Lacrosse Extends Win Streak

April 16, 2008

Teammates congratulate Riley Gitlin (middle) after his goal in the Dolphins' 14-4 victory over Huntington Beach at Stadium by the Sea. — Teammates congratulate Riley Gitlin (middle) after his goal in the Dolphins’ 14-4 victory over Huntington Beach at Stadium by the Sea.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, *Staff Photographer*

It’s been some turnaround for the Palisades High boys lacrosse team. After opening the season with losses in four of their first six games the Dolphins have won five in a row and are looking like the team Coach Scott Hylen expected to see this spring. Palisades’ streak started modestly enough with a 5-2 victory over a struggling Mira Costa squad. That was followed by three more home victories?a 6-5 overtime win over Crespi, a 15-9 win over Oaks Christian and a 14-4 win over Huntington Beach. On Monday, Pali blanked host Manual Arts, 13-0, completing a stretch in which they outscored the opposition 53-20. Palisades travels to Malibu for a 4 p.m. game Friday. Palisades’ junior varsity boys were 3-6 heading into Tuesday’s game at Mira Costa (result undetermined at press time). The girls’ varsity team resumes play next Wednesday at Manual Arts.

Storm Wins Apricot Jam

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April 16, 2008

The Pali Storm, a local AYSO girls’ U10 All-Star team, dominated its competition and won top honors at the Apricot Jam Tournament at Arroyo Vista Community Park in Moorpark last weekend. The Storm braved 100-degree weather and strong winds to outscore its four opponents 20-5. “I’m most proud of the fact that of the 20 goals the girls scored, they assisted on 18 of them,” Coach Scot Vorse said. “We had phenomenal passing the entire tournament and our defense play was incredibly solid. We are now winning not because of individual efforts but because of our excellent teamwork. The girls all played with amazing heart and determination.” The Palisades-based team, also coached by Dan Brecher and Don Parcell, beat the Agoura Westlake Lightning 5-1, blanked Santa Barbara 7-0 and defeated a highly-regarded Woodland Hills squad 5-2 to finish first in its pool and earn the top seed for the finals. In the championship game, Pali Storm faced hometown favorite Agoura Westlake Inferno, one of the most accomplished teams in the state. With the wind at their backs, the Storm surged to an early 2-0 lead. Westlake answered with a goal late in the first half. Pali’s defense held tough against the pressing Inferno throughout the second half, but in the final 20 seconds Westlake scored to force overtime. Undaunted, the Storm began extra time with resolve and renewed determination. No goals were allowed by either team in the first five-minute overtime period. In the second overtime, moments before the final whistle (and preventing a penalty-kick shootout), Pali Storm scored to win the championship. Six different players scored throughout the tournament as the Storm skillfully passed the ball from sideline to sideline, frustrating opponents and creating excellent scoring opportunities. Pali’s offense was led by Caitlin Keefe, Kaitlyn Parcell, Erin Ross, and Sydney Brecher. Defenders Michaela Keefe, Jayne Baumgarten, Charlie Robinson and Lili Vorse were solid throughout the tournament. In addition to their efforts in the field, goalies Georgia Raber and Katie Lord made key saves in the title game. With 30 victories this season, the Pali Storm next strike the Chino Hills Kickin’ It Up In the Hills tournament.

St. Matthew’s Golf Wins

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April 16, 2008

The St. Matthew’s golf team is breaking new ground this season. After winning only once in the previous three years, it won two Pacific Basin League matches last week. First, the Falcons beat Brentwood 245-270 at the V.A. Hospital’s par 3 course. Ryan Kahn (38) and Peter St. John (39) posted the two lowest scores for St. Matthew’s. Next, the Falcons edged Crossroads 240-245 at Rancho Park. Andrew Tinger (37) and Lawrence Kondra (39) shot the two lowest scores for the Falcons. Also contributing to both wins were Nick Kearley, Nick Lenard, Matt Chen, Taylor Stokes, and Preston Clifford Softball St. Matthew’s avenged an earlier loss to Windward with a 6-3 victory. Willa Ashley hit a two-run home run in the first inning and added an RBI later. Kristen Goldberg handled seven chances at second base, recording one-third of the Falcons’ put-outs, including four pop-ups. She also had three hits, one RBI and scored two runs. Jessica Goodkin had two hits, including a clutch triple, and scored a run to push the lead to 6-3 late in the game. Cami Chapus and Jackie Carr split the game on the mound, combining to strike out 10 Windward batters with the help of catchers Grace Kuhlenschmidt and Ashley. Track & Field Julia Newman won the 100 meters in 13.1 seconds and Cami Chapus won the 800 in 2:36.1 and the 400 relay team of Newman, Lily Donnell, Jessica Goodkin and Chapus finished first in 54.5 for St. Matthew’s in a Delphic League meet. For the boys, Ryan Hilterman won the 400 in 58.5 and was second in the high jump with a height of 5-2.

