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Tennis Renews Old Rivalry

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Palisades Dominates Intersectional Match Against Depleted Brentwood

Oliver Thornton won both of his sets at No. 2 singles against Brentwood in Palisades' 14-4 intersectional victory last Wednesday.
Oliver Thornton won both of his sets at No. 2 singles against Brentwood in Palisades’ 14-4 intersectional victory last Wednesday.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Prior to last week it had been 10 years since Palisades and Brentwood had met in a high school tennis match–and the Dolphins made sure their hosts would remember this latest visit. Missing half of its lineup due to spring break’including top player and Palisadian Walker Kehrer–Brentwood was no match for perhaps the best team in the City Section. The Eagles, Southern Section Division III finalists last year, brought only eight players to the court and had to forfeit three sets at No. 3 singles. As a result, Palisades won 14-4, adding evidence to its case for the top seed when the City playoffs begin in May. “I’m disappointed Brentwood doesn’t have its best players today but this will still count as a quality win against a very highly-regarded opponent,” Pali Coach Bud Kling said. “We should be even better next year so that should be a great match if both teams are at full strength.” As the visiting team in the intersectional match Palisades had to adjust to a round robin instead of the City’s customary head-to-head format, but the Dolphins would have dominated no matter what scoring system was used. Once Palisades built an insurmountable lead Kling subbed out his starters for the third rotation. “Palisades is very good and I wish were were able to give them a little better competition,” Brentwood Coach Lee Herzog said. “Unfortunately, all of our best guys are off playing junior tournaments.” On Monday, the Dolphins returned to straight-up scoring and swept Fairfax, 7-0, at the Palisades Tennis Center. Brett Allchorn won, 6-2, 6-0, at No. 1 singles, Oliver Thornton won, 6-1, 6-1, at No. 2, Trinity Thornton won, 6-1, 6-1, at No. 3 and Jeremy Shore won 6-1, 6-0 at No. 4 singles. In doubles, Kyung Choi and Matt Goodman won, 6-0, 6-0, at No. 1; Spencer Lewin and Ren Neilsen won, 6-0, 6-2, at No. 2 and Che Borja teamed with Ali Yazdi to win, 6-0, 6-2, at No. 3. Spikers Reach Venice Semis Still flying high from its five-game victory over Western League rival Venice two weeks ago, the Palisades High varsity volleyball team came to last Saturday’s Venice Tournament determined to prove that victory was no fluke. Unfortunately, the Dolphins never got the chance. Palisades fell in the semifinals to Sylmar, 26-24, then watched the Spartans beat the host Gondoliers 25-19 in the championship game. The 21-team field comprised of all City teams but did not include three of the West Valley League’s strongest teams–Taft, Granada Hills and Chatsworth. The Dolphins went 3-0-1 in pool play, sweeping Westchester (25-6, 25-16), Marshall (25-22, 25-18) and Reseda (25-11, 25-16) before splitting games with Cleveland (26-27, 25-15). Palisades made easy work of Jordan in the quarterfinals to set up the best game of the tournament–the Dolphins’ gut-wrenching semifinal showdown with Sylmar. Dolphins’ senior Scott Vegas made the All-Tournament team. Softball Rebounding from their 8-0 home loss to Venice on March 24, the Dolphins took to the road and took it to Western League rivals Hamilton and Fairfax. Palisades exploded for four runs in the fifth inning and four more in the seventh to beat the Yankees, 11-3, last Wednesday. The hit parade continued Monday in a 15-4 rout of Fairfax.

This Kehrer Can Play, Too

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Will Kehrer won the 12-and-under division of the Ventura County Junior Tennis Association tournament on Sunday in Westlake. Photo: Kaye Kittrell
Will Kehrer won the 12-and-under division of the Ventura County Junior Tennis Association tournament on Sunday in Westlake. Photo: Kaye Kittrell

