CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 8, 2008

May 8, 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

ONE OF THE LOWEST PRICED HOMES IN THE PALISADES! Priced to sell $1,389,000 -2 BR -1 BA, hardwood floors, breakfast nook, dining area on a large lot. Located between the Huntington and the Palisades Village. Remodel or build new. Call for details. Broker, Marco Rufo 310-552-3017.

HOMES WANTED 1b

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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

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

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

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

EL MEDIO BLUFFS 3bdrm, 2ba, Cape Cod. Corner lot, charming. 1/2blk walk to bluffs. $6000/mo Call Elizabeth (310) 293-8999

Via Bluffs, one-story, 3bdrm, 2ba. Plus bonus room, new kitchen & baths. Hardwood, granite, ref, w/d, patio & yard. Walk to schools & village, $5,950/mo. (310) 454-5601

2 bedroom, 2.25 bath (with upstairs office) in Castellammare. Full of light. Wood floors throughout, large enclosed front courtyard, large rear deck with views of Zuma and S.M mountains, 6 month minimum. $7000/mo. Call 310-454-9006

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

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

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

BEST LOCATION in Santa Monica. Lincoln @ trendy Montana, restaurants, shopping, buses, ocean 8 blks. 2 bdrm, 11⁄2 ba upper front. Windows on N, W & S. Balcony, pking, ldry. $2,495/mo. (310) 393-0798

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

BEAUTIFUL 2BD +2BA * $2595/mo. Small pet ok with deposit, Quiet building, new carpet, marble floors, crown molding, gas fireplace & appliances, Private balcony with ocean view, walk to village & beach. Call 310-454-2024

CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

LUXURY PENTHOUSE w/ panoramic unobstructed ocean views. Walk to beach. 7 min. to Santa Monica. 2 bdrm, 2 ba. All new interior. Hwd, granite, stainless steel. Ocean view, deck. W/D, garage. Quiet & safe. $4,450/mo. (310) 230-4200 www.MalibuCoastline.com

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

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

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

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

VACATION RENTALS 3e

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

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

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

Summer lease: 2 bedroom, 2.25 bath (upstairs office can be 3rd bedroom); Wood floors throughout, large enclosed front courtyard, large rear deck with views of Zuma Beach and S.M. Mountains. $3500.00/week. Rate negotiable for monthly stay. call 310-454-9006

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5

SEEK PRIVATE INVESTOR for short term $200K bridge loan. 10 pts. for 6 mos or less. Secured by real estate. No brokers please. (310) 454-0685

LOST & FOUND 6a

FOUND: What is What, a novel by Dave Eggers was left in the office of Dr. Nasreen Babu-Kahn during the month of April. Please come by the office to claim it.

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

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

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

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

MARIE’S MAC & PC OUTCALL. I CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE WITH: * Consultation on best hard/software for your needs * Setting up & configuring your system & applications * Teaching you how to use your Mac or PC * Upgrades: Mac OS & Windows * Internet: DSL, Wireless, E-mail, Remote Access * Key Applications: MS Office, Filemaker, Quicken * Contact Managers, Networking, File Sharing, Data backup * Palm, Visor, Digital Camera, Scanner, CD Burning. FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL ‘ BEST RATES. (310) 262-5652

YOUR OWN TECH GURU * SET-UP, TUTORING, REPAIR, INTERNET. Problem-Free Computing, Guaranteed. Satisfying Clients Since 1992. If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! COMPUTER WORKS! Alan Perla (310) 455-2000

THE DETECHTIVES’. PROFESSIONAL ON-SITE MAC SPECIALISTS. PATIENT, FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE. WE COVER ALL THINGS MAC. Consulting * Installation * Training and Repair for Beginners to Advanced Users. Data recovery * Networks * Wireless Internet & more. (310) 838-2254. William Moorefield. www.thedetechtives.com

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 7f

PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? * an estate sale? a moving sale? a yard sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. * BARBARA DAWSON * Garage Sale Specialist. (310) 454-0359. bmdawson@verizon.net * www.bmdawson.com * Furniture * Antiques * Collectibles * Junque. Reliable professionals * Local References

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

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

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

VIP NANNY AGENCY. ‘Providing very important people with the very best nanny.’ * Baby Nurses * Birthing Coaches * Housekeepers. (818) 907-1017, (310) 614-3646

BABYSITTER AVAILABLE P/T Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-1p.m. 18yrs. experience. Very good local references. Own transportation. CDL Call Vilma (323) 308-9305.

