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Alienne Whitener, 87; Mathematics Teacher, Married for 65 Years

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Alienne Whitener.
Alienne Whitener.

Alienne Whitener, a mathematics teacher who lived with her husband in Pacific Palisades for more than 50 years, died March 9. She was 87. Alienne was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 6, 1920 to Marble and Lige Akers. While attending high school in Duncan, Oklahoma, she met her husband, Jack Whitener. He was the lab assistant in her chemistry class who helped her earn a good grade. After high school, Alienne and Jack attended the University of Oklahoma. She received her undergraduate degree in mathematics and English and Jack earned his degree in engineering physics. During World War II, Jack served in the Army Air Corps. The couple married on September 5, 1942 and spent the war years in Florida at Eglin Army Air Corps Proving Ground, where Jack was a test pilot. When the war ended, the military sent Jack to the University of Michigan, where he received a master’s degree in physics and Alienne earned her master’s degree in mathematics. After graduation, they lived in various locations for Jack’s work in the service, and they had three children: Theresa, Michael and Paul. In 1957, Jack was assigned as a liaison officer to The Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, so the family moved to Pacific Palisades. Alienne taught math at Valley College, Los Angeles Southwest College and Mount St. Mary’s College. She also gave generously of her time and effort to the American Association of University Women, Santa Monica Branch, and helped found the Local Scholarship Fund. She and Jack often hiked Temescal Canyon to the waterfall bridge, backpacked through Yosemite and traveled in their camper to Alaska, Canada and Utah. Alienne enjoyed art, classical music concerts, architecture and playing bridge. In addition, she loved to spend time with her dogs. Her family and friends will miss her smile and wonderful sense of humor. She is survived by her husband of 65 years and two children, Theresa and Michael. Her son Paul preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held in Temescal Gateway Park. Please call (415) 282-3343 for date and time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the AAUW-SMBAB Local Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 152, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.

Rod Redmond, 98; Inspiring Teacher, Tax Specialist

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Rod Redmond.
Rod Redmond.

R. H. (Rod) Redmond, founder of the Master of Business Taxation program at USC and a Rustic Canyon resident for more than 50 years, died on February 25 at the age of 98. Tax professionals are often considered ‘number crunchers’ more than ‘people persons,’ but clients, colleagues and students praised Rod Redmond as both. Among those who became his personal friends were business owners, accountants, lawyers, authors, architects and the renowned designers Charles and Ray Eames. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Redmond graduated from the University of Utah and earned a master’s degree in business administration from Northwestern University. In 1935, he joined the Division of Investigation of the U.S. Department of Justice, renamed the ‘FBI’ during his tenure. He settled in Los Angeles, and became a senior accountant for Haskins and Sells in 1937. One of the turning points in Redmond’s life was an adventure he embarked upon in 1938, working his way on a year’s journey around the world on the eve of the outbreak of war in Europe. His experience exposed him to the rich variety of world civilizations, but also taught him that human nature is fundamentally the same wherever people live. Upon his return, Redmond became a supervisory auditor for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in Burbank and attended Loyola Law School at night. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1951. In 1948, he formed the accounting firm Redmond & Tronvig with his Lockheed colleague and friend Donald H. Tronvig. Redmond became a professor at the USC School of Business in 1962. Concurrently he joined the downtown law firm Baker, Ancel & Redmond. While at USC, Redmond created the Master of Business Taxation program, and he was especially pleased at being selected by his students to receive an award for distinguished and inspirational teaching. One of his students wrote him in 1967: ‘I fear your persuasive powers may have had an incalculable effect on me. You gave a short talk on the advantages of being a reader so I decided to become a reader. You arranged a tax job at Haskins and Sells, and I took advantage of that. You have a CPA certificate, and I want to earn that too. You are a lawyer, and I will start law school in the fall–thanks to your recommendation. Now, all these events could be coincidental, but more likely, they are the result of superior teaching.’ Upon his departure from USC in 1977, Redmond was appointed professor emeritus in accounting. He taught two years in the graduate program at Cal State Northridge before retiring, both from teaching and from the law firm in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Hannah; his daughter Jane Mueller of Fremont; his son John Redmond (wife Marilyn) of Pacific Palisades; grandchildren Kathleen Olstein (husband Erik), Annie Mueller and Sean Redmond; and three great-grandsons. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Hemphill/Redmond Tax Fellowship Fund (by check made out to USC Leventhal School of Accounting in care of Ms. Jean Bowman, Citigroup Center, Los Angeles, CA 90089-8201) or to WISE Adult Day Services (in care of Frankie Aggers, 1510 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405).

