Tennis Playoffs After breezing undefeated through Western League play, second-seeded Pali drew a first-round bye in the City playoffs Monday. The Dolphins played in yesterday’s quarterfinals (after our press deadline) and hoped to reach Monday’s semifinals at Balboa. The finals are May 9. Track and Field Both Pali teams (boys and girls) were undefeated in league meets. League prelims were held yesterday at Pali’s Stadium by the Sea and the finals will be May 7 at the same site (field events start at 1:30 p.m. and running events begin at 2 p.m.). ‘This is the best all-around team that I’ve ever had,’ said head coach Ron Brumel. ‘The balance, the quality and depth are all good.’ Brumel managed to get hurdler Erika Martin into an invitational meet in Arcadia in the 300-meter hurdles, where she reached the finals and placed fourth with a time of 45.13, making her the fifth fastest sophomore girl in state. The kicker? This was only the fifth time she had run the event. ‘Erika has blown my mind,’ Brumel said. ‘You need a lot of guts to run the hurdles; a lot of people are afraid of hitting them. But she’s got speed, she’s smart, she works hard and she’s got a ton of talent. She ran four seconds faster than I’ve ever had anyone run the event.’ Brumel also singled out senior Tuekeha Huntley, who broke the school high jump record with a jump of 5’4′. Having medaled in five invitational meets, ‘she’s definitely capable of medaling in the state meet with all the experience she’s had,’ Brumel said. Camille Liberatore is also coming into her own. The junior has pole vaulted 10’1′ this season, but Brumel has seen her clear 11′ in practice several times. Girls Lacrosse Coach Juliet Mittleman is putting the basics together an inexperienced team: 90 percent of the players had never played the sport before, and the majority are either freshmen or sophomores. ‘We look like we can play, but not everything has lined up,’ said Mittleman, whose team finished its season yesterday against Brentwood (result not available). The Dolphins were 1-5 in league play, but won two non-league games. Boys Lacrosse Undefeated since March 31, Pali routed Manual Arts last Friday, 13-1, and beat Malibu this Monday, 11-5. The Dolphins have outscored their last seven opponents 91-39. They finish their season at home today at 6 p.m. against New Jewish Community. Softball Coach Jose Alvarado’s team continued its winning ways by beating Fairfax, 7-5, last Thursday, improving its league record to 7-4 and its overall record to 11-5. The last home game of the season was Tuesday against University (result not available). Baseball Continuing its dominance in the Western League, Pali (11-0) beat Hamilton last Wednesday, 8-1, and Venice this Monday, 15-0 in five innings. In its last six league games, coach Mike Voelkel’s team has allowed only one run. Jon Moscot allowed just one hit against Venice and Julian Barzilli slugged a homerun. On Saturday the Dolphins beat Culver City, 5-2, in a non-league game. (Sports Editor Steve Galluzzo is on vacation until May 7.)
Rose Gilbert Emphasizes the A in Athletics
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Rose Gilbert Emphasizes the A in Athletics By SUE PASCOE Staff Writer As Rose Gilbert nears her 90th birthday this August, her mission in life is unwavering: helping students become the best they can through instruction and encouragement. The second annual UCLA Scholar-Athlete Banquet, held Monday evening, supported Gilbert’s vision as she completes her 46th year as an English teacher at Palisades Charter High School. Three years ago, UCLA Associate Athletic Director of Development Ken McGuire approached Gilbert and asked her to sponsor the event. ‘I knew Rose’s passions were UCLA, athletics and academics,’ said McGuire, who suggested that they honor student-athletes with a GPA of 3.0 and higher. Since Gilbert’s daughter Maggie, who had died suddenly on August 20, 2004, was a competitive swimmer and a good student, she agreed to sponsor the banquet with a $1-million endowment. Of the 178 athletes eligible for the banquet, 95 had a 3.5 or better and 13 had a 4.0. The All-Academic team, announced on Monday, honored the athletes with the highest GPA in each sport; 22 were recognized with a combined GPA of 3.68. Before the banquet began, Academic Coordinator for Basketball Kenny Donaldson said, ‘When we recruit, we look for someone who is motivated. Even if you’re the best player in high school, if you don’t have the grades we won’t look at you.’ Ann Meyers-Drysdale, a former UCLA basketball player who was the first woman signed for a four-year scholarship and the first player drafted by the WNBA, was the speaker. She admitted that she was not a scholar-athlete, but was proud of graduating from UCLA. She offered encouragement and quoted Winston Churchill, ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ Several special awards were given including the Rose Gilbert Courage and Character Award, the Athletic Director’s Academic Excellence Award, the Maggie Gilbert Academic Achievement Award and the Bruin Leadership Award. Gilbert spoke briefly. ‘I believe in that kind of marriage [academics and athletes],’ she said. ‘You are all incredibly blessed and you deserve the best.’
