signage restrictions. Brentwood Community Council Chair Wendy-Sue Rosen is invited to the next meeting on June 26 to discuss the findings and how the Council can help. Dembo is concerned that if the Council doesn’t act, the number of advertising signs will only increase. ‘They keep nibbling at us; every year they ask for more signs, and the contract goes for 20 years,’ he said.

Teraine is Closing on Antioch

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Teraine owner Janet Greenblatt.
Teraine owner Janet Greenblatt.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Teraine, a store that offered a wide selection of gifts and accessories for the home, is closing after nearly five years in business on Antioch Street, next to Palisades Barber Shop. A sale featuring 50-percent off every item started last Thursday. ‘I didn’t tell anyone,’ said owner Janet Greenblatt, a 15-year resident. ‘I just put up a sign at 2 p.m. I wanted it to be fair to everybody.’ She plans to close in the next month or so, but by Monday evening, most of the store’s shelves were already empty. ‘I’ve really loved having a store here, so this was purely a business decision,’ said Greenblatt, whose five-year lease was coming up for renewal. ‘The rent and overhead are too high for the revenue coming in.’ She noted that with fewer customers coming into the store, ‘I felt that revenues didn’t warrant continuing, particularly the way the economy is going.’ Voicing the concern of many local merchants, Greenblatt said that revenues started dropping last year and are way down this year. ‘I think it’s because people in the community are not supporting local stores,’ she said. ‘The Web has cut into business and the nation’s economy is bad.’ Greenblatt, who named her store Teraine, as a variation of the French word ‘terrain,’ meaning earth, gathered a following when her store opened because ‘the store crosses design borders.’ She had pieces and accessories like throw pillows, wood chandeliers, napkins, plates and candles that would work in a traditional or a modern setting, or a home in transition. The prices ranged from inexpensive to expensive, with her merchandise always focusing on fun and chic. Two of her customers, Linda Grey and Naila Pasarella, were buying items on Monday. ‘I’m sorry the store is closing,’ Grey said. ‘She always had unique items,’ Pasarella added. In addition to Teraine, Greenblatt has an interior-design business. ‘I’ve been spending about 75 percent of my time working on that,’ she said. Last December she also started a holiday decorating business in the Palisades, which involved helping people upgrade or replace decorations and holiday d’cor, as well as planning holiday tables. She plans to continue offering that service. ‘My hope is that the community begins to make an effort to support local business,’ said Greenblatt, whose interior design contact is (323) 489-4006. Marc Michel Eyewear Studio, located two doors away, will move into the Teraine space.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 19, 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

HOMES WANTED 1b

WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887

USC PROFESSORS (husband & wife) wanting to purchase guest house/guest garage w/ living qtrs or detached livable bldg in Pac Pal. (310) 433-3436, (310) 433-2984, friedmac@rockisland.com

HOME EVALUATION 1d

WHAT ARE HOMES selling for in your neighborhood? No hassle, no obligation, you don’t even have to talk to an agent. Go to www.PALISADESHOMEFINDER.com. Prudential California Realty

FURNISHED HOMES 2

BEAUTIFUL SANTA MONICA CYN. Charming 2 bed, 11⁄2 bath cottage in cyn. Walk to beach, Montana Ave. Partially furnished. $6,500/mo. (310) 266-4540

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

3 BDRM, 1 BA. $4,000/mo. util. incl. 2 car pking, close to village, schools, shops & beach. No pets. Appliances, W/D, D/W refridg. By appt only. Eric, (310) 428-3364

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

SPECTACULAR DESIGNER view home. 3+3+den, Ocean/mtn views in Village Bluffs. Master w/ fireplace & den. Lrge deck, hardwood floors through out. Also available furnished, short term T.B.D. $8,000/mo. (310) 344-0344

GREAT LOCATION at a GREAT PRICE! Motivated landlord! Live on a beautiful street in Pacific Palisades for less than $5,000 per month. Mid-century architectural, 3 BR, 2 BA in prime location, private wooded lot, outdoor patio and play area, fireplace, wood floors, marble/granite finishes, approx. 2,000 sq. ft. Flexible lease period (up to 17 months), $4,900 per month. (310) 230-7901