BABY SITTER AVAILABLE * I have been practicing ob/gyn for 20+ years. I am now working PT and seek to supplement my income. I work Mon, Thurs & Fri until 2pm. I live in Pac Pal. Please call: 310-459-1209.

DOMESTIC AGENCIES 9

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

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

‘PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.’ We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOUSEKEEPING/NANNY available full time Monday-Sunday. Many years experience. Dependable with great references. Call Albina (323) 490-5014.

HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING available F/T Mon-Fri. Own car, clean DMV, great references. Call Doris or Aurlene Stella (424) 208-3051.

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTING available 3days/week. Many years experience. Excellent references. Call Aurelia (310) 473-5145.

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Monday-Sunday. 25years experience. Excellent references. Reliable. Call Elizabeth (323) 463-7889.

HOUSEKEEPERS/BABYSITTERS full time Monday-Friday. Excellent local references. Own transportation, clean DMV, Call Imelda or Carolina (323) 944-7210 or (818) 941-9768

MY TERRIFIC HOUSEKEEPER of 10 yrs is looking for up to 4 days. Honest, reliable, hardworking, speaks English, has car, Great with kids & pets. (310) 459-1651

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

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

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

CAREGIVER FOR ELDERLY. Errands*meal prep*outings. Good references*5years experience. Call (310) 266-6215

AVAILABLE IN YOUR HOME — Young widow would like to be companion, tutor, or housesitter, etc. Long-term. College degree, musically inclined. Trustworthy, nonsmoker, has local family. References. (310) 459-2066

NURSING CARE 10b

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

Registered Nurse Local RN with over 20 years experience, available for adult or child health assessments, home safety evaluations, and health counseling. References available upon request. (310) 586-7473

GARDENING, LANDSCAPING 11

PALISADES GARDENING * Full Gardening Service * Sprinkler Install * Tree Trim * Sodding/Seeding * Sprays, non-toxic * FREE 10′ Flats, Pansies, Snap, Impatiens. (310) 568-0989

WATERFALLS & POND CONSTRUCTION: Water gardening. Japanese Koi fish. Filtration pond service, repair & maintenance. Free estimates. (310) 435-3843, cell (310) 390-1276. www.TheKingKoi.com

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 12c

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

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

Greenwich Connecticut Realtor, wonderful person looking to locate to area, seeking to housesit for negotiable period of time. Exceptional references, including local refs. Call Silvanna (203) 912-4022

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

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

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

HAPPY PET Dog Walking * Park Outings * Socialization. Insured. Connie, (310) 230-3829

PERSONAL TOUCH DOG WALKING/sitting service. Cats included. Pali resident over 25 yrs. Very reliable. Refs. available. If you want special care for your pet, please call me. Jacqui, (310) 454-0104, cell (310) 691-9893

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

PHOTOGRAPHY 14h

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

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

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

TUTORS 15e

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION. Children & adults. 25+ years teaching/tutoring exper. MATH, GRAMMAR, ESSAY WRITING & STUDY SKILLS. Formerly Sp. Ed. Teacher. Call Gail, (310) 313-2530

SCIENCE & MATH TUTOR. All levels (elementary to college). Ph.D., MIT graduate, 30 years experience. Ed Kanegsberg, (310) 459-3614

MS. SCIENCE TUTOR. Ph.D., Experienced, Palisades resident. Tutor All Ages In Your Home. Marie, (310) 888-7145

PROFESSIONAL TUTOR. Stanford graduate (BA and MA, Class of 2000). Available for all subjects and test prep (SAT & ISEE). In-home tutoring at great rates. Call Jonathan, (310) 560-9134

CLEARLY MATH & MORE! Specializing in math & now offering chemistry & Spanish! Elementary thru college level. Test prep, algebra, trig, geom, calculus. Fun, caring, creative, individualized tutoring. Math anxiety. Call Jamie, (310) 459-4722

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

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

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

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

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

SUMMER CAMPS 15f

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

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 36 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pools, decks, patios, foundations, fireplace, drainage control, custom stone, block & brick, tile. Excellent local references. Lic. #309844. Bonded/insured/ workmen’s comp. Family owned & operated. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 * www.horusicky.com

CONSTRUCTION 16d

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

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

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

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

REMODELING 16v

KANAN CONSTRUCTION. References. BONDED * INSURED * St. Lic. #554451. DANIEL J. KANAN, CONTRACTOR, (310) 451-3540 / (800) 585-4-DAN

LABOR OF LOVE HOME REPAIR & REMODEL. Kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, tile, doors, windows, decks, etc. Work guar. Ken Bass, General Contractor. Lic. #B767950. (310) 487-6464

COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION. New/Spec Homes * Kit+bath remodeling * Additions * Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large & small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Michael Hoff Construction, (310) 230-2930

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

HELP WANTED 17

DRIVERS: TEAMS EARN TOP DOLLAR plus great benefits. Solo drivers also needed for Western Regional. Werner Enterprises, (800) 346-2818 x123

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

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

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

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

Looking for a Guitar Teacher that specializes in teaching children that would come to our home on a weekly basis. Please call Karina 310-600-0889

AUTOS 18b

1999 FORD F250 Super Duty V10 Supercab Longbed, Black w/lumber rack & Weatherguard tool box 265K miles, Great work truck! $8,500. Call John@ (818) 621-0061

FURNITURE 18c

BABY CRIB Italian natural wood finish, by Pali Toddler Rack. storage drawer, with mattress, excellent condition. $175 (310) 454-4018.

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

ALL-OUT MOVING SALE! Everything Must go! Fri-Sat, May 9-10, 8-4p.m.; 907 Hartzell (Corn.Carey). www.bmdawson.com for pix.

CONDO-WIDE MULTI-FAMILY SALE. Recreation Room at 15480 Antioch St. PP. Saturday May 17 9:00 to 3:00. DON’T MISS THIS ONE!

THURSDAY, MAY 8 THROUGH THURSDAY, MAY 15

dev

May 7, 2008

THURSDAY, MAY 8 Annual meeting of the Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association, 7 p.m., preceded by socializing and refreshments at 6:30 p.m., Marquez Charter School auditorium. The public is invited. Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. FRIDAY, MAY 9 Theatre Palisades presents Michael Frayn’s ‘Noises Off,’ 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, through May 11 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Tickets: (310) 454-1970 or visit theatrepalisades.org. SATURDAY, MAY 10 Pacific Palisades Art Association reception, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. The current exhibition includes paintings on canvas and under glass as well as sculpture. Refreshments will be provided. The Paulist Scholars will perform ‘Fire,’ a concert featuring Morten Lauridsen’s ‘Madrigali,’ coupled with early Baroque Italian treasures, 7 p.m. at Corpus Christi Church, 880 Toyopa. Tickets: call (310) 475-2070 or visit www.paulistchoristers.org. MONDAY, MAY 12 Palisades resident and psychologist Iverson Eicken talks about ‘Stress, You, and Life,’ 6:30 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. Free admission. Moonday in the Village will feature poets Eloise Klein Healy and Stephany Prodromides, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore. Open reading sign-ups begin at 7 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 13 Palisadian-Post Editor Bill Bruns will speak at the Palisades Optimist Club breakfast meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Gladstone’s restaurant, PCH at Sunset. The Balanova Balaika Group entertains the Palisades Woman’s Club and guests at 1 p.m., following the meeting at 11 a.m. and a potluck lunch at 12:30 p.m., 901 Haverford Ave. For reservations, call (310) 454-7144. WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 Monthly Palisades AARP meeting, 2 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Free parking for early arrivals. Refreshments are served. THURSDAY, MAY 15 Tom Zimmerman discusses and signs ‘Paradise Promoted: The Booster Campaign That Created Los Angeles,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. (See Lifestyle feature, page 11.)

Selling Los Angeles

dev

May 7, 2008

The All Year Club opened in 1921 to encourage 12-month tourism in the Southland. The group published pamphlets, as well as maps, and she wears them well. /Photo, courtesy Tom Zimmerman Collection