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 1, 2008
HOMES FOR SALE 1
HAWAII EXISTS IN LA! NEW INVENTORY. 11 HOMES AVAIL. Terrific Opportunity! PCH/Sunset. Up to 1,600 Sq. Ft. $179,000-1.1 million. Some completely remodeled, many upgrades. Ocean views, wood floors, new kitchens, sun deck, rec center w/ pool/spa/gym. Steps from the sand. Condo alternative. Agent, Michelle Bolotin, (310) 230-2438
HOMES WANTED 1b
WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887
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
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, 1 1⁄2 ba upper front. Windows on N, W & S. Balcony, pking, ldry. $2,495/mo. (310) 393-0798
IN THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE. Detach/gar. apt. 1 bdrm, 1 ba, lrg liv rm. Very quiet & pvt. All appl/TV, stereo, internet access, ldry, pvt. off st. pking. Util incl. $1,650/mo. Call (310) 454-1904
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
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. $4,600/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
TEACHER LOOKING FOR guest house or room with private entrance and kitchen privileges. Avail to rent July 1st. $800/mo. Call Tim at (310) 433-9610
GUESTHOUSE OR APARTMENT NEEDED * Quiet, responsible mature female seeks guesthouse or apt. Employed non-smoker. Excellent ref. (310) 310-5985
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
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE. Could be one or 2 offices. In the village. Private bathrooms. (818) 487-8983 or (310) 459-4441
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
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5
SEEK PRIVATE INVESTOR for short term $190K bridge loan. 10 pts. for 6 mos or less. Secured by real estate. No brokers please. (310) 454-0685
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
HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING available Monday-Friday. 5 years experience. Trustworthy. Call Sofhia or Marta, (323) 596-8758
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
PLEASANT, EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER available Mon.-Fri. Live out. Excellent local references. Some English. Please call Olga, (323) 802-4224
EXPERIENCED-IMMACULATE HOUSEKEEPER and nanny available two days per week. Speaks English and drives. Excellent references. Honest and trustworthy. Please call (310) 230-0260
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon. Tues. & Wed. Own transportation, Very good local references. Call Ayda, (310) 397-7586
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
HOUSEKEEPER available Tuesday & Thursday. Own transportation, experienced, references. Please call Erica, (213) 385-7922.
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER, full time Monday-Saturday. Very good local refs. Own car. Trustworthy. Good experience. God Bless. Call Evelin, (323) 521-1697 or leave msg.
HOUSEKEEPER, Mon.-Fri. Experienced. Good referrals. Own transportation. Call Maria, (310) 508-6262
SUNSET HOUSE & CARPET CLEANING • Window washing • House cleaning • Carpet cleaning. Over 33 years experience. Call Barry at (818) 887-7150
FAMILY RELOCATED to Hong Kong! Our devoted housekeeper of 10 yrs is honest, hardworking, loyal, diligent, efficient, dependable. NAB her NOW! Maria, (310) 844-5608
HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Monday & Thursday. Own transportation. Local references. CDL. Call Marion, (323) 424-5671
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE 3 days, Mon./Wed./Fri. Great local refs. 20 yrs exp. Call Sofia, c (323) 356-8344, hm (323) 721-5719
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
ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a
COMPANION/CAREGIVER available Monday-Friday. Many years experience. Very good references. Own car. Reliable, trustworthy. Call Sheila, (310) 270-6761
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
NURSING CARE 10b
BABY NURSE LOOKING for a newborn. Saturday & Sunday. Day or night. Good references & experienced. Call Ana, (310) 586-1049
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
INTERIOR PLANTS 11c
CALVIN’S PLANT SPECIALISTS! Interior, exterior plant care & installations. Rose garden maintenance, organic vegetable gardens, Serving Malibu over 50 years. Free estimates. Call (310) 460-8760
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
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 Gail 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
