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).
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.’
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.
Cindy Simon Wins Community Service Award
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.)
Calendar for the Week of November 22
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Theatre Palisades presents Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit ‘The Unexpected Guest,’ Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through December 16 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Call (310) 454-1970 for ticket information, or go to www.theatrepalisades.org. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Center for the Jazz Arts is providing live jazz music at Tivoli Caf’ each Saturday in November from 8 to 11 p.m. at the caf’,15306 Sunset. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Friends of Film presents ‘Saudis in America,’ by Saudi director Fahmi Farahat, 6:30 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Admission: $5. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Monthly meeting of the Pacific Palisades Civic League, 7:30 p.m. in Gabrielson Hall at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Public invited. Author Joy Horowitz and City Councilman Bill Rosendahl will be guest speakers at the 49th annual meeting of the Pacific Palisades Residents Association, 7:30 p.m. in the Palisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Public invited. Refreshments will be available beginning at 7 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Library Storytime for children of all ages, 4 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The Pacific Palisades Art Association meets at 7 p.m. at the Palisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford Avenue. Please bring art materials. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Photographer Pierre Odier will present ‘Crossing Siberia: First Land Expedition Back to the U.S.’ at the Palisades AARP Travel Group meeting, 2 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. One-day craft workshop for junior high and high school students to create necklaces and bracelets, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library on alma Real. Limited to the first 25 showing up.
Calendar for the Week of November 22
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Theatre Palisades presents Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit ‘The Unexpected Guest,’ Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., through December 16 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Call (310) 454-1970 for ticket information, or go to www.theatrepalisades.org. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Center for the Jazz Arts is providing live jazz music at Tivoli Caf’ each Saturday in November from 8 to 11 p.m. at the caf’,15306 Sunset. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Friends of Film presents ‘Saudis in America,’ by Saudi director Fahmi Farahat, 6:30 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Admission: $5. (See story, page TK.) MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Monthly meeting of the Pacific Palisades Civic League, 7:30 p.m. in Gabrielson Hall at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Public invited. Author Joy Horowitz and City Councilman Bill Rosendahl will be guest speakers at the 49th annual meeting of the Pacific Palisades Residents Association, 7:30 p.m. in the Palisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Public invited. Refreshments will be available beginning at 7 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Library Storytime for children of all ages, 4 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The Pacific Palisades Art Association meets at 7 p.m. at the Palisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford Avenue. Please bring art materials. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Photographer Pierre Odier will present ‘Crossing Siberia: First Land Expedition Back to the U.S.’ at the Palisades AARP Travel Group meeting, 2 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. One-day craft workshop for junior high and high school students to create necklaces and bracelets, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library on alma Real. Limited to the first 25 showing up.
Taking Graf’s ‘Lessons’ to Heart
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
“Movies will make you famous; television will make you rich; but theater will make you good.’ Whether the ambiguity is intended or not, for playwright Wendy Graf the theater has proven the best form to tackle ‘serious stories, questions of politics and religion,’ and has intensified her moral aesthetic. After enjoying a successful career in television, Mandeville Canyon resident Graf left the episodic, small arc of that genre to focus on writing plays. Her first three, fueled by her search for her own Jewish identity, formed a trilogy centered on themes of faith and identity. The second in the trio, ‘Lessons,’ which was directed by Adam Davidson and starred Mare Winningham and Hal Linden, debuted in the summer of 2005. The show, which was well received and sold out for its brief run, will reappear in a new guise opening tonight at the West Coast Jewish Theatre in West Hollywood. For theatergoers who saw the first iteration, Graf’s revised ‘Lessons’ explores onstage what had previously been reported offstage in the play’s original production. While the storyline remains the same–Graf’s humor and humanity intact–she comes closer to the truth of the protagonists as complex, nuanced human beings. In the current production, Graf and this time director Gordon Davidson (Adam’s father) pose questions that emerged as they deepened the exploration of the journey that the two protagonists make, each from a very different starting point. It’s rare that a playwright will revisit a produced work for a variety of reasons, but more often because they’ve moved on. ‘Most writers think their work is done,’ says Davidson, a