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 20, 2008

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

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

HOMES WANTED 1b

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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

FULLY FURNISHED, 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

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

OCEAN VIEW LARGE MOBILE home. Studio/office alcove, kitchen, large dining area. Charming light, airy lovely creative space. Walk beach. Partially furnished. $1,200/mo. (310) 613-1572

REMODELED HOME with ocean views. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, hdwd flrs, vaulted ceilings, patio, grassy yard, 2 car garage with W/D. $5,500/mo. (310) 560-4714

SWEEPING OCEAN VIEW with pool. 3 bdrm, 21⁄2 ba plus workshop & bonus room. Parking for 10. 30,000 sq. ft. lot. $6,750/mo. Call (310) 210-7625

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

BRENTWOOD “Country Cottage Charm.” 1 bdrm+ den/office. Near Brentwood Country Club. Charming ambiance. 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 $2,500/mo. (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

PACIFIC PALISADES APARTMENT. Pets ok. Available within walking distance to village with Gelsons, CVS, library, many great restaurants and stores. Beautiful and quiet building with swimming pool. 1 bdrm. Apt. #5. $1,495/mo. Call Jay, (310) 200-0063

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 2 BDRM, 1 ba guesthouse w/ family rm, view, no kit., sm. ref. & hot plate. hdwd. flrs., cable, internet, util incl. rec. ctr. $1,950/mo. Mary, (310) 454-9337

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

PRIVATE ROOM bath, den, private entrance on lower floor of Pacific Palisades home. Washer, dryer. $795/mo. (310) 454-1159

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

GUEST HOUSE WANTED to rent. Contact Alan at (310) 454-0531

GUEST ROOM WANTED to rent. Contact Alex, (310) 454-6463

RETIRED MILITARY widower, non-smoker, no pets wants to be near family. Looking for guesthouse, apt. near village. (310) 548-7159

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

PALISADES OFFICE SUITE available on Via de La Paz. Approx. 1,103 SF, it includes 2 offices with large windows overlooking a courtyard, front office area for 2 receptionists, conference room, kitchen w/ appliances & 1 bathrm. 2 reserved parking spaces. Perfect for any type of business. $3,305/mo. Call (310) 386-2466 or email info@dslrf.org.

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

BEAUTIFUL FURNISHED 2 bdrm, 11⁄2 ba, gourmet kitchen, yard, walk to village. Avail June 20-Aug. 17. $3,600/mo. Contact David, (310) 454-1259 or Lowmusic@aol.com. Pics on request.

MORTGAGES, TRUST DEEDS 4

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LOANS. Avoid the “Credit Crunch” with our flexible portfolio jumbo loans. No income verification & cash out options. 5, 7, 10, & 30 year fixed (interest only), & 40 year adjustables. $500,000-$20 million+ (high LTVs). Most property types. 100% financing available up to $5 million+. Please visit realloans.com (email: info@realloans.com) for more information. Call Rick at First Financial Bancorp, (310) 571-3600 x203, for a confidential analysis. CA DRE #01144023

LOST & FOUND 6a

LOST: ELECTRIC CAR AND HOUSE KEYS. Lost 03/13 between Marquez and Enchanted Way. Please call (310) 454-5191

LOST: ORANGE 5-year-old male Tabby. Via de la Paz/Monument/Bestor/Charm Acres. March 14th. Answers to Pablo. Call with info. (310) 454-7952

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

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

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—PEACE OF MIND 4 PARENTS. Excellent local refs. Former kindergarten teacher 13+ yrs exp. CPR/CDL. Newborn, twins, toddler, school-age. L/O, able to L/I when needed. Great w/ pets. You can depend on me. Phyllis, (818) 340-7183.