Despite its strong ties to the Pacific Rim, a pool of skilled industrial workers, and an enviable concentration of design, fashion and entertainment workers, Los Angeles is steadily losing jobs. How ironic that this city of four million has no governmental department dedicated to economic development, not even one person in charge of boosting local commerce. Los Angeles could certainly use the services of those booster geniuses who, at the turn of the century, shaped this great American city practically out of a lump of clay In his book, ‘Paradise Promoted: The Booster Campaign That Created Los Angeles–1870-1930′ (Angel City Press), Tom Zimmerman explains why a small group of leaders were determined to make Los Angeles a city of the first order’ and how they did it. Historian and photographer Zimmerman will elaborate on the growth of Los Angeles, which was assisted by natural resources and an inventive narrative, on Thursday, May 15, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. A native of Los Angeles who shares a birthday with the city, Zimmerman has established his bona fides as a true L.A. lover. He grew up in Westchester, where his father worked for Douglas Aircraft for 42 years. His interest in history started with ‘Ralph Story’s L. A.,’ where he learned about downtown Los Angeles, Angel’s Flight, and the Los Angeles River. In his works as a historical photographer, he has documented numerous buildings for the Historic American Building Survey that are destined for demolition. The Pueblo of Los Angeles, which began essentially as a small outpost to provide food for the seaside presidio of Santa Barbara, was a ‘pretty grim little place,’ Zimmerman says. It was only with the promise of owning their own land in the new town that 12 families left Mexico and came north to settle in the area of Olvera Street downtown. While this small settlement was enough to place the city on the map’Gov. Felipe de Neve designated the founding of Los Angeles on September 4, 1781, for the legal purpose of noting the distribution of land’it wasn’t enough to build a city. The vision of the leaders was to be fulfilled by creating a romantic narrative and skillfully marketing it. Boosterism was the vehicle that would lure Americans from the cold winters and cramped cities of the East and Midwest to head west and start a new life. While working on a Ph. D. in history, Zimmerman began his initial research on the promotion of L.A. by studying the archives of the Chamber of Commerce, which are now housed at USC. A promotional brochure published in 1873 by Charles Nordhoff encapsulates the ingredients, both God-given and negotiated, that would make Los Angeles a promised land: ‘Southern California, a region almost unknown, and just now opened to settlement by the completion of several lines of railroad; and which, by reason of its fine healthful climate, its rich soil and its remarkable varied products, deserves the attention of farmers looking for pleasant homes and cheap and fertile lands, combined with a climate the best, probably, in the United States.’ The hero of this story is the Chamber of Commerce, Zimmerman asserts, and the real architect of the promotional campaign was Frank Wiggins, the Chamber secretary. ‘Wiggins dreamed up endless ways of promoting Southern California, which were paid for by the County Board of Supervisors, and helped by the railroads,’ Zimmerman says. In the beginning, climate and agriculture were the lures. Wiggins set up exhibitions that traveled across the country to state fairs and trade expositions, selling the agricultural and industrial products of the area. Pamphlets and oil paintings accompanied the local manufacturing and agricultural products on display, and the perishable fruits and vegetables were restocked by daily rail shipments from home. Propaganda materials told prospective newcomers that they could come out to Los Angeles, buy four to five acres and settle. In one of his pamphlets, ‘A Few Nuts and How to Crack Them,’ Wiggins noted that acreage could be bought from $800 to $1,200, and brought to bearing for an additional $400 to $600 per acre. He discussed the type of land needed to grow walnuts, how much water was necessary and how to bring the trees to maturity. The promotion worked, and by 1915 Los Angeles was the leading agricultural county in California, but the boosters were not satisfied. They concluded that if Los Angeles were going to be serious and lure millions of people, it would have to establish an industrial base, By 1925, the Chamber had split its activities into two divisions, one for boosterism and the other for industrial development. The organization started promoting climate more as a means to a ‘contented’ labor force, and less as the ultimate source of ‘growing conditions to meet the requirements of any phase of agriculture.’ To fulfill the promise, the booster incentives depended on transportation, energy and water to provide an industrial base. The pieces fell into place: by 1913, the Owens Valley Aqueduct was completed, making it possible for Los Angeles to grow beyond 100,000 and with a surplus of electrical capacity; oil was discovered (although never mentioned in the promotional campaign, for it was thought too tough to present as the sort of ‘clean’ non-polluting industry favored by the boosters), and a deep-water harbor was established at San Pedro. Industry followed. Goodyear built a plant in a cauliflower field in what is now South Los Angeles, and automobile assembly plants soon followed. Another lure to draw industry was the promoters’ claim that the city was ‘the home of contented labor,’ which meant open, non-union shops. To further recommend Los Angeles’ modern, clean industry, the Chamber touted the city as the ‘first American city to be powered exclusively by electricity rather than soot-laden coal.’ In 50 years, from 1870 to 1920, Los Angeles had gone from being the beleaguered queen of the drought-ridden cow counties to the fifth most populous city in the United States. Wiggins summed it up best: ‘A generation ago we invited attention’now we command it.’