Dolphins Win Dual Meets

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April 16, 2008

The biggest challenge for the Palisades High swim team this season has been finding pools for practices and meets. Once they get in the water, however, the Dolphins are lapping their competition. Last Friday, Palisades met Western League rival Venice at the Westwood Recreation Center and won three of four divisions. Palisades’ frosh/soph girls won 70-65, the frosh/soph boys won 65-64 and the varsity girls won decisively, 113-59. Palisades’ varsity boys lost, 86-73. Overall, Palisades outscored the Gondos, 186-145. The varsity boys lacked the depth needed to beat the Gondoliers. Swimmers are only allowed to enter four events per meet and every Palisades boy maxed the total events allowed. On Monday, Palisades took on host Hamilton at the EG Roberts pool on Pico Boulevard. This time, the Dolphins won all four categories. The girls? varsity remained undefeated in league this season. Palisades Coach Maggie Nance was pleased that her swimmers persevered despite not having use of their home pool in Temescal Canyon, thus having to practice at Santa Monica College. “I’m so thankful that SMC is bending over backwards to accommodate us,” Nance said. “We’re swimming a lot fewer minutes that we normally would if we had our own pool. The kids’ times are slower this year, and they’re not in as good of shape.” The impact of the Dolphins’ decreased practice time may not be felt until the City Section championships in May, when the varsity girls will look to win their third consecutive title and 18th overall. Defeating Venice by such a wide margin was an encouraging sign for Palisades’ varsity girls because the Gondos finished runner-up to the Dolphins at last year’s finals. The varsity boys, meanwhile, finished eighth last spring. They last won the City title in 2005.

PTC Dominates Dudley Cup

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April 16, 2008

Connor Treacy won the Boys’ 18s division at the 92ns annual Dudley Cup Tennis tournament last weekend in Santa Monica. Despite ‘playing up’ the Palisades Tennis Center trainee won all of his matches in straight sets, including a 6-0, 6-3 victory over second-seeded Dylan Tevlin in the finals. In the Boys’ 14s, third-seeded Alex Giannini defeated second-seeded Alexandre Miaule, 6-2, 7-5, in the final after beating fellow PTC player Robbie Bellamy in the semifinals. Micah Gordon also reached the semifinals of his draw. Palisadian Will Kehrer made the finals of the Boys’ 12s and it was an all-PTC final in the Boys’ 10s, with top-seeded Nicholas Koln beating second-seeded Lucas Bellamy. Rose Schlaff reached the quarterfinals of the Girls’ 18s and Palisades High teammate Samantha Kogan made the semifinals of the 16s division. In the Girls’ 14s, Perri Zaret lost only one set on her way to the finals. PTC standout Clay Thompson of Crossroads High advanced to the finals of the Boys’ 16s division at the Easter Bowl in Rancho Mirage. Thompson lives in Venice but trains at the Palisades Tennis Center. Palisadian Walker Kehrer, the No. 1 player at Brentwood School, switched to doubles and swept his three sets to spark the Eagles’ 15-3 victory over Crossroads last week. The decisive victory moved Brentwood into first place in the Olympic League.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS – THURS., APRIL 10 — THURS., APRIL 17

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April 11, 2008

THURSDAY, APRIL 10 Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. Palisades Charter High School’s spring musical, ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie,’ 7 p.m., in Mercer Hall. Tickets at the door $10; preferred seating $15. Additional performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Pioneer TV news reporter Stan Chambers discusses his memoir, ‘KTLA’s News at 10: 60 Years With Stan Chambers’ (co-authored by Lynn Price), 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. FRIDAY, APRIL 11 Palisades Beautiful holds its monthly meeting, 10 a.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Upcoming neighborhood tree planting will be discussed. The public is invited. Contact: www.palisadesbeautiful@earthlink.net. Theatre Palisades presents Michael Frayn’s ‘Noises Off,’ 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, through May 11 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Ticket prices: Friday and Sunday, adults $16, seniors and students $14; Saturday, adults $18, seniors and students $16. Tickets: (310) 454-1970 or visit theatrepalisades.org. SATURDAY, APRIL 12 Palisades-Malibu YMCA’s annual Healthy Kids Day, a free event for the whole community, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Y’s Simon Meadow, corner of Sunset and Temescal Canyon Road. SUNDAY, APRIL 13 Community Health and Environmental Fair hosted by the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Antioch Street, between Via de la Paz and the Village Green. Palisades Lutheran Church presents a free children’s play, ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,’ performed by the Traveling Lantern, 4:30 p.m. at the church, corner of Sunset and El Medio. MONDAY, APRIL 14 Moonday: A Monthly Westside Poetry Reading, featuring poets David Alpaugh and Sherman Pearl, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. TUESDAY, APRIL 15 Storytime, for children three and older, 4 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Monthly meeting of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association, 7 p.m. in the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. Agenda includes a briefing by the Bureau of Engineering and City’s traffic consultant regarding planned PCH relief sewer project/low-flow diversion upgrade. The monthly Chautauqua series in Temescal Gateway Park features a talk by quiltmaker Fumie Ono on ‘Nature’s Heritage in American Quilts,’ 7:30 p.m. in Woodland Hall at the corner of Sunset and Temescal Canyon Road. Admission is free; parking is $5. (See story, page TK.) Doug Overstreet will speak on ‘Vandaceous Orchids for Southern California’ at the Malibu Orchid Society meeting, 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. The public is invited. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 Palisades Presbyterian Church begins a new Favorite Lecture Series with a talk by Palisadian Norman Thrower on ‘Maps and Civilization: Cartography in Culture and Society.’ His talk will follow a soup and salad get-together at 6:30 p.m. at the church, corner of Sunset and El Medio. Admission is free and child care is provided. THURSDAY, APRIL 17 Mark Harris will show his Academy Award-winning documentary, ‘The Long Way Home’ and will lead a discussion following the screening, 6:30 p.m., Kehillat Israel synagogue, 16019 Sunset. Public invited. (See story, page TK.) Palisadian Dr. Michael Gyepes discusses and signs his latest novel, ‘Hotel Transylvania,’ about exiles, refugees and immigrants during 18th century Paris, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