EUROPEAN EXPERIENCED NANNY looking for part time position, clean DMV, excellent references. Legal to work. Call Vera, (951) 454-4079

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

HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTER avail. Mon.-Sun. Own transportation. Excellent references. Call Maria, (310) 948-9637

PLEASANT, EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER available Mon., Thurs. & Fri. Live out. Excellent local references. Some English. Please call Reyna, (323) 635-6173

HOUSEKEEPING, 20 years experience. Good references, available Mon.-Sat. Love pets and children. N/S. Lives local. Call anytime. (310) 572-7984, cell (310) 817-9515

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

I’M AVAILABLE full-time or part-time as a housekeeper or as a nanny. Experienced. English. References. Florina Cruz, (310) 597-9326

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE • Experience • References • Own transportation • English. Call Erika, (213) 385-7922

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tues./Thurs./Sat. English, car and references. Call Carol, (323) 299-1797 or (818) 742-5680. Call evenings.

CLEANING HOUSES. Available Mon.-Sat. Very experienced. No car. Speak little English, love dogs, local references. Call Silvia, (323) 822-8410

HOUSEKEEPING BABYSITTING TEAM Avail. Mon.-Fri. Excellent references. Own transportation. Clean DMV. Trustworthy. Very fast & efficient. Call Brenda or Angie, (323) 304-3151 or (213) 841-6771

EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER Great with kids & cleaning. Prefer live in. Perfect references. (310) 689-8015

HOUSEKEEPER TRUSTWORTHY & reliable. English speaking. Owns car. Local references. Teresa, (323) 754-8058

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon.-Fri. References, own car, many years experienced. Call Aida, hm (323) 735-7603, cell (323) 528-0291

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

IRISH COMPANION/Elder care & cook available full time to live-in or live-out. Own car, clean DMV Excellent references. Many years experience. Call (805) 551-9111

SUGAR & SPICE Nannie Service. Elder/child care. Experienced (special needs), Alzheimer’s & dementia. Can cook. Personal & housesitting. Call (323) 474-8943, (323) 758-6271

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

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

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

HOUSESITTING 14b

VERY RESPONSIBLE, PROFESSIONAL COUPLE will housesit your home for 6 mos. or more. References available. Call Tim, (310) 889-8257

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

BAR/BAT MITZVAH SEMINAR. We can show you how to do it yourself on a budget. We’re the ladies who created Young Angels. We can teach you all the secrets of producing a great event for less than you thought. Call for info: (310) 573-9913, Brook & Debbie

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

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 & Spanish! Elementary thru college level. Test prep, algebra, trig, geom, calculus. Fun, caring, creative, individualized tutoring. Math anxiety. Call Jamie, (310) 459-4722

EXPERIENCED SPANISH TUTOR • All grades • Levels • Grammar • Conversational • SAT/AP • Children, adults • Great references. Noelle, (310) 980-6071

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

TUTORING & HOMEWORK HELP. Teacher with credentials in Elementary, Special Ed. and Reading. Masters in Education & 23 years classroom teaching experience, 2 years as Reading Recovery specialist. Palisades resident. Affordable rates. Diana, (310) 717-5472 dianaleighw@yahoo.com

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

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

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

PLUMBING 16t

JLK PLUMBING. Re-pipe and sewer specialist & all plumbing repairs. Mention this ad & receive 10% off. Lic. #722414. Call (310) 678-6634

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

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

OFFICE MANAGER FOR Malibu office: career oriented, organized and detailed, excellent communication, phone and writing skills, computer literate (QuickBooks, Word, Excel, Photoshop). Please e-mail resume to adam@amazingtaste.com

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 & rewad 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

happy LA. Newest clothing boutique in the Palisades, is seeking PT/FT help. Must be willing to work weekends. Resume to infor@happy-la.com, (310) 459-5511

AUTOS 18b

CASH 4 MERCEDES BENZ/BMW $$ 1980-1995, running or not. Any questions, please call (310) 995-5898

BLACK MERCEDES 1998. 60,500 miles. Tan interior. Excellent condition. All service done at dealers. $12,250. (310) 454-1946

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

ANTIQUE REGULATOR clock/G’mother’s clock! Antique signs/tools/Marantz turntable/clothes/linens/costume jewelry/knick-knacks/etc. FRI.-SAT., Mar. 21-22; 8 a.m.-4p.m., 16820 Charmel Ln. (Bienveneda/ Akron/Lachman). Info/pix: www.bmdawson.com

SPRING SALE. LANDSCAPE designer over-runs. Patio furn, pots blooming with color. SAT., March 22nd. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1134 Charm Acres Place (off Via de la Paz).