Santa Monica Canyon resident. In fact, Graf, too, had moved on when the West Coast Jewish Theater called in January wanting to include ‘Lessons’ in the 2007-2008 season. ‘Artistically, I was ready to move on to a new project, I didn’t have the distance to revisit it and I had already gotten involved with ‘Leipzig,'[which debuted in October 2006],’ she says. By last spring, Graf had achieved some distance and agreed to take a second look at the script. She restructured it into one act, worked out some problematic plot issues, then sent it to Adam Davidson, whose busy schedule prevented him from taking the job, suggested to Wendy that his dad might be interested. She sent Gordon the script, and three weeks later, Gordon called Wendy and told her he was ‘excited about the possibilities. My son got me the job,’ Gordon quipped in an interview with the Palisadian-Post. ‘Low paying’a 99-seat theater, but” This would be Gordon Davidson’s first directorial gig since retiring after 30 years as artistic director of the Center Theater Group in 2004, where he oversaw productions at the Ahmanson, Mark Taper and Kirk Douglas theaters. ‘I responded to the humanity in Wendy’s play,’ Gordon says. ‘Here was this man, Ben, who starts with no faith, no roots and no family’he had just lost his wife. His tennis partner, a rabbi, suggests that he might consider a change in venue, following such a serious loss. He suggests Israel; it may even awaken his Jewish roots. He might study Hebrew. ‘Ben responds to the challenge,’ Davidson continues. ‘He likes to win, he’s a salesman after all, and so he finds a teacher. The teacher, Ruth, is former rabbi who has lost her faith along the way, she can’t even praise God any more. ‘This is a story about these two people in pain who have an encounter. As they seek answers, I responded to the power of faith and the difficulty of holding onto it. ‘We all wonder why things happen to us and try to understand the lessons that life is teaching us. By couching her story within the context of the Torah, Graf reiterated the value of questioning, as Judaism welcomes change and questions to God.’ While Davidson and Graf were intrigued with the idea of working together, each viewed the initial meetings as a trial period. ‘I didn’t want to do it unless we shared the same questions, philosophical, theological and aesthetic,’ Davidson says. ‘Wendy jumped in and learned to trust me, although she was skittish at first.’ For her part Wendy, while excited to be working with the respected theater veteran, feared that he might overpower her. But as they worked through the summer, they bonded with the play, bonded with the characters and slowly created two people who, through their lessons, learn to reconnect with another person, with faith and with the community. ‘Our process kind of mirrored the process in the play in a lot of ways,’ Graf says. ‘We weren’t tool masters, but together asked questions. Gordon was kind of my spiritual guide. He inspired, encouraged and pushed me to explore and to go deeper.’ “Lessons,” starring Hal Linden and Larissa Laskin, plays through December 23 at the Lee Strasberg Creative Center’s Marilyn Monroe Theatre, 7936 Santa Monica Blvd. For tickets, please call (323) 650-7777 or visit www.westcoastjewishtheatre.org.
‘Unexpected’ Gains Momentum in Second Scene
‘The Unexpected Guest,’ a murder mystery based on the Agatha Christie novel of the same name, now playing at Pierson Playhouse through December 16 reminds me, not surprisingly, of a game of Clue. In the beginning, the prospect of a mysterious murder is intriguing. Who killed whom? Where? And with what? Ten minutes in, someone’s dead and I couldn’t be less interested in who did it or why. I just want to pick a murderer, a weapon and a room so I can open up the little card and check to see if I’m right. I don’t care if I win or lose; I just want the game to end. Unfortunately, in ‘The Unexpected Guest,’ there is no secret card that reveals the murderer. If you want to find out who killed Richard Warwick, you have to stay until the end. The play opens with a single gunshot, which kills Richard Warwick. Obviously, the rest of the plot is dedicated to figuring out who killed Warwick and why. Could it be his wife, Laura? His mother? His brother? Or even the unexpected guest, Michael Starkwedder, who arrives just after the murder occurs and encounters a frightened Mrs. Warwick in the parlor. Starkwedder (Christopher Weir) and Laura Warwick (Marybeth Massett) form a fast friendship, and quickly create a ploy to cover the murder. Still, it feels funny. Neither reveals much emotion, despite the giant elephant in the room’a dead body with a bullet in its head. Fortunately, though, like any good board game ‘The Unexpected Guest’ becomes much more amusing when more people/characters get involved. Scene 2 opens on the morning after the murder. Sergeant Cadwallader (Wilson Green) and Inspector Ian Thomas (Jack Winnick) begin investigating the Warwick family and their live-in employees in order to solve the crime. Winnick steals the scene, perhaps the whole show, with his portrayal of the inspector, an old-time detective whose dialogue, delivered quickly and flawlessly, is reminiscent of that in a fast-paced, classic Hollywood drama. While he was onstage, the play remained engaging. His sidekick, Sergeant Cadwallader was also very well cast, and although the part wasn’t huge, Green kept it entertaining. The set, a classic looking 1950’s parlor room, was very well designed and constructed, and no details were left untouched’from the books and candlestick holders on the shelves, to the fireplace tools and trophy animals on the walls. And in the end, I was slightly surprised by the results of the case, and the revelation of the Warwick’s murderer’despite pretending I knew who did it all along. Theatre Palisades presentation of ‘The Unexpected Guest’ runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 16 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for students and seniors on Fridays and Sundays and $18 for adults, $16 for students and seniors on Saturdays. For tickets call the box office: (310) 454-1970.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 15, 2007