Will Kehrer, a sixth-grader at Westside Waldorf School, took the boys’ 12-and-under crown last weekend at a Ventura County Junior Tennis Association tournament at the Westlake Tennis & Swim Club. Kehrer (known to many as Matthew, his middle name) trains at the Palisades Tennis Center and is coached by former Stanford University standout Amy Chiminelo-Carville of Santa Monica. The 12-year-old won Friday’s first round match convincingly, 6-0, 6-0, before meeting a strong player from nearby Thousand Oaks in the quarterfinals. Kehrer prevailed 7-3 in the third-set tiebreaker after dropping the first set, 6-3, and winning the second, 6-1. Kehrer easily won Saturday’s semifinal, 6-0, 6-1, to earn a spot in Sunday afternoon’s finals where he was matched against a player from nearby Camarillo. Kehrer took control early, winning the first set, 6-2, before saving the second to assure the winner’s trophy would be headed home with him to the Palisades. Will’s older brother, 17-year-old Walker Kehrer, plays No. 1 singles for Brentwood and is currently ranked 15th in the United States in the boys 18s.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 27, 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/ELDER care 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) 362-7854 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 months 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-knacs/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

David Card’s “Green” Efforts

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David Card.
David Card.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Slowly, purposefully and beautifully, pockets of land in Pacific Palisades are being transformed into a landscape that reflects the true native California portrait. And for his efforts in envisioning and implementing new landscape designs in Potrero Canyon and at the corner of Temescal Canyon and PCH, Dave Card will receive a Community’s Council’s Golden Sparkplug Award. He will be honored at the annual Citizen of the Year banquet on April 24. Card has had his eye on Potrero Canyon for more than a half century, scrambling in and around the wild and wooly canyon as a child. He’s probably the only Palisadian who, while on his paper route, witnessed the 1958 landslide that saw a portion of the notoriously unstable canyon slump off onto Pacific Coast Highway. This history played a small role in Card’s interest in participating on the Potrero Canyon Community Advisory Committee (PCCAC) over two years ago. As chairman of that group’s recreation subcommittee, he conducted numerous public meetings in order to gather input and to seek consensus for the long-planned park on 40 acres in Potrero Canyon. That plan, calling for 7.9-acres of riparian habitat along with native vegetation and hiking trails, was approved by the committee in January, and reflects Card’s determination and passion for what he does. Card’s landscape expertise and knowledge are invaluable, but equally important was his low-key tenacity and negotiating skill in achieving consensus among the 16 diverse community representatives and numerous city departments. ‘I learned as a bankruptcy lawyer that people with an iron butt usually win the negotiation,’ Card says. ‘If you’re rational, patient and ask for what you want, you usually prevail.’ For 30 years, Card represented Security Pacific Bank and Bank of America, working out problem commercial loans, until he retired in 2004. ‘After 30 years doing lawyer work, that was plenty for me,’ Card says. ‘I’d always wanted to do landscape architecture; I even looked into it while I was an undergraduate at Stanford, and there just weren’t any programs.’ He says that he started planning his ‘escape from the bank’ in the late 1990s, when he enrolled in the landscape design certification program at UCLA. He graduated in 2003 and ‘never looked back.’ Card and his wife Cristine, whom he met at PaliHi and married in 2/4/68, have lived in the Palisades for 30 years. They have two sons, Mac, a poet in New York, and Zac, a broker with CB Richard Ellis commercial real estate brokerage house in Los Angeles. It’s no wonder that Card focuses his altruism on his hometown. ‘Public service is always beneficial to all concerned,’ he says. ‘I like to help out in my community, meet people, see people–it’s fun.’ His first foray into community service was encouraged by Perry Akins’a motorcycle buddy, who not only persuaded him to join Rotary, but to take on the pumping station landscape project. Anybody who waits at the signal at PCH and Temescal can’t help but notice how unsightly the pumping station and surroundings are, and Akins proposed that Dave try to camouflage it with something beautiful. Card took on the design, created a palette of California native plants and other drought-resistant shrubs and has even applied his own muscle to clearing and preparing the 90-ft. area. He worked with both the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks and the Public Works Bureau to secure approvals and water. He also obtained funding from Rotary and community benefactors and recently won a grant from the Junior Women’s Club to fund a solar-powered irrigation control system. ‘It’s rare for one individual to have played a key leadership role in two projects coming to fruition in the same calendar year,’ PCCAC chairman George Wolfberg wrote in his nomination letter. ‘The unrelenting, public-spirited work by David Card has resulted in a major community-wide benefit.’ With his energy and good humor still in tact, Card is pleased to be so honored and ready to turn his attention to landscaping improvements at PaliHi’if the funding comes through.

