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‘Hedda Gabler’ Heads for West L.A.’s Odyssey Theatre

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A new production of ‘Hedda Gabler,’ produced by Toni Wells-Roth, premiered over the weekend at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. Known for then-controversial plays that featured strong female characters and challenged Victorian values, Norwegian playwright Ibsen wrote ‘Hedda Gabler’ late in his career, in 1890. Nevertheless, the play has become Ibsen’s most oft-staged work. The translation on this version of ‘Hedda’ is by Kenneth McLeish. In short, ‘Hedda’ centers on the newlywed title character (Dina Rosenmeier), a general’s daughter who operates as a high maintenance, manipulative virago. Out of boredom, she creates problems for the academic men of letters in her sphere, including husband Jorgen Tesman (Blake Robbins), an academic banking on a professorial position to solve all of his monetary problems and cushion his new future with Hedda. Not to give too much away, but Hedda’s scheme backfires on her (literally) and lands her in hot water. Pushed a couple of degrees left, ‘Hedda Gabler’ could be pure farce. In this production, black humor and double entendres buoy some of the bitter proceedings. All of the play’s seven players deliver, but ‘Hedda’ really comes alive with the introduction of John Livingston as the tormented genius Eilert Lovborg, Hedda’s former lover and Jorgen Tesman’s scholarly rival. Livingston looks kind of young for the role, but nevertheless delivers a fun, quirky performance. Ellen Gerstein as Berta the maid is outstanding in a limited supporting role, which she plays to the hilt. She’s not only a scene-stealer, but also a set-stealer, as one scene requires her to physically move a piano to the rear of the stage. With her smoky voice and voluptuous blond features, Rosenmeier recalls Kathleen Turner in her prime. She does a solid job of carrying the story’s center. A native of Aalborg, Denmark, Rosenmeier gets an edge from her Scandinavian good looks and her fluency with the Danish language that adds texture to the production. She milks the latter for one of the evening’s biggest laughs; outside the parameters of the Ibsen play itself. The only problem with this production may be chalked up to opening night jitters or the play’s preparation on short notice. There were a handful of times where the actors stepped on each other’s lines or jumped out of the gate too early. One suspects that, after a couple more performances, such kinks will be smoothed out. Nevertheless, such moments did not derail the production, which also includes the talents of Deborah Van Valkenburg as Aunt Julia Tesman and Gillian Brashear (Mrs. Elvsted). Costumer Christina Wright does a great job making Rosenmeier look good in maroon and turquoise period dresses. The set design by Kis Knekt and Andrew Theil”antique furniture against a burgundy backdrop”appears flavorful and unobtrusive. At the gala opening party, over some appropriately Danish beer (Carlsberg) and finger food, the Palisadian-Post caught up with Rosenmeier, who explained that the idea to mount the play originated while on a trip to Napa Valley with a copy of ‘Hedda Gabler’ and her pal, Seymour Cassel. The veteran character actor Cassel urged her to do the production, and was originally set to play Judge Brack himself (played well by Grainger Hines), as well as direct the play, until some offers to do various feature films complicated his schedule. Charles Otte, who co-directed ‘Hedda’ with Rick Pagano, said that he streamlined some of the text to add some subtle post-modern spice to the affair, which is why the latter half of this four-act production features the cast in more contemporary clothing. ‘Hedda Gabler’ plays Thursday-Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through May 31, at the Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. (one block north of Olympic), West Los Angeles. Tickets: $25, Thursdays and Fridays; $30 Saturdays and Sundays. RSVP: (310) 477-2055.

Swim Teams at PaliHi Prep for City

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Junior Mike Buckhauer surges through the water in the 100 breaststroke to take first place.
Junior Mike Buckhauer surges through the water in the 100 breaststroke to take first place.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Justin Nam completes his leg of the 400 freestyle relay, which Pali won.
Justin Nam completes his leg of the 400 freestyle relay, which Pali won.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Winning PaliHi swimmers.

Meet Erich Haas, New Park Director

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With spring sports underway, Erich Haas is settling in as the new Palisades Recreation Center director. ‘It’s a great center and a great community,’ Haas said Monday. Current sports include T-ball on Monday, 5-pitch on Friday, girls softball and roller hockey on Sunday, and basketball (girls and coed) on Saturday and Sunday. Girls softball, which was on hiatus for several years, has about 45 girls signed up and will also be offered this summer. Haas credits Karen Shirley, the girls’ sports coordinator, for bringing new guidance to the girls’ programs. She plans to have girls basketball clinics and other sports during the summer. Sign-ups for summer programs will take place in mid-May. Mike Dickerson is in charge of the boys’ program and Haas praises him for getting spring sports started on time. ‘He’s terrific,’ Haas said. ‘I’m excited to be here, it’s a change of pace for me,’ said Haas, whose last position was at Vineyard Recreation Center in South Los Angeles. He feels his strong point is his organizational ability and he plans to use that to improve existing programs and customer service. He said that parents would come to the Recreation Center, talk to one person in the office and get one answer, then speak to another person and get another answer. He wants to get his staff on the same page. Haas is also seeking community input. ‘Maybe there’s something people would like to have that we can offer.’ For class offerings and a registration form visit: www.laparks.org/dos/reccenter/facility/pdf/palisadesBro.pdf —SUE PASCOE