2 FAMILY ESTATE SALE. Sat., Mar. 22, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. QUALITY Everything! Furniture, silver, china, clothes & more. 464 20th St., Santa Monica, 90402.

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

Rosendahl Honors Firemen Who Fought Highlands Blaze

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The firefighters who put out a blaze that destroyed three townhouses in the Palisades Highlands on January 17 were honored at the Community Council meeting last Thursday evening. Nearly 100 firefighters responded to the fire that started around 8:20 p.m. in a garage at 1684 Michael Lane. The owner had just parked his car in the garage, and when he went inside, the car caught fire. The fire spread into an attic shared by the six townhouses in that building and into the walls of three adjoining units, causing severe heat, water and smoke damage that displaced three families. Firefighters from L.A. Fire Department Stations 23, 69, 19, 59, 63 and 5 responded. Last Thursday, Councilman Bill Rosendahl presented captains representing those stations, Battalion Chief Patrick Butler and Assistant Chief Daniel McCarthy, with certificates of appreciation. ‘Not only did they get there quickly, they stayed long enough to make sure all the embers were out,’ Rosendahl said. Some of the firefighters remained at the scene until 5 a.m. ‘It’s always great to receive recognition, but we were just doing our job,’ said Fire Station 23 Capitan Bill Ernst. ‘We are here to help people.’ Rob Gilmer, president of the Michael Lane Villas Association (which has 110 townhouses), expressed his gratitude. ‘We have to consider these men and women heroes,’ Gilmer said, noting that when he arrived at the scene, he saw a wall of flames consuming two homes. ‘We could have easily lost 10 to 12 units,’ given the warm, windy weather. Gilmer presented the firefighters with a thank-you note from the kindergarten students at St. Mel School in Woodland Hills. Teacher Joyce Cluess and her husband, Chris, lost their home in the fire that night. Following the fire, ‘the neighbors showed a tremendous amount of care and concern,’ Gilmer said. ‘They offered the people who lost homes a place to stay until they could relocate.’ Rosendahl also acknowledged Community Council member Paul Glasgall for his help. Last year, Glasgall participated in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, which educates people how to respond to a disaster. ‘Paul appeared during the height of the chaos, wearing the green vest that identified him to both firefighters and residents as someone prepared to respond to the demands of emergency response,’ Gilmer said. ‘He was immediately enlisted by the firefighters to assist in crowd control and did so admirably for several hours.’ Glasgall, who has chaired the Palisades Highlands Presidents’ Council for 17 years, said when he heard the sirens, he drove to the scene to find out if he could be of assistance. ‘I care a lot about this community,’ said Glasgall, a local real estate agent who represents the Highlands on the Community Council.

Seymour Wasserman, 48-Year Palisadian

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Seymour Wasserman
Seymour Wasserman

Seymour Wasserman, who had lived in Pacific Palisades since 1960, died March 15. He was 92 years old. Born June 7, 1915 in Chicago, Seymour married his childhood sweetheart, Annette, in 1940, and they had two children: Jeff and Marsha. He and Annette moved to Pacific Palisades, and he worked for the TV Fanfare advertising company for 30 years. A great lover of animals, Seymour owned dogs, a parrot and a turtle. His family describes him as a wonderful person who loved to help others and who had a lot of pride in his children and grandchildren. He and Annette were married for 59 years, until her death in 1999. Later in life, Seymour traveled to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada with his companion, Christa Williams. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Ingert Wasserman and two grandchildren, Annika and Lindsay. His two children preceded him in death. Services will be held at noon today, March 20, at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 Centinela Ave. A reception will follow at Junior’s Deli, 2379 Westwood Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society. Contact: (323)-730-5300.

