THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. Santa Monica Canyon resident Gabe Rotter discusses and signs his debut novel, ‘Duck Duck Wally,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Movies in the Afternoon features ‘Now, Voyager,’ starring Bette Davis, at 1 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Free admission. Palisades Beautiful meeting, 10 a.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Upcoming neighborhood tree planting will be discussed. Members, friends and the general public are welcome. Contact: www.palisadesbeautiful@earthlink.net.’ Final ‘Read to Me L.A.’ preschooler & parent Storytime, suggested for children ages 3 to 5 and their adults, 4 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. St. Matthew’s annual Christmas Faire, 6 p.m. in the Sprague Center at St. Matthew’s Parish, 1031 Bienveneda. 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. (See story, page 16). SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Fourth and final flu-shot clinic, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Knolls Pharmacy on Marquez Avenue. Cost: $25. No appointments necessary. Volunteers are invited to join the monthly work party on the community-owned Village Green, 9 to 11 a.m. Just bring shears and gloves. Contact: Marge Gold at 459-5167. 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 18 Annual fall fashion show benefiting the Sisters of St. Louis and hosted by the St. Louis League board at Corpus Christi Church, 11 a.m. at the Riviera Country Club. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19 The new Classics Under 200 Pages Book Club will discuss Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s ‘Notes from Underground,’ 6:45 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. Annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 7:30 p.m., Corpus Christi Church, corner of Sunset and Carey. Public invited. Refreshments will be served. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Orchid grower and habitat conservationist Peter Tobias addresses the Malibu Orchid Society, 7 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. (See story, page 12.) WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 A weekly writing meeting for all 12-Step programs or anyone with a habitual problem or illness, 7 to 8 p.m. at 16730 Bollinger. Every third Saturday there’s a three-hour writing workshop at 9 a.m., same address. Contacts: (310) 454-5138 or info@12stepsforeverybody.org.
Calendar for the Week of November 15
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. Santa Monica Canyon resident Gabe Rotter discusses and signs his debut novel, ‘Duck Duck Wally,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Movies in the Afternoon features ‘Now, Voyager,’ starring Bette Davis, at 1 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Free admission. Palisades Beautiful meeting, 10 a.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Upcoming neighborhood tree planting will be discussed. Members, friends and the general public are welcome. Contact: www.palisadesbeautiful@earthlink.net.’ Final ‘Read to Me L.A.’ preschooler & parent Storytime, suggested for children ages 3 to 5 and their adults, 4 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. St. Matthew’s annual Christmas Faire, 6 p.m. in the Sprague Center at St. Matthew’s Parish, 1031 Bienveneda. 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. (See story, page 16). SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Fourth and final flu-shot clinic, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Knolls Pharmacy on Marquez Avenue. Cost: $25. No appointments necessary. Volunteers are invited to join the monthly work party on the community-owned Village Green, 9 to 11 a.m. Just bring shears and gloves. Contact: Marge Gold at 459-5167. 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 18 Annual fall fashion show benefiting the Sisters of St. Louis and hosted by the St. Louis League board at Corpus Christi Church, 11 a.m. at the Riviera Country Club. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19 The new Classics Under 200 Pages Book Club will discuss Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s ‘Notes from Underground,’ 6:45 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. Annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 7:30 p.m., Corpus Christi Church, corner of Sunset and Carey. Public invited. Refreshments will be served. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Orchid grower and habitat conservationist Peter Tobias addresses the Malibu Orchid Society, 7 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. (See story, page 12.) WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 A weekly writing meeting for all 12-Step programs or anyone with a habitual problem or illness, 7 to 8 p.m. at 16730 Bollinger. Every third Saturday there’s a three-hour writing workshop at 9 a.m., same address. Contacts: (310) 454-5138 or info@12stepsforeverybody.org.