Carl Lewis Track Officially Dedicated

dev

May 7, 2008

Olympic champion Carl Lewis officially dedicated the eponymous running track at Palisades High last Thursday in front of a Stadium by the Sea packed with the student body. Lewis and the captains of the PaliHi track team ran a celebatory lap around the recently completed bright-blue track. PaliHi cheerleaders led the students in a cheer before Citizen of the Year Bob Jeffers unveiled the donor plaque that will be permanently placed on a wall of the stadium. Calling Lewis an honorary Dolphin, Jeffers noted that although the world-class sprinter had won 10 Olympic medals in track and field’nine gold and one silver–he had never won bronze. He presented Lewis with a ‘bronze’ scale model of his long jumps marks that will be placed adjacent to the long-jump pit. Jeffers joked that he would personally pay for college for any student who could out-jump Lewis’ personal best record of 29-1 ‘. ‘This is a proud moment for me,’ Lewis told the students, ‘but it should also be a proud moment for you. This is your school.’ He went on to challenge them. ‘They say you can be whatever you want to be, but I say, you will be whatever you want to be. It’s your choice.’ Lewis has homes both in the Palisades Highlands and in Willingboro, New Jersey, where he grew up. ‘These are my two homes, these are my two schools,’ he said. The Willingboro high school has also named its school track for the star. Lewis has spent much of the last six months on the East Coast, working on a television show that will be aired during the summer Olympics in Beijing. ‘It will be a live-tape show, a combination of sports, lifestyles and events that will be simulcast all over the world,’ Lewis told the Palisadian-Post. After the official dedication Thursday, Lewis worked with PaliHi’s track team for three hours, and even though he is currently too busy to be at the track on a full-time basis, he has offered to look at the coach’s workouts and make suggestions or give additional workouts if coach Ron Brumel would like them. Through his foundation, Lewis wants to invite other celebrities and athletes to ‘Adopt a School.’ He envisions the stars going back to the high school they attended and providing students with support, as well as mentoring. After the Olympics, Lewis would also like to start an age-group track club based in the Palisades. ‘We have to invest in our youth,’ said Lewis, who is disgusted that PE has been taken out of many public schools and is not supported with state and federal funding. ‘Everything is the individual, it’s about me, me, me, me,’ Lewis said. ‘We’ve lost our sense of community and helping others.’ Lewis began running with the track club in Willingboro that his mother started for his older sister, at a time when there were far fewer sports for girls in public schools. ‘My parents started the club in 1969, and in 11 years they had three Olympians,’ Lewis said. ‘I was a horrible runner as a kid. It wasn’t until the end of high school that I started doing well. The fastest kids aren’t always the fastest adults. I was 5’5′ in 10th grade and all I wanted to do was be taller than my mom, who was 5’7,’ said Lewis, who grew to her height in 11th grade and kept on growing after graduating. ‘Kids just have to hang in there. As I grew, I ran faster,’ he said. He now stands 6’3′ and is in great shape.