Palisades High Roundup

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Tennis Playoffs After breezing undefeated through Western League play, second-seeded Pali drew a first-round bye in the City playoffs Monday. The Dolphins played in yesterday’s quarterfinals (after our press deadline) and hoped to reach Monday’s semifinals at Balboa. The finals are May 9. Track and Field Both Pali teams (boys and girls) were undefeated in league meets. League prelims were held yesterday at Pali’s Stadium by the Sea and the finals will be May 7 at the same site (field events start at 1:30 p.m. and running events begin at 2 p.m.). ‘This is the best all-around team that I’ve ever had,’ said head coach Ron Brumel. ‘The balance, the quality and depth are all good.’ Brumel managed to get hurdler Erika Martin into an invitational meet in Arcadia in the 300-meter hurdles, where she reached the finals and placed fourth with a time of 45.13, making her the fifth fastest sophomore girl in state. The kicker? This was only the fifth time she had run the event. ‘Erika has blown my mind,’ Brumel said. ‘You need a lot of guts to run the hurdles; a lot of people are afraid of hitting them. But she’s got speed, she’s smart, she works hard and she’s got a ton of talent. She ran four seconds faster than I’ve ever had anyone run the event.’ Brumel also singled out senior Tuekeha Huntley, who broke the school high jump record with a jump of 5’4′. Having medaled in five invitational meets, ‘she’s definitely capable of medaling in the state meet with all the experience she’s had,’ Brumel said. Camille Liberatore is also coming into her own. The junior has pole vaulted 10’1′ this season, but Brumel has seen her clear 11′ in practice several times. Girls Lacrosse Coach Juliet Mittleman is putting the basics together an inexperienced team: 90 percent of the players had never played the sport before, and the majority are either freshmen or sophomores. ‘We look like we can play, but not everything has lined up,’ said Mittleman, whose team finished its season yesterday against Brentwood (result not available). The Dolphins were 1-5 in league play, but won two non-league games. Boys Lacrosse Undefeated since March 31, Pali routed Manual Arts last Friday, 13-1, and beat Malibu this Monday, 11-5. The Dolphins have outscored their last seven opponents 91-39. They finish their season at home today at 6 p.m. against New Jewish Community. Softball Coach Jose Alvarado’s team continued its winning ways by beating Fairfax, 7-5, last Thursday, improving its league record to 7-4 and its overall record to 11-5. The last home game of the season was Tuesday against University (result not available). Baseball Continuing its dominance in the Western League, Pali (11-0) beat Hamilton last Wednesday, 8-1, and Venice this Monday, 15-0 in five innings. In its last six league games, coach Mike Voelkel’s team has allowed only one run. Jon Moscot allowed just one hit against Venice and Julian Barzilli slugged a homerun. On Saturday the Dolphins beat Culver City, 5-2, in a non-league game. (Sports Editor Steve Galluzzo is on vacation until May 7.)

Rose Gilbert Emphasizes the A in Athletics

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Palisades High English teacher Rose Gilbert, 89, with the school
Palisades High English teacher Rose Gilbert, 89, with the school
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Rose Gilbert Emphasizes the A in Athletics By SUE PASCOE Staff Writer As Rose Gilbert nears her 90th birthday this August, her mission in life is unwavering: helping students become the best they can through instruction and encouragement. The second annual UCLA Scholar-Athlete Banquet, held Monday evening, supported Gilbert’s vision as she completes her 46th year as an English teacher at Palisades Charter High School. Three years ago, UCLA Associate Athletic Director of Development Ken McGuire approached Gilbert and asked her to sponsor the event. ‘I knew Rose’s passions were UCLA, athletics and academics,’ said McGuire, who suggested that they honor student-athletes with a GPA of 3.0 and higher. Since Gilbert’s daughter Maggie, who had died suddenly on August 20, 2004, was a competitive swimmer and a good student, she agreed to sponsor the banquet with a $1-million endowment. Of the 178 athletes eligible for the banquet, 95 had a 3.5 or better and 13 had a 4.0. The All-Academic team, announced on Monday, honored the athletes with the highest GPA in each sport; 22 were recognized with a combined GPA of 3.68. Before the banquet began, Academic Coordinator for Basketball Kenny Donaldson said, ‘When we recruit, we look for someone who is motivated. Even if you’re the best player in high school, if you don’t have the grades we won’t look at you.’ Ann Meyers-Drysdale, a former UCLA basketball player who was the first woman signed for a four-year scholarship and the first player drafted by the WNBA, was the speaker. She admitted that she was not a scholar-athlete, but was proud of graduating from UCLA. She offered encouragement and quoted Winston Churchill, ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ Several special awards were given including the Rose Gilbert Courage and Character Award, the Athletic Director’s Academic Excellence Award, the Maggie Gilbert Academic Achievement Award and the Bruin Leadership Award. Gilbert spoke briefly. ‘I believe in that kind of marriage [academics and athletes],’ she said. ‘You are all incredibly blessed and you deserve the best.’