Donald Ingram, 84, Paper Executive

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April 10, 2008

Donald Clarence Ingram, a former longtime Pacific Palisades resident, died of metastatic prostate cancer at his home in Honolulu, on March 25. He was 84. Born on May 11, 1923 in Beverly Hills, Ingram was the older of the two sons of Donald and Ingeborg Ingram. After graduating from Beverly Hills High School, he attended Stanford University for a year before receiving his appointment to West Point, which he entered on July 1, 1941. Don participated in golf and basketball at West Point and graduated 14th in the class of 474 members. As Allied forces were storming the beach at Normandy, he received his diploma on June 6, 1944 and his commission in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He served in Okinawa and Korea before returning stateside to the Special Weapons Project at Sandia Base, New Mexico. While in Albuquerque he met, courted and then married Jeannette Doolittle on April 19, 1947. Don resigned his commission in 1948 to join his father in his wholesale paper distribution business in Los Angeles. He and Jeannette and their infant son Don Jr. moved to Brentwood. After their second son, Jim, was born, the Ingrams built a home in the lemon orchards of the Riviera section of Pacific Palisades in 1952. They had two more sons, Bob and Tom. Don loved sports and, as his sons grew, he greatly enjoyed being with them, either coaching them in the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association or later as a spectator at their high school games. It was a family affair as Jeannette joined in as a scorekeeper for the boys’ PPBA games. Don and Jeannette were excellent golfers and won many club tournaments. They also found great enjoyment in playing courses in other countries as they traveled with friends. Don was actively involved at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for many years, where his sons attended elementary school. In 1966 Don and Jeannette started attending Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades. Don looked back on this time as the time of supreme significance in his life, where real spiritual transformation took place in his life. He was active in leadership there for many years. Don was also active on the President’s Board at Pepperdine University and helped find land for the Malibu campus. Don had a passion for his work at Ingram Paper Company. His responsibilities there increased over the years and he assumed the role of president as his father’s health declined in the mid-1960s. He was instrumental in the expansion of the firm to Santa Barbara, San Diego, Arizona and Hawaii. Don had started the Hawaii branch in 1978 while staying at their vacation rental home. His and Jeannette’s love for Hawaii increased over the years and they sold their Riviera home and moved there upon his retirement in 1993. Don loved people from all walks of life. He was just as comfortable having a hamburger with a truck driver, as he was a fancy dinner with a business president. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, who died last September. He is survived by his brother, John, who worked with him for many years at Ingram Paper; his sons, Donald Clarence Jr. (wife Marylee) of Honolulu, James George (wife Catherine) of Los Angeles, Robert McChesney (wife Joyce) of Los Angeles and Thomas Locke (wife Cari) of Sherman Oaks; granddaughters Lauren Louise Mathison (husband Tate), Christina Locke Ingram and Olivia Michelle Ingram; and great-grandson Finn James Mathison. Don will be buried with his wife in a family service at Forest Lawn in Glendale. A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life at Calvary Church on Palisades Drive at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 10, 2008

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April 10, 2008

HOMES FOR SALE 1

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

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY to own a home in the Palisades! 2+1 fixer across from the beach. Asking $259,000. Agent Pia Coleman, (818) 590-3610

HOMES WANTED 1b

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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

FULLY FURNISHED, CHARMING & quiet 1 bdrm, 1 ba cottage. FP, walking distance to village & bluffs. Short term available. No pets. $2,500/mo.+security. (310) 459-0765

FULLY FURNISHED/UNFURN & tastefully remodeled. 3 bdrm, 2 ba cul-de-sac home in Marquez school district. Great floor plan. New kitchen & bath. 6 mos.-1 yr. $7,000/mo. Agent Gwen, (310) 749-8821

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

BEAUTIFUL OCEAN VIEW with pool. 3 bdrm, 2 1⁄2 ba plus bonus room. Very private w/ on-site parking. $7,450/mo. Call Rick, (310) 424-3174

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

WALK TO BEACH! 1 bdrm, hdwd, gated entry, pool and parking. Quiet location near Sunset/PCH. $1,695/mo. (310) 230-7804

2 BDRM guest house + family room. NO KITCHEN. Small refrigerator, hotplate, hdwd flrs, AC/heat, cable, internet, util. incl rec center. Beautiful view. $1,800/mo. Mary, (310) 454-9337

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

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

LOVELY BRENTWOOD HOME (north of Sunset) private garden level, furnished rooms w/ bath. W/D, pool, kitchen privileges, N/S, N/D, no pets. $850/mo. incl util. (310) 472-6466