HOMES FOR SALE 1
9 HOMES LEFT. Condo Alternative PCH/Sunset. Up to 1,550 Sq. Ft. $199,000-$659,000. Some Completely Remodeled, Many Upgrades. Ocean Views, Wood Floors, New Fixtures. 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
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. (310) 459-0765
LOVELY 2 BD, 2 BA, wooded setting. Frpl, lndry cable, phone, DSL, gdner. Fully furn & equip. 3-?? Mos. N/S No pets. $2,570/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
GUEST HOUSE. $1,975/MO. Quiet, secluded, 1 bdrm, 1 ba + loft bed, kitchen, hdwd flrs, WB/F/P, large private pool, beautiful gardens, patio, W/D, cable TV, all utils. incl. Avail now. (310) 459-1227
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
UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
$2,500/mo. LARGE, LIGHT 1 bdrm, 1 ba, Mediterranean triplex near bluffs. Mucho charm! Unique touches. Built-in bookcases, cabinets, drawers, tile, hdwd. flrs, bay window, gar/gdn. 1 yr lease. N/P, N/S. (310) 829-6931
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
PRIVATE OCEAN VIEW GUESTHOUSE, partially furnished; small but cool; gated, tropical gardens, patio. Near old Getty villa. No pets, no smoking. $1,450/mo. Ready now. (310) 459-1983
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
ROOMS FOR RENT 3
OCEAN VIEW ROOM in Pacific Palisades. Private bath, cable, laundry, garage & limited kitchen use incl. Smoking ok. Large home Refs. Male preferred. (310) 454-8120
WANTED TO RENT 3b
OFFICE WANTED TO RENT. Established (12 years) 1-person business looking for single office in the Palisades. Business has no customer traffic, multi-year lease OK. Willing to sublet with existing business. (310) 459-4282
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
PP FAMILY SEEKING furnished vacation rental, in or near PP, for relatives visiting 12/25/07-1/4/08. Prefer 2+ bedrooms. Professional, responsible, willing to pet-sit, etc. Call Lisa, (310) 454-9714
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
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
FOUND ON PALI High athletic field: a good quality hooded sweatshirt. To claim it please call (310) 459-1037 & state the name printed on it.
WE LOST OUR KITTY. Big fat black & white male w/ flea collar. Pink nose, pink paws & looks like a cow. Lost near Via bluffs. Big reward. Please call Pepper, (310) 454-3388
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
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
WEST LA NANNIES • Caring • Committed • TRUSTED • (310) 584-4555
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
LOOKING FOR A FULL TIME JOB! 8-10 hrs./day, Mon.-Fri. Good Nanny references. Cell, (310) 592-8735, Hm, (323) 290-0984
EXPERIENCED NANNY/BABYSITTER available Tues., Thurs. & Friday. All day. $16/hr. References available. (213) 215-6052
EUROPEAN EDUCATED NANNY available F/T OR P/T. Experienced. Eager to learn. Anna, (818) 943-4364
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 AVAIL MON-SAT. Good experience & refs. Cleaning service, includes laundry, ironing, closet organizer. Good with pets. Speak Spanish only. Magdalena, (323) 634-0736, (323) 527-4538
HOUSECLEANING AVAILABLE Mon.-Fri. I like pets. I speak a little bit of English. References. Cell, (323) 559-8806. Ask for Ingrid D. Molina.
HOUSECLEANER AVAILABLE Wednesday. Own car, CDL, speaks a little English. Call Soila, (323) 559-8806
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE to clean your home Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. Great references. Please call Martina, (213) 365-9806 or (818) 693-2231
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Wednesday & Friday. Own transportation. Very good references. Experienced. Call Ada, (323) 293-2067
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. 5years 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 PRIVATE ASSISTANT part time, over 10 years experienced. Great references. Available with car. English speaking. (424) 208-3608
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
HAVE TRUCK WILL HAUL. Junk around house, brush, debris & stump removal. Lic. #685533. Brad, (310) 454-8646
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
MEDICAL BILL HELP 12e
We Get Rejected Medical Bills Paid! Any patient • Any bill • We fight for you • No Recovery • No Fee • (888) 8Medbill • www.MedBillRecovery.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
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
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
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
ELDER CAREGIVER needed for overnight shift. 8 p.m.-8 a.m. Experienced, references, English speaking. Call Earl, (310) 459-2861 or (310) 454-7073
NOW HIRING, YMCA Christmas Tree Lot. P/F time, unloading, cutting, trimming, standing, sales, deliveries. Drivers with trucks wanted. Contact Joaquin, (310) 454-5591 ext.1510, or www.ymcala.org/pm
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
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
SAT., NOV. 17, 8 A.M.-1 P.M. 665 Las Lomas Avenue,(south of Sunset) 52-inch TV, twin bed, furniture, Lift chair, clothIng, toys, housewares, cameras, printers, lighting, windsurfer setup.
MULTI-FAMILY SALE. Xmas, clothes, books, tapes, houseware, collectibles etc. Friday, Nov. 16, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, November 17, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. 947 Galloway.
PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e
SADIE, OUR three-year-old Cairn Terrier, needs a home where she can be the only child. (310) 454-4918. cjpacpal@roadrunner.com3
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com
Fog and Sunglight in the Highlands
Joyce Simmons, who lives on Piedra Morada Drive in the Palisades Highlands, took this photo of the fog on an otherwise sunny morning in early November. “Sometimes, we feel like we live above the clouds,” she told the Palisadian-Post. Photo: Joyce Simmons-Fuss