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 1, 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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

FULLY FURNISHED/UNFURN & tastefully remodeled. 3 bdrm, 2 ba cul-de-sac home in Marquez school district. Great floor plan. New kitchen & bath. 6 mos.-1 yr. $6,250/mo. Agent Gwen, (310) 749-8821

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

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

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

HALF BLOCK TO BEACH off Sunset. Patio, newly tiled flrs, hdwd flrs in living room, new carpet, pool, security building, parking, hiking close by. $1,650/mo. (310) 459-6369

BEST LOCATION in Santa Monica. Lincoln @ trendy Montana, restaurants, shopping, buses, ocean 8 blks. 2 bdrm, 1 1⁄2 ba upper front. Windows on N, W & S. Balcony, pking, ldry. $2,495/mo. (310) 393-0798

IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE. Detach/gar. apt. 1 bdrm, 1 ba, lrg liv rm. Very quiet & pvt. All appl/TV, stereo, internet access, ldry, pvt. off st. pking. Util incl. $1,650/mo. Call (310) 454-1904

PALISADES SINGLE apt, with dinette, new paint, carpet, large kitchen, gas stove, fridge, one year lease, covered parking, storage, laundry. No Pets. Non-smoker. $1,085/mo. (310) 477-6767

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

LUXURY PENTHOUSE w/ panoramic unobstructed ocean views. Walk to beach. 7 min. to Santa Monica. 2 bdrm, 2 ba. All new interior. Hwd, granite, stainless steel. Ocean view, deck. W/D, garage. Quiet & safe. $4,600/mo. (310) 230-4200 www.MalibuCoastline.com

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

GUESTHOUSE/STUDIO wanted to rent. Local employed male. Trustworthy. Contact Alex, (310) 454-6463

YOUNG GRANDMOTHER, TAHOE resident, seeking secondary residence in the area. Views, tranquility a must. Have small obedient dog. (310) 721-3134 • truckee72@yahoo.com

TEACHER LOOKING FOR guest house or room with private entrance and kitchen privileges. Avail to rent July 1st. $800/mo. Call Tim at (310) 433-9610

GUESTHOUSE OR APARTMENT NEEDED * Quiet, responsible mature female seeks guesthouse or apt. Employed non-smoker. Excellent ref. (310) 310-5985

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PALISADES OFFICE SUITES available in the heart of the VILLAGE including 1) Single office suites with windows in each office and some with balconies starting from $975 per month and 2) Office suites ranging in size from 950 sf to 5,000 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

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE. Could be one or 2 offices. In the village. Private bathrooms. (818) 487-8983 or (310) 459-4441

VACATION RENTALS 3e

FULLY SELF CONTAINED 24’ Fleetwood Terry trailer across the street from Will Rogers State Beach. Pacific Palisades. $1,400/mo. (310) 454-2515

FULLY SELF CONTAINED 28’ Kit Road Ranger trailer across the street from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades. $1,600/mo. (310) 454-2515

SUMMER LEASE, June thru Sept. Flexible dates. Immaculate, nicely furnished 1 bdrm condo. Minimum age 62 yrs, close to everywhere. $1,350/mo. Broker, (310) 795-3795 or (310) 456-8770

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5

SEEK PRIVATE INVESTOR for short term $190K bridge loan. 10 pts. for 6 mos or less. Secured by real estate. No brokers please. (310) 454-0685

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

BUSINESS OR PERSONAL bookkeeping available to my neighbors in the Palisades including bank reconciliation, financial reports, payroll and sales tax reports. Highly experienced, fast, discreet with excellent local references. Call Shirley, (310) 570-6085

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

COMPUTER SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT. HOME & BUSINESS–Windows Vista/XP–20 Yrs exp. frankelconsulting.com (310) 454-3886

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

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE, ORGANIZATION & bookkeeping. Superior services provided w/ discretion & understanding. Pali resident, local references. Call Sarah, (310) 573-9263

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

HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING available Monday-Friday. 5 years experience. Trustworthy. Call Sofhia or Marta, (323) 596-8758

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 anytime. (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

PLEASANT, EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER available Mon.-Fri. Live out. Excellent local references. Some English. Please call Olga, (323) 802-4224

EXPERIENCED-IMMACULATE HOUSEKEEPER and nanny available two days per week. Speaks English and drives. Excellent references. Honest and trustworthy. Please call (310) 230-0260

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon. Tues. & Wed. Own transportation, Very good local references. Call Ayda, (310) 397-7586

HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING Monday-Friday, full time, own car, experienced, references. Call Susie, (310) 442-6426 or (310) 663-7836

HOUSECLEANER W/ many years experience. Available Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday. Very good local references. Call Holga, (310) 207-8323, or cell, (310) 968-1138

HOUSEKEEPER available Tuesday & Thursday. Own transportation, experienced, references. Please call Erica, (213) 385-7922.