Esther Williams Lends Name to PaliHi Pool

dev

May 7, 2008

Esther Williams, the legendary movie mermaid, will lend her name and support to the Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center, which is scheduled to break ground this summer at Palisades Charter High School, if all goes well. The aquatics center is projected to cost $3.5 million, and 75 percent of that amount (about $2.6 million) must be raised to break ground. Before last Thursday’s fundraiser at the home of Bill and Cindy Simon, a little more than $1.5 million had been raised and pledged. Located on the corner of Temescal Canyon Road and Bowdoin Street, the 14-lane pool plus an adjacent instructional pool and locker rooms will be available for public use 60 percent of the time and will be self-sustaining through permits and rentals. Although Williams, 86, could not attend last Thursday’s fundraiser because of illness, her husband Edward Bell told the audience, ‘We talked about it and she thought it would be a good idea to get behind this project.’ He explained that Williams originally started swimming because of her mother, who lobbied to get a pool built in her Inglewood neighborhood. Her mother told a city official, ‘You have baseball and football fields, but you don’t have any sports for women.’ He asked if her daughter swam and she replied, ‘By the time you finish the pool, she will.’ Williams not only learned to swim, she earned three national championships in both the breaststroke and freestyle. She was a member of the 1940 U.S. Olympic team scheduled to compete in Tokyo when World War II broke out, dashing her hopes for gold. However, she soon found fame in Hollywood, which appreciated her stunning good looks and tall, well-muscled frame. She starred in numerous films, including ‘Bathing Beauty,’ ‘Million Dollar Mermaid’ and ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame,’ and upon retiring, designed her own fashion swimwear line. Williams lived in the Palisades during the 1940s, ’50s and early ’60s and her three children attended Palisades schools. Although Bell and Williams now live in Beverly Hills, ‘We’re really excited about this project,’ Bell said. ‘It’s something we wanted to do to support the community. It’s wonderful for the children.’ He added, ‘My wife has said, ‘It’s the only sport you can do from the first bath to the last without injury.” Palisades High swim coach Maggie Nance introduced Randy Mendioroz of Aquatic Design Group, the company that has designed the pool. He handed out site-plan evaluations with detailed information on the project. The instructional pool, which will be named after Williams, will measure 20 feet by 74 feet and will be between 3- and 5-feet deep. The competition pool, 25 yards long and from 3 ‘-feet deep to 14 feet, can be divided into 14 lanes for swimming or configured for water polo. It will also have diving boards. Both pools will have handicapped access, with self-directed lifts, and the entire complex will be solar-powered. Plans have been completed, and have been sent to the state architect’s office for approval, which is a LAUSD requirement. The pool company is currently working on UCLA’s new complex and recently completed San Diego State University’s Aztec Aquaplex. Several donors were recognized at the Simon event, including the PaliHi Booster Club, which has pledged $100,000, and the Palisades Charter Schools Foundation, which gave $10,000. ‘We are a volunteer organization that is about supporting different community projects,’ foundation co-chair Mark Snyder said. ‘We love this idea and look forward to the future success of this marvelous project.’ Sari and Matt Ross presented a check for $5,000 of their pledged $25,000. ‘I know the value of this project and we want to leave the community better than how we found it,’ Matt said. He and his wife have a daughter at Palisades Elementary and a daughter at Paul Revere. Community activist Don Mink and his family were thanked for its generous donation of $50,000, which means a lane will be named in their honor. Also, Tom and Terri Hacker were recognized for hosting a Casino Night to raise funds for the pool. They have a son at Paul Revere who’s on the Palisades YMCA swim team and a daughter who swim on the PaliHi team. Jin Quak, owner of the Shell Station on Sunset at Via de la Paz, was thanked for his $10,000 donation, as was Zara Guivi, manager of CalNational Bank on Swarthmore. She is also working hard at introducing the fundraising team to potential donors. Dean Heck, who lives in Brentwood but has two children on the YMCA swim team, has become an active part of the fundraising team. He tapped both his father and brother for large donations and said last Thursday, ‘We’re going to keep this going and get this thing built.’ He said a major goal at this point is to find a donor who will donate $250,000 or more. The pool project started with PaliHi’s veteran English teacher Rose Gilbert, who said she had an epiphany while on a trip to Australia two years ago. ‘I was hiking by myself in the rain forest, when I fell and split my head open, and nobody was around,’ Gilbert said. ‘I thought, ‘If I live, the first thing I’m going to do is to build a pool for PaliHi and donate a chair at UCLA for Maggie,” her late daughter. A nurse from the Netherlands was the first person to find Gilbert, and she fortunately found a doctor who was able to stitch up Gilbert’s wound. Back in the United States, Gilbert moved forward to fulfill her promise. She pledge $1 million to get the pool campaign underway, and later pledged another $100,000. This coming August 2, on her 90th birthday, Gilbert would like to see the project start. ‘I want you to back me, so we can start digging,’ she said last Thursday. If you have any questions about the pool project, including the amount of money to have a building, lane or tile named after yourself or a loved one, contact Greg Wood at Palisades High (310) 459-0310.

Chamber

dev

May 7, 2008

The Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce will present its second annual Technology Fair on Sunday, May 18, on Antioch Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. ‘The Fair is inspired by the amazing advancements in consumer technology and its potential impact on the lives of consumers,’ said committee chairman Ramis Sadrieh, founder and owner of Technology for You! ‘Our goal is to expose the latest craze in technology to the residents and businesses of Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities and to facilitate relationships between consumers and technology-related companies.’ The Fair will feature booths of local technology-related businesses, including computer consultants, financial institutions, electronics recycling and digital printing. So far, booths will be sponsored by California National Bank, California Recycles, Marie’s Mac & PC Outcall, Microsite Solutions, the Palisadian-Post, Palisades Charter High School and The Ideas Studio. Sponsors include Time-Warner Cable, Lexus Santa Monica, Sony and Technology for You! Fire Station 69 and members of the LAPD will be present with the latest in fire and police technologies, and there will be music by the talented Michael Cladis. Sure to be a main attraction: the game sensation Rock Band. The Chamber’s organizing committee consists of chairman Ramis Sadrieh, founder and owner of Technology for You! plus Nicole Howard (ThisWeekInPalisades.com), Maisha Perry (Palisades Charter High School), Maurizio Vecchione (co-owner of The Ideas Studio) and Greg Wood (Palisades Charter High School).