Bustamante Blazes Pierce College
He’s only a sophomore, but Carlos Bustamante has already begun to make a run at the Palisades High record books. Running the school’s second fastest time by a 10th-grader since 1990, Bustamante lowered his personal-best by 21 seconds and led the Dolphins’ varsity boys cross country team to fourth place in its heat at the City Section preliminaries in Woodland Hills. “The conditions were perfect for running’a little chilly with a light breeze’and they field took advantage of that,” said Brumel, who recalled Fabian Castro running 15:49 as a sophomore for Pali in 1994. “Thursday’s weather was probably the best I can ever remember it being.” The result earned Palisades a spot in Saturday’s City finals meet, which will be the first race of the day at 8:15 a.m. “We went in ranked sixth or seventh and we got fourth, so I’m very pleased,” PaliHi Coach Ron Brumel said. “It’ll be hard to improve on that [in the finals] but you never know.” Bustamante completed the hilly three-mile course at Pierce College in 16:09 to lead a pack of Dolphins who all ran their fastest races of the season. Mohaned Elias finished in 16:40’a personal-best by 15 seconds’while Mike Fujimoto was 13 ticks better than his previous best in 17:07. Even the Dolphins’ sixth man’senior Marco Tringali’finished in under 18 minutes. L.A. Hamilton, which won the Western League Finals two weeks ago, ran seventh in its heat and failed to qualify for the finals. “We had everyone step up and we had better clustering,” Brumel said. “That’s what made the difference.” Palisades’ girls varsity was not among the top eight teams to qualify for City finals, but Lynn Lim dropped 35 seconds off her best time and fellow senior Etna Tiburcio broke 22 minutes for the first time. ‘I think the girls were ninth or 10th out of 13 teams,’ Brumel said. An impressive performance on the girls’ side was that of Carly Seder in the frosh/soph race. Her time of 23:33 was the Dolphins’ fourth-best overall and was the third straight race in which she lowered her time by almost a minute. Senior Robert Bird, who won the junior varsity race at League Finals in a personal-best 19:27, will try to improve on that performance in the City JV finals Saturday at 11 a.m. Brumel cited Monroe and Birmingham as the favorites in the boys’ varsity race on Saturday, with perennial power San Pedro and El Camino Real also a threat. As for the girls, he sees Reseda running away with the title. “They are really deep and really fast this year,” he said. “They have six girls who can run under 20 minutes.”
Paly Swimmers Drop Times
The numbers keep improving for the Palisades-Malibu YMCA swim team, as a contingent of 83 swimmers took second place at the Crescenta-Ca’ada Y meet at the El Monte Aquatics Center last weekend. Not only did the Y improve on its third place finish at the first meet in October, individual swimmers continued to drop times. Head Coach Brian Timmerman explains the higher finish to the increase in 13 & over males, who have joined the team. ‘We’ve added Andrew Hacker, Kurtis Rossi and Shervin Ghaffari in the 13 & 14 year-old group,” he said. “They join Stephen Anthony, Jordan Wilimovsky and Michael Schem. Slov Yanov, 15, joins Hudson Lofchie, 17, and Jimmy deMayo. 