WANTED TO RENT 3b

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

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

3 BDRM+ HOME or larger or condo for month of July. Need yard and good neighborhood. Great local references. (310) 393-1171

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

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 now in the heart of the village. Creative options for space to lease or sublease. Call now, (310) 383-9520

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

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

Business or personal bookkeeping and organizing available in the Palisades including financial reports, everything to prepare for your visit to your tax person. Highly experienced, fast, discreet, ESTATE SALE management with detailed reporting also available. Excellent local refs. 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

“Do You Have Projects You’ll Never Get Around To?” (Tax Organization Welcome!) • ‘ORGANIZERJESS’™ • Your Professional Organizer & Personal Assistant By the Hour • Clutter Catch-up • Home & Office Organization • Space Planning • Habit Coaching • Create Effective Systems • More Space & Clarity • Impeccable Palisades References • Call Jessica at (310) 429-3289

HOME INVENTORY SERVICES 7j

HOME INVENTORY SERVICES for FIRE THEFT, Earthquake, wills/estates, rentals, divorce. Incl video, photos & detailed reports. Pali resident. (310) 230-1437 www.homesweethomevideo.com

SOLAR/WIND ENERGY 7m

ALTERNATIVE ENGINEERING SOLAR • GO SOLAR! • TAX INCENTIVES! Design & engineering solar/wind systems • Huge rebates • Financing available • Local Palisades contractor • Lic. #912279 • Call for free consultation, (877) 898-1948

CREDIT REPAIR 7n

LUX CREDIT MANAGEMENT, INC. “The Credit Management Company You Can Trust” • We improve your credit. Upscale clientele. Fast professional service. We provide the desired results in a timely manner. No credit situation too difficult. We guarantee our work. Call for details. (310) 573-4334 • www.luxcm.com • Conveniently located in Pacific Palisades

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

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

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

MY WONDERFUL NANNY wants a F/T position (8-4). She has 14 years experience and is fabulous. Call Ingrid, (310) 450-1834, or me, Julie, (310) 459-0464

NANNY, PROFESSIONAL, with references+car seeking L/I position w/ family. Registered w/ Trustline+CPR certified. 7 years experienced. (310) 755-8987

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

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE full time. Own transportation, very good references, many years experience. Call Ana Louisa, (213) 675-0126 or (213) 481-0472

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

MY VERY HONEST & capable housekeeper is available Mon., Tues. & Sat. SPECIAL & comes with great local references. Speaks English. Green card. Call Julia, (310) 828-8842

PLEASANT, EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER available Mon.-Fri. Live out. Excellent local references. Some English. Please call Olga, (323) 802-4224

HOUSEKEEPERS READY TO WORK Monday-Friday, own car, experienced, good references. Call Jessica or Magdelena, (310) 650-4119 or (310) 894-1329

EXPERIENCED-IMMACULATE HOUSEKEEPER and nanny available two days per week. Speaks English and drives. Excellent references. Honest and trustworthy. Please call (310) 230-0260

CLEANING HOUSES Mon.-Fri. full time. Experienced, no car, little English, love dogs, local references. Call Yolanda, (323) 559-8806

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

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon. Tues. & Wed. Own transportation, Very good local references. Call Ayda, (310) 397-7586

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/Caretaker. Mon.-Fri. Own car. References. Call Hilda, (213) 793-6981

HOUSEKEEPER available Tuesday & Thursday. Own transportation, experiences, references. Please call Erica, (213) 385-7922

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

HOUSEKEEPING CHILD & ELDERLY care, experienced CPR, first Aid certified with medical background L/I or L/O, fluent English, references avail. Call Ed, (888) 897-5888, (818) 486-6432

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

EUROPEAN CAREGIVER. Any days & some nights. Over 12 yrs exerience in private homes, hospitals, convalescent homes. Excellent local references. Call Martine, (310) 458-3037 or (424) 214-9091

GARDENING, LANDSCAPING 11

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

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

GARDENER with 20 years experience. Local references. Jesse, (323) 754-8058

MOVING & HAULING 11b

BC HAULING & CLEAN-UP • Houses • Garages • Apts • & Yards. All junk removed. Home demolition, i.e. patios, yards & walls. Truck with lift-gate. (310) 714-1838

INTERIOR PLANTS 11c

CALVIN’S PLANT SPECIALISTS! Interior, exterior plant care & installations. Rose garden maintenance, organic vegetable gardens, Serving Malibu over 50 years. Free estimates. Call (310) 460-8760

TREE SERVICE 11d

ECCONO TREE SERVICE. Prof. tree trimming & removal. LAFD brush clearance. Monthly gardening service. Lic. #780501. Bonded, insured. Worker’s comp. Free est. (310) 497-8131. www.ecconotreecare.com

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES 12c

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

WINDOW WASHING 13h

HAVING A PARTY? SELLING some real estate, or just want to do some spring cleaning? Get those WINDOWS SHINING by calling No Streak Window Cleaning, where we offer fast friendly quality service you can count on! For a free estimate, call Marcus, (323) 632-7207. Lic. #122194-49, insured.

