FRIDAY, APRIL 4 Volunteers are invited to join a two-day project to revitalize Will Rogers State Historic Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Saturday. Work teams will paint fences, whitewash the barn, and perform cleanup and minor repairs. Lunch provided. Opening night for the Palisades Charter High School Drama Department’s spring musical, ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie,’ 7 p.m., in Mercer Hall. Tickets at the door $10; preferred seating $15. Additional performances are April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and April 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. J. Michael Walker discusses and signs ‘All the Saints of the City of Angels: Seeking the Soul of L.A. on Its Streets,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Playfully borrowing from various artistic genres, this beautifully offbeat volume peels back layers of Western history to reveal the humanity underneath. 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. Ticket prices: Friday and Sunday, adults $16, seniors and students $14; Saturday, adults $18, seniors and students $16. Tickets: (310) 454-1970 or visit theatrepalisades.org. Concert by the St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, 8 p.m. in the church sanctuary, 1031 Bienveneda. The program features Aaron Copland’s “The Tender Land” with soprano Diane Plaster and tenor Daniel Plaster, as well as music by Vivaldi and Handel. Admission at the door: $25. SATURDAY, APRIL 5 The Jazz Forum and friends host a third annual tribute to ‘Rosy’ McHargue, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. All proceeds benefit the McHargue Memorial Scholarship Fund. Admission is $30 for nonmembers, which includes a buffet lunch. Reservations: (310) 395-1471 or (310) 829-9789. SUNDAY, APRIL 6 An interfaith blood donation and bone marrow/stem-cell donor screening, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kehillat Israel Synagogue, 16019 Sunset Blvd. Register to donate a pint of blood and get screened (a simple cheek swab) as a potential bone marrow or blood stem-cell donor by calling (310) 459-2328. MONDAY, APRIL 7 Florist Tom Nuccio will talk about azaleas at the Palisades Garden Club meeting, 7:30 p.m., at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford Ave. Refreshments will be served. TUESDAY, APRIL 8 Singer and comedienne Cali Rose will entertain at the Woman’s Club meeting in the clubhouse, 901 Haverford Ave. The meeting begins at 11 a.m., followed by the program and luncheon at 11:45. Reservations: (310) 454-7144. Three speakers will offer advice about how to nurture sustainable gardens and landscaping, 7 p.m. at Calvary Christian School on Palisades Drive. (See story, page 3.) WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9 Monthly meeting of the Palisades AARP chapter, 2 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Public invited. THURSDAY, APRIL 10 Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. Pioneer TV news reporter Stan Chambers discusses his memoir, ‘KTLA’s News at 10: 60 Years With Stan Chambers’ (co-authored by Lynn Price), 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 3, 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
FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY to own a home in the Palisades! 2+1 fixer across from the beach. Asking $259,000. Agent Pia Coleman, (818) 590-3610
WHITEWATER OCEAN VIEW from living room. 1+1 Pool, hot tub, rec. room, redwood deck. Quiet location in Pacific Palisades. $389,000 obo. Call Tony, (858) 715-0878
HOMES WANTED 1b
WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887
FURNISHED HOMES 2
FULLY FURNISHED, CHARMING & quiet 1 bdrm, 1 ba cottage. FP, walking distance to village & bluffs. Short term available. No pets. $2,500/mo.+security. (310) 459-0765
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. $7,000/mo. Agent Gwen, (310) 749-8821
UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
1 bdrm, 1 ba MOBILE HOME GEM overlooking beach. Nice yard, fresh paint, new fridge & oven. $1,995/mo. (310) 454-2515
BEAUTIFUL OCEAN VIEW with pool. 3 bdrm, 21⁄2 ba plus bonus room. Very private w/ on-site parking. $7,450/mo. Call Rick, (310) 424-3174
SMALL, VERY PRIVATE, quiet guest house south of Village, for one person. Balcony with ocean view. No smoking or pets. $1,500/mo. jacklbrown@gmail.com
UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
BRENTWOOD “Hamptons Style Country Cottage Charm.” 1 bdrm+ den/office upper. Near Brentwood Country Club. High beam ceilings, brick woodburning fireplace, hardwood floors. French doors to private balcony, shutters throughout. Stainless stove & micro. Privacy & quiet. Nestled among trees & gardens. Immaculate condition, A/C garage, no pets. (310) 826-7960
WALK TO BEACH! 1 bdrm, hdwd, gated entry, pool and parking. Quiet location near Sunset/PCH. $1,695/mo. (310) 230-7804
PALISADES 1 BDRM, sunny, remodeled, new paint, carpet, gas stove, refrigerator, covered parking, one-year lease. Non-smoker. No pets. Laundry, storage. $1,290/mo. (310) 477-6767
BEAUTIFUL VIEW. 2 BDRM, 1 ba guesthouse w/ family rm, no kit, sm ref & hot plate. Hdwd flrs, central air & heat, quiet. Cable, internet, util incl. Rec ctr. $1,950/mo. Mary, (310) 454-9337
LIVE AT THE BEACH. $1,900/mo. 1 bdrm mobil home, yard, patio, sundeck, community pool & jacuzzi. PCH btw Temescal Cyn & Sunset. Contact Glen, (310) 459-8538, (310) 895-0537
ROOMS FOR RENT 3
FURNISHED in 3 bdrm condo. Corner Sunset/Pal-i-sades Dr. M+M short term. $800/mo. (310) 454-5788
WANTED TO RENT 3b
LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisades Post, (310) 454-1321
RETIRED MILITARY widower, non-smoker, no pets wants to be near family. Looking for guesthouse, apt. near village. (310) 548-7159
ACTIVE SENIOR caregiver/bookkeeper with two very small pets seeks private guest apt, close to her work. Excellent local references. (310) 570-6085