16, and Nicholas Kaufman, 17.” In previous years, no entries in those age categories meant a lost of individual and relay points for the team. There were two relays in the 13 & and over category, the boys took second place in both the 200 Freestyle relay (deMayo, Kaufman, Yanov Lofchie) and the 200 Medley (Wilimovsky, Ghaffari deMayo, Lofchie). Second place finish in a relay is 34 points, so the older boys added 68 points towards the team total. Individually deMayo took first in the 200 fly (2:23.67) and third in the 200 I.M., as well as racking up nine new best times. Ghaffari placed third in the 200 Breast and teammate Lofchie took second in the 200 Free and third in the 50 and 100 Free. Schem took second in the 100 Fly and third in the 100 Free. Wilimovsky swam third in three events: 100 Fly, 100 and 200 Back. ‘The younger kids also did well at this meet,’ Timmerman said. He saw considerable improvement from the meet held in October. ‘The first meet is always a little stressful. The kids were more comfortable this weekend,’ he said. ‘As a coach, I have to keep it as low key and as fun as possible. For the younger swimmers, Hunter Loncar, 8, continued his winning ways by taking first in the 25 Free (16.80) and 25 Breast (22.90), second in the 50 Free and third in the 25 Back and Fly, and the 100 I.M. Wyatt Loncar, 6, placed third in the 25 Free and Keely McMahon, 6, took third in the girl’s 25 Free. Mardell Ramirez, 10, once again proved she’s a force to be reckoned with by taking first in the 100 Free (1:08.33), the 200 Free (2.27.40) and the 50 Fly (34.09). She continued her domination in the 10 and under girls by taking second in the 50 Free and Breast and 200 I.M. Her lowest place finish was third in the 50 Back. Allison Merz led the older girls with three firsts: 50 Free (25.36), 100 fly (1:00.65) and the 200 fly (2:12.70). She took second in the 100 and 200 Free, the 100 Back and the 200 I.M. Her lowest place finish at the meet was fourth in the 500 Free and the 100 Breast. ‘By contrast, anytime you have best times for the 15 and over it’s significant, because it is tougher to keep getting best times,’ Timmerman explained to the Palisadian-Post on Monday. He pointed out that Rebecca Lawton, 15, had four best times and Samantha Rosenbaum, 15, three best times. Jennifer Tartavull took first in the 100 Breast (1:11.61) and the 500 Free (5:24.59). Tartavull took a pair of seconds in the 50 Free and 200 Breast and finished her meet by placing third in the 100 and 200 Free, the 200 I.M. and 100 Back. Hayley Lemoine placed second in the 200 Fly and third in the 200 Fly. Shelby Pascoe took third in the 500 Free, the 200 Back and the 100 Breast. The 13 & 14 year old girls are also swimming strong with Zoe Fullerton taking third in the 100 Breast and the 200 Free, Sabrina Giglio placing second in the 100 Breast and Mara Silka taking second in the 100 Fly and 200 Free and third in the 200 Fly. Timmerman was pleased with his Y-swimmers who also swim on the Palisades High school team Ana Silka, Lemoine, Pascoe and Haley Hacker. ‘They are all approaching the times they had at city, which is amazing for mid-season November,’ he said. The girls 13 & over relay team placed first in the 200 Free (J.Tartavull, Kimberly Tartavull, Lemoine, Merz) and the 200 Medley (Lawton, K.Tartavull, J. Tartavull and Merz), adding 80 points to the team total. The next Y meet will be hosted by the Westside Y on December 8 and 9. In addition, Timmerman is taking 18 older swimmers to a USA meet in Santa Clarita this weekend. ‘It’s a chance to swim distance events,’ Timmerman said. ‘It’s also the last chance to qualify for the championship meet held in Long Beach December 13, 14 and 15. We have a number of swimmers who are close to qualifying, like Sabrina [Giglio] and Mara [Silka], as well as a few others who are close in additional events.’