Charles R. Brown, 91; Founding

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Member of Palisades Lions Club Charles Richard Brown, who had lived in Pacific Palisades since 1953, passed away March 14 after a brief illness and hospitalization. He was 91. Born on December 7, 1916, outside Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Charlie married Louise Huchermmann in 1941 in El Reno, Oklahoma, and moved to Los Angeles. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European theater. Later, he was a truck driver for building and pipeline companies for over 30 years. Charlie and his wife were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica and traveled extensively throughout the world until her passing about 10 years ago. In Pacific Palisades, Charlie was one of the founding members of the local Lions Club and served as president and in other executive positions. ‘The members could always rely on Charlie to be there at fundraisers and help search for ways to raise money for various charities and community projects,’ said Lion member Jeanette Griver. ‘He was also very supportive of bringing women into the club and encouraging them to take leadership roles.’ Said current club president Gordon Wong, “We not only lost a fine human being, but the history of the club and its members and the community.” Charlie Brown is survived by his daughter, Charlene Anita Brown of Murrieta. He was the oldest of nine children and has two remaining sisters, Ruth of Sherman Oaks and Florence of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was “Grandpa” to many. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 28 at the United Methodist Church on 11th and Washington in Santa Monica. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be sent to one’s favorite charity.

Marian Ewing, 56-Year Resident

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Marian Shoemaker Ewing
Marian Shoemaker Ewing

Marian Shoemaker Ewing, a Pacific Palisades resident for 56 years, died peacefully on March 7 at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica after a lengthy illness. She was 85. Born June 5, 1922 in Columbus, Ohio, Marian attended Ohio State University, and was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. While at college, she met her future husband, Philip Ewing. They married in December 1943 at the Harvard Chapel in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Marian and her husband arrived in California in 1948. By 1952 they had become residents of Pacific Palisades in a neighborhood near the Riviera Country Club, where they raised their two daughters. Mrs. Ewing’s first job was that of a nursery school teacher for the children of the students and professors at Harvard Business School, which her husband attended. She also taught young children while living in Brooklyn, New York. Phil Ewing was a business and finance executive who is now retired. Marian was a loving mother and wife; she was devoted to her family. Her hobbies and interests over the years included crafts and sewing (she had a small business with her designs in the 1960s), bridge, playing the organ, frequenting garage sales, philanthropic work with the Santa Monica Keys (serving as president at one time), and spending time at her second home in Palm Desert for 30 years. She immensely enjoyed her extensive travel around the world during the ’70s. In addition to her husband of 64 years, Phil Ewing, she is survived by two daughters, Patty Ewing of Palms, and Sharon Ewing Kendall (husband Jim) of Lafayette, California, and two grandchildren, Jimmy and Jamie Kendall. Marian will be remembered for her genuine kindness, her honesty and her sense of humor. She lived a wonderful life in Pacific Palisades with a loving husband and family, friends, activities and the beauty of Southern California that she adored. No services will be held. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to the charitable organization of one’s choice.

Africa: Through My Eyes and Lens

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Story and Photographs by ROBERT LARSON

Photo by Robert Larson.
Photo by Robert Larson.