3 BDRM+ HOME or larger or condo for month of July. Need yard and good neighborhood. Great local references. (310) 393-1171
QUIET & SWEET recent college graduate looking to rent a room in the Palisades (m+m). Preferably off Sunset. Landlady preferred. (818) 274-2640
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
CREATIVE OPTIONS for Pac. Pal. space to lease or sublease. Call NOW, (310) 383-9520
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
INCOME INVESTMENTS 5a
SEEK PRIVATE INVESTOR for short term $150K bridge loan. 10 pts. for 6 mos or less. Secured by Real Estate. No brokers please. (310) 454-0685
LOST & FOUND 6a
FOUND: GOLD EARRING with stones in Citibank employee parking lot, Pacific Palisades. Call to identify. (310) 454-3086
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
Shirley will again be available after April 15th. Save the date. (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
“Do You Have Projects You’ll Never Get Around To?” (Tax Organization Welcome!) • ‘ORGANIZERJESS’™ • Your Professional Organizer & Personal Assistant By the Hour • Clutter Catch-up • Home & Office Organization • Space Planning • Habit Coaching • Create Effective Systems • More Space & Clarity • Impeccable Palisades References • Call Jessica at (310) 429-3289
HOME INVENTORY SERVICES 7j
HOME INVENTORY SERVICES for FIRE THEFT, Earthquake, wills/estates, rentals, divorce. Incl video, photos & detailed reports. Pali resident. (310) 230-1437 www.homesweethomevideo.com
SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7m
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
CREDIT REPAIR 7n
LUX CREDIT MANAGEMENT, INC. “The Credit Management Company You Can Trust” • We improve your credit. Upscale clientele. Fast professional service. We provide the desired results in a timely manner. No credit situation too difficult. We guarantee our work. Call for details. (310) 573-4334 • www.luxcm.com • Conveniently located in Pacific Palisades
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
EUROPEAN EXPERIENCED NANNY looking for part time position, clean DMV, excellent references. Legal to work. Call Vera, (951) 454-4079
MY WONDERFUL NANNY wants a F/T position (8-4). She has 14 years experience and is fabulous. Call Ingrid, (310) 450-1834, or me, Julie, (310) 459-0464
EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER, college student looking for P/T employment. Available weekdays or weekends & nights. Great local references. Call (310) 924-2403
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
I’M AVAILABLE full-time or part-time as a housekeeper or as a nanny. Experienced. English. References. Florina Cruz, (310) 597-9326
DOMESTIC COUPLE SEEK employment in private residence. Over 8 years experience. Excellent references. Email nawet7@yahoo.com
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tuesday. Very good worker & excellent local references. 20 yrs. experience. Own car. CDL. Can speak English. Call Marina, cell (323) 644-0090, or home (323) 829-9424
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE full time. Own transportation, very good references, many years experience. Call Ana Louisa, (213) 675-0126 or (213) 481-0472
HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTER/ELDERCARE avail. Mon.-Sun. Own transportation. Excellent references. Call Maria, (310) 948-9637
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/ELDER caretaker available Friday & Saturday. Own transportation, clean DMV, excellent references. Call Emma, cell (323) 909-6168, or email ghttbgbrdl@ATT.net
MY VERY HONEST & capable housekeeper is available Mon., Tues. & Sat. SPECIAL & comes with great references. Call Julia, (310) 828-8842
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon./Wed./Fri. Very good local refs. Own car. Clean DMV. CDL. Call Susana, (323) 933-6423 or (310) 409-9433
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Mon.-Sun. Own car, clean DMV. Good references. Some English. Call Maria, (323) 271-8026
MON.-FRI. AVAILABLE for housekeeping or babysitting. References. Experienced. Call (310) 590-9763
ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a
HOUSEKEEPING CHILD & ELDERLY care, experienced CPR, first Aid certified with medical background L/I or L/O, fluent English, references avail. Call Ed, (888) 897-5888, (818) 486-6432
SUGAR & SPICE Nannie Service. Elder/child care. Experienced (special needs), Alzheimer’s & dementia. Can cook. Personal & housesitting. Call (323) 474-8943, (323) 758-6271
MATURE FEMALE available as L/I companion, errands, shopping, some food prep. Clean DMV, excellent references. English speaking only. Call (310) 650-5900
EUROPEAN CAREGIVER. Any days & some nights. Over 12 yrs exerience in private homes, hospitals, convalescent homes. Excellent local references. Call Martine, (310) 458-3037 or (424) 214-9091
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
GARDENER with 20 years experience. Local references. Jesse, (323) 754-8058
MOVING & HAULING 11b
BC HAULING & CLEAN-UP • Houses • Garages • Apts • & Yards. All junk removed. Home demolition, i.e. patios, yards & walls. Truck with lift-gate. (310) 714-1838
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
TREE SERVICE 11d
ECCONO TREE SERVICE. Prof. tree trimming & removal. LAFD brush clearance. Monthly gardening service. Lic. #780501. Bonded, insured. Worker’s comp. Free est. (310) 497-8131. www.ecconotreecare.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE 12a
CELLUETTE REJUVENATION STUDIO by Marianna. Get ready for summer. You don’t have to work hard on your body to get in good shape. Have your circulation, body, contouring. Vibration for weight loss. Cellulite treatments. Affordable. We are the best in the Palisades. (310) 490-9889
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
MISCELLANEOUS 13i
SUNSET HOUSE & CARPET CLEANING • Window washing • House cleaning • Carpet cleaning. Over 33 years experience. Call Barry at (818) 887-7150
PERSONAL SERVICES 14f