EXPERT WINDOW CLEANER • Experienced 21 yrs on Westside. Clean & detailed. Can also clean screens, mirrors, skylights & scrape paint off glass. Free estimates. Brian, (310) 289-5279

MISCELLANEOUS 13i

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

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

A WELCOME HOME SERVICE specializing in personal assistance, organization & home management. 12 years experience in high profile homes. Please contact Linda, (310) 980-2403

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

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

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

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

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

PIANO LESSONS by UCLA Piano Major & Pali resident. Call Meriette, (310) 741-8280

TUTORS 15e

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

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

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

READING SPECIALIST • Master of Education—Reading and Learning Disabilities • Special Education Teaching Certificate: K-12 • Regular Education Teaching Certificate: K-9 • Elementary Education Teaching experience: 12 yrs • Services provided for special & regular education students of all levels • Academic areas taught include reading (phonics and reading comprehension) writing and spelling • Private tutoring includes accessing the student’s needs, developing an individualized education program and implementation of that program. Palisades resident. Call Brandi, (310) 230-9890

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

CLEARLY MATH & MORE! Specializing in math & now offering chemistry & 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

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

LEARN TO SPEAK FRENCH LIKE THE FRENCH DO! Private lessons in conversational French. You’ll be ready for Paris. Will Paris be ready for you? (310) 770-8864

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

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

CONSTRUCTION 16d

THE TOWN & COUNTRY BUILDERS • General Contractors • State Lic. #441191 • Remodeling • Additions • Masonry • Concrete • Flagstone • Patio • Stone Wall • Tile • Fireplace • BBQ • Deck • Brick • Steps • Retaining Walls • Driveway • PLEASE CALL (310) 578-7108 • FREE ESTIMATES

CASTLE CONSTRUCTION • New homes, remodeling, additions, fine finish carpentry. Serving the Westside for 25 yrs. Lic. #649995. Call James (310) 450-6237

ELECTRICAL 16h

PALISADES ELECTRIC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437 Insured Professional Service

ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local Service Only. Lic. #775688. Please Call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286

FENCES 16j

THE FENCE MAN • 14 years quality workmanship. Wood fences • Decks • Gates • Chainlink & overhang • Lic. #663238, bonded. (818) 706-1996

INDEPENDENT SERVICE CARLOS FENCE: Wood & Picket Fences • Chain Link • Iron & Gates • Deck & Patio Covers. Ask for Carlos, (310) 677-2737 or fax (310) 677-8650. Non-lic.

FLOOR CARE 16m

GREG GARBER’S HARDWOOD FLOORS SINCE 1979. Install, refinish. Fully insured. Local references. (310) 230-4597 Lic. #455608

CENTURY HARDWOOD FLOOR • Refinishing, Installation, Repairs. Lic. #813778. www.centurycustomhardwoodfloorinc.com • centuryfloor@sbcglobal.net • (800) 608-6007 • (310) 276-6407

GOLDEN HARDWOOD FLOORS. Professional Installation and refinishing. National Wood Flooring Association member. License #732286. Plenty of local references. (877) 622-2200 • www.goldenhardwoodfloors.com

JEFF HRONEK, 39 YRS. RESIDENT • HARDWOOD FLOORS INC. • Sanding & Refinishing • Installations • Pre-finished • Unfinished • Lic. #608606. Bonded, Insured, Workers Comp. www.hronekhardwoodfloors.com (310) 475-1414

HANDYMAN 16o

HANDYMAN • HOOSHMAN • Most known name in the Palisades. Since 1975. Member Chamber of Commerce. Lic. #560299. Call for your free est. Local refs available. Hooshman, (310) 459-8009, 24 Hr.

LABOR OF LOVE carpentry, plumbing, tile, plaster, doors, windows, fencing & those special challenges. Work guaranteed. License #B767950. Ken at (310) 487-6464

LOCAL RESIDENT, LOCAL CLIENTELE. Make a list, call me. I specialize in repairing, replacing all those little nuisances. Not licensed; fully insured; always on time. 1 Call, 1 Guy: Marty, (310) 459-2692

D.J. CARPENTRY & REPAIRS. Serving the Palisades 13 yrs. Non-lic. No job too small. Prompt, friendly service. (310) 454-4121, cell (310) 367-6383

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p

SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942 (310) 393-5686

LOCKSMITH 16q

LOCKSMITH • (310) 396-7784 • Bill Walter, Residential & Commercial • License #LCO-4438. Emergency Service 24/7

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r

PAUL HORST • Interior & Exterior • PAINTING • 54 YEARS OF SERVICE. Our reputation is your safeguard. License No. 186825 • (310) 454-4630 • Bonded & Insured

TILO MARTIN PAINTING. For A Professional Job Call (310) 230-0202. Ref’s. Lic. #715099

SQUIRE PAINTING CO. Interior and Exterior. License #405049. 25 years. Local Service. (310) 454-8266. www.squirepainting.com

ZARKO PRTINA PAINTING. Interior/Exterior. 35 years in service. License #637882. Call (310) 454-6604

PACIFIC PAINTING SINCE 1979 • Interior/Exterior Residential/Commercial • Custom painting • Wallpaper removal • Drywall repair • Bonded & ins. Lic. #908913. (310) 954-7170