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER, full time Monday-Saturday. Very good local refs. Own car. Trustworthy. Good experience. God Bless. Call Evelin, (323) 521-1697 or leave msg.

HOUSEKEEPER, Mon.-Fri. Experienced. Good referrals. Own transportation. Call Maria, (310) 508-6262

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

FAMILY RELOCATED to Hong Kong! Our devoted housekeeper of 10 yrs is honest, hardworking, loyal, diligent, efficient, dependable. NAB her NOW! Maria, (310) 844-5608

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Monday & Thursday. Own transportation. Local references. CDL. Call Marion, (323) 424-5671

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE 3 days, Mon./Wed./Fri. Great local refs. 20 yrs exp. Call Sofia, c (323) 356-8344, hm (323) 721-5719

HOUSEKEEPER, EXPERIENCED. Will keep your home sparkling clean with personal care. CDL, car, English-speaking. Pet friendly. Housesitting while you are away. Refs. (310) 227-5132.

HIGH & MIGHTY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE. for homes, apts. & offices. Construction, painting, elec., gen. maintenance. Honest, reliable. Refs. Teresa, (323) 823-8947, or Jose, (310) 713-1250

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

COMPANION/CAREGIVER available Monday-Friday. Many years experience. Very good references. Own car. Reliable, trustworthy. Call Sheila, (310) 270-6761

ELDER CARE in your home. Available in the day. M-F. Excellent local references. 10 years experience. Own transportation. CDL. Insured. Call Sandy, cell, (818) 272-3400, or hm, (818) 834-2524

HOUSEKEEPING, CHILD & ELDERLY CARE. Exp. CPR, 1st Aid cert. w/ Med. bkgrd. L/I or L/O. Fluent Eng. Refs. avail. Call Ed, (888) 897-5888, (818) 486-6432

NURSING CARE 10b

BABY NURSE LOOKING for a newborn. Saturday & Sunday. Day or night. Good references & experienced. Call Ana, (310) 586-1049

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

INTERIOR PLANTS 11c

CALVIN’S PLANT SPECIALISTS! Interior, exterior plant care & installations. Rose garden maintenance, organic vegetable gardens, Serving Malibu over 50 years. Free estimates. Call (310) 460-8760

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 12c

NEIGHBORHOOD THERAPIST: Caring, patient & local Palisades Psychotherapist available for help and insight into issues relating to your personal and interpersonal life. To make an appointment with Dr. Aunene Finger, Board Certified MFT, please call (310) 454-0855. www.neighborhoodtherapist.com. Lic. #37780

WINDOW WASHING 13h

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

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

PERSONAL ASSISTANT/NANNY, great local references. Errands, bill pay, home management, organization & childcare. BA Human resources. Own car. Very experienced. Courtney, (310) 924-1004

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!

PHOTOGRAPHY 14h

PROFESSIONAL HEAD SHOTS for all occasions by a Professional Photographer. Digital or Film. Call Gail Goodrich, (310) 230-8388 or (310) 502-6733

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

PAINTING CLASS. Aspiring artists come for fun instruction. Peaceful garden studio setting. Pvt & small groups. Contact Susan, (310) 459-7783

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 grades • Levels • Grammar • Conversational • SAT/AP • Children, adults • Great references. Noelle, (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

SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS: FINALS IN SIX WEEKS! Get help from an experienced tutor and buff your grades to a college shine. English, History and Spanish. Justin, (310) 801-1048

NEED A TUTOR?? Certified Elementary Teacher • 2005 Arizona State graduate • Qualified to teach students K-6th, all subjects • Will strengthen and reinforce learning while building academic confidence and self-esteem • Motivational, creative, positive relationship with students • Will come to your home. Caroline, (310) 577-2171

SUMMER CAMPS 15f

JULIE VAN HERWERDEN’S Summer Art Camp in the Palisades. Save a spot. Sign up now! Visit summerartcamp.info

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

CONTRACTOR for remodeled rooms, editions, bathrooms, kitchen, windows, painting, construction on hillside, blueprints, deal w/ city inspections. Bonded, ins. Lic. #887326. Call for free est. (888) 783-7195

BUILDERS & REMODELING. New construction & additions. Bathroom & kitchen remodels. Custom painting. Fences, decks, driveways. Concrete work. Lic. #B824686. Free estimates. (323) 877-8505, (323) 898-6127

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

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p

SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942 (310) 393-5686

LOCKSMITH 16q

LOCKSMITH • (310) 396-7784. Bill Walter, Residential & Commercial. License #LCO-4438. Emergency Service 24/7

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

ALL SEASONS PAINTING. Interior/exterior, local licensed color specialist for 30 years. Kitchen cabinet clean-up. Fast, clean & on time. Lic. #571061. Call (310) 678-7913

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, (310) 230-2930

ARCHER JORDAN CONSTRUCTION • Quality Work • Competitive Pricing. Call James Jordan, (310) 579-7722 mobile. (310) 399-7478 office. Lic. #908588