I recently spent about six months traveling throughout Africa, Europe, and Asia, an adventure I found both surreal and exciting. The seed had been planted two years ago during my last trip to China, when I was 20. I had several weeks there with my Sensei and a group of fellow students from the United Studios of Self Defense dojo, here in Pacific Palisades. That trip had been my first real taste of life outside the First World bubble in which I was raised. I was gaining great interest in photography at the time and felt a strong pull to get out of Dodge; to see the world around me. At that point I vowed to continue traveling outside of my comfort zone, and Africa immediately, almost instinctively, became my focus. After raising the necessary funds, I hopped on a plane to Monrovia, Liberia. Once in country, I linked up with an N.G.O. (non-governmental organization) to work, and live, on a hospital ship. My first two months were spent scrubbing dishes and serving “good” food in the galley; I was then transferred to the communications department as a photographer. Africa was not merely a trip, rather, it was a 24/7 adventure. Having watched ‘Blood Diamond’ and ‘Hotel Rwanda,’ I expected to be spending my days hanging outside jeep windows, snapping pictures of locals carrying their effects on their heads, and my nights partying with the other N.G.O. workers on some gorgeous beach. Instead, I spent three months trying to experience my trip as if I were at home: staying in when I felt lazy and going out when I felt lonely. I spent many nights drinking terrible beer with U.N. soldiers, mostly Ghanaian, all the while exchanging eerie ghost stories. African superstitions and black magic used during the civil war were among my favorite topics. I befriended some Lebanese restaurant owners who were always up for some late-night mischief. Some days I took long walks or bike rides through the poorest of villages, which created great opportunities to interact with some local personalities. They were all too happy to relay a life story before requesting a monetary handout. I must admit, it was frustrating to see such a dependence on the foreign workers who come to this country. This cultural reality check was one of many lessons from West Africa. My contract with the ship was over all too soon, and I found myself in London awaiting a plane home three months ahead of schedule. I was disappointed, but about to learn a valuable lesson through the beauty of travel plans gone awry. Not yet ready to return to the mundane, I made a difficult decision to continue my travels. I phoned home with a request along the lines of “Send money … because, uhhhh, I won’t be on a plane to L.A. tomorrow … I’ll … uhhhh … I’ll be on a train to Edinburgh.” And I did. I went on to spend a couple of months in Europe, staying in hostels and visiting aid workers I had met in Africa. For the most part, my stay in Europe was quite typical. I spent seven or eight days in each city, usually settling in the capitals and relishing the beauty of the “Old World.” Having seen the war-torn streets of Monrovia, and refined coffee houses in Vienna, I began to miss the original inspiration for my travels, China. I had just enough funds left to make the trip to Nanchang, survive on inexpensive local food, and snap a few more photographs of a different culture. Once my stay in China had ended, it was time for a long trip home. I caught six separate flights and spent two nights on airport floors, all to save a mere $350. Grueling as some of my decisions turned out to be, I know they are going to be wonderful memories to reflect upon when I am no longer young, dumb, and broke. Europe was new, China was exciting, but it was my stay in Africa that left the strongest impression on me. It was the experience of a lifetime and I’d go back tomorrow if I could. I don’t know who benefited more in the long run: the Liberians I was there to assist, or me. Either way, the combined three months in Africa, two in Europe, and three weeks in China were not merely a trip of a lifetime, but the beginning of a life-long adventure … I hope. My experiences, specifically in Liberia, planted some tough questions within me: questions I hope to answer one day, with an open mind and camera in hand. Robert Larson, 22, grew up in the Palisades and attended Calvary Christian School for 11 years. He is living in San Diego and attending school for EMT certification. Since his trip, he has had two photographs published and is enrolled in the Julia Dean Photography certificate program. His Web site is www.RobertLarsonPhotography.com.

Library Holds Women’s History Month Readings on March 29

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As part of its literary cabaret tribute to Women?s History Month, the Pacific Palisades Branch Library will host various readings on March 29 at 2 p.m. at the library, 861 Alma Real Dr. Eric Vollmer hosts ?What?s She?s Up To Now,? a Voice in the Well production that kicks off with singer/songwriter Dafni, who will set the mood with a tribute to women. Heidi Swedberg, star of stage and screen, presents the theater monologue “Mrs. Sorken” by playwright Christopher Durang (?Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All To You?). Author /actress Diane Luby Lane will introduce her young Get Lit Players to read poems by and about women through the ages. Lane created this after-school program for junior high students to inspire a love for the art of reading. Performers will include Yani Pohl, Chyna Griffin, Jenice Morua, Jazmine Williams, Daniela Rocha Alma Alegria, Kim Morena and Azure Antoinette (artistic director). Psychologist Jahan Stanizai will consider the Persian wisdom found in Rumi’s poetry. Finally, Swedberg and actress Connie Chase will present “Waiting For Goo Goo,? the story of an expectant mom by filmmaker Natasha Maidoff. Voice in the Wall thanks John Frank and the Friends of Palisades Library for making this program possible. Call (310) 459-2754.