A WELCOME HOME SERVICE specializing in personal assistance, organization & home management. 12 years experience in high profile homes. Please contact Linda, (310) 980-2403
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
TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS. Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley Scholar taking few extra students. Caring, personalized, low-cost instruction, self-paced. Palisades. Dr. Veronika Sommer, (310) 454-0897
SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d
PIANO LESSONS by UCLA Piano Major & Pali resident. Call Meriette, (310) 741-8280
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
READING SPECIALIST • Master of Education—Reading and Learning Disabilities • Special Education Teaching Certificate: K-12 • Regular Education Teaching Certificate: K-9 • Elementary Education Teaching experience: 12 yrs • Services provided for special & regular education students of all levels • Academic areas taught include reading (phonics and reading comprehension) writing and spelling • Private tutoring includes accessing the student’s needs, developing an individualized education program and implementation of that program. Palisades resident. Call Brandi, (310) 230-9890
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 & Span-ish! 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
TRAVELING TO MEXICO, South or Central America or Spain? For tourism or work? I can help you with Spanish communication. I am a Palisades resident from South America. Great experience. I teach all ages, students, businesspeople. All professionals, groups ok. (310) 741-8422
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
TUTOR—EXETER/YALE GRAD. Palisades resident. Specializes in English, History & Spanish. All levels. Preparation for college applications. SAT, ISEE. Get your child organized; develop reading, writing, critical thinking. Justin, (310) 801-1048
ENGLISH TEACHER. I can tutor in essay writing, grammar and important test preparation. Call Louise, (310) 459-2433
LEARN TO SPEAK FRENCH LIKE THE FRENCH DO! Private lessons in conversational French. You’ll be ready for Paris. Will Paris be ready for you? (310) 770-8864
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
THE TOWN & COUNTRY BUILDERS • General Contractors • State Lic. #441191 • Remodeling • Additions • Masonry • Concrete • Flagstone • Patio • Stone Wall • Tile • Fireplace • BBQ • Deck • Brick • Steps • Retaining Walls • Driveway • PLEASE CALL (310) 578-7108 • FREE ESTIMATES
CASTLE CONSTRUCTION • New homes, remodeling, additions, fine finish carpentry. Serving the Westside for 25 yrs. Lic. #649995. Call James (310) 450-6237
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
D.J. CARPENTRY & REPAIRS. Serving the Palisades 13 yrs. Non-lic. No job too small. Prompt, friendly service. (310) 454-4121, cell (310) 367-6383
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
PACIFIC PAINTING SINCE 1979 • Interior/Exterior Residential/Commercial • Custom painting • Wallpaper removal • Drywall repair • Bonded & ins. Lic. #908913. (310) 954-7170
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
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, (310) 230-2930
ARCHER JORDAN • Design • Craftsmanship • Management • Lic. #908588. James Jordan, (310) 579-7722
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
DENTAL-ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANT. Exclusive office in Pacific Palisades. Exceptional opportunity. Call (310) 454-0317
FULL-TIME PREPARATOR for The J. Paul Getty Trust. Requisition Number: 2889. More information go to: www.getty.edu
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
LOCAL DERMATOLOGY OFFICE needs part-time front-office help. Reliable, professional, flexible hours, experience helpful. References a must. Fax CV to (310) 454-5027
NANNY NEEDED for family with 2 children, F/T, Live in, Tues.-Sat. Must speak English, drive and have own trans, and have newborn experience. Please call (310) 344-1740
BABYSITTER NEEDED in Palisades 2 days a week, after school (starting at 1:00 or 2:30 p.m.) until 6:30 p.m. Extra hours are available, but not necessary. Must drive, car provided. Excellent English required to assist with homework for 2 grammar school children. Must be happy, active/energetic person with experience with children. (Tuesdays and Thursdays would be ideal.) Call (310) 740-1266
TEACHER: Top Westside independent school seeks Middle School math teacher for September. BA & 3+ yrs exp teaching math necessary. Ex. Salary + benefits. Creative, energetic educators should send resume to Head of School, P.O. Box 1710, Pacific Palisades, Ca 90272.
PART TIME ASSIST. for design related office. Maintain sample library & client data base. Proficient in word & excel. Neat, organized & courteous, with good math & writing skills. Flex. hrs. (310) 230-1616. Send resume to helen@hmresourcegroup.com
FINE STATIONERY STORE in Santa Monica, specializing in custom invitations seeks experienced reliable & detail oriented sales assistant to provide creative guidance & a high level of customer service. Excellent communication skills & knowledge of grammar & etiquette a must. 4-5 days per/wk. incl. Sat. Email resume brendahimmel@verizon.net
HOUSEKEEPER, FULL-TIME, take charge, experienced, must speak English, have car, Insurance, CA. Lic. Familiar with Palisades & Santa Monica. Two adults, light cooking, shopping, errands. Live-out. (310) 459-3091
AUTOS 18b
CASH 4 MERCEDES BENZ/BMW $ 1980-1995, running or not. Any questions, please call (310) 995-5898
NEAR-MINT MERCEDES E320. One owner, all records. 1998. Black/tan. Only 60K+ miles. Always garaged. $10,500. (310) 454-1946
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
S.M. MOV. SALE! BEAUT. Hi-end trad. Furn/furngs. China/glassware/silver/Collectibles/books/kitch, hsehold gds. 249 18th St. (1 blk So. San Vicente). Fri.-Sat., April 4-5, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.bmdawson.com for pix/details.
PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e
MALE BORDER COLLIE puppy. 9 weeks. $500. Call Paul, (310) 459-4745
MISCELLANEOUS 18g
DODGER TICKETS AVAILABLE. Field level behind home plate. Four tickets+parking pass included. April 14, 24; July 27; August 14. (310) 459-3458
SURFBOARD FOR SALE. 8’-2” Al Merrick Clark foam. Perfect shape with bag. $800. Call Wayne, (310) 459-2193
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com
WILL PAY CASH for used watches. I will buy your used watch such as Cartier & Rolex. All brands considered. (310) 717-9917 or netplay@mac.com
Legendary KTLA Reporter Stan Chambers Makes “News” With April 10 Village Books Signing
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
‘The story of Stan Chambers is the story of television news.’ ‘ Late anchorman Hal Fishman, in his foreword to Chambers’ new memoir, ‘KTLA News at 10: 60 Years With Stan Chambers’ For six decades and counting: television reporter Stan Chambers. Anyone familiar with the veteran correspondent, who has been working on the historic KTLA News broadcast since 1947, knows that when news breaks, Stan is often the first on the scene. The Manson family murders’check. Rodney King’check. The Northridge Quake’check. An April 10 appearance at Village Books on Swathmore’check. That’s right, for once, Chambers himself will be making news when he comes to town to sign copies of his memoir, ‘KTLA’s News at 10: 60 Years With Stan Chambers,’ co-authored by Lynn Price, on April 10 at 7:30 p.m., Village Books (1049 Swathmore Avenue). ‘News at Ten’ opens with a letter from former Palisadian Nancy Reagan and boasts no less than two forewords, one by former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw and another by Chambers’ revered on-air partner, KTLA Prime News anchorman Hal Fishman, who passed away August 7. The year 2007 will go down as a transitional year for KTLA News. Last year not only marked the pioneer news station’s 60th anniversary, but it also marked the departure of key veteran behind-the-scenes people, including longtime Morning Show Executive Producer Marcia Brandwynne, News Director Jeff Wald, General Manager Vinnie Malcolm, and beloved Morning Show host Carlos Amezcua (to KTTV). Looming largest: the unexpected passing of Fishman, a News at 10 fixture since 1960. In ‘News at Ten,’ Chambers, 84, traces his personal trajectory: from his Mid-Wilshire childhood to meeting first wife Beverly, mother of his 11 children. But the core of Chambers’ book, naturally, is a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his adventures in journalism”from the 1949 girl-trapped-in-a-well drama that launched his on-air career to the L.A. Riots, the O. J. Simpson trials, and beyond. Chambers gives ample space to remembering late colleagues anchor Larry McCormick, sports commentator Stu Nahan, and, of course, discussing his personal and professional relationship with the intrepid Fishman, to whom his memoir is dedicated. ‘He was the best,’ Chambers tells the Palisadian-Post. ‘I really miss him.’ [DROPCAP] Stan Chambers has local ties, thanks to his 14 children, three of whom are from his marriage to his second wife, Gege [Beverly passed away in the same month in 1989 that Gege lost her husband]. Two of his sons through marriage, Bill and Hank Elder, live in the Palisades with their respective families. Hank heads the flag committee at the local Sons of the American Legion, while wife Diane sings in the choir at Corpus Christi. They have two sons: Henry, 18, who attended Carlthorpe, Calvary, Loyola, and will soon be attending Pepperdine University; and Joseph, 13, who attended Marquez and now goes to St. Martin of Tours in Brentwood. Bill serves as head coach of the Palisades Pony Baseball Association’s Bronco Dodgers. He and wife Julie, Palisadians of 13 years now, have three boys. Chris and Patrick attend Loyola High School, while Brett is a sixth grader at Corpus Christi. The common chorus from the Chambers clan regarding ‘Papa’ Chambers is: ‘With Stan, what you see on the air is what you get off the air.’ ‘He’s very attentive,’ says Julie says. ‘He shows up for family events.’ ‘Everyone says about Stan, ‘You know what I like about Stan? He just reports the news,” Bill adds. ‘He’s a fantastic role model for all of us. Stan seems to have the capability to not let anything rattle him. He’ll rise above any negativity and always look for the positive in any story or person.’ Case in point: the Great Malibu Fire of 1993. ‘We were watching the fires at night and I watched it up until midnight,’ Bill recalls, ‘and Stan was there, with the embers behind him. I went to sleep, and when I got up at 7:30 a.m., I turn on the TV, and there is Stan, still standing there among the flying embers.’ Hank Elder, who works in commercial real estate downtown, remembers looking out his office window last May when the Griffith Park fire broke out. ‘I’m smelling smoke, I can see flames,’ Hank recalls. ‘I called my mom, I asked her, ‘What’s Stan saying?’ She said, ‘Stan’s not doing the fire.’ I said, ‘Stan Chambers is not doing the frickin’ fire?’ What’s wrong with that?’ So Hank phoned his wife, who used her maiden name back in her old profession. ‘I was a reporter for Channel 9,’ says the erstwhile Diane Zapanta. ‘I hadn’t worked in news for a while, but [then-KTLA News Director] Jeff Wald and I had been dear friends for 20 years.’ The Griffith Park fire hit this native Angeleno hard, and Diane Elder found out from her mother-in-law, ‘Stan is really sad, he’s sitting there watching it on TV. So I hung up, I called up Jeff on his cell, and I said, ‘Jeff, why isn’t my father-in-law covering this fire?’ she says, laughing. ‘He said, ‘That’s a good question.” Correcting that over-sight, Wald dispatched a news crew to meet Chambers at the scene for what, in retrospect, became poignant live television. An on-the-air Fishman appeared visibly surprised when his old colleague Chambers appeared. Once again, the venerable newsmen partnered to cover a breaking emergency. Last Christmas, at a family gathering, Chambers informed Hank and Diane that, thanks to their efforts, the TV journalist not only won a Golden Mike Award for the coverage, but the Griffith Park fire turned out to be the last time that Chambers worked with Fishman before the latter passed away. ‘Who would know that this would be the last story together?’ Hank says. ‘Isn’t that wild? Hal and Stan needed to say good-bye to each other. Without knowing it.’ [DROPCAP] Chambers devotes Chapter 8 of his memoir to the birth of KTLA (and television itself) by Klaus Landsberg, a man whom Chambers clearly respects and owes his career to. The late Landsberg built the station’s initial transmitter with his own two hands. Even many Southern Californians may not realize that KTLA not only embodies the invention of television but, in the process, created and innovated television news several times over, from creating the local news format that has become a worldwide standard, to introducing the news copter as reportage tool, to perfecting the playful, casual Morning News, which inspired a sub-genre of a.m. newstainment. Although Chambers’ first day of work at KTLA was officially December 1, 1947, the year 1949 launched his illustrious on-air career after he spent 27 hours straight covering the infamous Kathy Fiscus incident, which ended tragically when firemen finally pulled her out of a well to discover that she was dead. ‘The impact was just amazing,’ Chambers says. ‘All of the sudden, people were buying a television set.’ ‘Klaus had the tremendous ability to know the audience,’ Chambers continues, recalling how even an atom bomb could not stop Landsberg. The government would not let KTLA film a Nevada atomic bomb test explosion’but that was not about to stop Landsberg. ‘He brought the camera up on Mt. Wilson and pointed it toward Nevada,’ Chambers says, laughing. ‘He would bring transmitters and put them up on mountain peaks with his own two hands and establish the signal. We saw the first atom bomb exploded in the United States.’ Landsberg was not about to let such elaborate handy work transpire without milking it. ‘We spent a lot of money, a lot of time,’ Chambers says. ‘You know the Hellderado Parade in Las Vegas? He aired that the following week.’ The avuncular Chambers laughs hard at the idea that Landsberg could go from the sublime to the ridiculous without batting an eye. ‘Hey, the equipment was already up there.’ [DROPCAP] Like a great basketball player, Chambers instinctively knew when to pass the ball back to Fishman, and he is equally gracious in his own memoir, which he ends with words written by his son, Dave Chambers, and his grandson and journalistic legacy, Jaime Chambers. A new generation of KTLA news personality, the latter follows in his pioneer grandpa’s footsteps. Jaime already gleaned the admiration of his relatives. ‘My boys think he’s cool because he does the surf report,’ says Julie Elder. Jaime Chambers, 28, hit the floor running at KTLA when he joined the station on September 10, 2001. ‘He came out with us every day for six months,’ Stan says of Jaime, one of 34 grandchildren. ‘He really enjoys it.’ In his section of ‘News at Ten,’ Jaime writes of his own serendipitous moments in journalism. Such as the lackadaisical way in which he abandoned a margarita at El Coyote restaurant on Beverly Boulevard as he realized that a small plane had dropped from the sky over West Hollywood and crashed into a Fairfax District apartment building, starting a fire. ‘I was a medic before a reporter. I was also a lifeguard in San Diego,’ Jaime tells the Post, as he recalls rushing to the Spalding Avenue crash site on June 6, 2003. Jaime’s assistance, first medically and then journalistically in relaying details on the air to KTLA reporter Ted Garcia, served him well, as Garcia graciously introduced him live as his assistant producer. The broadcast won an award and cemented the junior Chambers’ newshound career, in effect becoming his Kathy Fiscus story. ‘You take off fireman gear and reporting is like medical work,’ says Jaime, who gets a similar adrenaline rush from reporting. He still carries a medical bag with him’just in case! Among the news the younger Chambers has covered: rival surfer gangs battling over beach turf in the Palisades. Himself married with two young children, Jaime tells the Post, ‘You only get time with Stan when you’re at work because he has so many children and grandchildren, so it’s insanity.’ Jaime smiles as he recalls a classic Stan moment. ‘It was the hottest day of the year,’ he recalls. ‘I was wearing a suit and tie because grandpa told me to wear a suit to work. We go to Woodland Hills. I asked him, Do you think I should wear a suit to my internship? He says, ‘Always. And of course, if it’s really hot, you can take off your jacket.” Jaime can already empathize with the odd quasi-celebrity experience of ‘Papa’ Chambers, who sometimes gets stopped for autographs while working out in the field. The fact that his grandfather’s reputation of integrity and professionalism precedes him ‘has helped my work immensely. When trying to get information, young reporters get shut down all the time. I get hugs.’ Jaime does not necessarily feel the pressure to live up to grandpa’s legend because ‘there’s no comparison: Stan is a master. ‘I always kid with him and say, ‘I started out as a TV reporter at 22, and you started at 24. He’ll say to me, ‘Yeah, but they hadn’t invented television when I was starting out, so I was at a disadvantage.'”