Ronny Can’t Stay Retired; Buys Cleaners on Marquez

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Ronny Naidoo, former owner of Ronny's Market, is now in the dry-cleaning business on Marquez Avenue, after purchasing Parklane Cleaners.
Ronny Naidoo, former owner of Ronny’s Market, is now in the dry-cleaning business on Marquez Avenue, after purchasing Parklane Cleaners.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

When Ronny Naidoo sold his popular market on Marquez Avenue last June after being in business for 14 years, he planned to travel with his wife, Debi. At the time she predicted, ‘Maybe we’ll get tired of traveling and we’ll come back and do something else.’ After traveling to Hawaii, the Bahamas, South Africa and Mexico on various trips, the Naidoos came back to their condo in Marquez Knolls, and Ronny soon realized that he was already growing tired of retirement. ‘I missed the people, I missed the kids,’ he said Monday. ‘When the opportunity came up right across the street [from his condo] I took it.’ On March 13, the Naidoos purchased Parklane Cleaners from Nurit Rouhparvar, who had owned the business for the past 24 years. The shop is next door to Ronny’s old market (still called Ronny’s Market) and the two owners had been friendly neighbors for years. ‘He is easy and I am easy, too,’ said Rouhparvar, who bought the cleaners from her cousin in 1984. Her cousin had acquired it from the original Parklane owner, who established the business in 1948 at the same location. The Parklane Cleaners sign still reads ‘We give S & H Green Stamps,’ a throwback to a different era. Rouhparvar is now planning to try a limited retirement, continuing in the store on Tuesday and Thursday to work on alterations. It is hard for her to leave because she has been at the store long enough to see the children, who came in with their families, now come in with their own families. ‘I’ve seen three generations,’ she said. ‘I worked 60 hours a week and I have a big family, 10 grandkids, so I’m ready to retire,’ said Rouhparvar, who will be full-time in the store for the next several weeks during the transition. Naidoo has also brought his son-in-law, David Bates, into the business. The two plan to automate the cleaners and add a 24-hour drop box for dry cleaning. Prices will remain the same and same-day service will continue for clothes brought in by 9 a.m. New customers will receive 50 percent off on their first dry-cleaning order. ‘We plan to add a recycle box for hangers,’ said Bates, who has also started researching other environmentally friendly options for the business. Bates and Naidoo plan to institute a delivery service, where customers can call to have their dirty clothes picked up, cleaned and then returned. Customers will be given their own laundry bag to reuse. Store hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In addition to regular dry cleaning, the store will continue to clean wedding dresses, rugs, leather and suede, and bedspreads. And Rouhparvar promises if there’s a hole in a garment, she can do the weaving to fix it. One of the highlights of Ronny’s old store was free gummy worms on the counter for the children. They’re back, with an additional draw for parents: free coffee. Ronny’s great smile is back, too.