Join Fence-Mending Whitewashing Party at Will Rogers State Park

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Will Rogers fans and park lovers are invited to share the rewarding tasks of ranch maintenance in one of the state’s most scenic locations on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Will Rogers State Historic Park. Work teams will paint fences, whitewash the barn, and perform cleanup and minor repairs. For their efforts, attendees will receive free T-shirts. They will also have an opportunity to meet members of Will Rogers’ family, including Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, Will Rogers’ great- granddaughter. Chairs of the work day include Etcheverry, Trudi Sandmeir from the Cooperative Association, and Todd Vradenbruh from Motion Picture Pioneers. Lunch will also be provided. And it’s free! The fun, that is. With the park’s future still on the table, supporters of the local park hope a good turnout for the work days might sway Governor Schwarzenegger and his administration to keep the park open.

Looking Back: A Vietnam War Refugee’s Tale

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“Living here was really the only time in my life I felt like a kid.” – Trang Heather Ho

Trang Heather Ho, who works at CalNational Bank on Sunset, moved to Pacific Palisades with her family as a Vietnam War refugee in 1975.
Trang Heather Ho, who works at CalNational Bank on Sunset, moved to Pacific Palisades with her family as a Vietnam War refugee in 1975.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Trang Heather Ho (left) celebrates the birthday of her friend Chika Imai Kakinuma (right). The girls became friends in the third-grade at Corpus Christi School.
Trang Heather Ho (left) celebrates the birthday of her friend Chika Imai Kakinuma (right). The girls became friends in the third-grade at Corpus Christi School.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

