Cindy Simon, whose 17 years in Pacific Palisades have been punctuated by her energetic leadership on numerous volunteer community projects, has been awarded the 2007 Community Service Award. In announcing the award, bestowed by the Pacific Palisades Community Council, the board highlighted Simon’s tireless efforts towards improving her local school, her neighborhood, and the community at large. Simon initiated, coordinated and participated in major beautification projects at Canyon Elementary, including renovations of the campus grounds and transforming the historic one-room schoolhouse into a library. In her Huntington Palisades neighborhood, she organized the now-annual Party in the Park, and with husband Bill Simon hosts the ‘welcome’ breakfast on her front lawn for Fourth of July 5/10K runners. Later that day she’s an announcer along the parade route at the corner of Drummond and Toyopa. On the community level, Simon has provided unstinting support for the YMCA, volunteering her home for fundraising events and, this year, spearheading the debut of the Y’s Scarecrow contest. She and her husband provided a major donation to help the Y acquire its corner parcel in Temescal Gateway Park, which is now called Simon Meadow. In addition, notes a statement by the Community Council, ‘Cindy regularly acts as an unofficial ‘Graffiti Buster,’ carrying paint cans and brushes in her car’s trunk and painting out unsightly graffiti whenever she comes upon it in the Palisades.’ Simon will be honored at the Community Council’s holiday dinner meeting on December 13 in the dining hall at Temescal Gateway Park. (The Palisadian-Post will publish an interview with Simon in an upcoming issue.)
PaliTutor Business Has Native American Heritage
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
PaliTutor is a new academic program for children and teenagers in Pacific Palisades, owned and operated by Amy Barranco, a five-year resident. Her business provides targeted instruction for standardized testing (including ICEE, PSAT and SAT) as well as tutoring in languages, reading and math. Students with complicated learning disabilities are referred to a specialist. PaliTutor continually adjusts its instruction to students at three different levels: those who need additional review of classroom material, those who need reinforcement and more challenging assignments, and accelerated students who need to be redirected towards working on independent projects. ‘We are given detailed information about the child’s learning style and reading level, allowing us to cater the program to the child’s needs,’ says Becky Beucher, one of the program’s tutors. ‘This is coupled with frequent monitoring of the child’s progress so the tutoring curriculum can be adjusted accordingly.’ Owner Barranco has an 18-month-old son, Logan, and a significant personal background in Native American culture, which has inspired her to also offer Mommy and Me toddler classes beginning in January. These classes will feature Native American music and dance, introducing tots to Native American instruments and regalia, while helping them appreciate the culture. ‘It should be really fun and allow me to incorporate history that I have learned and love,’ says Barranco, 30, whose mother is 100 percent Mescalero Apache and whose great-grandmother was born on the Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico. ‘My family has always been very true to our heritage,’ Barranco says. ‘Growing up as an Indian was not always the most popular thing to be, but I learned that Native Americans are a strong, unique people with a different vision for life, in learning and their appreciation for nature.’ Barranco’s parents worked hard when she was growing up in Lakewood in order to send her and two siblings to Catholic high schools. She graduated from St. Joseph’s in 1996. Beginning at age 14, Barranco spent her summers volunteering in classrooms on Pueblo reservations throughout the Southwest. ‘I had family there,’ she says. ‘I went there with my mother and aunt to help out, without any textbooks. It was very grassroots. I didn’t realize my family was struggling because I saw people on the reservations who lived without plumbing and running water. Seeing that, it looked like my family had so much.’ Barranco explains that her hard-working, Native American background is essentially what inspired her to accept a teaching position at Bishop Mora Salesian High in East Los Angeles while still taking classes as a scholarship student at UCLA. She was just 19 when the teaching opportunity came up at the all-boys Catholic school, and she needed money to help pay for college. ‘It was really wild,’ Barranco says, ‘but that experience was pivotal and has served as the basis of my teaching ever since.’ Basically, she worked with students who were excited about learning but did not have support systems at home to be successful, and this eventually inspired PaliTutor. During her five years as an undergraduate majoring in archaeology and American Indian studies, Barranco spent time excavating and surveying culturally historical sites in Malibu, Ranchos Palos Verdes and the Santa Monica Mountains. Although she received two research grants from the J. Paul Getty museum, Barranco chose to continue teaching in East L.A. after graduating from UCLA. ‘There’s little funding for California archaeology and very few opportunities to become involved in a project,’ Barranco says, ‘but archaeology will always be one of my loves.’ Barranco began pursuing a master’s in American Indian studies in 2002, while also working as a curatorial assistant with the UCLA Fowler Museum of History, where she was responsible for preserving, conserving and interpreting the museum’s archaeological collections. She’s currently working on a master’s in education at Cal State L.A. In 2006, Barranco was hired by Palisades Charter Elementary as a teacher’s assistant, and she began working with students whose parents were determined to support their children’s academic progress and wanted to see them pushed. She saw a general need for specialized education not being met in the typical classroom. Talking with parents who wanted to do more for their kids, Barranco saw a business opportunity. ‘This is a community where parents have the resources to reach out to specialists to help their children,’ Barranco says. ‘Most parents here come from strong families in strong areas where education was always a priority and they keep it that way for their kids.’ PaliTutor started this summer. Barranco’s husband, Alden, a former stockbroker, constructed the business Web site and now serves as head of marketing. ‘Parents really want their kids to do more,’ Barranco says. ‘When I was at Pali Elementary, parents would often ask me outside of class, ‘What more can I do at home? What should I check out from the library? What events and programs for kids can you recommend?” Responding to these queries, Barranco plans to provide a blog on her Web site (www.PaliTutor.com) and a calendar of free educational events parents can take their kids to. ‘As for marketing in any business, its very time consuming,’ Barranco says. ‘I spend hours talking to parents, teachers and principals, asking how I can help. I ask kids, ‘What do you want to learn? What are your special interests?” She tutors in the program herself, saying ‘It gives me ideas to stay fresh, to know what supplies kids need, to stay on top of what kids are learning in their classes.’ In addition to her sister, Megan Martinez, who has been teaching four years at New City Charter Elementary in Long Beach, Barranco’s tutors are mostly students who are working on their teaching credentials at UCLA. ‘They’ve got all these great ideas,’ she notes. Barranco is excited about PaliTutor’s progress. ‘Things unfold so quickly and rapidly. I know the students and parents are happy when they refer us to friends. When the kids are happy to see us and sad to see us go, when their desks are ready and their pens are out, then I know we are successful. Moms are happy because the homework anxiety is gone.’ PaliTutor sessions are available Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with hourly rates ranging from $65 to $85. Contacts: e-mail info@palitutor.com or (310) 928-6837.
Interfaith Service Stresses Peace and Generosity
In his book ‘Man’s Eternal Quest,’ Paramahansa Yogananda writes of some of his visions of Krishna and Jesus. On one occasion in Boston he views both of them hand-in-hand on a sea of gold. This is truly a hopeful vision at a time when our world is saturated with religious divisiveness. More than 600 worshippers attended Monday night’s annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Corpus Christi Church and heard the all-important message of peace, as expressed by Brother Atmananda’s reading from ‘Man’s Eternal Quest.’ Brother Atmananda represented the Self-Realization Fellowship on Sunset. In music and scripture, clergymen and women from eight of the religious institutions in the Palisades reiterated the call for peace, generosity and appreciation for life’s gifts. As host of this year’s celebration, Monsignor Liam Kidney welcomed the audience and later initiated the sign of peace. Rev. Julie Bryant of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church led the call to worship. Rev. John Nagel of the Community United Methodist Church quoted the passage from ‘Isaiah’ which reminds us, ‘When you are set free, you will celebrate and travel home in peace.’ Nineteen-year-old Griffith Frank, accompanied by his father David Frank, sang ‘L’Dor Vador,’ the Jewish Morning Prayer that is usually translated as ‘from generation to generation.’ This message was followed by a reading from the Qur’an by a Muslim guest, Mehram Mehrtash. The combined church choirs, directed by William Salvini, performed the choral anthem ‘Thanks Be To God,’ and the Corpus Christi Children’s Choir sang ‘Give Us Your Peace.’ Presbyterian Pastor Ed Brandt delivered the Thanksgiving homily, and a special offertory collection was taken to benefit the Malibu Presbyterian congregation, which lost their church in the fire a month ago. The proceedings concluded with a Thanksgiving prayer offered by Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben of Kehillat Israel. The Palisades Ministerial Association inaugurated the interfaith service as an affirmation of community in 1999. The group’s intention is that ‘we come together to celebrate our commonality and our diversity, to give thanks for our many blessings, and to enjoy the religious freedom and pluralism of our country.’
Pali High Board Revises Admissions from Revere
Hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s admissions headache, the board at Palisades Charter High School fine-tuned its enrollment policy on Tuesday night. The change gives added priority to non-resident students at Paul Revere Charter Middle School who have attended local elementary schools. ‘I think it’s going to help ensure that kids who have been together since kindergarten are going to be able to stay together,’ said Executive Director Amy Held, who suggested the change. The meeting was the board’s first since its October election, which sent four new members to the board. Members elected Rene Rodman, a community representative, as chair. She replaces longtime board member Bud Kling, who lost reelection to the board to fellow teacher Dave Suarez. Teacher and boys basketball coach James Paleno was elected vice chair. Last year, applications to the high-achieving, 2,700-student public high school far exceeded 700 available ninth-grade seats. By virtue of a previously little-noticed admissions policy, the enrollment of hundreds of non-local students who had attended Palisades public schools since elementary school was in jeopardy. After a school lottery and a lot of anxiety, all students from Revere were accepted last year. But with expectations of continued high enrollment rates, school officials can’t guarantee admission to all applicants. Further, school officials don’t expect that the new policy will solve the basic problem with admissions’namely, that there are more applications than seats available. One source of the problem is that Paul Revere Middle School enrollment has grown faster than PaliHi has. Revere’s eighth-grade class is larger than Pali’s ninth-grade class. Pali administrators expect that admissions will continue to be tight until the schools’ numbers are aligned. The new motion, which was approved unanimously, establishes the following: ‘ Residents of the Palisades, Topanga and areas of Brentwood will receive first priority to the school. This priority has always been part of the school’s charter. ‘ Non-resident and non-traveling students at Revere who attended any of the five charter complex elementary schools will now receive second priority. (Previous admission procedure recognized students from 13 high school sending areas as ‘traveling’ students and gave them second priority.) ‘ All other students attending Revere will be given third priority. ‘ All other students’those who did not attend Revere and are not local residents’will be given fourth priority. ‘ The school will now set aside 1,427 spaces schoolwide for LAUSD traveling programs. Those programs include the Magnet, Permits with Transportation (PWT) integration, the overcrowding relief Capacity Adjustment Program (CAP), the Other Transportation Services (OTS) for students in hazardous transportation areas and NCLB Public School Choice (PSC).