Opening Day at the PPBA with Tom Hanks and Friends

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Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld and actor Tom Hanks flip flapjacks for their neighbors during the Palisades Pony Baseball Association’s 2008 season opener March 15.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Perhaps Tom Hanks missed his calling. Sure, he’s made quite a career for himself as an actor, winning two Oscars, three Emmys and four Golden Globes. Yet he seemed so happy, so poised, so in his element Saturday morning at the Field of Dreams when he wound up and threw a nasty curve ball over the outside corner of the plate and into his son Truman’s mitt to officially open this year’s Palisades Pony Baseball Association season. ‘Let that be the first of many great pitches!’ Hanks declared as he pumped his fist, danced a jig and soaked in cheers. ‘And how ’bout a round of applause for our courageous umps who keep’ em fair.’   Perhaps Hanks would’ve found fame as a manager like Jimmy Dugan, whom he portrayed in the movie ‘A League of Their Own,’ or perhaps even as a major league player. Not that Hanks is complaining about the path he chose, for it ultimately led him to Pacific Palisades, the place he and his wife, actress Rita Wilson, have called home for 20 years.   ’Everywhere I travel people tell me that I live in a fantasy world,’ Hanks said. ‘They’re right’ there’s nothing more fantastic than a place where all you have to worry about is a place to park.’   Asked if he had practiced before throwing out the ceremonial first ball, Hanks said he didn’t need to because ‘I’ve been throwing stuff at kids for a long time.’ Turns out, Hanks is as skilled at flipping flapjacks as he is throwing a baseball. Hours before he took to the field he was donning an apron and manning a grill alongside local fitness guru Jake Steinfeld to serve up breakfast for hordes of hungry neighbors. ‘That was a fun movie to make,’ Hanks said about ‘A League of Their Own.’ ‘I got paid to play baseball and hang out with girls. That could’ve gone on for years and I’d have been okay with it.’ Hanks grew up in the Bay Area and was an avid A’s fan. When he was in junior high he sold peanuts, popcorn and soda at Oakland Coliseum while watching the likes of Vida Blue and Reggie Jackson. He ran track in high school but soon gravitated to the drama department because ‘there were more girls, so that seemed like the place to be.’ Several sporting events stand out in the actor’s mind: ‘I happened to be at Wrigley Field (in Chicago) when Pete Rose tied Ty Cobb,’ Hanks recalled. ‘The game was called on account of darkness and Pete broke it [all-time hit record] the next day. I also saw Tom Seaver win his 300th game in Yankee Stadium.’ Hanks is a Palisadian through and through. He dines at local restaurants, shops at local stores and supports local projects’like the new gym and the Field of Dreams. He also takes pride in his pancake-making prowess. ‘I’m finally living up to my potential and destiny,’ Hanks joked. ‘My friend Jake here feels it’s his job to squeeze 108 pancakes on one grill. That’s fine, but if he gives me any trouble I’m gonna’ bounce one right off his gluteus maximus.’ Steinfeld, who admitted he was looking forward to watching his 8-year-old son Zach make his Pinto debut with the Tigers, implored Hanks to stop working on his autobiography and concentrate on the task at hand. ‘Making pancakes is about consistency,’ Steinfeld teased, mixing in a little banter with the batter. ‘This is not a Democratic or Republican issue’it’s a pancake issue. Tom is waffling. He’s all over the place’some big, some small. Mine? All the same size.’ Shortly after 9 a.m., the Pinto Cardinals sang the national anthem and Hanks followed with the first pitch’which was every bit as impressive as the one California First Lady Maria Shriver delivered to former Dodgers first baseman Wes Parker to kick off last year’s festivities.   With that, umpires on every diamond shouted ‘Play ball!’ and players ran for their respective dugouts. It was only fitting that Truman Hanks fielded the very first ball for the Bronco Cardinals, snaring a sharp grounder to second base and throwing to first base for the out. Below are the game results from opening day: Bronco Division In the American League, the Orioles outscored the Red Sox, 11-3, and the Yankees beat the Tigers, 7-3. In the National League, the Cardinals edged the Cubs, 7-6, and the Phillies topped the Dodgers, 10-8. Mustang Division In the National League, it was the Cubs ousting the Cardinals, 15-5, and the Dodgers beating the Phillies, 12-7. In the American League, the Orioles outscored the Redo Sox, 15-12, and the Yankees topped the Tigers, 15-6. Pinto Division In a pair of high-scoring American League games the Orioles outlasted the Red Sox, 16-11, and the Tigers edged the Yankees, 10-9. The National League featured a pair of one-sided outings with the Cardinals beating the Cubs, 14-1, and the Dodgers taking care of the Phillies, 13-6.