ALL SEASONS PAINTING. Interior/exterior, local licensed color specialist for 30 years. Kitchen cabinet clean-up. Fast, clean & on time. Lic. #571061. Call (310) 678-7913

REMODELING 16v

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

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

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

ARCHER JORDAN CONSTRUCTION • Quality work • Competitive Pricing • Call James Jordan, (310) 579-7722 mobile, (310) 399-7478 office. Lic. #908588

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

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

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

LOCAL DERMATOLOGY OFFICE needs part-time front-office help. Reliable, professional, flexible hours, experience helpful. References a must. Fax CV to (310) 454-5027

NANNY NEEDED for family with 2 children, F/T, Live in, Tues.-Sat. Must speak English, drive and have own trans, and have newborn experience. Please call (310) 344-1740

BABYSITTER NEEDED in Palisades 2 days a week, after school (starting at 1:00 or 2:30 p.m.) until 6:30 p.m. Extra hours are available, but not necessary. Must drive, car provided. Excellent English required to assist with homework for 2 grammar school children. Must be happy, active/energetic person with experience with children. (Tuesdays and Thursdays would be ideal.) Call (310) 740-1266

FINE STATIONERY STORE in Santa Monica, specializing in custom invitations seeks experienced reliable & detail oriented sales assistant to provide creative guidance & a high level of customer service. Excellent communication skills & knowledge of grammar & etiquette a must. 4-5 days per/wk. incl. Sat. Email resume brendahimmel@verizon.net

LIVE-IN caregiver 5 days/week. Must drive & have own car. Experienced with references. CNA or LVN preferred. (310) 489-5496

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

OFFICE MANAGER for medical construction co. Construction experience a must. Accounting/billing, contract experience required. $18/hr. Fax (310) 573-1686. andrea@galaxymedicalbuilders

P/T JOB AVAILABLE at European skin care salon. Answer phones. Multi-task. Provide general support to staff. Perfect after school job. Call (310) 454-5302

AUTOS 18b

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

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

HUGE MOVING SALE! Another ‘50s Time Warp! Collectibles Galore! ‘50s furn/furnishgs/fixtures/hsehold goods/old tools/kitch/garage/yard/plants. 234 Alta, S.M. (bet 4th-Ocean). FRI.-SAT. Apr. 11-12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. www.bmdawson.com for pix.

GARAGE SALE. Saturday, April 12th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Great values, many surprises and a treasure or two. 1325 El Hito Circle (Sunset to Bienveneda to El Hito Circle)

HOME SALE! Saturday April 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 607 Via de la Paz. Antique furniture/dining room set, king size bedroom set. Call for info: (310) 490-9889

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

WILL PAY CASH for used watches. I will buy your used watch such as Cartier & Rolex. All brands considered. (310) 717-9917 or netplay@mac.com