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
ALL SEASONS PAINTING. Interior/exterior, local licensed color specialist for 30 years. Kitchen cabinet clean-up. Fast, clean & on time. Lic. #571061. Call (310) 678-7913
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
ARCHER JORDAN CONSTRUCTION • Quality Work • Competitive Pricing. Call James Jordan, (310) 579-7722 mobile. (310) 399-7478 office. Lic. #908588
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
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
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
LIVE-IN caregiver 5 days/week. Must drive & have own car. Experienced with references. CNA or LVN preferred. (310) 489-5496
POSSIBLE CAREER CHANGE! L.E.D. lighting & environmental solutions. Great opportunity for talented individual. Call (310) 917-3399
HOUSEKEEPER/COOK, F/T (Sat.-Wed.) or P/T (Mon. & Tues.), 12-8 p.m. Must speak excellent English. Live out, no dependent children, drive, own car. N/S. (310) 226-6905
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
HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED FOR Palisades family. 3 days/wk. Must have own transportation. Speak English. Good local references. Call (310) 454-8677
HOUSEKEEPER/DRIVER, FT M-F, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. flexible, reliable, own car housekeeping, driving, must love cooking. have dogs. Santa Monica area. References. c.raiss@verizon.net
FURNITURE 18c
Entertainment Center FOR SALE: 681⁄2” x 60” x 253⁄4” solid oak, 6 solid doors & 2 glass doors & display area. $350. Call (310) 454-5756
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
“RITE OF SPRING”! Clear-out! Antique wall/skeleton clocks! Furn/Collectibles/hsehold goods/Jewelry/ clothes/Books! Fun stuff! FRI.-SAT., May 2-3, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; 16620 Merivale Ln (Corn.Lachman). www.bmdawson.com for pix.
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS — THURSDAY, MAY 1 through THURSDAY, MAY 8
THURSDAY, MAY 1 Swazzle’s Forest Fables, a free puppet show for preschoolers, 4 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Swazzle, a puppet company dedicated to the art of live puppetry, presents a cheerful troupe of imaginative woodland creatures performing whimsical plays based on classic fairy tales and Aesop’s fables. Robert Levinson discusses and signs ‘In the Key of Death,’ a thriller set in the world of the Los Angeles music industry, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Levison’s book draws on his years as an art columnist, critic, feature writer and reviewer for publications such as Rolling Stone. FRIDAY, MAY 2 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 3 Family Western Night, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Live country music, dancing, games, prizes and food. Free admission. SUNDAY, MAY 4 Karen Dawn holds a book signing, reading, and champagne reception for her lively animal-rights coffee-table book, ‘Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals,’ 4 p.m., Mick’s Cafe, adjacent to Cottage Consignment Boutique, at 859 Swarthmore. Scheduled to read: actors Jorja Fox (‘CSI’), Isabel Lucas (‘Transformers 2’), James Cromwell (‘Babe’), Emily Deschanel (‘Bones’), and others. Visit thankingthemonkey.com. The Palisades Symphony offers a Mozart program, including the ‘Requiem’ (with the Brentwood-Palisades Chorale) and a flute concerto, 7:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. MONDAY, MAY 5 Garden expert Kathy Brown will bring her show-and-tell talk to members of the Palisades Garden Club and guests, 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. TUESDAY, MAY 6 Storytime for children of all ages, 4 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Mark Sarvas discusses ‘Harry, Revised,’ a sophisticated debut novel by the founder of a popular literary blog (the elegant variation), 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Season’s final concert by Chamber Music Palisades, featuring music by Schoenfield, Albert (the world premiere of ‘Americana’ for flute and strings), Bridge and Elgar, 8 p.m., St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda. Tickets at the door: $25. Students with current ID are free. WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 Monthly meeting of the Palisades AARP chapter, 2 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Public invited. 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.