YMCA Conservancy Stalemate Stalls Y’s Pool Repairs
The Palisades-Malibu YMCA pool in Temescal Gateway Park remains closed because of the Y’s latest concern: liability for the hillside above the pool. Executive Director Carol Pfannkuche said Tuesday that her organization is worried about the hillside’s stability and the Y’s liability should a house come sliding down. After the pool was closed February 9 because of a water recirculation leak, the Y was given a quote of $350,000 to repair the aging pipes, but was also given a $25,000 estimate that could possibly work as a ‘Band-aid’ to fix the leak. On Tuesday, Pfannkuche showed the Palisadian-Post a six-inch plastic pipe that extends from a backyard on Rimmer Road down the hill to about 10 feet above the pool. Water was still in the pipe, and the ground around the pipe, about 50 sq. ft., was saturated. The area is near the site of a 1998 slide that closed the pool for several weeks. ‘We can’t make a decision on a contract until we know if the facility is safe to operate,’ Pfannkuche said. ‘It’s not clear who would take the responsibility.’ She referred to a renewed five-year lease with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, which has not yet been signed. ‘This is a distraction being put forward by the Y so they don’t have to deal with all the swimmers who are saying ‘fix this pool,” the Conservancy’s Executive Director Joe Edmiston told the Post. ‘We’re not going to take the blame. ‘I’ve gotten calls from swimmers who say that I’m endangering their mental health because I’m not allowing the Y to fix the pool,’ Edmiston said. ‘The Conservancy isn’t in the swimming-pool business.’ The pool is on land previously owned by the Presbyterian Synod before it was purchased by the Conservancy. ‘We’re happy to have the pool, but we’re just not in that business,’ said Edmiston, who reiterated that the Conservancy has a deal under which the Y pays one dollar a year. In exchange the Y is responsible for the operations, maintenance and repairs at the pool, and is then allowed leeway to charge whatever fees it wants. As part of the agreement, the Conservancy is given two hours of pool use a day for their youth camps. ‘The taxpayers will not assume a scintilla of responsibility for the pool’s liability,’ Edmiston emphasized. The past two months have been frustrating for the hundreds of people who love the Y pool’master swimmers, lap and water exercisers, high school and Y swim teams and their families, as they wait for repairs to begin. Legal counsel for the Conservancy, Laurie Collins said that there’s no evidence of any hillside damage and she doesn’t understand the delay, either. ‘I drafted a lease almost three weeks ago [March 11] and have not received any comments back,’ Collins said. ‘It’s the same boilerplate lease that we used for the two preschools [Little Dolphins and Jewish Early Childhood Center].’ The existing lease in the 1994 option agreement for the Y’s purchase plan for the corner of Sunset and Temescal states: ‘Lease. Conservancy will honor the existing pool lease between the Synod and the YMCA for the term of that lease, and will continue the lease on the same terms thereafter for the existing useful life of the existing pool. The parties agree that on the expiration of said existing life, the parties will enter into negotiations for the possible replacement of said pool on such reasonable conditions as can be agreed to at such time for the continued use and/or management of the facility by the YMCA.’ Although the Conservancy’s new lease document is 14 pages, Collins said that the liability issues for the pool are exactly the same as the shorter document; the only difference is that the Conservancy lists them. Pfannkucke acknowledged that the Y has received the new draft, but felt the Y could not move forward until its board of directors and lawyers believe the facility is safe. A task force of seven people, some of whom are Y members and some of whom are swimmers, has been organized. Pfannkuche said people could write their concerns and send them to the task force at the YMCA, 821 Via de la Paz. Edmiston reiterated that under the current lease, the Y is responsible for all liability regarding the pool.
PaliHi’s New Pool Campaign Moves Into Spotlight
Since launching a fundraising campaign more than a year ago to build a state-of-the-art aquatic center on campus, Palisades Charter High School has raised $1.5 million of the $3.5 million needed. Rose Gilbert, the 89-year-old English teacher who has been the impetus behind constructing the two pools, has donated $1.1 million. The center will be named after her late daughter and swimmer, Maggie Gilbert. Jeanne Goldsmith, whose consulting group was hired to fundraise, told Pali’s board of trustees on March 25 that she had hoped to raise more money by now. ‘I think the writers’ strike and the concerns about the economy slowed the fundraising for us initially, but there is a clear need for this facility in our community, and it has been great to see local families whose kids do not go to Pali support the project,’ Goldsmith said in an e-mail to the Palisadian-Post after the meeting. ‘We have seen significant interest in the new aquatic center because of the YMCA pool temporarily closing and needing repairs and expect that excitement will grow when we break ground for construction.’ The Palisades-Malibu YMCA pool in Temescal Canyon closed in early February because of a recirculation leak. Since the aging pool needs significant repairs, PaliHi swim coach Maggie Nance said she thinks the high school will have the next community pool. School officials hope to break ground in August, but first, they need to raise 75 percent of the funds or $1 million more. Goldsmith believes it’s possible. She has submitted nine grant proposals and, so far, three local foundations have donated or pledged money totaling $36,000. Goldsmith is waiting for a response from the others. In addition, Palisades Optimist Club has given $10,000 and the Palisades Junior Women’s Club donated $5,000. The school hosted a casino-night fundraiser for Pali swim-team parents on March 7, which brought in $10,000 plus additional pledges. Palisadians Bill and Cindy Simon will host an invitation-only swimming pool party on May 1, and the public and Pali alumni will be invited to a bingo night in June. ‘We have a good game plan,’ Goldsmith said, ‘I think we will see some action in the next few months.’ School officials have already spent about $132,000 to hire Aquatic Design Group, an architectural firm that specializes in pools, and Goldsmith Consulting. As soon as the LAUSD and the Division of State Architects approve the design, school officials will ask pool-construction companies to bid on the project, said Executive Director Amy Dresser-Held. The aquatic center will be built at the corner of Temescal Canyon Road and Bowdoin Street, replacing the outdoor handball and basketball courts. The main 10-lane pool and an adjoining two-lane pool will be available for water polo games, water aerobics, synchronized swimming, diving, swimming lessons, water-safety training and swimming meets. Swimming coach Nance and Chief Business Officer Gregory Wood estimate that the aquatic center will cost about $370,000 to operate annually. However, by renting the facility to swim teams and aquatic groups outside school hours, the pool should generate about $540,000 in revenue, based on information provided by other aquatic centers, Nance said. ‘We have user groups who are ready to purchase [time] right now,’ Nance said. ‘Pools are in short supply on the Westside. I am confident that once it’s built, it will be self-sustaining.’