Spring Flourishes on Palisades Garden Tour

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April 9, 2008

The Pacific Palisades Annual Spring Garden Tour and Plant Market will take place on Sunday, April 13, from 1 to 5 p.m. The self-guided tour highlights six gardens in and around the Paliasdes, featuring a range of styles from classic English country to Southern California landscape with a 180-degree panoramic view. Tickets ($25 prior to April 13, $30 on the day of the tour) are on sale at the Outdoor Room Nursery, 17311 Sunset Blvd.; Yamaguchi Nursery, 1905 Sawtelle, West Los Angeles and Merrihew’s Sunset Gardens, 1526 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica. Also on the day of the tour, tickets will be available at 7951 Sea Breeze and 707 Via de la Paz, and at the Plant Market on the day of the Tour, 12 to 4 p.m. at 1412 Amalfi Dr. All proceeds will help fund community beautification projects. 1422 Capri Drive This garden is one of two on the tour that have maximized landscape areas by eliminating a circular driveway. The motor court has now been somewhat separated from the house, maintaining focus on the garden. The front of the house is shielded from the noise and exposure of the street by redwoods and liquidambar trees, which provide an elegant stately fence. Inside the gate, a fountain offers a quieting mood. The challenge in this garden for landscaper designer Jay Griffith was to incorporate the family’s ‘play’ activities into a cohesive, green plan for the backyard. Fanning out from the house, the back landscape becomes a series of outdoor rooms contained on the property line by a large stand of redwoods and eucalyptus. To the south, and convenient to the seating area, is an outdoor fireplace and ‘kitchen.’ On the other side of a large grass expanse is a swimming pool, surrounded by a picket fence in keeping with the architecture of the house, and beyond the pool, a fire pit and jacuzzi. Other sports activities include a putting green and a half-court basketball court. The landscape is functional and private, softened by subtle color combinations such as variegated privet and camellias, dwarf magnolias, and the ivy geranium that clambers over the volcanic rock formation abutting the pool. 719 Amalfi Drive When landscaper designer Jay Griffith learned that the late Eddie Albert’s Mediterranean-style estate on Amalfi was for sale three years ago, he got the word out to his clients, hoping that one of them would buy the John Byers gem. Failing in this effort and acting as his own self-proclaimed preservationist, Griffiths bought it himself and created a new landscape that matches the Spanish sensibility of the home. The approach from the street is private, but not secret. A low pittosporum hedge leads up to the gate and opens into a courtyard. Running the width of the house, this long horizontal patio is anchored by a quiet pond on one side and large blue agave dramatically centered in a Corten steel planter on the other. Mature jacaranda, sycamore and palms fit the California tradition, providing color, texture and shade. The main show is the backyard, which opens out toward the panoramic view. From the back colonnade, 5,000 square feet of lawn stretches to the edge of the property which overlooks Rustic Canyon. Two rough-hewn pavilions are strategically placed, one north, the other south, and, as seen from the colonnade on the back of the house, help to create a long, continuous S-curve, embracing the view from the Will Rogers Polo fields to the Pacific Ocean. Low impact plantings and a leaf-blower ban contribute to the peaceful landscape–a painterly pastoral. Around the south side of the house, a second courtyard has been created from the car turnaround area where a patterned pavement provides a nice anchor for the blue date palm, and sundry ‘found’ treasures of an inveterate collector. Griffith emphasizes that his design is a landscape as distinct from a garden, which is made up of areas of plants—the herb, flower or water garden, vignettes that have been hand wrought over time. What has been created here is a landscape, ‘A painterly gesture that is all about a sense of place.’ Photo: courtesy Jay Griffith 774 Ranch Lane This garden, created by Whitney Landscape, Design and Installation, benefits from the naturally rich, good draining soil found in Rustic Canyon. The front garden, which was installed to replace a circular driveway, offers a transition from the public space. White birch trees line the street, while flowering purple plum trees give color and vertical structure. Dwarf magnolias and Boston ivy soften the front wall. Whitney says that he likes to match his color palette to the architecture of the house, in this case the brick of the English traditional. With an eye on year-round color, he has planted hydrangea (which grow naturally blue without a chemical boost), cyclamen, begonia and camellias. The back yard opens up to a view of Rustic Canyon and beyond. A large, gracious grass expanse was expanded 10 feet by installing a retaining wall on the canyon side. The perimeter is planted in perennials, supplemented by seasonal annuals. A mature Aleppo pine with an extravagant canopy provides a cooling element, and a transition from the greensward to the entertainment area. A deck extends at one end of the garden furnished with tables and chairs, while the barbecue area, adjacent to the house, is paved in Simmons brick and enlivened by purple wisteria. At the other end of the garden, a weeping cypress is ‘illuminated’ by the pillowy texture of the bright chartreuse yellow leaves of Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’ that spreads at the base of the tree. An essential element of this garden is water furnished by the fountain that flows from a large ceramic pot filled with worn river stones. Whimsical garden decorations include a weathered wagon wheel table, an antique carousel horse and an art deco tin bas-relief. 707 Via de la Paz This garden is the charm of Via de la Paz and is at its best in spring. A honest-to-goodness English garden, blowsy with colorful annuals pouring over the low river rock wall. This year, the assortment includes johnny-jump-ups, hydrangea, anemones, Iceland poppies, ranunculus and sweet peas. Alyssum peeks out from under the wall and in crevices in the wall. The garden is entered through an arch draped with climbing roses. Once inside, a ficus tree gives focus to the front yard. Citrus trees anchor the west side, while a grass patch still allows room for the children to play. The owner-designer, who professes to lose himself in the garden, aims for the interesting, unusual and colorful around the perimeter. His latest enthusiasms are stone fruit trees. The plum, apricot, nectarine and peach all show off their spring blossoms. The back yard opens out toward Temescal Canyon below. Topside, is an intimate, shady ‘room’ defined by nicely proportioned birch trees. Walking the path toward the canyon reveals an area open to full sun, allowing for sunbathing and space for propagation boxes. The owner admits to two successes here, his Santa Rosa plum and blueberries, whose yield is small, but good sized and delicious. 17951 Sea Breeze Drive This garden is different from many in that it was installed before the house was built. The owners supplied landscape designer Rick Mosbaugh with a footprint of the new house five years before construction, so he could provide a mature, ready made landscape, including the existing swimming pool. Stone pines dominate the horizon and can be seen soaring above the house from the street. The front landscape and infinity-pool fountain provide a cooling influence on the hot exposure of this house, which sits well above the street. The fountain is backed by a multicolored ashlar wall and planted with papyrus and willow. A sneak preview of the back garden is visible from the window in the front door. The garden in the back is a study in texture and in shades of green. The hardscape seems to grow right out of the land. The fountain consists of a simple urn centered on roughhewn Yosemite canyon boulders, covered with lichen and mosses, and surrounded with variegated ivy. Note the striking plant combinations in the planters. Each area shows off a masterful combination of plants, often reflecting Mosbaugh’s latest enthusiasm. 361 Surfview Drive This garden is so attentive to the site, climate and owners artistic input, that a modest tract house has been turned into a subtle work of art. The approach, masterminded by landscape architect Heidi Santschi is a study in texture and a cool palette. The irrigation was removed, allowing for a rock garden, olive trees, red fescue and pittosporum. A concrete wall consists of three slabs, each one offset slightly to break up the surface and suggest privacy, but not seclusion. The family has created a pleasant seating area on the other side of the wall. A fountain, constructed of concrete chunks salvaged from the old back yard patio, is flanked on one side by a paloverde tree, whose green bark harmonizes beautifully with the wall of pastel shades of blue and grey. The backyard merges vegetation, color and texture with the natural habitat of the Santa Monica Mountains beyond. Feather grass laps over the low chromium yellow wall that contains the yard. Flowering plum provides an aerial hedge. The patio area, of Del Rio salt and pepper mixed composite, is shaded by a carrot wood tree. The hillside planting, loose and textured, includes Mexican weeping bamboo, cotoneaster, schefflera trees, euphorbias and Michelia, a tropical tree with fragrant blooms. This family achieved their ocean view by building a crows’ nest, where they can escape and enjoy the setting sun. Back down on the ground, the garden continues around the house on the west side, where a ‘food’ corner provides herbs, lettuces and vegetables for the kitchen.