Hunger Walk Raises More Than $30,000

dev

May 7, 2008

By LEE ANNE SANDERSON Special to the Palisadian-Post About 200 Pacific Palisadians joined together at the Palisades Branch Library for the 33rd Annual CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday afternoon. (Communities Reaching Out to People) Hunger Walk. The Westside Food Bank will receive 25 percent of the funds raised by the event, and the rest will go to Communities Reaching Out to People to help fight hunger worldwide. ‘We’ve already received more than $30,000,’ said Hunger Walk treasurer Bruce Rosen, ‘and we expect that this may end up being a record year for our event.’ The festivities kicked off with Kehillat Israel’s Didi Carr Reuben, who welcomed everyone and acknowledged the event’s generous sponsors. She introduced Genevieve Riutort from the Westside Food Bank, who spoke about all the good use that funds raised will provide. “Year after year, the Palisades Community has been a wonderful partnership and our largest contributor,” Riutort said. Many local fourth graders participated in a contest for the design of the T-shirt. The winner was Natalie Wiegand with her colorful personified vegetables that hold hands with big smiles as they walk together to fight hunger. As walkers registered for the event, the town’s Oom PaPa band (of Fourth of July parade fame) entertained the audience, and artists from The Ideas Studio provided face painting for the kids. Western Bagels donated bagels, while others brought cream cheese and fruit. To kick off the walk properly, Lydia McMahon and Elizabeth Edel sang the national anthem. Participants then embarked on the leisurely 5K walk though town for about an hour. About 90 fourth graders from Marquez Charter Elementary School, St. Matthew’s Parish School and Calvary Christian School all strolled together. Annually, more than 2.5 million CROP walkers, volunteers and sponsors put their hearts and souls in motion to raise more than $16 million to help stop world hunger. After completing the Walk, participants were treated to performances by Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center. A Japanese black belt performed, as did fourth grader Chandler Booth, who used his fist to break a plank of wood. The Funky Divas, led by Kelly Lyans, performed a dance routine featuring girls, ages 7-10, from the Village School and the Willows Community School. During these performances, Palisades Pizza and Piccomolo Italian Ice Cream sold food and refreshments, with some of their proceeds benefiting the Walk. This year’s Walk was overseen by Don Mink, who has chaired this event for 11 years, and Bruce Rosen from the Westside Food Bank, whose involvement with the Walk goes back 15 years. Palisades CROP organizers would like to thank the generous sponsors: Bain & Co., Chefwear, The Ideas Studio, Paramount Studios, K & M Center, Kehillat Israel, LikeMe.net, Nadeau Furniture, Newbridge College, St. Matthew’s Parish, U.S. Trust, Union Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Richard P. Longaker II. 58

dev

May 7, 2008

Richard P. Longaker II, an attorney who had a passion for flyfishing, died on April 22 after a six-week battle with lung cancer. He was 58. The son of Dr. Richard Longaker and Dorothy Seiler Longaker, he was born on February 21, 1950, in Madison, Wisconsin. The family moved to Pacific Palisades from Gambier, Ohio, in 1965 and Richard attended Palisades High School. In 1967, Longaker accompanied his father on sabbatical to England and attended University College School of London. He held degrees from UC Santa Barbara and Loyola Law School. As an attorney, Longaker began his career at Kirtland & Packard and went on to become general counsel of Pacific Triangle Corporation in Beverly Hills. In 1994, he started his own practice, Longaker & Associates. He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Los Angeles Bar Association, and the Santa Monica Bar Assocation (president 2005-06). In 1988, Longaker married Dianne Jones-Longaker at the Parish of St. Matthew in Pacific Palisades. He always shared his passions with his two children, teaching them to appreciate nature and to take up skiing, camping and fishing. Among his favorite places were the Sierras, Alaska, Montana and London. Longaker was a proud member of the Flyfishers’ Club and Lloyds’ Flyfishing Society, both in London; and Descendants of the 10th Mountain Division. He is survived by his son, Andrew, 19, a UCLA freshman; and daughter Hannah, 14, a Palisades High School freshman; his father Richard (stepmother Mollie); his sisters Sarah Gardner and Rachel Longaker; and his brother, Stephen Longaker. A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s Church on Saturday, May 10 at noon.