AMAZING WHITEWATER VIEW home. Steps to beach. 4 br, 2 1/2 ba, 3,000 sq ft. $7,980/mo. Large lr, dr, family room, frpl, panoramic windows, 2 lg balconies, 2 car garage, 5 min to Santa Monica. www.MalibuCoastline.com. (310) 230-4200

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

BEAUTIFUL 2 BDRM guesthouse + fam rm, view, rec rm, NO KITCHEN. Small ref., hot plate, micwv, AC/heat. Cable, internet, util. incl in rent. $1,800/mo. (310) 454-9337

1 BDRM, 1 BA six unit vintage building. Hdwd & tile, ldry in bldg. Front & back patio. Light and bright. Parking avail. $1,700/mo. 1 yr. lease. (424) 228-4570

PAC PAL APT w/ mtn vu. Unfurn upper 1 bdrm, 1 ba quiet bldg w/ pool. Light & airy. Laundry on-site. Hdwd flrs. 1 car prkg inclded. 1 yr min lease. Credit ck. Sm pet ok w/ dep. $1,795/mo. + $1,795 dep. Call Jay, (310) 200-0063 (shown by appt only.)

PALISADES 1 BDRM apt, upper, sunny, new paint, carpet, large kitchen, gas stove, fridge, one year lease, covered parking, storage, laundry. No pets. Non-smoker. $1,325/mo. (310) 477-6767

HALF BLOCK TO BEACH off Sunset. 1 bdrm, 1 ba. Newly tiled flrs thruout. Pool, security bldg, parking, hiking close by. $1,650/mo. Avail now. (310) 459-6369

RENTALS TO SHARE 3a

SHARING A HOME in the Palisades Highlands. Private room+bath & office. Fully furnished in gorgeous home. Util incl. Private club. $6,000/mo. (310) 454-3739

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PALISADES OFFICE suites available in the heart of the VILLAGE including: 1) Last remaining single office suite at $1,650 per month and 2) Office suites ranging in size from 1,400 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

SHARE OFFICE SUITE overlooking Sunset Blvd in heart of Village. Furnished, $500/mo. Available July 1st. Call Jim, (310) 459-2757

VACATION RENTALS 3e

SEEKING APT SWAP in Palisades. 2 bdrm NYC UWS furnished/doorman apt. Approx 7/15-8/1 or adjustable week. Numerous local references. (310) 403-2854

MORTGAGES, TRUST DEEDS 4

MORTGAGES/FORECLOSURES. Stated income, 80% to $3 million (low adjustable/fixed rates). Are your existing loan payments adjusting higher? Do you need cash out since your credit line was “frozen”? Do you need lower payments & higher loan amount options? Debt, equity, bridge & mezzanine money. All property types. Visit www.realloans.com for info. **2,000 new CA foreclosures PER DAY (& increasing). 50% discounts. Visit www.thecreditcrisis.net (videos, blogs & updated local foreclosure data). **Foreclosure bailout programs: Are your mortgage payments late or in foreclosure? Cash in 7 days (loans/quick sale) for Pali homes. Call Rick Tobin @ First Financial, (310) 571-3600 x203, or email: info@realloans.com CA DRE #01144023

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5

REALISTICALLY earn more money in the next year than the past 5 years combined. (800) 687-2735

LOST & FOUND 6a

FOUND: Marymount High School 2008 Yearbook at the corner of Bienveneda and Sunset. Has the names “Nessa” and “Lauren” in it. Also mention of travel to New York. Call (310) 459-7417 to pick up

LOST: CAT, much beloved. Very large male. Orange and white. Lost Whitfield area. Please call (310) 454-3836

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

QUICKBOOKS PRO, QUICKEN for small business. Shirley has room for one more client. Call (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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 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

MISCELLANEOUS 7n

CALL THE “INSTANT ASSISTANT” for home/office secretarial. MWord, Works, PC/Mac, Excel, Act, QuickBooks, Quicken, organization, property management, outlook. (310) 480-2798

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

NANNY/BABYSITTING. Full time, Mon.-Fri. Live out. 15 yrs exp. Good English, own car, great local references. Available now. Please call Catalina, (213) 383-3727, (213) 500-8902