PaliHi Students Publish Memoirs
“‘Way before the ambulance and police arrived, my aunt was there, running and looking for my father. My aunt found my father lying on the bathroom floor, and she checked his pulse; there wasn’t one. She fell back against the wall and burst into tears saying no puede ser (it can’t be),” wrote Palisades Charter High School senior Mario Ramos, about the murder of his father in Guadalajara, Mexico, when he was six years old. Ramos, 18, was one of 35 Palisades High students who wrote memoirs that were recently published in an anthology, ‘Next Voices.’ ‘Everyone has a story, but not everyone puts it in writing,’ Ramos said. ‘Now, my story is out there.’ His father was overseeing the construction of a house during a family trip to Mexico when he was robbed and murdered. Many of Ramos’ classmates told him that his memoir ‘My Father’ made them cry. ‘Everyone was very supportive,’ Ramos said. A family friend said ‘it was really good I wrote about it, to talk about it and have it out there.’ His family does not speak of that day. Ramos and his classmates wrote personal stories ranging from dealing with divorce to the tribulations of young love as part of PEN in the Classroom, a program of PEN USA, a nonprofit writers’ organization. They will read their memoirs aloud to the public on May 29 between 12:30 and 2 p.m. in room B101 at the high school. PEN in the Classroom gives high school students the opportunity to work with a professional poet, novelist, screenwriter or journalist for 12 weeks. At the end of the class, the student work is published in an anthology. The goal of the program is to enhance the writing and reading skills of students and expose them to role models. PEN selects writers from its membership to assist students and pays them a small stipend. English teacher Dennis Danziger applied to PEN in the Classroom because he thought it would be a great opportunity for his students. His wife, Amy Friedman, is a member of PEN, so he asked her to work with his non-honors students once a week on memoir writing. Since 1992, Friedman has written folktales in a syndicated feature ‘Tell Me a Story,’ which is published in about 125 newspapers nationally and internationally. She has published two memoirs and also teaches creative nonfiction and memoir at UCLA. ‘I love my students at UCLA, but I wanted to work with students who are a little more reluctant to write,’ Friedman said. ‘I really wanted to work with students who think they don’t like writing, and I wanted to convince them that they did.’ At the beginning of the course, Friedman led the students through a series of memory exercises. ‘They are designed to shut off the brain and get the heart working,’ Friedman said. She asked the students to free-write about different topics such as family and friendship. Senior Leticia Garcia, 17, wrote in ‘Not from You’ about her best friend dating a guy whom she liked and how that action strained their friendship. ‘I had had it inside for so long,’ Garcia said. ‘I was able to get it off my chest and go on with my life.’ At first, she found it emotionally difficult to share her piece, but that pain eased with time. Her classmates were supportive, positive and helpful ‘ they became like a family, she said. Friedman often divided the students into small groups, so that everyone would have a chance to interact. ‘It was moving,’ Friedman said of watching the students accept one another. ‘I really fell in love with these kids.’ Senior Kirsten Legaspi admitted that in many of her classes, she doesn’t even know her classmates’ names by the end of the semester. In this writing class, however, she had the opportunity to meet everyone and learn about their lives. ‘I didn’t realize my peers had gone through those experiences,’ said Ramos, who plans to attend Santa Monica College this fall. Shirley Jo Finney, an actress and director, and Tim Coyne, a writer and performer, visited the classroom to coach the students on how to read aloud. When Finney worked with the students, she taught them how to present their stories with emotion. She asked four students to read their pieces in front of the class and mirrored their energy level. Legaspi, who wrote a memoir ‘April’ (see page 2) about feeling abandoned by her mother after her parents’ divorce, presented that day. ‘[Finney] told me not to look at my paper the entire time and to speak out,’ said Legaspi, who admitted she felt nervous throughout the reading. But after that day, ‘I kept reading it over and over and it made me more comfortable,’ said the 18-year-old. ‘I got more confident sharing my story.’ Finney said she witnessed students having epiphanies. ‘When I left, I thought this one moment would affect the rest of their lives. The writers shifted that day. They realized it was OK to be who they were. I felt as if I had purpose that day.’ The students submitted their final drafts in December for publication. Senior Melody Satvat thought of the book’s title, ‘Next Voices,’ and her classmate Grace Bush-Vineberg designed the front cover. One hundred copies of the book were printed. ‘When they came in to get their book, it was pretty huge,’ Danziger said. ‘They had turned in their writing to a teacher, and it kept coming back marked up. They went through draft after draft, and then it came back in the form of a book.’ Garcia’s mother was so excited she called family in Mexico to share the news. ‘That made me feel special in the family,’ said Garcia, who will attend Cal State L.A. this fall. ‘I’ve become a stronger writer. I know what kind of details to include to get to my point a lot faster. I have learned to leave out everything that doesn’t matter so much.’ Legaspi, who will attend Santa Monica College, was excited to pick up her book because some of her classmates were too shy to read their pieces aloud. ‘I told the kids ‘you and your classmates will have this forever,’ Danziger said. ‘Someday you will find this stored away somewhere, read it and think that this person used to sit across from me.” PaliHi Student Memoirs: Leaving Family Behind It is almost 6 a.m. I still have two hours until my flight, but everyone is in a rush. I am ready to go, and my bags are at the front door. Eda, my six-year-old sister, is secretly trying to open my bag so that she can put in the letter she wrote, although she can barely write. But the bag is so full she cannot open it. My mother woke at 4 a.m. to make me a simit, my favorite food, although I told her not to do it. She is telling me that I must eat it because the flight between Istanbul, Turkey and New York will take 12 hours, and then another five hours between New York and Los Angeles. And she puts a sweater on my shoulders in case it is cold in New York in August. She has never been to New York, but she knew that it would rain. I still do not know how, but she was right again. And my brother is telling me to wait and not to go anywhere until his friends come to LAX and pick me up. My dad does not even say a word. I know him. He means more when he does not talk. He is the one who encouraged me to go to Los Angeles so that I can attend a good university. It is a five-year sacrifice for my future ‘ Secretly, everyone is checking each other’s eyes to see who will drop the first tear. I do not want to be the first one. I hear Eda crying quietly. Now I hear my mum trying to laugh and crying at the same time. I guess it is my turn to cry since there is no way my dad will cry, and my brother will wait for me. So I just let it go. The author will attend Loyola Marymount College to study business administration this fall. Meeting a Father By AIMARA DE ANDA I met him the second day I was there, a tall, skinny man with caramel skin and hair as black as night. He was standing in front of his house playing with his two little kids. Seeing them made me feel jealous; I wondered what they had that I didn’t have. Why did he choose to be with them over me? The first conversation we had was brief, just a simple hello, how are you. There was no hug or anything as I had imagined. I made our meeting short by telling him that I had to return to my tia’s house. From then on he never talked to me unless he was drunk, and even then he didn’t treat me like I was his daughter. He made me feel like I wasn’t worth anything to him, as if we had nothing in common. That’s when I realized who my true ‘dad’ is. That is my stepfather, Steve. He’s been there for me and cares for me so much. He never misses a birthday party or a school event. Even though I’m not his daughter by birth, he has done so much more than my real dad has. He supports me and is there to protect me. And when things get hard, he’ll stick them out with me, not like my real dad, who runs from any issue. I learned a good lesson from all this. Family is not composed of those who share your blood and genes. Family is made up of those who stick by your side no matter what happens. Family are those who love and care for you. Aimara De Anda will attend Cal State Northridge this fall. Brother Heads Off To College By LUCAS BERRY I waited eagerly as the day finally came when we would drop my brother off at the University of British Columbia. It felt like that day would never come. When Saturday September 1, 2007 finally came, I jumped out of my bed, took a shower and changed the fastest I ever had. For the first time in my life, I was the first to get ready to leave. The car ride there was the longest of my life. As soon as we reached the school, I helped my brother in every possible way so that he could leave more quickly. However, my dad informed me we were going to be there for much longer than I had hoped. We had to help my brother find his room, which took 47 minutes. Help him set up his room, 36 minutes. Buy him some last-minute items at the student store, 55 minutes. Then after all that we had our last meal with my brother before we could finally leave for home, 63 minutes. Our goodbyes took another 15 minutes. Each one of those minutes felt like an hour to me, but it was all worth it. After my family had dropped my brother off, life already started to seem pleasant. But after only two weeks of enjoying my newfound freedom, I started to miss him. Lucas Berry plans to study business in college. He plays first base on the high school varsity baseball team.