Council Decides Against Giving Away Its Money
If the Palisades Community Council had an office, it would now have a reason to hang a sign on its storefront window. The sign would likely read ‘Fundraisers Need Not Apply!’ Citing a need for fiscal discipline and impartiality, the nonprofit council decided last Thursday to no longer give money to any organization’no matter its potential benefit to the community. The same night, members reaffirmed their commitment to providing worthy groups a cheaper but arguably more valuable commodity: its moral support. The council’s new stand was also applied retroactively’and more controversially’to a $1,000 pledge it had made in August toward an thermal-imaging tool (called FLIR) for LAPD officers working in the Palisades. The council’s new position came from its ad hoc appropriations committee, which deliberated the merits of not donating its money early this month and unanimously settled on that recommendation. Committee members offered several reasons before the council’s vote: ‘ The council’s newsletter, which is its main source of funding, has not given readers notice that their donations may be spent on anything other than its own operations. To use those funds by donating is a potential breach of donators’ trust. ‘ Fielding worthy causes distracts the council from its ‘primary duty’ as a public forum. ‘ The council should ‘husband its resources with an eye toward an uncertain future.’ ‘ Donating to some organizations while rejecting others could ‘compromise’ the council’s reputation for ‘fairness and impartiality.’ Council Vice Chair Richard G. Cohen led the committee, and he sponsored the motion. ‘We need to remember our purpose is to be a forum,’ he said. ‘We need to maintain the idea that we’re unbiased. We have limited resources. We have operations needs. We don’t have the time and talent to sift through grant applications.’ The suggestion to not give money to any organization and renege on a previous decision to donate toward the LAPD device provoked debate among council members. Many feared the action would unnecessarily tie the council’s hands. Further, they worried about the effect the motion would have by deciding to take back a previous pledge to donate money. ‘My concern is that with this motion we’re setting a bad example with this FLIR device,’ said Quentin Fleming, the at-large alternate. ‘To rescind a decision that’s already been made seems wrong.’ Although cognizant of the council’s limited resources, Karyn Weber, Area 6 alternate, was unconvinced the motion would create an image of impartiality. ‘We do take positions,’ she said. ‘We take sides. The chair writes letters showing our support sometimes.’ But the committee’s reasons convinced Historical Society representative Shirley Haggstrom, who fiercely defended the proposal. ‘We’re a public forum,’ she said. ‘That’s what we are. We’re not a funding organization for local groups. That’s how this council was founded in 1972. I want you to know that this organization should not be compromised by giving gifts. We’re neutral. We can’t a hint of favoritism. There’s an obligation that comes with giving gifts. I’m just not comfortable with gifting money.’ Despite a sometimes charged debate, the various motions passed with large majorities. The motion to not donate council funds passed in a 15-2 vote. The motion to reverse the donation toward the LAPD tool passed by a slimmer vote, 12-5. The motion to continue providing moral support for worthy causes passed unanimously, 17-0. In spite of the council’s new position, it is not likely to have much of an impact locally. That’s because its budget rarely rises above $25,000’a fraction of a fraction of the budget of other local community groups. Among other groups, American Legion Post 283 donates upwards of a million dollars each year in charity; and the Palisades Junior Woman’s Club gives one-hundred thousands dollars or more to groups annually. —– To contact Staff Writer Max Taves, e-mail reporter@palipost.com or call (310) 454-1321 ext. 28.