CASALE CONSTRUCTION Since 1977 • New Homes • Additions • Remodeling • Kitchens • Bathrooms • BBQ Islands & more • Full service from inception to move-in. Free consultation. (323) 964-9707, (800) 974-7420. www.remodeling-4u.com Lic. #512443

ROOFING 16w

PALISADES ROOFING • All types of roofing. Waterproofing & water damage repairs. Best service • Best price • Guaranteed • Lic. #751137. (310) 230-2930. Fax (310) 230-2931

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

LIVE-IN caregiver 5 days/week. Must drive & have own car. Experienced with references. CNA or LVN preferred. (310) 489-5496

POSSIBLE CAREER CHANGE! L.E.D. lighting & environmental solutions. Great opportunity for talented individual. Call (310) 917-3399

HOUSEKEEPER/COOK, F/T (Sat.-Wed.) or P/T (Mon. & Tues.), 12-8 p.m. Must speak excellent English. Live out, no dependent children, drive, own car. N/S. (310) 226-6905

ACCOUNTANT, FLEXIBLE P/T. Santa Monica service & retail store requires Bachelor in accounting & 3-5 yrs. exp. w/ Quickbooks, Excel, Word & Outlook. Retail exp. preferred. Call Elisa at (310) 998-1981, x22. Submit resume www.pumpstation.com

HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED FOR Palisades family. 3 days/wk. Must have own transportation. Speak English. Good local references. Call (310) 454-8677

HOUSEKEEPER/DRIVER, FT M-F, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. flexible, reliable, own car housekeeping, driving, must love cooking. have dogs. Santa Monica area. References. c.raiss@verizon.net

FURNITURE 18c

Entertainment Center FOR SALE: 681⁄2” x 60” x 253⁄4” solid oak, 6 solid doors & 2 glass doors & display area. $350. Call (310) 454-5756

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

“RITE OF SPRING”! Clear-out! Antique wall/skeleton clocks! Furn/Collectibles/hsehold goods/Jewelry/ clothes/Books! Fun stuff! FRI.-SAT., May 2-3, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; 16620 Merivale Ln (Corn.Lachman). www.bmdawson.com for pix.

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS — THURSDAY, MAY 1 through THURSDAY, MAY 8

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THURSDAY, MAY 1 Swazzle’s Forest Fables, a free puppet show for preschoolers, 4 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Swazzle, a puppet company dedicated to the art of live puppetry, presents a cheerful troupe of imaginative woodland creatures performing whimsical plays based on classic fairy tales and Aesop’s fables. Robert Levinson discusses and signs ‘In the Key of Death,’ a thriller set in the world of the Los Angeles music industry, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Levison’s book draws on his years as an art columnist, critic, feature writer and reviewer for publications such as Rolling Stone. FRIDAY, MAY 2 Theatre Palisades presents Michael Frayn’s ‘Noises Off,’ 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, through May 11 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Tickets: (310) 454-1970 or visit theatrepalisades.org. SATURDAY, MAY 3 Family Western Night, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Live country music, dancing, games, prizes and food. Free admission. SUNDAY, MAY 4 Karen Dawn holds a book signing, reading, and champagne reception for her lively animal-rights coffee-table book, ‘Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals,’ 4 p.m., Mick’s Cafe, adjacent to Cottage Consignment Boutique, at 859 Swarthmore. Scheduled to read: actors Jorja Fox (‘CSI’), Isabel Lucas (‘Transformers 2’), James Cromwell (‘Babe’), Emily Deschanel (‘Bones’), and others. Visit thankingthemonkey.com. The Palisades Symphony offers a Mozart program, including the ‘Requiem’ (with the Brentwood-Palisades Chorale) and a flute concerto, 7:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. MONDAY, MAY 5 Garden expert Kathy Brown will bring her show-and-tell talk to members of the Palisades Garden Club and guests, 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. TUESDAY, MAY 6 Storytime for children of all ages, 4 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Mark Sarvas discusses ‘Harry, Revised,’ a sophisticated debut novel by the founder of a popular literary blog (the elegant variation), 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Season’s final concert by Chamber Music Palisades, featuring music by Schoenfield, Albert (the world premiere of ‘Americana’ for flute and strings), Bridge and Elgar, 8 p.m., St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda. Tickets at the door: $25. Students with current ID are free. WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 Monthly meeting of the Palisades AARP chapter, 2 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Public invited. THURSDAY, MAY 8 Annual meeting of the Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association, 7 p.m., preceded by socializing and refreshments at 6:30 p.m., Marquez Charter School auditorium. The public is invited. Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited.

