Teraine is Closing on Antioch

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June 19, 2008

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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June 19, 2008

HOMES FOR SALE 1

HAWAII EXISTS IN LA! NEW INVENTORY. 11 HOMES AVAIL. Terrific Opportunity! PCH/Sunset. Up to 1,600 Sq. Ft. $179,000-1.1 million. Some completely remodeled, many upgrades. Ocean views, wood floors, new kitchens, sun deck, rec center w/ pool/spa/gym. Steps from the sand. Condo alternative. Agent, Michelle Bolotin, (310) 230-2438

HOMES WANTED 1b

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

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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June 18, 2008

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.
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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June 18, 2008

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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June 18, 2008

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

Kings of California

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June 18, 2008

The Palisades Waves, a local nine-year-old travel baseball team, won the USSSA California State Championships last weekend in Chino Hills and Huntington Beach, going 5-0 on its way to the title. The Waves defeated La Quinta Desert Storm, 9-1, in the first game, with Emmett Collins going two for two and scoring twice. Next, the Waves beat the Palm Desert Longhorns, 10-1, with Zach Lynch going two for two and scoring two runs. The Waves then defeated the San Diego Stars, 13-7, as Gabe Stewart had six strikeouts in three innings. In Sunday’s semifinal against the Inland Empire Dodgers, the Waves won 9-1 as Jason Starrels struck out four batters in three innings, Stewart had two hits, one run and one RBI and Spencer Howard stole three bases. In the championship game the Waves defeated the Sherman Oaks Scorpions 5-2, with pitcher William Winkenhower allowing two hits in five innings, Dylan Damavandi adding two hits and Collins smacking an RBI double. Rounding out the squad were Lucas Bellamy, Will Bantle, Matthew Bergmann, Nicholas Hurley, RJ Sands and Adam Snyder. The Waves are coached by David Howard, Wink Winkenhower, Jeff Damavandi and Joe Collins.

Blues Soccer Stays Unbeaten

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June 18, 2008

The Pali Blues, a local women’s club soccer team, remained undefeated and took over sole possession opf first place in the W-League’s Western Conference with a 4-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps Sunday afternoon at Palisades High’s Stadium by the Sea. “Throughout the game we made some great runs and maintained great timing,” Blues Coach Charlie Naimo said. “We trusted each other and were able to run our game plan through the midfield. Every goal we scored was a nice goal.” Despite dominating play, the Blues managed to score just once in the first half, when forward Liz Bogus re-directed midfielder Leah Tapscott’s feed in the 11th minute. Forward Danesha Adams converted a penalty kick four minutes into the second half. In the 74th minute Adams allowed a Amy LePeilbet pass to roll through her legs to the waiting foot of Katy Cross for the Blues’ third goal. Forward Mele French scored the last goal unassisted at the 84-minute mark. Val Henderson made five saves for her second shutout of the season. “Val was tremendous today,” Naimo said. “She read the game very well, and she was right there to clean up when the backs got in trouble. She was definitely the MVP of the afternoon.” The teams meet again this Sunday in Vancouver. The Blues return to Stadium by the Sea on Monday, June 30, when they host the Fort Collins Force.

Riders Win New Mexico Tourney

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June 18, 2008

A talented bunch of boys from Paul Revere Middle School won the 14-and-under All-Star Basketball Tournament last weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Riders’ squad first had to raise $9,000 on its own to afford the road trip and once it arrived on the court it quickly proved it belonged. In their first game Saturday morning the Riders beat the New Mexico Tigers, 56-31. They followed that with a 52-32 victory over the Belen Eagles and a 53-27 victory over the New Mexico Gila Monsters. In their last game on Saturday, a 9 p.m. tip-off against New Mexico state champion Junior Hawks Black, the Riders prevailed, 53-34, to finish undefeated in round robin play. Sunday afternoon’s semifinal pitted Revere against the New Mexico Trojans and the Riders won easily, 71-34, to advance to the championship game against the New Mexico Heat. After sitting out the previous two games with an injury small forward Alex Frapech played a key role in the Riders’ 32-29 victory in the finals. The Riders trailed by one point with 57 seconds left when Frapech stole the ball and teammate Donovan Johnson made a 15-foot jump shot to give Revere the lead with 37 seconds left. On the Heat’s next possession, Frapech stole the ball again and made a layup with 12 seconds left that increased the Riders’ lead to three points. The Heat missed a three-pointer at the buzzer and Revere players celebrated on the court. Every player contributed to the team’s success. Center Kahlil Johnson and power forward Marcus Eggleston each scored over 20 points against the Hawks, power forward Taji Hathcock was a rebounding machine and point guard Tyler Steil made a key three-pointer at the end of the first half. Rounding out the squad were point guard MAASAI Ephriam, center Dusty Reynolds, small forward Tyler Hensley, point guard J.J. Amis, small forwards Jack Rogers and Trent Graham, shooting guard Oscar Ruiz and power forward Sam Wasserman. Coach Holli Omor’s squad, which won the L.A. City championship for the first time in school history, finished its magical season with a 28-2 record.