Council Votes Against T-Mobile Tower
Meeting last Thursday evening, the Pacific Palisades Community Council voted to oppose T-Mobile’s plan to install a 45-ft.-high cell tower in the form of a ‘mono-palm’ on Charmel Place’s cul-de-sac in Marquez Knolls. That motion gave a boost to Charmel residents who have strongly objected to the tower. They fear that the ‘camouflaged, concrete tree,’ which would stand 16 feet away from a neighbor’s house, would be a safety hazard and would potentially reduce the resale value of their homes. ‘It would have to be disclosed to any realtor that there’s a metal tree next door,’ said Peter Zomber to nods of approval from fellow Charmel residents during the council’s meeting. ‘None of you would want this on your cul-de-sac!’ If the City Planning Department grants the telecommunications giant a conditional use permit, the tower would be built next to a water tower on Department of Water and Power land. A T-Mobile representative told council members that the tower’s emissions at the nearest property line from the tower would be 91 percent less than what federal regulations allow. At an October 18 hearing, a city zoning administrator delayed making a decision for 30 days, allowing the public to comment on the pending application. The Community Council is sending its opposition to the administrator, and L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl plans to support ‘the community’s position against the tower,’ Andrea Epstein, deputy to the councilman, told the Palisadian-Post. But federal and state laws have weakened the ability of Los Angeles and other cities to reject cell-tower applications, so it is unclear what direct benefit the support of the council (a nonprofit organization) or the councilman will provide. Despite widespread opposition by the proposed tower’s Charmel neighbors, T-Mobile will continue pushing the city for permission to build the tower, Senior Development Manager Clark Harris told the Post. ‘The community at large does request the coverage,’ he said. ‘In today’s wireless age, 33 percent of residential calls are from cell phones.’ If the tower is not approved, five smaller towers’or more’would have to be built to provide equivalent coverage, T-Mobile representatives told the council. The text of the council’s resolution borrowed heavily from objections by residents: ‘The PPCC opposes the proposed 45-[ft.] high T-Mobile cell-phone tower because (1) aesthetically it is not in keeping with the rest of the neighborhood, where the homes are restricted to a height limit of 35 feet and there are no above-ground utilities; (2) it could cause an adverse effect in the neighborhood by further commercializing an area that is primarily residential; and (3) the setback does not meet the City of L.A.’s safety requirements and there is a potential safety hazard if the tower was to fall due to an earthquake.’ T-Mobile representatives dismissed residents’ fears of a negative effect on their property values and the possibility of the tower falling. ‘[There’s] no proven effect on property values,’ said Brian Stotelmeyer of T-Mobile. ‘I’m not aware of any of these poles falling down or hurting anyone,’ said John Crosse of T-Mobile subcontractor Sure-Site Consulting Group. ‘I don’t know how it would fall. I’m not an expert. They’re designed not to fall.’ The council’s vote was a turn of fortune for Charmel residents, whose previous request for help ahead of its October 18 hearing was denied. The council voted not to take a position at its October 11 meeting. The council’s change of opinion was, in no small part, due to the revelation that T-Mobile had provided the council inaccurate information before its vote. At that October 11 meeting, company representatives reassured council members that the tower would be 35 feet tall’the same level as the community’s height limit. By the time the company notified council members of its 10-foot mistake, it was too late for the council to change its vote before the city hearing. At the council’s following meeting on October 25, members were incensed by the company’s error and they voted to reconsider their neutrality on the tower. —– To contact Staff Writer Max Taves, e-mail reporter@palipost.com or call (310) 454-1321 ext. 28.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 22, 2007
HOMES FOR SALE 1
8 HOMES LEFT. Condo Alternative PCH/Sunset. Up to 1,550 Sq. Ft. $179,000-$659,000. Some Completely Remodeled, Many Upgrades. Ocean Views, Wood Floors, New Kitchens, Sun Deck, Rec Center w/ Pool/Spa/Gym. Steps from the Sand. Agent Michelle Bolotin, (310) 230-2438 www.michellebolotin.com
COUNTRY LIVING in the Missouri Ozarks. Beautiful 800-acre m/l Ranch; Colonial 6 bd home. Great investment. $1,695,500. wwwbakerealty.com or (417) 469-2316. Baker Realty
SPACIOUS MEDITERRANEAN ESTATE. 5 bdrm, 4 ba, former model, gated street. Beautiful ocean/mt views, 2 ocean view mstr. bdrm suites w/ full bath, 1 suite w/ jacuzzi tub & romantic balcony. Large open fam/rm, kit w/ marble F/P, w/ designer new gorgeous carpet, 3 bdrms, liv/rm din/rm w/ custom hdwd flrs, extensive use of marble, Italian porcelain tile. Double solid oak entry doors opening to marble custom tile entry. $1,859,000 or optional lease, $9,250/mo. 3% broker co-op. Contact Dr. Stanley Goodman, Agent, (310) 463-7826 or (310) 478-1835, Gilleran Griffin Realtors