NANNY/BABYSITTER available Monday through Friday, own car, excellent English, local references. Please call Julia at (310) 613-2161

DOMESTIC AGENCIES 9

NEVERLAND NANNIES & DOMESTICS. We assist local families in finding domestic professionals for their household needs. Caring nannies, doulas, nurses; attentive assistants, housekeepers, chefs & more. Please call at any time. (818) 888-9894, (818) 653-6999. www.NeverlandNannies.com

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

SUNSET HOUSE & CARPET CLEANING • Window washing • House cleaning • Carpet cleaning. Over 33 years experience. Call Barry at (818) 887-7150

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday-Friday. References. Experienced. Call Violeta, (310) 425-9015, (818) 391-8647

HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING, Available Sat.-Fri. Full or part time. Live out. Good references. Please call (310) 312-6519

HOUSEKEEPER, 10 YEARS experience, local references, has car, speaks English. Call Zulma, (323) 348-4415

HOUSEKEEPING, EXPERIENCED, good references. CA drivers license. Speaks English. Available Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. Call Flor, (323) 571-8299 anytime, leave message.

NANNY OR HOUSEKEEPER, 18 years experience. References. Speaks English and Spanish. Call Gisela, (323) 428-1677

DO YOU LIKE YOUR HOUSE CLEAN & food on your table in the evening? Unique maid service & chef at home made possible. Meticulous cleaning & international healthy food. Please call: (310) 386-7435

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER available Monday thru Sunday. Contact Roxan at: (323) 710-6653 or (323) 662-7515

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

TOTAL CARE: Elder care/companion/nanny/housekeeper. Live-in or live-out. Many years experience, excellent references! Please call Nellie, (818) 357-8363

COMPANION, KNOWLEDGE of HEALTHFUL COOKING. Special diets, etc. Young widow, college degree, quiet, non-smoker. Live-in, local refs. (310) 459-2006

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

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

NUTRITION 12d

GLUTEN-FREE FOOD Delivered. Delicious gluten-free & dairy-free food delivered to your home or business. Gourmet, international cuisine. Fresh, never frozen. Discounted monthly service. www.glutenfreeglobal.com

WINDOW WASHING 13h

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

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. Can’t see the view? Call the Wizard of Clean Windows! Professional interior/ exterior glass cleaning at a great price. Owner operated. Free est. Discounts avail. (310) 926-7626

MISCELLANEOUS 13j

BBQ CLEANING SERVICE. Summer’s the time to fire up the grill. Let us clean it for you. Fresh Grills. Call Dustin & Logan Minium, (310) 962-5784

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 14d

TANGO EXPO MILONGA. Beginning June 25 and every last Weds. of the month, at the Blankenship Ballet Co. 132 Brooks Ave, Venice. An exposition of Argentine Tango dance with an intro to area instructors, complimentary lesson previous to Milonga (8:30 to 9:30), refreshments, performance by Forever Tango dancers. 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. tickets $15. For more info: www.tangoexpomilonga.com

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

HEALTHY FOOD EVERYDAY. Chef at your home, 1 day and will cook for full week. Healthy choices: Sugar free desserts, low calories, low carb, high in fiber, iron, etc. Int’l choices. (310) 386-7435

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

PET HEAVEN • TOTAL PET CARE • Training. Walking. Playgroups and hikes. 30 years Pali resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog!

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

SWIM LESSONS and LIFEGUARD. Experienced, Red Cross cert. female college student. Great w/ kids. Local resident. Please call Emily, (310) 913-0959

TUTORS 15e

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION. Children & adults. 25+ years teaching/tutoring exper. MATH, GRAMMAR, ESSAY WRITING & STUDY SKILLS. Formerly Sp. 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

SPANISH TUTOR CERTIFIED TEACHER for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications, 20 yrs exper. Palisades resident, many good references, amazing system, affordable rates. Marietta, (310) 459-8180

CREDENTIALED MATH & STUDY SKILLS TEACHER (BA-UCSD, M.Ed-UCLA, Ph.D. candidate-USC) Tutor K-College. Most subjects. 15 years recent classroom experience in the Palisades. Libby, (310) 963-0093