BONUS SUMMER STORY: OC Road Trip!

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June 12, 2008

A short walk away from the Laguna Art Museum and Las Brisas Mexican restaurant is the folksy Madison Square & Garden Cafe. Laguna Beach. Photo: Michael Aushenker.

Costa Mesa's L.A.B. promenade, where oil drums have been creatively recycled into ambiance. Photo: Michael Aushenker. — Costa Mesa’s L.A.B. promenade, where oil drums have been creatively recycled into ambiance. Photo: Michael Aushenker.

Across the street from the L.A.B. is The Camp, where the centerpiece dining experience is the vegetarian restaurant Native Foods. Photo: Michael Aushenker.

Growing up in Los Angeles, I’ve heard my share of stereotypes and caveats about the people behind the Orange Curtain (too conservative, xenophobic, ethnically monochromatic). My experiences tell me otherwise. While dating an Irvinian for a year and a half, I discovered a whole new continent with a multicultural scene that makes for (in these days of skyrocketing gas prices) an enjoyable and affordable day trip down the 405. Here’s the best of what I found. FASHION ISLAND, NEWPORT BEACH, BALBOA ISLAND Two summers ago, restaurateur extraordinaire Paul Fleming opened a new venue, adjacent to his eponymous Fashion Island steakhouse. Expensive and elegantly designed, the moody BLUE CORAL SEAFOOD & SPIRITS (51 Newport Center Dr.) makes for perfect special occasion dining. Delectable, creative fruits de mer include the blue crab cake, the vodka-cured peppered salmon, and Pacific wild swordfish. The tangerine cr’me brulee tastes so good, you won’t want to share! Fresh-faced blonde waitresses make you feel almost as warm, tingly and comfortable as their Mamacita’s Mojito. Almost. Modernist-cool MARIPOSA, Neiman Marcus’s restaurant (601 Newport Center Dr.) may not be big on portions, but it’s huge on atmosphere and quality. Tasty incidentals include strawberry butter. Balboa Island may boast the best chocolate-covered frozen bananas on every corner, but just soaking up the atmosphere on a sunny Sunday while strolling past the cute little Dutch-door houses along the harbor is sweetness enough for me. LAGUNA BEACH AND CRYSTAL COVE Detour off the 405 down the 73 to the end, and that’s where you’ll find a true slice of paradise: Laguna Village. After an afternoon touring the LAGUNA ART MUSEUM (307 Cliff Dr.), where recent exhibits include the art of ’60s rock poster artist Rick Griffin, why not watch the sun set while sipping on a chilled strawberry-blended margarita from the spectacular beachside bar at LAS BRISAS (361 Cliff Dr.) and enjoy high-end Mexican Riviera seafood? Just across North Coast Highway is MADISON SQUARE AND GARDEN CAF’ (320 N. Coast Hwy.), a most unusual lunch destination awaits, cheekily named after owner Jon Madison, that combines tasty American fare with landscape items for sale. Entrees include the ricotta pancakes. Choose from an array of alcohol by the glass or bottle. Be sure to dine al fresco on the whimsically cluttered courtyard. If it’s nightlife you seek, MOSUN’S (680 S. Coast Hwy.), a hip, contemporary sushi house, features excellent Americanized hand rolls and cut rolls”all within a fresh modern setting that looks sleeker than a sea foam-colored Peugeot 504 Cabriolet. Firecracker and Caterpillar rolls with carafes of sake may push expensive after several rounds, but it’s worth it”no one leaves here unsatisfied. On a weekend evening, burn off those dinner calories by hitting Club M upstairs and dancing to ’80s pop and hip-hop into the wee hours. Two years ago, Governor Schwarzenegger officiated Crystal Cove Beach’s protected landmark status. I wouldn’t go so far as do the same for PACIFIC WHEY & BAKING COMPANY at the Crystal Cove Promenade, but this is a nice place to relax if you want an outdoor dining alternative to the beachside Ruby’s Shake Shack. Decent (and decently priced) California entrees, an assortment of coffee and pastries. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO/DANA POINT If you happen to wander a bit south to Dana Point’s sandy shores, stray a few miles inland to EL MAGUEY EXPRESS (31952 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano) for no-nonsense Mexican almuerzo. The white d’cor Mexican kitsch is as unpretentious as the lovely Latina waitresses who arrive with your tall glass of horchata. Here, I’m a creature of habit, so on a Saturday afternoon, I’ll sip a cool can of Tecate while devouring a wet gordo burrito with ground beef and grilled onions and watching the San Diego-bound Surfliner whiz by on the tracks behind the establishment. It doesn’t get any more California lazy than that! COSTA MESA, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, SANTA ANA On the return up the 73 or 55 to the 405, Costa Mesa offers two of Southern California’s most unique ‘outdoorsy’ malls. Every day is Earth Day at THE CAMP (2937 Bristol St.), where vegetarian haven Native Foods) is the culinary and architectural centerpiece. Replete with evening drum circles and pre-recorded ribbiting frogs, this funky blend of nature and commerce makes for a delightful nighttime stroll. Across Bristol Street stands another promenade with avant garde flourishes: THE L.A.B., a converted factory that is home to the original GYPSY DEN. An excellent place to nurse a coffee on the patio or indoors among the faux oil portraits by Modigliani and Matisse hanging on burgundy walls, as the young baristas play early Nine Inch Nails, Al Green’s greatest hits, and Jurassic 5’s ‘Power by Numbers.’ At the L.A.B.’s rear is the boisterous, punch-drunk HABANA, which re-creates a pre-Castro Cuba cantina experience. Both Gypsy Dens offer comfy, funky thrift-store environs and good grub, but the GYPSY DEN GRAND CENTRAL CAF’ in Santa Ana (125 N. Broadway Ave.) is a great place to lunch after spending time next door at the intimate CAL STATE FULLERTON GRAND CENTRAL ART CENTER, which recently displayed master cartoonist Basil Wolverton’s brilliant pen-and-ink pages and an Andy Warhol photography show. Hey, vegetarians! Authentic Vietnamese cuisine can be had at ‘U LAC in Fountain Valley (16563 Brookhurst St.), where imitation meat compensates and accentuates a taste-bud-tickling feast. ‘u Lac offers a ‘raw menu’ for vegans. Off the ‘cooked menu,’ try the crispy soy ‘fish’ with ginger sauce, soy ‘chicken’ cashew nuts, and a tofu and tomato vermicelli noodle soup with dill that will warm the cockles of your healthy heart! IRVINE There’s definitely more to this upper-middle-class enclave than the cheesy Spectrum. So why not get off the 405 or the 5 at the Jeffrey Road exit and explore a bit? The best and most affordable sushi joint in Southern California is TAIKO (14775 Jeffrey Rd. # K). Unparalleled yellowtail and spicy tuna rolls in a sylvan atmosphere of tables and cozy booths. Order a bottle of Asahi to wash down the straightforward sushi prepared here, and you’re in for one fine meal that will cost you pin money! This local favorite, which also serves savory teriyaki chicken and beef, opens at certain hours, so don’t hit Taiko hungry and expecting speedy seating. Prepare for a minimum 45-minute wait, but afterwards, reward yourself at the adjacent fro-yo palace YOGURTLAND”like a Pinkberry, only self-serve, with more flavors, and you pay by the weight. Also within the Arbor Village complex: A & J RESTAURANT (# D; 949-786-3585), home of yummy beef stew. If you can’t squeeze into Taiko, drive one strip mall south to GEN KAI (15435 Jeffrey Rd.), a quieter sushi den with the tastiest cooked halibut appetizer around. Sushi includes scrumptious Spanish mackerel and freshwater eel. Several strip malls away, discover the best ‘Seoul food’ in the area. KOREA HOUSE B.B.Q. RESTAURANT at Parkview Shopping Center (5305 University Dr.) will serve you myriad little appetizer dishes of pickled veggies to kick off a culinary adventure that includes cooking up Bool Go Gi (thin rib eye slices marinated in sweet garlic sauce) at your plump oversized booth. Only a couple of years old, the expansive WOODBURY TOWN CENTER (6200 – 6460 Irvine Blvd., near Sand Canyon) not only contains several dependable chains, such as Panera, but also NIKO NIKO, solid American-style Japanese seafood delicacies in the Yen Sushi tradition. In the midst of Woodbury’s massive space (occupied by the usual suspects, such as Trader Joe’s and Home Depot), Town Center provides cleverly designed outdoor spaces with seating that includes coffeehouse-style armchairs around a volcanic fountain. At 4143 Campus Dr., within the University Town Center, you’ll find the only CHAKRA INDIAN CUISINE other than the one next door to the Writers Guild Theatre in Beverly Hills. After catching the similar-themed ‘The Darjeeling Limited’ last fall at the multiplex next door, I dropped in and soaked up the sultry, romantically lit atmosphere over a Bombay gin drink. The Kebab Sampler (a meal in itself) comes highly recommended on the strength of the sublime lamb fingers alone. Cubo latte and banana fritters for dessert. The oft-reviewed WHOLESOME CHOICE MARKET (18040 Culver Dr.) offers authentic Persian fare at their International Deli. But do yourself a favor and skip the Knollwood in the Old Town section. The kiddie arcade atmosphere is annoying and, contrary to the sign, this is definitely not home to the world’s best hamburger. For that, I direct you back to Woodbury Town Center for THE COUNTER. My favorite hamburger place in Los Angeles”Santa Monica’s build-it-yourself gourmet burger haven”opened a fine satellite in Irvine last November. Choose from a third-pounder, half-pounder or (if you’re adventurous) the full-pounder burger, top it with sharp provolone or herb goat cheese, grilled pineapple or spicy pepperoncinis, apricot sauce or horseradish mayo, fried onion strings or fried egg. Accompany it with toothsome regular or sweet potato shoestring fries and you’re in business. They also serve vino (See! This burger joint is class-say!). OC-DOKEE! I like to tell my pals that, for a year and a half, I basically dated the city of Irvine, as I got to know and love the general area. So a debt of gratitude to my ex-girlfriend, Solyi, for broadening my horizons by introducing me to many of these places. While our relationship did not go the distance, the memories of my good times discovering the O.C.’s charms will. And you, loyal reader, should drive the distance and create some good times of your own.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 12, 2008