Oasis in the Palisades: Acupuncture, Massage

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April 9, 2008

Antonia Balfour and Stephanie Kanan have teamed up to create Oasis Palisades, a haven for health and wellness in the Marquez neighborhood, where they offer acupuncture, herbal consultations and a variety of massage treatments. Balfour, who graduated with a master’s degree in Chinese Medicine at Yo San University in Los Angeles, has been expanding her practice in Pacific Palisades for the past seven years and will become the next Chamber of Commerce president in June. She believes that there are many ways to find health, and acupuncture is one pathway. She uses the analogy, ‘We could look at two maps of the Palisades. The first might be a map that shows all the streets and roadways. A second map might show the mountains and trees. Neither is wrong because they’re both of the Palisades, but each shows a different perspective.’ Balfour explains that Eastern and Western medicine are similar to her analogy. ‘There is not a conflict; a person could use both to get optimal health.’ A person with back, neck or foot pain or chronic headaches might be a good acupuncture candidate, says Balfour, who also treats women who are experiencing infertility, going through menopause, having heavy periods or suffering PMS. After graduating from Yo San University, Balfour thought she would open a gynecological practice, but when she came to the Palisades her outlook expanded. ‘It’s a village and I see a spectrum of issues,’ she says. ‘I see as much back pain as I do gynecological issues.’ A patient visiting Oasis Palisades for the first time, whether for acupuncture, herbs or massage, first fills out a questionnaire and then has a long conversation with Balfour or Kanan, who is the director of massage therapy and has also worked in holistic healthcare for more than 20 years. For example, a patient complaining of chronic headaches may be asked seeming unrelated questions about sleep, environment, day-to-day activities, work and diet, and different times that food is eaten. ‘The goal is to bring someone into balance,’ Balfour says. ‘My job is to be a detective and put the pieces of the puzzle together.’ Once she has a patient’s history, Balfour determines whether acupuncture is appropriate and if it is, where needles should be placed. ‘If someone has just injured his back and is in acute spasm, I won’t put the needles where the patient complains of pain. Instead I may place them in the hand, ankles and ear,’ says Balfour, who demonstrates the procedure. The area of pain is palpated and the area where the needles will be placed is cleaned with alcohol. Surprisingly, when the needle is placed in the skin, it is barely perceptible. Balfour points out that the needles are not like a vaccination needle or even as thick as sewing pins, but rather, are hair thin. After they are in the proper location, the needles are stimulated when the practioner touches them; once again the movement is barely perceptible. Balfour says that she has many needle-phobic patients who have no problems with acupuncture. The number of needles placed is dependent on what is being treated. Once they are placed, they stay for about a half hour. ‘Some people go into a relaxed state and some even fall asleep,’ Balfour says. Many skeptics argue that acupuncture is a placebo. ‘I have a skeptical, critical mind, so I respect that,’ says Balfour. Her primary concern is her patient’s health, so ‘as long as it [acupuncture] works,’ that’s what counts. She notes that acupuncture is used on animals with successful results, which would seem to discount the placebo effect. She has also used the treatment on children as young as four months. Herbs are often used in conjunction with acupuncture and are customized for the individual. In addition, Balfour recently launched a line of herbal products made specifically for dogs, Qi Blends Herbs, that include Bladder Blend, Digestive Blend, Feel Young Again Blend and Skin Repair for Hot Spots (www.qiblends.com). Another aspect of treatment at Oasis Palisades is an affordable massage (starting at $48 for one hour). A customer can chose between several types of massage including Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, aromatherapy and hot stone. ‘Massage provides joints and muscles with a direct benefit,’ Kanan says. ‘It relieves stress and is relaxing; it also helps circulation in older people.’ ‘I feel that most of what makes us sick, at the core, is stress,’ Balfour adds. Although Oasis has one of the lowest prices for massage in the Palisades, Kanan and Balfour insist on using high-quality organic oils that have Vitamin E, which is good for the skin. Kanan started her career as a medical assistant for Dr. Pearl McBroom, the first black female cardiologist in L.A., who also focused on alternative modalities. When McBroom retired, Kanan worked for Dr. Bruce Beddoe, founder of Palisades Holistic Chiropractic Center. Oasis Palisades is located in the alley between Bollinger Drive and Sunset (below Marquez Avenue), in the space formerly occupied by Jordan Appliance. The interior has been tastefully remodeled by Thane Roberts, whose architecture credits include Emporio Armani in Beverly Hills. Treatments are available by appointment only, seven days a week. Call (310) 454-5855, or visit: www.oasispalisades.com.

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