Expert Offers Tips on Herbs
Garden expert, landscape consultant and herbalist Kathy Brown will bring her show-and-tell talk to members of the Palisades Garden Club and guests at 7:30 p.m., Monday, May 5 at the Woman?s Club, 901 Haverford. Brown, who divides her time between Lake Isabella, where she gardens on an acre of land, and Hawthorne, plans to focus her talk on herbs, which she relies on for many uses. ?I?ll talk about how I eat and drink them, use them for medicinal purposes and in landscape designs,? she says. Her love for herbs began over 20 years ago when Brown lived in Denver, where she owned a half-acre of land. She developed an herb farm and display garden open to the public. ?I not only demonstrated how they look in the garden, but also showed how they could be used, in salads, dips, tea. ?Whenever I or my pets have a health problem, I immediately turn to herbs. I pretty much treat myself with what I grow.? On the day Brown talked with the Palisadian-Post, she was sipping echinacea tea, an herb known to boost the immune system, to soothe the remains of a cold. In 2002, she wrote a book on the subject ?Herbal Teas: 101 Nourishing Blends for Daily Health and Vitality? (Storey), which contains recipes and ideas for using herbs as ornamentals. Once a year, Brown travels to Tucson to the Native Seed/Search Seedbank, which houses the seeds of crops and wild plants traditionally used as food, fiber and dyes by prehistoric and more recent cultures inhabiting the Southwest. She buys seeds, which she takes home to experiment with in her own garden. This summer, she is trying out 30 different kinds of tomatoes, in addition to melons, corn and squash.
Citizen-of-the-Year Dinner Salutes and Roasts the Best
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
‘I don’t want to leave Mayberry,’ lamented one guest leaving Thursday night’s Citizen of the Year banquet, which celebrated the volunteers who served Pacific Palisades in an extraordinary way in 2007. Undoubtedly, this guest, in tossing off the reference to Andy Griffith’s fictional town was impressed by the roomful of men and women, most of whom have donated time and money to retain Pacific Palisades’ small- town feel within a big city. More than 160 Palisadians came together at the American Legion Hall for the annual party, which celebrates those who have protected the town’s heritage and supported its social, cultural and recreational activities. In the 61st annual event, the Palisadian-Post honored Bob Jeffers for spearheading the $1.7-million renovation of the football field and track at Palisades High School. In addition, Golden Sparkplug winners Amy Madnick and David Card were recognized for their contributions. (See story below) The event is a reunion for so many, who look forward to greeting old friends, whom they may have worked with on a project, served on the Community Council or on one of the many volunteer organizations in the town. The honorees’ families attended, including parents. Jeffers’ mom and dad flew in from Maryland, while Dave Card’s parents could have walked from their home in the Huntington. This year’s event kicked off the 80th birthday of the Palisadian-Post, which was noted by master of ceremonies Sam Lagana, and enlivened in song. As the crowd was encouraged to sit down, which proved challenging to the garrulous, fun-loving group, Lagana good-naturedly moved along the proceedings. Government officials from the state, the county and the city recognized the awardees with handpainted commendations. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl thanked the members of American Legion Post 283 and added his own comments concerning the work each winner had accomplished. ‘PaliHi needed $1.7 million for the athletic field and running track,’ he said. ‘Somebody had to nudge to see that it got accomplished.’ Rosendahl pointed to volunteerism as ‘a way to get engaged and have fun.’ Fun, indeed, ensued with the hijinks and low jinks of ‘On Track,’ produced by Joan Graves with direction and choreography by Babs Warden Lebowsky. The revue, with lyrics by Benny Coma and Michael Aushenker, featured Adam McCrory and the Off Via chorus, including Jenny Donohue, Roberta Donohue, Joan Graves, Ed Lowe, Arnie Wishnick and Randy Young. The program got off to an amusing start with a ‘happy birthday’ salute to the Palisadian-Post, set to Irving Berlin’s classic ‘No Business Like Show Business.’ ‘The lady is 80 and she never tires/Despite the stories she’s covered for you/Retractions, reactions, that five-minute lunch/the letters to the editor by jerks’.’ The troupe then launched into a medley of cool beats for ‘Cool Bob [Jeffers].’ ‘Well, we’re movin’ on up, on a fast track/Bob promised us a blue track by the fall. We’re runnin’round town, on his fast track/Raisin’ funds for our field by this fall,’ set to ‘Movin’ On Up,’ from the ‘Jeffersons’ TV show. ‘Cool’ Bob took the stage to receive the official Citizen-of-the-Year plaque from Palisadian-Post publisher Roberta Donohue, and thanked scores of people, from his parents ‘who came all the way from our nation’s capital’ to fellow PRIDE members and friends. He gave a special nod to his wife, Karen, and to his sons Dylan and Charlie. ‘You boys may be proud of the old man tonight, but I’m proud of you every single day,’ he added, with a catch in his throat. Jeffers encouraged ‘brave souls to get involved. Civic work pays terribly, but the hours are flexible, and the personal satisfaction can’t be beat,’ he said. ‘For me, the Sunset medians, the Marquez makeover, and the Pali stadium renovation are right up there with my two sons as the things I am most proud of’and they eat less.’ Underscoring his efforts towards making PaliHi ‘our friendly neighborhood school again,’ he underscored the importance of supporting the charter school. ‘PaliHi is academically excellent, athletically competitive, socially diverse, geographically desirable, and financially merciful’ or as my friend George says’why pay twice?’ Jeffers concluded his remarks with more thank-yous. ‘ I am proud to call the Palisades my home, and everyone here my neighbors,’ he said. ‘You have made me the Citizen of a paradise.’