SUMMER IN-HOME TUTORING to strengthen skills, all subjects K-8, reading & writing grades 9-12. Credentials in elementary, special ed and reading. Masters in education. 23 yrs classroom teaching experience, 2 yrs reading recovery specialist. Palisades resident, affordable rates. Diana, (310) 717-5472

SUMMER CAMPS 15f

PAINT CAMP, ages 8 thru 12. Painting and drawing with local artist Kristel Lerman in private outdoor studio. Monday-Friday. (310) 699-2820

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

R.N.D. MASONRY & REPAIR. Brick, block, stone, concrete, stucco. No job too big or small. Free est. (310) 924-0959, (424) 298-7374

CONSTRUCTION 16d

CASTLE CONSTRUCTION. New homes, remodeling, additions, fine finish carpentry. Serving the Westside for 25 yrs. Lic. #649995. Call James, (310) 245-0078

CONTRACTOR, bonded, insured for remodeling rms, additions, bathrms, kitchen, windows, painting, construction on hillside, blueprints, deal w/ city inspections. Lic. #887326. Call for free est.: (888) 783-7195

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

FENCES 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.

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. Ref’s. 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

OWEN GEORGE CRUICKSHANK. WALLPAPER INSTALLATION. REPAIR, REMOVAL, PLUS PAINTING. Lic. #576445. (310) 459-5485

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

WORLD-RENOWNED PLASTIC surgeon looking for an admin assist & patient relations coordinator to join our team in Pac Pal. Will train & reward generously. Call (310) 459-6792

COSMETIC RN. World-renowned plastic surgeon. Pacific Palisades. Injectables/laser. Call (310) 459-6792

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Immediate F/T. Pacific Palisades solar company. Requires 3+ yrs exp. Excellent communications & computer skills. Submit resume to info@sunkingsolarpv.com

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER. Immediate F/T. Pacific Palisades solar company requires 2+ yrs. power systems exp. CAD, proposal writing, excellent computer & communications skills. Submit resume to info@sunkingsolarpv.com

P/T ADMIN ASST for top Pacific Palisades realtor. Must have initiative, be reliable and a multi-tasker and have professional/communication skills. Word, Outlook & Publisher proficiency a must. Please email hollydavis@earthlink.net or call (310) 230-7377

SEEKING PRE-SCHOOL TEACHER (min. 12 ECE units, higher degree in child development preferred) and Parent & Me Support Teacher. Preschool Teacher candidate must be dependable, have strong communication skills (written & verbal), be committed to continued professional growth, be able to establish meaningful relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues, children and families, and be able to develop and implement age appropriate, open-ended, process-oriented activities for children 3 to 5 years old. Knowledge of Reggio Emilia philosophy is a plus. Support Teacher candidate must be reliable, have min. 6 ECE units or be in process of obtaining them. Email: methodistpreschool@yahoo.com

FULL TIME RECEPTIONIST FOR BUSY PACIFIC PALISADES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER. Multi-task/self starter. Immediate opening. Variety of duties, classified ads, light bookkeeping. Dependable. Must have excellent phone & people skills. Bilingual helpful. Computer skills. Salary + benefits. Resume: Dept. C, P.O. Box 725, Pacific Palisades 90272, fax (310) 454-1078 or email: info@palipost.com.

TEACHER’S AIDES wanted for September. 3-5 hrs/day. Must be 18 or over. No experience necessary but welcomed. Contact Marquez Charter School, (310) 454-4019

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED: Billion dollar company seeks motivated people for anti-aging products. Call (310) 454-4121. “While we stop to think we often miss opportunity.”

AUTOS 18b

1999 FORD F250 Super Duty V10 Supercab Longbed, black w/ lumber rack & Weatherguard tool box. 265K miles. Great work truck! $7,500 OBO. Call John, (818) 621-0061

FOR SALE: 1992 Mercedes Benz 190-26. Papers with history. 98,000 miles. Superb condition. Maintained. A GEM! (310) 459-4239

FURNITURE 18c

COUNTRY FRENCH DINING TABLE, 72”L x 42”W x 30”H, and two 18” extensions. Natural pine with French green base, medium distressed. Includes 10 chairs. $4,750. (310) 459-2356

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

MOVING SALE: King Mission style bed, air hockey table, outdoor iron patio set, misc tables, housewares, games. Saturday, June 21st, 9 a.m. No early birds! 419 Swarthmore Ave.