Council Joins Battle to Keep State Parks Open
The Pacific Palisades Community Council voted unanimously last Thursday to oppose Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposal to close 48 state parks and reduce lifeguard staffing at 16 state beaches. Schwarzenegger has asked California State Parks to reduce its budget by 10 percent as part of his attempt to reduce the $14.5-billion budget deficit for 2008-09. Will Rogers State Historical Park and Topanga State Park are among the parks that could be closed. ‘These parks are dear to us,’ said council member Gil Dembo. ‘Years from now, where will our families have recreation?’ Adults and children from all over Los Angeles, not just nearby residents, hike and bike at Will Rogers and Topanga, added Treasurer Ted Mackie. The Community Council’s resolution will be submitted to the governor and the state Legislature. California State Parks decided to close 48 parks because salaries are the largest part of its budget and the closure would allow the department to eliminate 136 positions, said Roy Stearns, communications deputy director for California State Parks. ‘This latest 10-percent reduction, on top of the years and years of previous reductions, finally brought us to the point where all efficiencies were gone and we had no choice but to close parks,’ Stearns told the Palisadian-Post on Friday. Under the proposal, the department will keep 230 parks open. Although Topanga and Will Rogers have more visitors than some of the other state parks that will stay open, the department wanted to close parks evenly across the state, Stearns said. In 2006, Will Rogers had 203,807 visitors and generated $346,713 in revenue, while Topanga had 202,793 visitors and brought in $67,313. Will Rogers charges a $7 day-use parking fee and Topanga’s fee is $5 or $6, depending on the season. If Will Rogers and Topanga are closed, rangers and maintenance workers from nearby parks will periodically check on the facilities for any safety issues and to prevent vandalism, Stearns said. ‘Our goal would be to preserve and protect and, when the budget situation improves, reopen the parks.’ Stearns anticipates that people will continue to use the parks by walking around barricades. ‘We would ask them to honor the closures to ensure safety, but we just might not be able to make contact with every person who decides to take a walk.’ Los Angeles City Councilmen Bill Rosendahl and Ed Reyes wrote a resolution against closing state parks and reducing lifeguard staffing that was presented at yesterday’s Los Angeles City Council meeting. ‘It’s not too early to speak out as individuals,’ said Lucinda Mittleman, who helped start the ‘Save Topanga State Park’ campaign, at last Thursday’s Community Council meeting. The campaign is part of the ‘Save Our State Parks Campaign’ that advocates for all 48 endangered parks. Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter Jennifer Rogers Etcheverry and the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation are hosting the ‘Will Rogers Never Met a State Park He Never Liked’ event this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Community members are invited to help spruce up the park as a way of showing their support for state parks. On Saturday, volunteers will restore the hitching rail that Will Rogers used to tie his horse in front of his house in the early 1930s. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. to honor the restoration. To learn more about the campaigns to save state parks, visit www.savetopangastatepark.org and www.savestateparks.org. —————————————————— RESOLUTION OPPOSING STATE PARK CLOSURE WHEREAS The Governor’s 2008-09 State Budget may result in an unprecedented closing of Will Rogers State Historical Park, Topanga State Park, and other state parks, as well as drastic lifeguard reductions on 16 popular state beaches; WHEREAS Will Rogers State Historic Park is an historic landmark that was recently renovated to enhance its unique recreational and educational uses and will, by the terms under which it was granted to the State of California, revert to the Will Rogers family if the State does not continue to operate the site as intended, WHEREAS Topanga State Park is located in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and features spectacular geological formations, 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks, and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, WHEREAS Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park are our nearest state parks and their closure would directly affect our businesses and families, WHEREAS Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park are two of the few natural, public recreational and educational sites in proximity to urban Los Angeles County, a region that is experiencing rapid growth and increasing density, congestion, pollution and loss of open space, and WHEREAS the extensive trail system in these parks is accessible to communities throughout the San Fernando Valley, Malibu and other parts of Los Angeles County and provides hiking, biking, ocean views, breezes and wildlife sighting opportunities that are not available anywhere else, and WHEREAS school districts throughout Los Angeles County use these parks for educational programs in science and environmental studies, offering urban children a rare opportunity to experience nature firsthand, WHEREAS lifeguard staffing reductions will endanger public health and safety on California’s state beaches; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pacific Palisades Community Council hereby (1) supports the Save Our State Parks Campaign; (2) opposes any state budget proposal that would result in the closure of, or the sale of any property located in, Will Rogers State Historic Park, Topanga State park or other state parks; and (3) opposes any budget proposal that would result in the reduction of lifeguard staffing on state beaches. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the PACIFC PALISADES COMMUNITY COUNCIL does hereby unanimously adopt this resolution on this the 27th day of March 2008. Copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the Save Our State Parks Campaign, the Governor, and the state Legislature. Richard G. Cohen Vice-Chair/Acting Chair
April 9 Speakers to Offer Sustainable Gardening Tips
The second in the series of Palisades Environmental Evenings will be held on Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Calvary Christian School, 701 Palisades Dr., in the Highlands. The evening is designed for all gardeners who want to create an environmentally friendly landscape. Attendees will learn how to beautify a yard with natives and Mediterranean plants, edibles, permeable hardscapes and nontoxic fertilizers. Tips on water-conservation measures ‘will show how it is possible to have a water-wise garden that is beautiful to behold,’ said event organizer Marie Steckmest. Speakers will include: 1. Stephanie Blanc, a local landscape designer who specializes in California native plants and Mediterraneans. She designed Rene Russo’s garden and John Zinner’s garden (Sunset magazine, October 2007). 2. David King, gardenmaster at The Learning Garden at Venice High–one of the largest school gardens in the country. He teaches classes on sustainable gardening and soils and fertilizers. 3. Rick Silva from the L.A. DWP will discuss water conservation measures, including types of sprinkler heads and irrigation controllers. This free event is sponsored by Palisades Cares. To RSVP, visit info@palisadescares.org or call (310) 459-1614. Gelson’s has donated reusable bags for this event.