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June 12, 2008

HOMES FOR SALE 1

HAWAII EXISTS IN LA! NEW INVENTORY. 11 HOMES AVAIL. Terrific Opportunity! PCH/Sunset. Up to 1,600 Sq. Ft. $179,000-1.1 million. Some completely remodeled, many upgrades. Ocean views, wood floors, new kitchens, sun deck, rec center w/ pool/spa/gym. Steps from the sand. Condo alternative. Agent, Michelle Bolotin, (310) 230-2438

THE BEST DEAL in the PALISADES by owner. Sale price. $1,750,000. Owner will carry $1,650,000. Marginal credit ok. (No qualifying required.) 4 bdrm, 3 ba. Exquisite shape. Great neighborhood. Must be ready to close. (818) 307-6434

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

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. $5,500/mo. Agent Gwen, (310) 749-8821

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

FURNISHED/UNFURN 3 BDRM, 1 BA. Dining room. Close to village, no dogs, lovely garden. $4,200/mo., gardener included. (818) 705-4400, leave message

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. $8,500/mo. (310) 344-0344

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.)

APT 4 RENT IN EDGEWATER TOWERS. 3 BR, 3 BA with beautiful ocean view. Avail unfurn or furn. Call or email for pictures. (310) 887-1333; cybersepehr@yahoo.com

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

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

PANORAMIC WHITEWATER VIEWS! Just steps to Beach, 5 min. to S.M. Fantastic top floor 2 BR+2 BA w/ all new interior: Hdwd, granite, stainless steel. Ocean view deck. W/D Garage. Quiet & safe. Greatly reduced to $3,980/mo. (310) 230-4200 • www.MalibuCoastline.com

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) Single office suites with windows in each office starting from $1,300 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

SUMMER RENTAL 6/1-9/1. Furnished garden studio with kitchenette, util, WI/FI, W/D, N/S, no pets. $1,100/mo. (310) 740-7928 or picasaweb.google.com/aimeeb/gardenapartment

MORTGAGES, TRUST DEEDS 4

MORTGAGE & FORECLOSURE DEALS * Over 100 foreclosure opportunities in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Santa Monica & West L.A. NOW. Why pay retail? Up to 50% price reductions. We have the data systems, financing & contacts for these discounted properties. Visit www.thecreditcrisis.net for more details. Sign in & receive a FREE copy of my book, The Credit Crisis Deals. ** Purchase & refinance loans: jumbo mortgages, $500,000 to $20 million+. Stated income, wide ranging credit, 1sts, 2nds, fixed & adjustable rates, cash out, and LTVs to 97%. Foreclosure bailout programs. Call Rick at First Financial Bancorp, (310) 571-3600 ext. #203 Visit my other website at www.realloans.com. 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

LOST: BROWN and WHITE FEMALE BEAGLE. “TESSA.” Near El Medio, North of Sunset. Reward, Reward! Call (310) 454-6679, (310) 454-0965, (310) 459-1538

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

SMART RUSSIAN NANNY/CAREGIVER. Experienced, excellent local references. Great cook, juice maker, housekeeper. Flexible. Lucy, (310) 490-9051

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

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

HOUSEKEEPER, ELDERCARE, BABYSITTER. Own transportation. Excellent references. Please call Irma, (310) 280-0785

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER experienced many years. Own car, references, speak English. Available Monday-Friday. Call Flor, (323) 308-7803

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

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Monday-Friday. Own car. Great references. Many years experience. Speaks English. Call Nury, (323) 907-2213

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.

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

PRIVATE CAREGIVER (CNA), also available for housekeeper. Experienced. References available anytime. Call anytime. (323) 255-1296 or (323) 222-8014