PaliHi Students Publish Memoirs

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Palisades Charter High School senior Grace Bush-Vineberg took photos of herself and 35 classmates for the cover of their book, which was recently published by PEN in the Classroom. The cover dog, Leo, belongs to English teacher Dennis Danziger.
Palisades Charter High School senior Grace Bush-Vineberg took photos of herself and 35 classmates for the cover of their book, which was recently published by PEN in the Classroom. The cover dog, Leo, belongs to English teacher Dennis Danziger.
Dennis Danziger and his wife, Amy Friedman, helped 35 students write their memoirs, which were recently published by PEN in the Classroom. Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
Dennis Danziger and his wife, Amy Friedman, helped 35 students write their memoirs, which were recently published by PEN in the Classroom. Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer

“‘Way before the ambulance and police arrived, my aunt was there, running and looking for my father. My aunt found my father lying on the bathroom floor, and she checked his pulse; there wasn’t one. She fell back against the wall and burst into tears saying no puede ser (it can’t be),” wrote Palisades Charter High School senior Mario Ramos, about the murder of his father in Guadalajara, Mexico, when he was six years old. Ramos, 18, was one of 35 Palisades High students who wrote memoirs that were recently published in an anthology, ‘Next Voices.’ ‘Everyone has a story, but not everyone puts it in writing,’ Ramos said. ‘Now, my story is out there.’ His father was overseeing the construction of a house during a family trip to Mexico when he was robbed and murdered. Many of Ramos’ classmates told him that his memoir ‘My Father’ made them cry. ‘Everyone was very supportive,’ Ramos said. A family friend said ‘it was really good I wrote about it, to talk about it and have it out there.’ His family does not speak of that day. Ramos and his classmates wrote personal stories ranging from dealing with divorce to the tribulations of young love as part of PEN in the Classroom, a program of PEN USA, a nonprofit writers’ organization. They will read their memoirs aloud to the public on May 29 between 12:30 and 2 p.m. in room B101 at the high school. PEN in the Classroom gives high school students the opportunity to work with a professional poet, novelist, screenwriter or journalist for 12 weeks. At the end of the class, the student work is published in an anthology. The goal of the program is to enhance the writing and reading skills of students and expose them to role models. PEN selects writers from its membership to assist students and pays them a small stipend. English teacher Dennis Danziger applied to PEN in the Classroom because he thought it would be a great opportunity for his students. His wife, Amy Friedman, is a member of PEN, so he asked her to work with his non-honors students once a week on memoir writing. Since 1992, Friedman has written folktales in a syndicated feature ‘Tell Me a Story,’ which is published in about 125 newspapers nationally and internationally. She has published two memoirs and also teaches creative nonfiction and memoir at UCLA. ‘I love my students at UCLA, but I wanted to work with students who are a little more reluctant to write,’ Friedman said. ‘I really wanted to work with students who think they don’t like writing, and I wanted to convince them that they did.’ At the beginning of the course, Friedman led the students through a series of memory exercises. ‘They are designed to shut off the brain and get the heart working,’ Friedman said. She asked the students to free-write about different topics such as family and friendship. Senior Leticia Garcia, 17, wrote in ‘Not from You’ about her best friend dating a guy whom she liked and how that action strained their friendship. ‘I had had it inside for so long,’ Garcia said. ‘I was able to get it off my chest and go on with my life.’ At first, she found it emotionally difficult to share her piece, but that pain eased with time. Her classmates were supportive, positive and helpful ‘ they became like a family, she said. Friedman often divided the students into small groups, so that everyone would have a chance to interact. ‘It was moving,’ Friedman said of watching the students accept one another. ‘I really fell in love with these kids.’ Senior Kirsten Legaspi admitted that in many of her classes, she doesn’t even know her classmates’ names by the end of the semester. In this writing class, however, she had the opportunity to meet everyone and learn about their lives. ‘I didn’t realize my peers had gone through those experiences,’ said Ramos, who plans to attend Santa Monica College this fall. Shirley Jo Finney, an actress and director, and Tim Coyne, a writer and performer, visited the classroom to coach the students on how to read aloud. When Finney worked with the students, she taught them how to present their stories with emotion. She asked four students to read their pieces in front of the class and mirrored their energy level. Legaspi, who wrote a memoir ‘April’ (see page 2) about feeling abandoned by her mother after her parents’ divorce, presented that day. ‘[Finney] told me not to look at my paper the entire time and to speak out,’ said Legaspi, who admitted she felt nervous throughout the reading. But after that day, ‘I kept reading it over and over and it made me more comfortable,’ said the 18-year-old. ‘I got more confident sharing my story.’ Finney said she witnessed students having epiphanies. ‘When I left, I thought this one moment would affect the rest of their lives. The writers shifted that day. They realized it was OK to be who they were. I felt as if I had purpose that day.’ The students submitted their final drafts in December for publication. Senior Melody Satvat thought of the book’s title, ‘Next Voices,’ and her classmate Grace Bush-Vineberg designed the front cover. One hundred copies of the book were printed. ‘When they came in to get their book, it was pretty huge,’ Danziger said. ‘They had turned in their writing to a teacher, and it kept coming back marked up. They went through draft after draft, and then it came back in the form of a book.’ Garcia’s mother was so excited she called family in Mexico to share the news. ‘That made me feel special in the family,’ said Garcia, who will attend Cal State L.A. this fall. ‘I’ve become a stronger writer. I know what kind of details to include to get to my point a lot faster. I have learned to leave out everything that doesn’t matter so much.’ Legaspi, who will attend Santa Monica College, was excited to pick up her book because some of her classmates were too shy to read their pieces aloud. ‘I told the kids ‘you and your classmates will have this forever,’ Danziger said. ‘Someday you will find this stored away somewhere, read it and think that this person used to sit across from me.” PaliHi Student Memoirs: Leaving Family Behind It is almost 6 a.m. I still have two hours until my flight, but everyone is in a rush. I am ready to go, and my bags are at the front door. Eda, my six-year-old sister, is secretly trying to open my bag so that she can put in the letter she wrote, although she can barely write. But the bag is so full she cannot open it. My mother woke at 4 a.m. to make me a simit, my favorite food, although I told her not to do it. She is telling me that I must eat it because the flight between Istanbul, Turkey and New York will take 12 hours, and then another five hours between New York and Los Angeles. And she puts a sweater on my shoulders in case it is cold in New York in August. She has never been to New York, but she knew that it would rain. I still do not know how, but she was right again. And my brother is telling me to wait and not to go anywhere until his friends come to LAX and pick me up. My dad does not even say a word. I know him. He means more when he does not talk. He is the one who encouraged me to go to Los Angeles so that I can attend a good university. It is a five-year sacrifice for my future ‘ Secretly, everyone is checking each other’s eyes to see who will drop the first tear. I do not want to be the first one. I hear Eda crying quietly. Now I hear my mum trying to laugh and crying at the same time. I guess it is my turn to cry since there is no way my dad will cry, and my brother will wait for me. So I just let it go. The author will attend Loyola Marymount College to study business administration this fall. Meeting a Father By AIMARA DE ANDA I met him the second day I was there, a tall, skinny man with caramel skin and hair as black as night. He was standing in front of his house playing with his two little kids. Seeing them made me feel jealous; I wondered what they had that I didn’t have. Why did he choose to be with them over me? The first conversation we had was brief, just a simple hello, how are you. There was no hug or anything as I had imagined. I made our meeting short by telling him that I had to return to my tia’s house. From then on he never talked to me unless he was drunk, and even then he didn’t treat me like I was his daughter. He made me feel like I wasn’t worth anything to him, as if we had nothing in common. That’s when I realized who my true ‘dad’ is. That is my stepfather, Steve. He’s been there for me and cares for me so much. He never misses a birthday party or a school event. Even though I’m not his daughter by birth, he has done so much more than my real dad has. He supports me and is there to protect me. And when things get hard, he’ll stick them out with me, not like my real dad, who runs from any issue. I learned a good lesson from all this. Family is not composed of those who share your blood and genes. Family is made up of those who stick by your side no matter what happens. Family are those who love and care for you. Aimara De Anda will attend Cal State Northridge this fall. Brother Heads Off To College By LUCAS BERRY I waited eagerly as the day finally came when we would drop my brother off at the University of British Columbia. It felt like that day would never come. When Saturday September 1, 2007 finally came, I jumped out of my bed, took a shower and changed the fastest I ever had. For the first time in my life, I was the first to get ready to leave. The car ride there was the longest of my life. As soon as we reached the school, I helped my brother in every possible way so that he could leave more quickly. However, my dad informed me we were going to be there for much longer than I had hoped. We had to help my brother find his room, which took 47 minutes. Help him set up his room, 36 minutes. Buy him some last-minute items at the student store, 55 minutes. Then after all that we had our last meal with my brother before we could finally leave for home, 63 minutes. Our goodbyes took another 15 minutes. Each one of those minutes felt like an hour to me, but it was all worth it. After my family had dropped my brother off, life already started to seem pleasant. But after only two weeks of enjoying my newfound freedom, I started to miss him. Lucas Berry plans to study business in college. He plays first base on the high school varsity baseball team.