A day before the South Vietnamese surrendered to North Vietnamese Communist forces in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War, Trang Heather Ho boarded a helicopter atop the American Embassy building. That day, eight-year-old Ho left her country and hometown of Saigon on a journey that would bring her to America and a new life in Pacific Palisades. ‘If I had not been at the embassy, my life would be in a different direction,’ said Ho, who now works at CalNational Bank on Sunset (corner of Swarthmore). Because South Vietnam was predicted to collapse, Ho’s parents packed their car with clothing and valuables a month beforehand. Her father, Cam, began carrying 10 ounces of gold hidden in a money belt underneath his clothing. On April 29, 1975, Cam heard the government’s fall was imminent. He ushered his wife, Lan, his four children and brother, Mit, to the car and drove a few blocks to the American Embassy, where he once worked as an administrator. As the family approached the embassy, Ho saw hundreds of panicked Vietnamese outside the gates. A U.S. government official recognized her father and let them inside. Forced to abandon the car, they were unable to bring their belongings. As they waited in line to climb the helicopter’s rope ladder, Ho had to use the bathroom. ‘I was afraid to lose my parents,’ Ho recalled. ‘My dad was stressed out and even if my mom went with me, we might have been separated, so I didn’t say anything, and I had an accident.’ Ho boarded the helicopter wearing a white blazer and no pants. Once inside the helicopter, Ho worried the pilot would fall out, since there were no doors. The family flew to a commercial ship anchored off South Vietnam, where they joined other refugees. Three nights and three days of travel brought them to the Philippines. Ho recalls sitting for hours on the deck with her siblings: Thuy, then 11; Huy, 9; and Hung, 3. Her mother, a midwife, helped a U.S. Marine doctor deliver five to six babies. From the Philippines, the family flew to Guam and then to Florida where they stayed in a refugee camp. Ho’s father had worked as an interpreter for American doctors in Vietnam, so he contacted them to ask for assistance and Dr. John McGonigle responded. Cam had interpreted for McGonigle, an orthopedic surgeon who lived in Pacific Palisades, at the Cho Ray Hospital in Saigon in 1963. John and his wife Virginia decided to buy the Ho family a house at 544 Via de la Paz. ‘I knew they needed it,’ said Virginia, who now lives in Santa Monica. ‘They didn’t have anyone else, really. They just lost everything. They couldn’t go back. It was bad over there and still is.’ The McGonigles invited the family to live with them and their 12 children, ages 11 and older, until the house could be purchased. Ho and her family stayed for about two weeks in the McGonigles’ eight-bedroom home at 200 Toyopa Dr. When they arrived, Ho and her siblings didn’t speak English. The McGonigle children played pool and pinball with them because that didn’t require much communication. ‘All the kids were friends,’ Virginia said. John gave Cam a job as a clerk at his practice in Santa Monica. ‘He was a really nice man ‘ I really thought of him as Santa Claus,’ Ho said. John, who died in 2004, was indeed a generous person, Virginia added. ‘He was always agreeable to help everyone.’ Cam offered John the gold he brought from Vietnam, but John refused. Trang Ho’s family also received local fame when the Palisadian-Post featured them in the July 24, 1975 issue in an article titled ‘Another World ‘Vietnamese Escape Their Homeland in Hope of Finding New Life.’ The McGonigles enrolled the children in nearby Corpus Christi School. ‘All the kids were very fast learners,’ Virginia said. ‘[Trang] would come home with straight A’s.’ She learned to speak the language from her father and by watching television. Cam bought a chalkboard and books, so he could teach his children English after school. Ho also befriended the only other foreigner in her third-grade class, Japanese student Chika Imai Kakinuma. ‘Trang and I could not speak English well ‘ so to me, she was a comrade and a rival at the same time,’ Kakinuma wrote to the Post from Saitama, Japan, where she now lives. ‘I think we improved (our English) together through friendly rivalry. She was a very sweet girl. When I was sick and could not go to school, she came to my house after school with candy. I was very moved by this.’ After school, Ho and Kakinuma would dig a hole and build a small fire to bake potatoes in aluminum foil at the Via bluffs. ‘We brought a bottle of water in case we needed to put the fire out,’ Ho said, laughing. Ho and Kakinuma are still friends and have visited each other in their respective countries. At 10 years old, Ho decided she wanted to help her struggling parents. ‘I kind of felt like a financial burden,’ Ho said, so she asked the neighbors for a job. ‘She came to my door with her little brother and said she wanted work,’ said Anne Skelton, who lived with her former husband Dr. Joseph Gambone on Via de la Paz. ‘I was completely taken aback. She was a tiny little thing. I remember asking what she could possibly do ‘ thinking she barely reached the doorknob ‘ and she said anything I wanted her to do. I was unbelievably impressed by her presence and can-do attitude that was way beyond her age and size.’ Skelton, who now lives in New Zealand, hired Ho to take care of her two children every night for two hours while she cooked dinner. That work led to other babysitting jobs. ‘We never got any toys,’ Ho said. ‘I was excited to come to work so that I could play with the toys. I discovered my favorite were Legos.’ Ho’s mother also babysat and worked at All-Pro Health Foods and Nutrition on Via de la Paz. She learned English while on the job. After working for McGonigle’s practice for two months, Cam became a social worker for Los Angeles County and helped build naval ships at Todd Shipyards. By 1978, he and Lan had earned enough money to purchase their own home in West Los Angeles. In 1982, they gained citizenship and adopted American names. Ho kept her first name, Trang, and changed her middle name to Heather after a girl she babysat. Cam changed his name to Bill, and Lan to Sophia. ‘They are very industrious and hardworking people,’ Virginia McGonigle said. Cam later owned his own pool construction and cleaning business, while Lan worked for McGonigle’s practice as a clerk. They now live in Fountain Valley, and Cam works part-time in real estate investment. ‘This is truly the land of opportunity. My father came over here and made something of himself,’ Ho said, adding he often worked overtime. ‘I have great appreciation for my father.’ Ho attended University High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in social psychology at UCLA. After working in various sales jobs around Los Angeles, Ho, 41 and in a relationship, took a position with CalNational three months ago. She consults prospective clients on loans and banking services. Her siblings Huy (Dan) and Hung (Ben) are college graduates and work for Isuzu Motors and Sprint Nextel, respectively. Thuy (Twee) is disabled but was a manicurist for many years. Ho, a Santa Monica resident, chose the CalNational job because she liked the company’s business philosophy and felt nostalgia for the Palisades. ‘Living here was really the only time in my life I felt like a kid,’ she said, noting she often drives by her old house, which is now totally remodeled. Since coming to the United States, Ho has returned to Vietnam only once, and she describes the experience as emotional. She traveled to the country alone for 10 days in 2001 and visited relatives she hadn’t seen since she left. She saw a lot of poverty ‘ including women selling wares on the street with their babies on their hips ‘ and thought that could be her. ‘It gave me a stronger appreciation for what I have here,’ she said.

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