‘Dancing’ Star Guttenberg Has All the Right Moves

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By KATHLEEN COREY Special to the Palisadian-Post Steve Guttenberg, the former honorary mayor of Pacific Palisades, certainly represented his town well on the season premiere of ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” Monday night. Who could have known? I had been concerned that he might talk too much, or spend too much time being funny; I was also quite aware that at 49, he was the second oldest of this season’s male competitors. Public opinion is that he is one of this town’s most beloved ‘mayors,’ and maybe now I know why. Steve Guttenberg played a perfect game, somehow avoiding all the pitfalls that have tripped up many a male contestant in the first five seasons of one of TV’s most popular ‘reality shows.’ First of all, he genuinely seemed glad to be on the show, fully knowing the ordeal that being a ‘star contestant’ involves: the extraordinary physical demands of rehearsing for several hours a day; the pressure of ‘live’ TV, where a glimmer of a bad attitude gets magnified many times over in front of 20-some million viewers; the potential personality conflicts that come with working under the close tutelage of a professional dancer whose job it is to try to whip their celebrity into a winner by ‘practice, practice and practice some more until you get it right.’ I think Steve established a whole new fan base for himself in the 90-minute premiere, bowling us over with the respect he showed the judges, his ease in the way he handled every facet of the live show, his relaxed charm, and his comfort with his physical self. The premiere of DWTS always introduces its new season of contestants one at a time, in a close-up shot as they descend a staircase down to the stage, side by side with their professional dance partner, to the pulsating rhythm of the show’s theme music. Not many contestants manage to safely maneuver the stairs in perfect synch with their partner, while looking straight into the camera and managing a warm and relaxed facial expression. Steve did. When all 12 contestants are done taking the stairs and being introduced to the audience, the group forms a sort of reception line, down which the camera slowly pans, giving the audience a second chance to look over the contestants, and the contestants a second opportunity to win over the viewers. A deadpan expression doesn’t cut it in this line-up, or a diva-like attitude. Steve? One could read his lips, saying to the camera, ‘Hi, Mom!’ He instantly started melting hearts, and came across fresh-faced and accessible. Then comes the succession of the professional dancer-celebrity pairings, doing what they’ve spent the last four weeks preparing, knowing there won’t be any re-shoots because this is LIVE–a performance of a uniquely choreographed dance routine in full costume, to their own choice of music. The dancing on the season premiere can sometimes be a bit painful to watch, where contestants are ‘showcased’ by their pro partner, who often resorts to dancing around their ‘star,’ seemingly using the celebrity more as a ‘prop’ than a dance partner. The most suspenseful moment on the show is immediately after each couple’s dance, when they get ‘critiqued’ by the three judges. This is no time to be sensitive about one’s dancing, or worse, by one’s height, weight, natural facial expressions or habits of movement. On Monday’s show, one contestant, who happens to be 6’6′ tall with a heavy build, was described as a ‘Shrek’-like character with “monstrous feet,” attempting to do the cha cha. Steve Guttenberg’s first go-around of dancing, the foxtrot, may not have earned a standing ovation, but there wasn’t much of a downside to the judges’ comments, either, just to work on his posture and arm positioning. The judges all agreed that Steve actually looked like he was enjoying himself, which indeed he was. My prediction is that Steve Guttenberg will be safe until at least the fourth week, with comedian Adam Carolla and magician Penn Jillette facing early elimination. I believe the men to beat are Jason Taylor, a defensive end for the Miami Dolphins, and “Mario,” the 21-year-old R&B/Pop singer. On Monday, March 24, all 12 celebrity competitors (the six women competed Tuesday night) will perform another dance in a different style, and then on Tuesday, one male and one female star will be eliminated from further competition. (Kathleen Corey is a native Palisadian who, under the business name Palisades Dance Connection, teaches those from seven through to their active senior adult years to become adept at everything from social dancing to competitive championship ballroom dancing. Contacts: (310) 729-4160 and www.PaliDance.com.) SAVE SAVE SAVE Tuesday night’s show featured the female celebrities. The no-surprise favorite was Kristi Yamaguchi, the Olympic champion figure skater, while Priscilla Presley, actress and former wife of Elvis, gave an unexpectedly breathtaking performance. The first female celebrities to be voted off may very well turn out to be former tennis champion Monica Seles and actress Shannon Elizabeth. For any DWTS fans and viewers who think they have this season’s outcome already pegged, there may be some surprises in store. It is extremely common for dancers-in-training to be very uneven in the division of their talent between the ballroom (foxtrot, waltz, quickstep and tango) and the Latin (rumba, cha cha, samba, jive, and paso doble) dances. I think the exception may be Kristi Yamaguchi, who trained in both styles as a figure skater. One thing that all the stars agree on is that ballroom dancing is much more difficult than they ever expected it would be. A fitting consensus, given that under the new name, “DanceSport,” ballroom dancing has already been certified as an official Olympic sport, and will probably make its debut as such in the 2016 Summer games. This is why huge numbers of Olympic hopefuls aged five through their teens are already seriously training. Even on college campuses and universities across the U.S., one of the favorite activities is competitive ballroom dancing, with the schools competing against each other to produce the top-winning team.