Sparkplug Winners Express Gratitude
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
At first, Pacific Palisades resident Amy Madnick felt embarrassed by the publicity she received for winning one of the 2007 Golden Sparkplug Awards, given annually by the Community Council to civic-minded citizens. ‘But with time, I realized that it has also offered me the opportunity to share my passion about the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life,’ Madnick told a crowd of about 160 community members gathered at the American Legion Hall for the Citizen-of-the-Year dinner last Thursday. Madnick and fellow Sparkplug winner David Card were honored. Community Council Chairman Steve Boyers congratulated Madnick for organizing the first Palisades Relay for Life, an event in which people run or walk for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. He applauded Card for beautifying the landscape near the sewage pumping station on Temescal Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway, and for his work on the Potrero Canyon Community Advisory Committee (PCCAC). ‘Both of you are celebrated individuals who are now an integral part of the history of this community,’ Boyers said. ‘You will always be remembered and respected.’ Madnick asked the principal at Marquez Elementary School to host the first relay in 2004. She convinced merchants to make donations and found volunteers to help out at the event, Boyers said. ‘The Relay for Life is an annual event that has taught many schoolchildren the importance of community service, and it has improved the quality of life in our community,’ Boyer said, presenting Madnick with her award. Madnick, a social worker at Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, lost both her parents to cancer. ‘Relay for Life has made me feel closer to my father and my mother and their legacy than anything I have done as a social worker, mother or wife, since my parents passed away in 1976 and 1984,’ Madnick said, choking back tears. To beautify the area near the pumping station, Card asked the Rotary Club to purchase plants and recruited the labor from Boy Scout Troop 23, Boyers said. He secured funds from the Palisades Junior Women’s Club to pay for a solar-powered irrigation system. Card also convinced L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks and the Public Works Bureau to maintain the new landscaping. ‘The project was just successfully completed last week,’ Boyers said, ‘and because of your efforts, it has beautified and improved our community.’ Card, a landscape designer, was also honored because of his work on the PCCAC. He conducted public meetings to gather input for the long-planned park on 40 acres in Potrero Canyon. ‘We had lots of controversy, but we came together with a plan, which will be fabulous,’ Card said. The committee approved the plan in January and has submitted it to the city for consideration. Card thanked the PCCAC Chairman George Wolfberg and Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl and his staff, along with everyone who participated in the meetings on Potrero Canyon. He acknowledged Rotary Club member Perry Akins, who came up with the idea to beautify the landscape near the pumping station, and Eagle Scout candidate Jamie Hubbs for helping organize the Boy Scout volunteers. ‘Get involved in your community,’ Card said. ‘It’s fun.’