MILLON DOLLAR VIEW FOR HALF! Will only consider written cash offers at $500,000. Must prove principal before any inspection or further negotiation. Contact legal titled owner at property. U.S. Marine corporal Ray. E. Nasser. 16321 PCH #63, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. (310) 454-7432
HOMES WANTED 1b
WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887
CONDOS, TOWNHOMES FOR SALE 1e
2 BDRM, 2 BA CONDO in village. 15340 Albright St., apt #107. Open house daily, 12-4 p.m. $695,000. (310) 230-7866
FURNISHED HOMES 2
CHARMING COTTAGE, fully furnished, 1 bdrm, 1 ba, frplc, close to village & bluffs. Short term available. No pets. $3,000/mo. (310) 459-0765
MOVE WITH A SUITCASE! Lovely 1 bdrm+office, 2 ba canyon overlook. F/P, laundry, cable, phone, gdner, fully furn & equip. 2 mos. min. N/S, no pets. $2,650/mo. for everything. (310) 454-2568
SUNSET MESA estate with KILLER OCEAN VIEWS. Newly remodeled, close-in, mid-century, turn-key furnished with the VIEW! $6,500/mo. (760) 568-9426
UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
SHORT TERM LEASE. Light filled spotless ranch style 2 bd, 1 bath updated kit, oak flrs, deck view of tree-filled property. Lg brick patio, W/D & gardener incl. 2-car garage w /side entry. Gated rear lot perfect for boat or RV storage. $3,450/mo. (310) 993-4007
OCEAN VIEWS 4 BDRM, 3 BA, office, den, large spa. Queen’s Necklace, quiet cul-de-sac. Available Sept. One year minimum. Some furniture. $6,995/mo. Call (310) 457-1522
ALPHABET STREETS near village. 2 bdrm, 1 ba, dining room and den open to patio, oak floors, gardener incl. $3,500/mo. Leave message at (818) 705-4400
SANTA MONICA CANYON. 211 Entrada Dr. contemporary, architectural, 1+1 house. 1 block from beach. Open plan, W/D, stainless appliances, central heat, built-ins, light airy. Available Dec. $2,950/mo. (310) 230-7737, ask for Emily. eskovner@aol.com
HIGHLANDS HOUSE. Lovely 3+2, 2000 sq ft., open floor plan, AC. Private patio w/ trees. Community pool, tennis courts. Available Dec.15. $4,700/mo. (310) 999-26610
UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
1 BDRM+OFFICE/DEN, 2 ba, 2 F/P, hdwd flrs, new paint, wood blinds, 1 garage space, laundry on premises. $2,300/mo.+sec. Call (310) 459-5576
BRENTWOOD “Mini Penthouse”. 1 bdrm+den/office. Best area near COUNTRY CLUB. Hdwd flrs, high beam ceilings, wood burning F/P. French windows & shutters. Stainless stove & micro. Nestled among trees & grdns. Immaculate cond. A/C, garage. No pets. $2,150/mo. (310) 826-7960
CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d
PACIFIC PALISADES. Brand new luxury condo. Beautiful & spacious with natural stone and granite throughout. Gourmet kitchen, 2 fireplaces, walk-in closets, and balcony. 2 BR+2½ BA from 1,300 sq/ft starting at $3,450/mo. (310) 459-4682
PERFECT FOR REMODELERS! 2 bdrm, 21⁄2 ba townhouse, hdwd, tile+new carpet. Large roof deck w/ ocean views, W/D, dishwasher, additional storage, parking. $3,650/mo. Agent, (310) 392-1757
$3,200/MO. SANTA MONICA. Prime north of Wilshire. Luxury upper condo 2 bdrm, 2 ba+den. Newly remodeled, new hdwd flrs, crown moulding, marble/tile ba, lots of closet, refrigerator, range, microwave, D/W, F/P, large balcony, banquet room, spa, 2 car gated parking, intercom entry, laundry on site, quiet neighborhood, great view of Pacific Palisades & the SM mts. Will consider small pet, 1 blk from trendy Montana Ave. & near Ocean Ave. which overlooks the ocean. Available now. Call agent, Linda, (310) 451-8775
WANTED TO RENT 3b
LOOKING FOR GARAGE space. Palisades business owner for 18 years. 1 or 2 car garage. Santa Monica or Palisades. John, (310) 877-5959
LOCAL EMPLOYED male seeks guesthouse. Quiet, local references. Non-smoker, no pets. Call Palisades Post, (310) 454-1321
BACHELOR OR SINGLE unfurnished for quiet, responsible, considerate, retired male. N/S, N/D. No pets. Please leave message for Tom at (760) 662-8716
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 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 Pietra at (310) 591-8789 or email leasing@hp-cap.com
OCEAN VIEW OFFICES for rent in creative suite on Sunset and PCH in Spectrum Club bldg. Near great restaurants. 3 brand new offices available now. DSL/fax and phone lines with call answering will be in. Furnishing available. Shared conference room, kitchen area. Just sit down and do business. $1,100 to $1,200/mo. Call Pam, Jen or Rob, (310) 230-6866
FULLY FURNISHED CONSULTING office available in the Village. All day F, S, and Sun available, and certain hours M-Th. Rates negotiable. Avail 12/1. Call (310) 230-2233
PRIVATE RETREAT 390 s.f. office with garage, kitchenette, storage space, private entrance, util. incl. Lease $975/mo. in Santa Monica. 1323 15th St., Unit A. (310) 454-7544
RENTAL SPACE, STORAGE 3d
STORAGE GARAGE IN VILLAGE. Avail 12/1. $289/mo. (310) 454-4668
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 3f
FULL SERVICE Property Mgt. Co. To rent out &/or manage your house rental. No more tenant hassles. We Do It All. Illana, (310) 498-0468
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5
FOR SALE: Curves Chevoit Hills. (310) 454-4121
LOST & FOUND 6a
LOST: CAT. 4 weeks ago near Sunset & Via de la Paz. Black & white male adult. Answers to Boo Boo. If found call (310) 392-5153
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
BOOKKEEPER/PERSONAL ASSISTANT/Notary Public, personal bookkeeping & financial organizing, clerical duties, honest, reliable, discreet. Excellent references. Patti, (310) 720-8004
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