MULTI FAMILY: Women’s, men’s, kids clothes, athletic equipment, toys, books, kitchen supplies, misc. furniture, and much more. Sat., June 21st, 8 a.m.-2 p.m, 623 Las Lomas Ave.

GREAT STUFF at Multi Family Sale. Bikes, toys, clothes, etc., etc., etc. Sat., June 21st, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. No early birds! 16505 Las Casas Place.

SCOOTER SALES 18f

NEW “VESPA STYLE” SCOOTERS for sale. Fun & dependable. 150cc. Automatic, ABS brakes. Starting at only $1,500. 100 mpg WOW! (310) 403-2367 • scooterexcel@yahoo.com

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

Setting High Standards

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Scott Vegas and Jenna McCallister Are This Spring’s Post Cup Award Winners

Scott Vegas and Jenna McCallister having a ball at Will Rogers State Beach. The setters were named outstanding senior athletes at PaliHi last Friday.
Scott Vegas and Jenna McCallister having a ball at Will Rogers State Beach. The setters were named outstanding senior athletes at PaliHi last Friday.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Scott Vegas has plenty in common with Jenna McCallister. Both play volleyball. Both are setters. Both live a short walk from campus. Both led their team to the City Section title. And last but not least, they are this year’s Palisadian-Post Cup Award winners as the outstanding senior athletes at Palisades High. “I was shocked,” said McCallister, who, along with Vegas, was honored at last Thursday’s Senior Awards Night in Mercer Hall. “I knew I’d probably get something but I wasn’t expecting this.” The Post Cup, presented to the Dolphins’ top athletes every year since the school opened in 1961, is merely the latest in a long list of accolades for this year’s winners, both of whom were chosen Player of the Year in the City Section. McCallister played a pivotal role in Palisades’ winning the girls’ title in November. Like all quality setters, she was the “quarterback” of the offense. Her ability to spread the ball around and make her teammates better did not go unnoticed by Coach Chris Forrest. “It was amazing to coach Jenna because whatever I coached her to do she would execute perfectly and successfully,” he said. “Jenna will succeed greatly at the next level and is going to bring a lot to the game. I wish her the best and know she will do well.” Winning the City title was important to McCallister, whose older sister Kaylie played on Palisades’ last section winning team in 2003. “There was a lot of pressure on us this season–we had to win,” Jenna said. “I didn’t want to go all four years without winning one and this was my last chance.” She cited leadership as the key ingredient to the Dolphins’ championship mixture last fall. “We had talent but definitely without the seniors it would’ve fallen apart,” McCallister said. “I enjoyed the fellowship with all the girls but it was my responsibility, along with Teal [Johnson] and Alex [Lunder], to hold the team together.” Asked to name her favorite class at Palisades High, McCallister answered: “AP Biology with Ms. Benke my junior year because I knew a lot of people in that class.” McCallister, who resides on Haverford, was a soccer player before taking up volleyball in fifth grade. She went to elementary school at Calvary Christian before switching to Lighthouse Christian Academy in Santa Monica for grades 6-8. After four years with Sports Shack she played on Gene Selznick’s 18-1s club team along with Pali teammates Lunder and Tait Johnson. “It’s been fun growing up here in the Palisades,” McCallister said. “Summer days at Bel Air Bay Club, watching the fireworks on the Fourth of July, going swimming with my friends. There’s always stuff to do.” Another thing McCallister has in common with her fellow Post Cup winner is being named to the Los Angeles Volleyball Coaches Association’s All-City Academic Team two years in a row. “Both are great players and great leaders,” said Forrest, who coaches Palisades’ boys and girls teams. “I know one thing’neither team would’ve won City without them on the floor.” A multi-sport