Neighbor Uses Garden Hose to Stop Hidden Cafe Fire

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Highlands resident Clayton Bland took firefighting into his own hands last Thursday by using his garden hose to squelch a fire at the Hidden Cafe
Highlands resident Clayton Bland took firefighting into his own hands last Thursday by using his garden hose to squelch a fire at the Hidden Cafe
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The former Hidden Cafe n the Palisades Highlands caught on fire last Thursday evening, but thanks to quick action by nearby residents Jamie and Clayton Bland, the blaze was quickly contained and damage to the restaurant and building was minimal. Highlands resident Carmel Kadrnka e-mailed a first-person account to the Palisadian-Post:, writing: ‘We were driving home up Palisades Drive at 8 p.m., when we noticed a fire in the back area of the old Hidden Caf’. We turned the car around to take a closer look, and found the glass had blown out of the window, and flames were shooting out. ‘A Highlands resident, Clayton Bland, had apparently seen the same thing, and was there, trying to splash water in the broken window. His wife ran up to one of the townhomes across the street and grabbed a garden hose, which she threw to her husband. He then hooked up the hose to a water outlet and sprayed water through the window. ‘Unbelievably enough, there were virtually no more flames when the Fire Department came. I can’t imagine what would have happened if that husband and wife team didn’t act so quickly and take care of business!’ Friday, the Blands explained the role they played. They had just put their one- and four-year-olds to bed, and Clayton was going into town to have a beer with a friend. He pulled out of his driveway, which is almost across the street from the Hidden Caf’ building, and saw flames in the window. He called his wife to tell her what he had seen, then ‘I put the car in reverse and went back to take a closer look. The window popped and I called 911.’ Bland tried to fill some empty clay pots with water to throw on the fire, but ‘it kept draining out, so when my wife came over, I told her to get a hose.’ Jamie ran across Palisades Drive to their garage, grabbed a garden hose and ran it back to her husband. He hooked it to the spigot outside and started spraying the inside of the restaurant through the broken window. ‘It wasn’t that big of a fire,’ Clayton said. ‘By the time I got it out, the fire trucks had arrived.’ One of the firemen paid him the ultimate compliment: ‘It looks like you have things under control here.’ Ironically, at the time of Bland’s 911 call, firefighters from Palisades Fire Stations 23 and 69 were receiving special recognition from Councilman Bill Rosendahl at the Community Council meeting for their efforts in fighting the January blaze on Michael Lane, also in the Highlands. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Wally Miller, who owns the Highlands Village building, said that thanks to the Blands’ quick action, only one wall suffered fire damage and just one window needs to be replaced. ‘It was a wonderful thing for them to do,’ Miller said. The space is currently undergoing a remodel before reopening in April or May as an Italian restaurant that will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week. The owner, Paolo Marazzi, told Clayton that he wants to treat him and his family to a dinner when the restaurant opens.

Anita Finie Receives High Papal Honor for Service

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Anita Finie.
Anita Finie.

Pacific Palisades resident Anita Finie, prodigious volunteer in the service of the elderly and children, received the Papal Honor of Dame Commander of St. Gregory the Great in a service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in early March. The honor, bestowed by Pope Benedict XVI, was given by Cardinal Roger Mahony in recognition of Finie’s service in the parish, the archdiocese and the civic community. The Order of St. Gregory the Great was established in 1831 by Pope Gregory XVI as a way of honoring people of ‘unblemished character who had promoted the interests of society, the Church and the Holy See.’ In 1994, ten women in the Los Angeles Archdiocese were received into the Order as Dames of Saint Gregory, the first women in the world to be so honored. Finie is a volunteer par excellence who claims memberships in four parishes, including Corpus Christi, St. Monica, where she serves on the baptismal committee; Our Lady of the Bright Mount Polish Church, where she was married; and the Cathedral. At Corpus, she coordinates the visitation ministry to three area convalescent hospitals. On Sunday, Finie and her committee of five parish volunteers take Communion to hospital residents. ‘We say prayers; some have Alzheimer’s so we’re lucky to make the sign of the cross and give Communion,’ Finie says. Finie grew up in Poland through World War II and suffered the devastating loss of her home, possessions and family. Her sister was shot by the Nazis; her brother and father died at Auschwitz. She and her mother survived German occupation and immigrated in 1947 to the United States, where she met her husband Philip. The couple raised two sons and lived on Catalina Island until 1974, when they moved to Pacific Palisades. Finie’s volunteer work revolves around youth and education. ‘I stress education, I support education because that is how young people’s character develops,’ she says. She earned a nursing degree in Poland and another from St. Joseph’s College in Maine, where she sponsors a nursing scholarship. For three years, Finie was involved in Child Help USA, focusing on abused children. Along the way, Finie became active in the PTA and the Palisades Woman’s Club. Despite her recent honors’last year she was honored with the Cardinal’s Award’Finie remains humble. ‘In my mind, I could always do more,’ she says. ‘ I find so much more satisfaction in giving than receiving, and I expect nothing in return.’

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