Expert Offers Tips on Herbs

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Echinacea is known to boost the immune system.
Echinacea is known to boost the immune system.

Garden expert, landscape consultant and herbalist Kathy Brown will bring her show-and-tell talk to members of the Palisades Garden Club and guests at 7:30 p.m., Monday, May 5 at the Woman?s Club, 901 Haverford. Brown, who divides her time between Lake Isabella, where she gardens on an acre of land, and Hawthorne, plans to focus her talk on herbs, which she relies on for many uses. ?I?ll talk about how I eat and drink them, use them for medicinal purposes and in landscape designs,? she says. Her love for herbs began over 20 years ago when Brown lived in Denver, where she owned a half-acre of land. She developed an herb farm and display garden open to the public. ?I not only demonstrated how they look in the garden, but also showed how they could be used, in salads, dips, tea. ?Whenever I or my pets have a health problem, I immediately turn to herbs. I pretty much treat myself with what I grow.? On the day Brown talked with the Palisadian-Post, she was sipping echinacea tea, an herb known to boost the immune system, to soothe the remains of a cold. In 2002, she wrote a book on the subject ?Herbal Teas: 101 Nourishing Blends for Daily Health and Vitality? (Storey), which contains recipes and ideas for using herbs as ornamentals. Once a year, Brown travels to Tucson to the Native Seed/Search Seedbank, which houses the seeds of crops and wild plants traditionally used as food, fiber and dyes by prehistoric and more recent cultures inhabiting the Southwest. She buys seeds, which she takes home to experiment with in her own garden. This summer, she is trying out 30 different kinds of tomatoes, in addition to melons, corn and squash.