athlete at Marquez Elementary, Vegas excelled at baseball, basketball and soccer before giving volleyball a try in eighth grade at Paul Revere Middle School. He’s played it ever since, even earning Most Valuable Player honors in the Junior Olympics as a member of Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club’s 17-1s squad. What Vegas will remember most about his senior season is overcoming a seven-point deficit in the fourth game of last month’s City finals at Cal State Northridge, when the Dolphins dug deep to beat El Camino Real in five games. “We hadn’t won [City] in 10 years and we’d fought so hard for that perfect record,” Vegas said. “It was important to show that our program is still strong. When I saw that last serve fly out of bounds I just breathed a sigh of relief.” Vegas appreciates the life lessons that volleyball–and setting in particular–has taught him. “There’s a lot of responsibility on your shoulders but I’ve learned how to be a leader,” he said. “There’s a lot of pressure at times but if you make a mistake you have to be able to forget it and move on to the next point.” Vegas, who lives on Temecula, said the best course he took at Palisades High was Mr. Lee’s U.S. history class in 11th grade. As for college? “I’m still undecided on a major,” he said. According to Forrest, Vegas’ ability to learn quickly was one reason Palisades’ boys won the City title this spring. “Scott grew tremendously as a player and leader on and off the court,” he said. “He would listen and apply what was taught to him and his success was proven through his play and results.” Vegas and McCallister can look back on their high school accomplishments with pride and look forward to bright futures’Vegas at UCLA and McCallister at Wheaton College in Illinois. ‘Going into my senior year I went to a UCLA volleyball camp and that’s where [Coach Al Scates] took notice of me,’ Vegas said. ‘They offered me a scholarship before I started my applications so that made my decision easier, too.’ Transitioning from a prep powerhouse like Palisades to a national power like UCLA might seem like a daunting task but Vegas is ready for the challenge. Forrest is also confident that the Dolphins’ ‘Mr. Clutch’ can be a force in the Pac-10. “Scott still has an unlimited amount of potential and will continue to grow as a player,” he said. “Give him one year at the next level and you can expect him to shine at UCLA.” Vegas and McCallister can look back on their high school accomplishments with pride and look forward to bright futures’Vegas at UCLA and McCallister at Wheaton College in Illinois. “Going into my senior year I went to a UCLA volleyball camp and that’s where [Coach Al Scates] took notice of me,” Vegas said. “They offered me a scholarship before I started my applications so that made my decision easier, too.” Transitioning from a prep powerhouse like Palisades to a national power like UCLA might seem like a daunting task but Vegas is ready for the challenge. Forrest is also confident that the Dolphins’ “Mr. Clutch” can be a force in the Pac-10. “Scott still has an unlimited amount of potential and will continue to grow as a player,” he said. “Give him one year at the next level and you can expect him to shine at UCLA.” Vegas said he will redshirt his first year but his objective is clear: “I’m ready to start playing again and my goal is to eventually get on that court [at Pauley Pavilion] and play.” Meanwhile, McCallister chose Wheaton because it is strong in her major yet still has a competitive volleyball program. “I didn’t want to play Division I because it’s a little too intense,” she admitted. “But they have a pretty successful team and they have a great kinesiology department. I want to be a physical therapist.” For both Post Cup winners, tonight’s graduation marks the end of one chapter in their lives and the beginning of a new one. “I was thinking about that in class this morning,” McCallister said Monday. “That these are the last 15 minutes of my high school career. What I’ll miss the most is hanging out with my classmates and friends.”