Middle Eastern Art Exhibit Crosses Political Lines

dev

May 7, 2008

‘Women in Diaspora,’ the exhibition at Sharq gallery opening on May 17, features three painters with Middle East roots”Nuha Sinno from Lebanon; Doris Bittar from Palestine; and Lidia Shaddow, Israel. A reception for the artists will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. It is open to the public. ‘This is my dream show, the kind of exhibition I have been working towards since opening Sharq (‘The East’) four years ago,’ says gallery director Nahid Massoud. ‘In the work of these three artists, you can see the beauty and complexity of cultural images that are produced in the world of Sharq. Their works speak across political lines to all of us today.’ Sharq is devoted to presenting the work of bicultural artists with roots in the Middle East. Since its opening, Sharq has presented artists with origins in Iraq, Iran, Armenia, and Israel. The gallery has sponsored films by Afghan and Mauritanian directors. Sinno’s work pays tribute to her love of the language and the rich legacy of beauty and elegance of the Arabic alphabet. Her paintings consist of intricate lines and colors that coalesce into abstract renditions of Arabic words and their meanings. She feels that these rich constructions reflect and speak of her life as an Arab woman. Born in Beirut, Sinno graduated in 1980 from the Lebanese University of Fine Arts in Beirut and worked as an interior designer until she immigrated to the United States in 1984. Influenced by Islamic, Indian and Western abstract art, Shaddow manipulates and layers her canvases until the elements settle into harmony, much like the Eastern and Western cultures in which she grew up. Her recent paintings divine inspiration from the drive to her Santa Monica studio through Topanga Canyon and along Pacific Coast Highway. Born in Israel to a Tunisian mother and an Iraqi father and immigrated to the United States at 14, Shaddow trained as an illustrator and designer, and earned a BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Bittar’s series, ‘Stripes and Stars,’ represents the American flag as it encounters the matrix of floral and calligraphic designs found in Islamic lands. September 11 created in her not only a deep sense of mourning and loss, but a feeling that American and Arabic cultures had jarringly merged within her. ‘Stripes and Stars’ probes intertwined concepts of loyalty, identity, nationalism and power. Bittar was born in Baghdad of Lebanese and Palestinian parents, who immigrated to the United States when she was a child. She received an MFA from UC San Diego and is active in Jewish-Palestinian dialogue groups. She also lectures at UC San Diego, and has taught at the American University in Beirut. The exhibit continues through June 14. After the opening, Sharq may be visited by appointment. For directions, write sharqart@verizon.net or call (310) 454-6826.

Breaking Through a ‘Brick Wall of Silence’

dev

May 7, 2008

By Sherry Angel Palisadian-Post Contributor Seven years ago, during a holiday break from college, my son wrote me a letter that was probably the greatest gift I will ever receive. It reads: Dear Mom, You asked me to give you a letter for Christmas. The moment you asked, I knew what I wanted to say. I want to be more emotionally open and straightforward with you. I want to be able to communicate with you to the fullest extent possible and not have any secrets. There’s a conversation that you’ve been trying to have with me for a long time. I’ve seen you try to start it and then I’ve shut you out and ended the conversation as quickly as possible. I’ve been a brick wall of silence. I’m sorry for that. Every time you’ve tried to start this conversation, I’ve been afraid to continue it. I don’t know why–it’s just a difficult conversation to begin. So here goes, I’m going to begin it now: I love you, I’m gay, let’s talk. Love, Erik I thought about the courage it took for Erik to break through that ‘brick wall of silence’ as I sat in a small theater in Hollywood recently and watched a world premier production of his latest play, ‘He Asked for It.’ At the age of 30, he is knocking down another brick wall in this brutally honest, darkly humorous work, which confronts the complacency of a generation that sees HIV as a chronic illness rather than a death sentence. As Erik explains: ‘I know a lot of people who feel invincible, who feel like, ‘It won’t happen to me,’ and I wanted to take on this lackadaisical attitude.’ In his play, Erik not only holds his peers accountable for their irresponsible actions, but also manages to capture something universal, as his characters search for love in an urban environment where it can be extremely difficult to form genuine connections. Isolation and desperation drive them to Internet chat rooms, but they find dishonesty rampant throughout the online dating world. ‘Modern technology is supposed to bring us closer together, but instead it creates great distance between people,’ Erik says. ‘When you’re not truly connected with someone, you don’t build the type of relationship where you want to protect them.’ My son is a very different person from the one who wrote me that letter seven years ago. From that tentative first step (it would take him another year to finish the process of coming out to his family), Erik has moved firmly into a strong sense of self that enables him to go public with a very tough message about high-risk behavior. At the same time, he reveals the pain and tragic consequences that can result from the homophobia and discrimination that our society (and even loved ones) inflict on members of the gay community. I could not be more proud of my son. His courageous writing tells me that he knows, and likes, who he is”and that has nothing to do with being gay. When Erik gave me that beautiful Christmas letter, I told him, ‘I’m so grateful that you were finally able to tell me who you are.’ He corrected me gently, with an insight that has now become part of his play: ‘No, Mom, being gay isn’t who I am, any more than being a heterosexual is who you are. It’s like having blue or brown eyes. It’s the way you’re born. It just is.’ ‘He Asked for It’ by Erik Patterson runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. through June 1 at Theatre of NOTE, 1517 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles. For information, go to www.theatreofnote.com or call (323)-856-8611.

1...2,2062,2072,208...2,562 Page 2,207 of 2,562