WILL ORGANIZE any areas in your home. Tailor a practicle system for you. Help you prepare for holidays. Efficient, affordable & confidential. (310) 477-6489
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
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
MOTHER’S HELPER available F/T or P/T tutor, babysitting, personal errands. Bachelor’s degree in Education. Excellent references. New Pali resident. Call Kim, (818) 251-0249
NANNY, 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Great references, clean DMV, CPR cert. Prefer newborns & toddlers. Call Olga, (213) 675-1185
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 Wednesday & Friday. Own transportation. Very good references. Experienced. Call Ada, (323) 293-2067
HOUSEKEEPERS/CHILDCARE/Personal assistant available M-F, full time. Very good references. Experienced. Own car. English speaking. Call (818) 281-5635
HOUSE & OFFICE CLEANER available full time. Mon.-Sat. Very experienced and excellent referÂencÂes. Own transportation. CDL. Call Miriam, C (213) 925-9088, H (213) 746-4216
HOUSEKEEPER available Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Excellent references. Hard working and pleasant. Light English. Please call Felipa, H (323) 731-5561, or C (323) 219-4820
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tu., Th., Fri. & Sat. Own transportation. CDL. Great local references. 10 years experience. Call (323) 735-0382, C (310) 590-9763
ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a
SUGAR & SPICE Nanny Service. Elder/child care. Experienced (special needs), Alzheimers & dementia. Can cook. Personal & house sitting. Call (323) 474-8943, (323) 758-6271
EUROPEAN CAREGIVER. Any days and some nights. Over 12 yrs experience in private homes, hospitals, convalescent homes. Excellent local references. Call Martine, (310) 458-3037 or (424) 214-9091
MALE CAREGIVER available for L/O only. 5 years experience. Good references. Call John, (323) 668-2359
CAREGIVER/NANNY/COMPANION. References, Full/part time, live-in/live-out. Available now. Some housekeeping. Please call (818) 357-8363
CAREGIVER/COMPANION/Personal assistant. Mature. Reliable. Available with car. Fluent English. (424) 208-3608. Please leave a message.
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) 498-5380. www.TheKingKoi.com
PRECISION LANDSCAPE SERVICES! Tired of mow, blow, let’s go! Specializing in fine maintenance • outdoor lighting • fertilizing • automatic timer repair & installation • artificial grass installation • hillside clean ups • new sod • sprinkler repair. Fair prices. (310) 696-6453
GARDENING SERVICE • General maintenance Svcs • Sprinkler installation (manual & automatic) • Hillside cleanups • Tree service • New lawn (topping, pruning & removal) • Block/brick planters • Free estimates • All work guaranteed. Daniel Velasco, Hm. (323) 934-9284, Cell (323) 839-0819
MOVING & HAULING 11b
BC HAULING & CLEAN-UP • Houses • Garages • Apts • & Yards. All junk removed. Home demolition, i.e., patios, yards & walls. Truck with liftgate. (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
DON’T PANIC, IT’S ORGANIC®! NEED HELP AFTER THE FIRE? Fire Special. 50% off all new local services with 6 mos. contract. Free housecall w/ mention of this ad. Since 1972. Natural pest control, lawn, roses, tree, pond, fruit trees, veg. gdns, natural spraying, whole property restoration, water mgmt & more as seen on PBS, NBC, CBS, YOUTUBE & more. Invisible Gardener Inc. (310) 457-4438. Doing it organically keeps the oceans clean. www. InvisibleGardener.com
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, Bonded
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
EXPERIENCED, RELIABLE & MATURE worker seeks position as personal assistant. Worked as elementary school teacher in Caribbean, customer service & independent contractor in N.Y. (310) 306-8398
PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
HAPPY PET • Dog Walking • Park Outings • Socialization • Insured. Connie, (310) 230-3829
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
PERSONAL TRAINER 15c
PEAK PERFORMANCE Fitness Training • Ivan Baccarat, A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer • Body Shaping • Strength • Endurance • Prenatal/Post Partum • Cardio Kickboxing • Stretch/Flexibility • Plyometrics • Fat Loss • Core Work Individualized Program Design • 20 Yrs. Experience • Insured • References • Call for a free consultation: (310) 829-4428
“FIT” Jen Into Your Life. I am a certified in-home personal trainer with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology. I design unique fun fitness programs tailored to individual goals. Palisades references available. Call Jen for your complimentary first session. (818) 623-7173
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER. Mobile service. Train at home, in gym or outdoors. Contact Thomas, (310) 365-8878
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 • Children, adults • Great references. Noelle, (310) 273-3593
SPANISH TUTOR CERTIFIED TEACHER for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications, 20 yrs exper. Palisades resident, many good references, amazing system, affordable rates. Marietta, (310) 459-8180
TUTORING & HOMEWORK HELP. Teacher with credentials in Elementary, Special Ed., and Reading. Masters in Education & 23 years classroom teaching experience, 2 years as Reading Recovery specialist. Palisades resident. Affordable rates. Diana, (310) 717-5472 dianaleighw@yahoo.com