Ann Montag, 85; Active Mother, Gardener, Hostess and Volunteer
Ann Montag, who had lived in Pacific Palisades since 1951, passed away at home on March 19. She died as the sun set and shone brightly on her face with her family by her side. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 31, 1923, Ann was the adored only child of Leticia and Warren Kugler. She loved growing up in Minnesota, where she enjoyed sleigh rides in the snow and lazy summers at the lake. She graduated from Washburn High School in 1941 and went on to the University of Minnesota, where she also found time to join the Civil Air Patrol. She then attended the Art Students League in New York, where she became an accomplished artist and further developed her love and passion for the arts. After moving to California, Ann quickly met and fell in love with the man who would be her husband of 56 years, Leonard Montag, M.D., a pediatrician, and later an allergist and immunologist, who practiced in Santa Monica for more than 40 years. She was active in the many organizations that supported his career, including auxiliaries at St. John’s and Santa Monica hospitals and the many medical associations that they both enjoyed. Ann was also actively involved in her children’s schools, particularly Westlake School and St. Matthew’s, where she also volunteered at the church thrift shop once a week for more than 30 years. She found ways to contribute to her love of the arts through volunteering as a docent at the Getty for many years, being a member of the group that supports Otis-Parsons, and sponsoring individual artists. Ann was renowned as a gourmet cook and gracious hostess, and always nurtured a beautiful garden. But Ann will be remembered most for her kindness, grace and warmth to those who were lucky enough to be her friend, and to those whom in need she quietly helped along the way. To her last day, wherever she was, whoever she was with felt blessed by the warmth of her smile, the sincerity of her friendship, her amazing strength and positive spirit. More than anything, Ann loved her family. She so enjoyed every aspect of being a wife, mother and grandmother, lovingly tending to those around her. She was predeceased by her beloved husband last November. She is survived by her son, Warren Montag (wife Dolores Trevizo) of San Marino; daughters Martha Montag Brown (husband Michael) of La Canada Flintridge and Alison Woods (husband Woodson) of Kamuela, Hawaii; seven grandchildren: Elisa and Jacob Montag, Brendan, Matthew and Morgan Brown, and Tyler and Emily Youngblood; and her stepson Kenneth Montag of Stockholm, Sweden, his wife Outi and their two sons David and Michael. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Angeles Clinic Foundation, The Ann & Leonard Montag Memorial Fund, 2001 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 560W, Santa Monica, California 90404, phone: 310-582-7976.
Dorothy Laupa, 88; 49-Year Palisadian
Dorothy Durrell Laupa, a Pacific Palisades resident for 49 years, died on March 26 after a lengthy illness. She was 88 years old. Born February 11, 1920 in Ames, Iowa, Dorothy was raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, and attended Colorado State University, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She received her M.A. degree in fine arts at UC Berkeley and then taught textiles at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, where she met her future husband, Armas Laupa. They married in August 1953 in Urbana, and moved to the Palisades in 1959, where they raised their three children. Dorothy was a board member of the Friends of the Pacific Palisades Library and volunteered at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the UCLA Natural History Museum. She also was active in the Kappa Alpha Theta’s Los Angeles alumnae chapter. Dorothy was kinder than most people who were as smart as she was. She found humor, as well as fascination, in all kinds of things…and she found time to be an expert on some of them, like fabrics and products made of grasses from all over the world. People were important to Dorothy. She loved her family and had many friends, all of whom will miss her very much. In addition to her husband of 53 years, Armas Laupa, Dorothy is survived by her son Thomas (wife Cindy) of Fort Collins; her daughter, Dr. Marta Laupa of Providence, Rhode Island; and her daughter, Dr. Marya Laupa-Scott (husband John) of Houston, Texas; her sister Mary Kaiser (husband Dale) of Stanford; and six grandchildren, Gavin and Ian Laupa and Emily, Olivia, John and Michael Scott. No services will be held. Memorial donations in Dorothy’s honor may be made to one’s favorite charity.
Patricia Curtis, 81; Teacher, Mentor
Fun-loving teacher and mentor Patricia ‘Pat’ (Gleixner) Curtis died peacefully on March 31, at St. John’s Hospital of an incurable illness. She was 81. The only child of Anna Mae and Tony Gleixner, Pat was born on May 20, 1926 in Chicago. She attended Chicago’s Immaculata High School and went on to Northwestern, where she joined Chi Omega sorority. After graduation, she moved to Albuquerque, where she enrolled in the University of New Mexico graduate program and met her future husband, Luke Curtis. Following World War II, the newlyweds traveled to Europe to continue graduate study at the University of Geneva. After their daughter Karen was born, they moved back to the U.S. and settled in Arcadia. A natural mentor, Pat pursued her teaching and counseling credential, and went on to teach at Alverno Heights Academy in Sierra Madre. Later she became a career counselor with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Some of her fondest memories were of her time as a counselor at El Sereno Junior High School in East L.A., and South Gate High School. She touched many; always the passionate professional, she preached her motto, ‘Do what you love.’ Pat moved to Pacific Palisades in 1990 to be closer to family. Upon retirement, she became actively involved in the Corpus Christi Parish Seniors Group, the Palisades Library Association, the League of Women Voters, and the Newcomers group. Forever seeking new adventures, she traveled abroad frequently with her travel group, Les Girls. ‘Patty Play-pal’ will be remembered for her ability to befriend all, her fun-loving nature, her inspiring determination, and her endless love and support of family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Davis (husband Robert) formerly of Pacific Palisades, now of Coto de Caza; granddaughters Michelle and Danielle; and grandson Bryan. A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, April 4, at 11 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to the California Province of the Society of Jesus: (408) 884-1644 and www.jesuitscalifornia.org.