Begel Talks on Olympics Day

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Former Olympian Kym Begel addresses her young audience at Palisades Elementary School's annual Olympics Day.
Former Olympian Kym Begel addresses her young audience at Palisades Elementary School’s annual Olympics Day.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The last time the Olympics came to Los Angeles was in 1984, but here in Pacific Palisades the world’s premiere athletic competition is revisited every spring. Last Thursday it was Palisades Elementary School’s turn to celebrate the international spectacle with its on-campus annual Olympics Day. And who better to invite to the festivities than a former Olympian? After the athletes took an entry lap around the schoolyard, 1992 Olympian Kym Begel addressed the students. Begel finished 11th in the heptathlon at the Summer Games in Barcelona, Spain. During her nearly 20-year athletic career, she won numerous indoor and outdoor national championships and was ranked No. 1 in the United States and No. 8 in the world by Track and Field News magazine. Begel, who stands six feet, two inches tall, told her attentive young audience that she was always tall and that in kindergarten, she was even taller than the teacher. Pali Elementary’s entire student body, from kindergarten through fifth grade, was divided into 12 nations, which were highest on the Cambridge University’s Environmental Sustainability Index and tied into this year’s theme: “Go Green.” Everywhere she went, people asked Begel if she played basketball and she truthfully answered ‘No.’ She also admitted that because she was asked the question so often, she decided she wouldn’t try out for basketball because she was afraid she wouldn’t be good at it. Begel didn’t play organized sports in elementary school, she simply played with her friends. When Begel entered high school, she tried out for cheerleading and the first thing the coach did was introduce her to the basketball coach. She was urged to try it and give it a shot. Since people had been asking her about basketball her whole life, she decided to give it a try. “I was terrible,” she said. “I had the physical attributes [jumping and height], but I was terrible.” Begel told her listeners she decided she was going to work hard at getting better and by her senior year, she was the best basketball player in the state. She told the story because she’s been told, “You don’t know what it means to not be good,” to which she replied, “Yes, I do.” Begel also got her shot at high jump and when she graduated from high school in Kansas she was the prep record holder in that event. She urged the young students, “Whatever you are meant to be is already inside of you, it’s up to you to determine what that special things is and to work on it to let it out.” After Begel finished her presentation, a check for $1,200 was given to Special Olympics athlete Eddie Mack, who has participated in those games for 20 years, and was scheduled to compete last weekend. The Olympic Creed, the motto, the symbolism of the rings and the Olympic oath were all read and students were then dismissed to participate in the different events which included an obstacle course, handball, team building, pictionary, a hippety-hop race and the 4 X 100 relay. Points were loosely kept, but Begel summed up the overall reason for the day: “You don’t need to be Olympians when you grow up, but you do need to stay physically active and not be afraid to sweat.”

Pali Blue Is Pony Perfect

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Pali Blue players congratulate each other after winning the Pony Division Championship to finish a perfect 20-0 this season.
Pali Blue players congratulate each other after winning the Pony Division Championship to finish a perfect 20-0 this season.

For a baseball team, at any level, to go undefeated over the course of a three-month season, it takes tremendous discipline, great coaching, clutch hitting and fielding, top-notch pitching and yes, even a little luck. Pali Blue, a local 13- and 14-year-old squad, had all of those things this spring on its way to winning the Pony Division championship and finishing with a perfect 20-0 record. Piloted by veteran coach Clark Porter, Pali Blue overcame every obstacle, including tough semifinal and final playoff games, to establish itself as one of the best youth baseball teams in Pacific Palisades history. The Blue roster, consisting of Kevin Carswell, Matt Demogenes, Nathan Dodson, Chris Groel, Daniel Gurvis, Jack Jordan, Ryan Kahn, Chad Kanoff, Jackson Nethercot, Ryan Page, Charlie Porter, Hagen Smith, Will St. John, and Harrison Wollman, was full of players who not only performed well individually but also meshed well together on the diamond. Having easily dispatched its first two playoff opponents, Pali Blue got its toughest test in the semifinals against a familiar opponent’Pali White, coached by Brian Sullivan. It was a classic Saturday night showdown at the Field of Dreams and it appeared Pali White might pull off a monumental upset when Tyler Steil tied the game, 6-6, with a home run in the sixth inning. Ultimately, though, Pali Blue prevailed when Jordan scored on St. John’s single in the bottom of the seventh inning. Carswell was on the mound for the first five innings for Pali Blue and Ryan Kahn pitched the last two in relief. The next day, Santa Monica Red beat Pali White 2-0 (Sam Wasserman notched Pali White’s only hit) to reach the finals. Needing one win in two games, Pali Blue was determined to go out in style and it did just that with a 7-5 victory last Thursday at the Field of Dreams. Pali Blue scored three times in the first inning and held a seemingly insurmountable 7-2 lead heading into the seventh inning. But Santa Monica did not go down quietly, instead rallying for three runs in its last at-bat. With a runner on third and the tying run at the plate, Kahn struck out Red’s last batter on a full count to end the game and punctuate Blue’s perfect season. Pali Blue players congratulate each other after defeating Santa Monica Red to win the Pony Division title and complete an undefeated season. Photo: Mary Ellen Kanoff

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