CREDENTIALED MATH & STUDY SKILLS TEACHER (BA-UCSD, M.Ed-UCLA, PhD Candidate-USC) Tutor K-College. Most subjects. 15 years recent classroom experience in the Palisades. Libby, (310) 963-0093
SPANISH TUTOR & PALISADES resident from South America is back in town! All ages, students, housewives, travellers, business people, all professionals, SAT & AP Prep. Call (310) 741-8422
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
ProCPM—We Manage Your Construction Project So You Don’t Have To. Your Home Built/Remodeled For Less—Less Time, Less Cost, Less Stress. (310) 459-6276 • www.ProCPM.com
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
NORTH BAY ELECTRIC. Serving the Palisades area since 1984 • Service Calls • Remodel Work • New Construction • (310) 456-7076. Lic. #493652
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
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
CARPENTRY, CROWN MOULDING, door casing, baseboards, doors, drywall, painting, decks, fences, power, wash, reseal & repairs. 2 hr./min. Non-lic. Free estimates. John, (818) 300-7923
CARPENTRY, PAINTING, STUCCO, baseboards, doors, drywall, fences, tile. Plumbing & all kinds of finish work guaranteed. Non-lic. Ask for Jorge, (213) 840-7926
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p
SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942. (310) 393-5686
PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r
PAUL HORST • Interior & Exterior PAINTING • 53 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
PLUMBING 16t
BOTHAM PLUMBING AND HEATING. Lic. #839118. (310) 827-4040
JLK PLUMBING. Re-pipe and sewer specialist & all plumbing repairs. Mention this ad & receive 10% off. Lic. #722414. Call (310) 678-6634
REMODELING 16v
KANAN CONSTRUCTION. References. BONDED • INSURED • St. Lic. #554451 • DANIEL J. KANAN, CONTRACTOR, (310) 451-3540 / (800) 585-4-DAN
LABOR OF LOVE HOME REPAIR & REMODEL. Kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, tile, doors, windows, decks, etc. Work guar. Ken Bass, General Contractor. Lic. #B767950. (310) 487-6464
D SQUARE CONSTRUCTION. Bonded, Insured. Local resident, local references. St. Lic. #822701 B, C-33. David R. Dwyer, (310) 699-7164
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
HELP WANTED 17
DRIVERS: TEAMS EARN TOP DOLLAR plus great benefits. Solo drivers also needed for Western Regional. Werner Enterprises, (800) 346-2818 x123
RESTAURANT HIRING CREW members. Mgmt potential for right candidate. Noah’s Bagels. Call Peter, (310) 230-1461. Competitive pay & free bagels!
RECEPTIONIST/BOOKKEEPER WANTED for Pacific Palisades estate planning firm. Congenial personality, fast typing, computer skills and desire to learn are all musts. E-mail resume and salary requirements to bjornson@3destateplanning.com
BABYSITTER/MOTHER’S HELPER wanted Mon. & Fri. a.m. & occasional weekend hrs. 10-12 hrs/wk. Must have own car, CDL, fluent English & love to play. Two energetic home schooled children. 11 & 7 yrs. $12/hr. (310) 454-0992
MOTHER’S HELPER WANTED for 11⁄2 year old boy. Approx. 2-5 p.m. any weekdays. College student preferred. Starting $8/hour. Call Nicole, (310) 926-8826
AUTOS 18b
CASH 4 MERCEDES BENZ/BMW $ 1980-1995, running or not. Any questions, please call (310) 995-5898
2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. 45,000 miles, fully loaded, 4 new tires, $23,000. Contact: Suzy, (310) 850-8286 or suzy_lupercio@ yahoo.com
1998 SL 600 AMG sport wheels, metallic green w/ tan interior. 48K miles, collectors cond. Single owner, gar. kept. Detailed every week of its life. No accidents or problems. (310) 383-4162. View wwwflektor.com/webflek/view/1180830403 245816 69385
2002 BMW X5. Fully loaded, 73K miles, $21,500. Price is below blue book. Excellent condition. (310) 573-1956
FURNITURE 18c
BOYS DISTRESSED BLUE furniture (almost new). Night stand, dresser & bookcase, $600/set. Twin mattress (almost new), $100. Good king mattress, $100. Washer/dryer, $200 set. Large light wood bookcase. (310) 614-3065
60” ROUND DINING table & 6 Boback chairs from Charles & Charles. Pd. $3,000, sell $500. Chandelier, $200. White wicker dresser, $100. (310) 614-7371
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com
Wolverines Charge to CIF Title
North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake, led by Palisadians Cathryn Quinn, Kasey Kissick, Catherine Sebastian, KC Kanoff, Alexa Bagnard, Marin Dennis and Meg Norton, won the CIF Southern Section Division I-A volleyball championship last Saturday at Cypress College, beating Flintridge Sacred Heart, 24-26, 25-7, 25-21,2 5-21. Champions of the Mission League, the second-seeded Wolverines (26-5) captured their first CIF title since 2001, with Quinn (13 kills) and Sebastian (60 assists) leading the way. In the semifinals, Harvard-Westlake swept defending champion Marymount, coached by Palisades resident Cari Klein and led by local players Jessie Kybartas and Jenna Scilacci. Norton had 21 kills, 10 digs and four aces for Harvard-Westlake. * * * * Led by local player Drew Hargrave, third-seeded Brentwood (23-12), advanced to the semifinals of the Division III-A playoffs, losing to second-seeded Westminster La Quinta, 15-25, 25-15, 20-25, 25-16, 15-12. * * * * With the help of three Palisadians and former Calvary Christian School students Molly Peterson, Glenna Roberts and Tara Robinson, Westlake Village Oaks Christian won the Tri-Valley League and was seeded No. 1 in Division III-AA. The Lions were upset by Quartz Hill in the quarterfinals.