Palisades “Hill House” Wins Design Award
Hill House, a Pacific Palisades residence designed using the shape of the hillside it was built on, recently received a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC). The house, located at 338 Chautauqua Boulevard but overhanging Sunset Boulevard above Rustic Canyon, was designed by Palisades architects Mark Lee and Sharon Johnston. The husband-and-wife team head Johnston Marklee & Associates, a firm that takes pride in creating ‘architectural environments in unexpected atmospheric conditions.’ Built in 2004, the Hill House is a strikingly spare but elegant residence with panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Santa Monica Bay. ‘It has earned a NextLA Honor award and garnered accolades for its precedent-setting and inspiration for new projects,’ noted Palisadian-Post Staff Writer Nancy Smith in a February 17, 2005 Lifestyle feature. The AIACC, in partnership with energy performance experts at Savings by Design, recognize excellence in architecture and design by selecting recipients of the annual Design Awards competition. This year’s national jury included: Monica Ponce De Leon (Office dA Inc.), Margaret Griffin, AIA (Griffin Enright Architects), Jeffrey Lee, FAIA (PBC+L Architecture), Raymund Ryan (Carnegie Museum of Art) and Robert T. Steinberg, FAIA (Steinberg Architects). Three Honor Awards and 12 Merit Award recipients were named from more than 370 entrants. According to the jury, many residential entries were exquisite and would have qualified as award recipients in other state or national competitions. However, because of California’s spectacular residential spaces, the awards entrants faced exceedingly tough competition. Project Description: This 3,300-sq.-ft. house was designed under challenging conditions generated by building on a hillside. On an uneven downward slope, the irregularly shaped lot offers panoramic views to Santa Monica Bay. This project sets a new precedent for hillside building by liberating itself from various restraints, including Los Angeles’ hillside ordinances, building codes, coastal regulations and design board restrictions. This liberation is achieved not through evasion but by strategically transforming stringent building criteria into a sculptural and efficient design solution that seamlessly engages with the surrounding site. The structural assembly is composed of concrete, steel and timber. The foundation, based upon nine, 35-foot deep reinforced concrete piles, is anchored into bedrock and tied together by a network of grade beams. ‘A braced steel frame with timer infill framing emerges out of the concrete base to form the circulation core and cantilevered overhang at the entry. The placement of windows optimizes the usage of natural light and prevailing ocean breezes for natural ventilation, helping reduce energy consumption. Large sliding glass doors in the living area can be opened completely, erasing boundaries between interior and exterior. The placement of skylights in both the flat and sloped roofs further blurs the conventional distinction between roof and wall.’ Jury Comments: ‘The entire jury liked the sculptural qualities of this home. It is a most impressive project. A true analysis that results in form.’
Steamy Murder Mystery Set in the Palisades!
By KATIE O’LAUGHLIN Special to the Palisadian-Post Four housewives, bored or otherwise dissatisfied with their privileged lives, make a pact to each have a yearlong extramarital affair. Husbands are off-limit and the friends agree to confide only in each other, on the theory that dalliances cause trouble only when word leaks out. However, a local gossip learns about the pact and ends up dead! All of the characters stand to benefit from his death, so who did it? Sounds crazy, I know, but this very story, ‘The Infidelity Pact,’ by Carrie Karasyov (Broadway Books, $22.95) is set in Pacific Palisades. The author co-wrote two other bestsellers, ‘The Right Address’ and ‘Wolves in Chic Clothing,’ and even did a book signing with co-author Jill Kargman at my store, Village Books. Karasyov spent several years living in Santa Monica, but recently moved back to her native New York. We only learned about the book through the grapevine and were surprised that the author didn’t schedule a book signing in the Palisades. After reading the book, we wonder if the characters are based on real Palisadians (hope not!) and that is why the author was reluctant to appear here. (I feel like a gossip columnist myself as I write this!) Anyway, here are the Pacific Palisades references: Page 1: ‘It was the second Saturday in January, and Eliza and Declan Gallahue were hosting one of their small but chic cocktail parties at their small but chic house on Via de la Paz.’ Page 14: ‘On an overcast Wednesday night in July, approximately eight months before Anson’s death, Eliza, Victoria, Helen, and LeeLee had gathered at the Pearl Dragon for Girls’ Night Out. ‘ The Pearl Dragon was mostly a sushi restaurant, but it also had the only full bar in the Palisades. This meant that on summer nights there was usually a throng of college-age students clad in miniskirts (females) and baseball hats (males) hanging out in the bar, trying to pick up members of the opposite sex. Eliza and her gang stayed toward the back, attempting to pay little attention to the pheromones flying in the front, distracting themselves with spicy tuna rolls, shrimp tempura, and baked cod. The four best friends saw each other often, but it was mostly on the fly, when they were picking up or dropping off their children at classes, grabbing coffee at Starbucks, or doing shoulder stands in yoga class.’ Pages 22-23: ‘There was some gossiping about the people who had bought that ugly monstrosity on Embury Street. ‘ Some had outgrown their ‘Mommy & Me’ classes at Happy Child, others were ready for soccer.’ Page 31: ‘Helen turned her Lincoln Navigator onto Sunset and confidently guided it toward her house, which was located on one of the prime streets in the poshest section of the Palisades, known as The Riviera. When she had met Wesley, Helen was living in a small, run-down Hacienda apartment in Hollywood and could never have imagined that one day she’d reside in an enormous, modern white structure with walls of glass that showcased stunning 360-degree views of the city and the ocean. The onetime apprentice of an exceedingly famous architect, who unlike his mentor never achieved fame, had designed the house. ‘ And the house itself, like most Los Angeles residences, took up the majority of the property, aggressively cannibalizing the lawn with purely decorative white walls that abruptly dead-ended. Page 40: ‘But when it took Brad a year and a half to find a job, and it turned out that it was in Los Angeles, a place where they had no connections and no friends, and they had to move into a rental on an Alphabet Street north of Sunset in the Palisades, Leelee couldn’t help herself.’ Page 46: ‘The second Girls’ Night Out that Victoria organized took place at Giorgio Baldi, a dimly lit celebrity-laden Italian restaurant right off Pacific Coast Highway but with no view of the ocean.’ Page 61: ‘Before Eliza could reply, Anson Larrabee, an acquaintance who lived in the Palisades, interrupted them. ‘ He was the town gossip, who reigned over the society column in the Palisades Press with his poison pen, and enjoyed lunching with ladies to found out the comings and goings of everyone in the neighborhood.’ Pages 101-102: ‘Victoria had come home late from tennis clinic and was rushing to shower and change before she had to meet some of the mothers from the boys’ school at Terri’s to have a ‘working lunch’ coordinating the silent auction items for the winter benefit.’ Page 132: ‘Victoria lived in a Spanish-style abode on Toyopa Road in the Huntington Palisades, equidistant to Helen’s and Eliza’s houses. When she married Justin she’d made a strong point of telling him she didn’t ‘do houses,’ so the decorating of the residence was turned over to Marcus Harrington, a well-known L.A. designer with an affinity for Eastern art and furnishings.’ Page 140: ”Yes. So where are you rushing off to?” asked Anson. ”I’ve got to pick up a dress at Elyse Walker and then take the boys to karate,” Page 151: ‘He didn’t know quite what to make of her, but he had always held a grudge against her for scheduling her art show at the library on the same day as he was reading a collection of his columns at Village Books.’ Page 204: ‘They were having a cozy dinner at Caffe Delfini at Wesley’s suggestion.’ Page 223: ”This guy in the Palisades, Anson Larrabee. He writes the gossip column. He knows and he hates me, so he’ll do something about it.”’ ”Where does this Anson live?” he asked. ‘ ”In the Palisades. You look it up!” she said, walking to the waiting limousine.’ Page 247: ‘After the five o’clock service, Eliza, Victoria, Helen and Leelee all linked arms and walked together to Vittorio’s, having agreed in advance to forgo the reception held in the community room at the church.’ Wow!! What fun! Even though the premise of the book (the pact) is pretty reprehensible, this is a quick ‘chic lit’ read and it sure is amusing following the characters to such familiar places.