SHOPP The Palisades is New Message of Merchants
The fourth meeting of Pacific Palisades merchants was held last week at Spanky Lane, a children’s boutique on Via de la Paz, to discuss ways to get the message out to Palisades residents to shop locally, and also to address concerns about the empty storefronts in the business district. Ironically, Spanky Lane’s co-owners Angela Wilder and Marni Diamond notified customers this week that they are going out of business. This follows the closure of Nevicella Apparel and Petique, also on Via, a week ago. The April 22 meeting was sparsely attended but included Palisadian Joe Ziden, who runs Z Gallery (a home furnishing store in Santa Monica), and expressed interest in seeing how local stores were doing. Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s field deputy Jennifer Rivera attended the meeting to hear concerns and to see if Rosendahl could help in any capacity. ‘We’re trying to understand the real issue,’ Rivera said. She was told about the empty storefronts on Swarthmore Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, some of which have been vacant for almost two years. Many merchants were also concerned about the lack of building maintenance on those properties. ‘We’re reaching out to you, to see if there’s anything we can do politically or legally,’ Marni Diamond told Rivera. Many of those who attended said it would be helpful if Rosendahl would speak to Palisades Partners, landlord for nearly all the stores on the 1000 block of Swarthmore, plus the empty spaces on Sunset, vacated by The Nest Egg and The Office Supplier. ‘Hopefully, we can meet with a member of Palisades Partners,’ Rivera said. ‘Bill is willing to talk to them. We need to know their long-term goal.’ Another overriding frustration expressed at the meeting is that local residents buy goods through the Internet under the mistaken belief that it is cheaper than shopping in town. Angela Wilder explained the dilemma in succinct terms: ‘When you buy stuff on the Internet, you’re flushing independent stores down the toilet. That is your choice. But when these stores close, you’ve made that choice.’ The group discussed ways to encourage local shopping, including having waiters and shop owners wear T-shirts with the SHOPP logo, and SHOPP signs posted in the store windows, reminding Palisadians to support local businesses. A SHOPP gift basket is being assembled and will be given by realtors to new residents. The baskets will include a bottle of wine donated by Gelson’s and another local wine dealer, free Theatre Palisades tickets, merchant coupons and a SHOPP merchant directory. The merchant meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month, now at a new location to be announced.
Palisades High and Canyon School Teachers Win 2008 Lori Petrick Awards
Five local teachers will receive the 2008 Lori Petrick Excellence in Education Awards for their achievements in the classroom. Selected by the Palisades Charter Schools Foundation, the winners are Canyon School teachers Kellie Howard and Akimi Sujishi-Watson and Palisades Charter High School teachers Stephen Klima, John Rauschuber and David Schalek. ‘Teachers are often taken for granted,’ said foundation member Paula Leonhauser. ‘It’s a way of rewarding them for their dedication, time and energy.’ The award, given annually since 2003, honors the late Lori Petrick, who was a popular third and fourth grade teacher at Marquez and Palisades elementary schools, respectively. The teachers will each receive $2,000 and a crystal trophy during an afternoon ceremony at a residence in Pacific Palisades on May 18. Any educator who works within the Palisades Charter Complex for five or more years can apply for the award. Teachers must submit a 2,000-word essay or a 10-minute videotape explaining why their teaching methods represent the best practices in education and how they communicate high expectations to their students. This year, 17 teachers applied for the honor. Topanga Elementary teacher Paul Astin and Marquez teachers Laurie Salzman and Jean Vegas received honorable mention. A group of professional educators reviewed the applications and then visited the teachers’ classrooms. Merle Price, former LAUSD deputy superintendent, and Patty Lancaster, head counselor at Archer School for Girls, observed the secondary-school teachers. Terri Arnold, former Palisades Elementary principal, and Michelle Bennett, former Westwood Charter School principal, evaluated the elementary-school teachers. The secondary school judges wrote that it is apparent that Schalek, a physics and physical geology teacher, loves the subject he teaches. When they visited his class, he had the students involved in problem-solving exercises throughout the period ‘This teacher was a pleasure to watch,’ Lancaster wrote. ‘With a huge class (35) and a difficult subject ‘ everyone seemed engaged.’ Judges described Klima, an English teacher, as an excellent lecturer. They thought he related well to students, who responded to the questions he asked. In addition, ‘He applies content to historical context as well as present day,’ Price wrote. According to the judges, Rauschuber, a social studies teacher, engages students with current events. He also provides them with the support they need to achieve. ‘Wow, this teacher is an inspiration ‘ He is dedicated to his students learning and proficiency,’ Lancaster wrote. Elementary judges applauded Howard, a second grade teacher, for engaging students and having a classroom environment that reflects all subject areas. ‘Kellie is a very strong teacher,’ Bennett observed. Sujishi-Watson, also a second grade teacher, received praise for her instructional strength. ‘It was a pleasure to observe her interaction with students,’ Bennett said. Mark Snyder, board chair of the foundation, said he is pleased with this year’s selections. ‘The members of the foundation board believe there are many wonderful teachers in the community, and we want to do our small part in recognizing their efforts,’ Snyder said. (The Palisadian-Post will profile each winner in future issues.)