Citizen-of-the-Year Dinner Salutes and Roasts the Best

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Citzen of the Year Bob Jeffers with Palisadian-Post publisher Roberta R. Donohue.
Citzen of the Year Bob Jeffers with Palisadian-Post publisher Roberta R. Donohue.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Secret Agent Man: Actor Peter Graves added some levity to the proceedings when he resumed his “Mission: Impossible” espionage guise for the evening.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

‘I don’t want to leave Mayberry,’ lamented one guest leaving Thursday night’s Citizen of the Year banquet, which celebrated the volunteers who served Pacific Palisades in an extraordinary way in 2007. Undoubtedly, this guest, in tossing off the reference to Andy Griffith’s fictional town was impressed by the roomful of men and women, most of whom have donated time and money to retain Pacific Palisades’ small- town feel within a big city. More than 160 Palisadians came together at the American Legion Hall for the annual party, which celebrates those who have protected the town’s heritage and supported its social, cultural and recreational activities. In the 61st annual event, the Palisadian-Post honored Bob Jeffers for spearheading the $1.7-million renovation of the football field and track at Palisades High School. In addition, Golden Sparkplug winners Amy Madnick and David Card were recognized for their contributions. (See story below) The event is a reunion for so many, who look forward to greeting old friends, whom they may have worked with on a project, served on the Community Council or on one of the many volunteer organizations in the town. The honorees’ families attended, including parents. Jeffers’ mom and dad flew in from Maryland, while Dave Card’s parents could have walked from their home in the Huntington. This year’s event kicked off the 80th birthday of the Palisadian-Post, which was noted by master of ceremonies Sam Lagana, and enlivened in song. As the crowd was encouraged to sit down, which proved challenging to the garrulous, fun-loving group, Lagana good-naturedly moved along the proceedings. Government officials from the state, the county and the city recognized the awardees with handpainted commendations. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl thanked the members of American Legion Post 283 and added his own comments concerning the work each winner had accomplished. ‘PaliHi needed $1.7 million for the athletic field and running track,’ he said. ‘Somebody had to nudge to see that it got accomplished.’ Rosendahl pointed to volunteerism as ‘a way to get engaged and have fun.’ Fun, indeed, ensued with the hijinks and low jinks of ‘On Track,’ produced by Joan Graves with direction and choreography by Babs Warden Lebowsky. The revue, with lyrics by Benny Coma and Michael Aushenker, featured Adam McCrory and the Off Via chorus, including Jenny Donohue, Roberta Donohue, Joan Graves, Ed Lowe, Arnie Wishnick and Randy Young. The program got off to an amusing start with a ‘happy birthday’ salute to the Palisadian-Post, set to Irving Berlin’s classic ‘No Business Like Show Business.’ ‘The lady is 80 and she never tires/Despite the stories she’s covered for you/Retractions, reactions, that five-minute lunch/the letters to the editor by jerks’.’ The troupe then launched into a medley of cool beats for ‘Cool Bob [Jeffers].’ ‘Well, we’re movin’ on up, on a fast track/Bob promised us a blue track by the fall. We’re runnin’round town, on his fast track/Raisin’ funds for our field by this fall,’ set to ‘Movin’ On Up,’ from the ‘Jeffersons’ TV show. ‘Cool’ Bob took the stage to receive the official Citizen-of-the-Year plaque from Palisadian-Post publisher Roberta Donohue, and thanked scores of people, from his parents ‘who came all the way from our nation’s capital’ to fellow PRIDE members and friends. He gave a special nod to his wife, Karen, and to his sons Dylan and Charlie. ‘You boys may be proud of the old man tonight, but I’m proud of you every single day,’ he added, with a catch in his throat. Jeffers encouraged ‘brave souls to get involved. Civic work pays terribly, but the hours are flexible, and the personal satisfaction can’t be beat,’ he said. ‘For me, the Sunset medians, the Marquez makeover, and the Pali stadium renovation are right up there with my two sons as the things I am most proud of’and they eat less.’ Underscoring his efforts towards making PaliHi ‘our friendly neighborhood school again,’ he underscored the importance of supporting the charter school. ‘PaliHi is academically excellent, athletically competitive, socially diverse, geographically desirable, and financially merciful’ or as my friend George says’why pay twice?’ Jeffers concluded his remarks with more thank-yous. ‘ I am proud to call the Palisades my home, and everyone here my neighbors,’ he said. ‘You have made me the Citizen of a paradise.’

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