Cross Country 11th at City Finals
After its best performance of the season at the City Section preliminaries, the Palisades High boys’ varsity cross country team did not have a higher gear to shift to Saturday in the finals. The Dolphins finished last out of 11 teams with 232 points, seven behind 10th place Belmont. Their average time of 17:30 was well behind their qualifying pace at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. “They really hit their peak at the prelims,” PaliHi Coach Ron Brumel said. “Our top six guys all went under 18 minutes. Today, we only had four do that.” Sophomore Carlos Bustamante, who ran a personal-best 16:09 in the prelims, was once again the Dolphins’ first scorer, finishing 29th in 16:40. Junior Michael Fujimoto finished 37th in 16:54. Senior Marco Tringali was 61st in 17:41, junior Oliver Gard-Murray was 63rd in 17:48, junior Tom Sullivan was 76th in 18:29 and senior Mohaned Elias was the Dolphins’ last scorer in 18:59, well off his personal-best 16:40 at the prelims. Junior Garth Elson finished 82nd in 20:27. Jared Long of El Camino Real won the individual title in 15:39 and Birmingham won the team championship with 47 points, followed by San Pedro (68), Granada Hills (124), Monroe (129), El Camino Real (136), Reseda (151), Taft (170), Bravo Medical (170), Narbonne (221) and Belmont (225). Palisades’ girls varsity did not qualify for City finals, which was won by Reseda.
Game, Set, City!
Tennis Tops Taft for Third Straight Title
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Too deep, too talented and too determined. That might be the best way to describe the Palisades High girls tennis team this season. After the Dolphins wrapped up their third consecutive City Section championship with a 5-2 victory over Woodland Hills Taft Friday at Balboa Sports Center in Encino, the obvious question was how long Palisades can keep its dynasty going. In a rematch of last year’s final, Palisades showed why it was seeded No. 1 in the tournament and why the Dolphins have won 20 Section titles, including 14 under Coach Bud Kling. Rather than folding under pressure, Palisades rises to the occasion. Just as they did in their 4-3 victory 12 months ago, the Dolphins swept all three doubles matches. Rose Schlaff and Yasamin Ghiasi set the tone, winning 6-0, 6-0, at No. 3 to notch Pali’s first point. “Coach was counting on us to sweep the doubles and that was our mindset,” Schlaff said. “We just took our time and hit our shots when they were there.” Kathryn Cullen and Erika Lee gave the Dolphins a 2-1 lead with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Taft’s No. 2 tandem of Tammy Zack and Mayan Ruimy. “I was happy to play doubles today,” said Cullen, one of the team’s co-captains and the only current Dolphin to have played in the finals all four years. “I play a little less risky in doubles, especially with Erika. She’s really good at poaching, so I don’t have to take as many chances.” Marina Sterngold then won, 6-3, 6-3, at No. 3 singles to move Pali within one match of a three-peat. “Marina’s victory was critical for us,” said Kling, who reached another personal milestone: his 30th City title since taking over the boys’ program in 1979 and the girls’ in 1984. “She moved up from doubles to singles and played really steady, solid tennis.” Audrey Ashraf and Phoebe Driscoll clinched Pali’s latest championship with a 6-4, 6-4 victory at No. 1 doubles’the Dolphins’ fourth point in the straight-up, best-of-seven format. “Part of the art of arranging your lineup in the playoffs is to get a feel for what matches might take longer,” Kling said. “You want to have people on the court, when you have a couple hundred people yelling and screaming on every point, who will hold up under the pressure.” One of those players is No. 1 player Katy Nikolova, who needed over three and a half hours to pull out a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) victory over Taft’s Sarah Cohen on her 18th birthday. Cohen was trying to avenge her loss in last year’s City individual singles final and the players embraced at the net at the end. “What it came down to is that they are just too strong in doubles,” Taft Coach Tom Wright said. “We had our chances, they were just too tough.” Despite losing to Taft’s Yuliya Maystruk, 6-1, 6-2, at No. 2 singles, freshman Samantha Kogan has been a solid contributor all season and, with Nikolova graduating, could be Palisades’ top player when it goes for four in a row next fall. “I’ve had a great experience this year,” Kogan said. “To win City my first season is great. Hopefully, I can win a few more.”