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 8, 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
HOMES WANTED 1b
WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887
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 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, table TV, all utils. incl. Avail now. (310) 459-1227
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
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
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
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
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
WRITER’S RETREAT. Large quiet office w/ large windows in a garden-like setting. DSL-TV, util. incl. Pvt ent. with full bath incl. (310) 702-1107
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
BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
BOOKKEEPER/PERSONAL ASSISTANT/Notary Public, personal bookkeeping & financial organizing, clerical duties, honest, reliable, discreet. Excellent references. Patti, (310) 720-8004
SMALL BUSINESS OR PERSONAL BOOKKEEPING. The Mess Untangler is again available in the Palisades. Fast, discreet, loyal, friendly, excellent references. saekorn@aol.com or (310) 570-6085
COMPUTER SERVICES 7c
COMPUTER SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT. HOME & BUSINESS–Windows Vista/XP–20 Yrs exp. frankelconsulting.com (310) 454-3886
MARIE’S MAC & PC OUTCALL. I CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE WITH: • Consultation on best hard/software for your needs • Setting up & configuring your system & applications • Teaching you how to use your Mac or PC • Upgrades: Mac OS & Windows • Internet: DSL, Wireless, E-mail, Remote Access • Key Applications: MS Office, Filemaker, Quicken • Contact Managers, Networking, File Sharing, Data backup • Palm, Visor, Digital Camera, Scanner, CD Burning • FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL — BEST RATES. (310) 262-5652
YOUR OWN TECH GURU * SET-UP, TUTORING, REPAIR, INTERNET. Problem-Free Computing, Guaranteed. Satisfying Clients Since 1992. If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! COMPUTER WORKS! Alan Perla (310) 455-2000
THE DETECHTIVES™. PROFESSIONAL ON-SITE MAC SPECIALISTS. PATIENT, FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE. WE COVER ALL THINGS MAC • Consulting • Installation • Training and Repair for Beginners to Advanced Users • Data recovery • Networks • Wireless Internet & more • (310) 838-2254 • William Moorefield • www.thedetechtives.com
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 7f
PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? an estate sale? a moving sale? a yard sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. BARBARA DAWSON • Garage Sale Specialist • (310) 454-0359 • bmdawson@verizon.net • www.bmdawson.com • Furniture • Antiques • Collectibles • Junque • Reliable professionals Local References
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
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tues., Wed. & Thurs. Very good local references. Own transportation, CDL. Call Ana, (323) 428-2947 or (323) 299-2381
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
HOUSEKEEPING AVAILABLE Tues., Wed., & Fri. Own transportation, very good references. Many years experience. Call Silvia, (213) 427-9609 or (213) 804-0832
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE M-F, own car, CDL, local references, insured, many years experienced. Call Ana, (213) 364-3648.
HOUSEKEEPING Full time or part time, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Local references, very experienced. No car. Pleasant. Please call Tina, (818) 759-5361
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
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
HONEST MAN SERVICES. All jobs big or small. Hauls it all. Homes & businesses. 14’ van/dollies. 15th yr. Westside. Delivers to 48 states. (310) 285-8688
HAVE TRUCK WILL HAUL. Junk around house, brush, debris & stump removal. Lic. #685533. Brad, (310) 454-8646
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
HEALING ARTS 12
SOUND THERAPY for health & regeneration with Marion Mayer R.N.M.S.N.P. Using cutting edge sound healing technology of the Cyma1000. Cymatherapy is safe & effective for all types of ailments, physical & emotional. Specializing in Women’s Health & integrating Mind/Body techniques. Call for an appt. today. (310) 573-0400 or go to www.cymatherapy.com for more info.
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
PET HEAVEN • TOTAL PET CARE • Training. Walking. Playgroups and hikes. 30 years Pali resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog!
FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a
HAVE FUN! GET FIT! NORDIC WALKING CLASSES. Certified Advanced Nordic walking instructor, Palisades resident teaches private/group classes in the Palisades. Weekends. (310) 266-4651
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
SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d
NEED HELP WITH COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ESSAY? Recent graduate & professional writer available. Will help to perfect essay for admissions success. Call (310) 985-1607 or e-mail maxtaves@gmail.com
TUTORS 15e
A TUTOR FOR A JUMP START WITH SCHOOL. 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 teaching experience including 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
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
LA HOME IMPROVEMENT. Handyman services. No job too small. Free Est. Non-lic. Call Lance, (310) 614-3988
HANDYMAN. CUSTOM-MADE tile, plumbing, door windows, brick, paint, stone floors, fences, patios. Non-lic. Call Antonio, (310) 740-4227 or (310) 740-6631
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
PLASTERING, DRYWALL 16s
THE WIZARD OF WALLS • Invisible repairs • Popcorn on/off • Textures • Paintings • Renovations • Plumbing • Wallpaper • Stucco repair • Instant quotes. 35 yrs experience. (310) 633-4042
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
ART 18a
RUSTIC CANYON RECREATION CENTER will be hosting its Fine Arts & Crafts Sale. Sunday, November 11th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 601 Latimer, Santa Monica CA 90402. For more information regarding this event and any of our other activities: Winter basketball, winter camp. Please call (310) 454-5734. We can also be located at www.laparks.org
AUTOS 18b
CASH 4 MERCEDES BENZ/BMW $ 1980-1995, running or not. Any questions, please call (310) 995-5898
2003 ACURA TL, white with beige leather. Local, professional owner. Perfect condition, 61,000K. ABS Anti-lock, air, alloys, Bose 6 CD changer, moonroof. $15,600. Steve, (310) 459-5662
2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. 45,000 miles, fully loaded, 4 new tires, $23,000. Contact: Suzy, (310) 850-8286 or suzy_lupercio@ yahoo.com
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
MULTI-FAMILY SALE. Sat., Nov. 10th, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 1284 Monument. One stop shopping. Clothes, yard furniture, collectibles, pots and misc. No early birds.
GARAGE SALE. 2-family. Household items, art, knick-knacks, Saturday, Nov. 10th, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 572 Muskingum Ave. (south of Sunset)
HUGE GARAGE SALE. Saturday, 11/10, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Books, clothes, appliances, crafts, deco, furniture, toys & much much more. 451 El Medio Ave.
HUGE GARAGE SALE. Saturday Nov. 10th. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 753 Via de la Paz. TVs, furniture, appliances, clothes, books & more.
MISCELLANEOUS 18g
FOREST LAWN, HOLLYWOOD HILLS Hillside “Lincoln Terrace” companion plot. Currently selling for $15,400. Asking $5,900 neg. (310) 454-0893
AIR PURIFIER! Removes smoke odors & 99% of mold & bacteria on surfaces with a touch of a button. Call independent distributor Wesene Sebhat, (310) 818-6502
WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, working or not. ‘50s, ‘60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 895-5057 • profeti2001@yahoo.com
6 (ca.1170) E-Indian RARE COINS Old/New Int’l collecting since 1969. 1075 (coins), 1300 (stamps), 619 (wacky collectibles). Serious buyers. Call Ehsan Syed, (562) 468-0533, Mon.-Fri. only 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
“Staging” A Home Vs. Buyer’s Psychology
Two Local Realtors Hire a Ph.D.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
By Natalie Reichman and Ninkey Dalton Special to the Palisadian-Post We’ve all heard the news, read the newspapers and listened to the radio, and it’s the topic of conversations at cocktail parties: the changing market that we have entered in real estate for both buyers and sellers. Right here on the Westside and throughout America, lenders are taking a stance with potential buyers by tightening their criteria, and sellers are feeling the effects too–a smaller qualified buyer pool and larger down payments. Sellers are looking for ways to increase the desirability of their property and we’ve been able to guide them in taking a more objective viewpoint. It’s not enough to make sure the home is neat and tidy, with lovely furnishings. The home must have ‘that certain something’ that appeals to buyers and draws them in, and this requires a solid consumer-oriented plan that shows off the best aspects of the home while minimizing the drawbacks. As agents with Prudential California Realty in Pacific Palisades, we begin by seeing the house as a piece of merchandise, a product that needs to have a carefully constructed campaign to prepare for sale and to demonstrate the strengths of the property at the buyer’s first viewing. First, we analyze what currently exists in the home and make recommendations to our client about what should be eliminated, tidied, repainted, replanted, and reduced. At this point we bring in another member of our team, Julie Manz of Julie Manz Design, who has her doctorate in consumer psychology and certification in interior design. She specializes in marrying the art of good interior design with the science of human decision-making and consumer behavior. Together with the homeowner we carefully examine the house and grounds in its entirety to get a complete visual picture from the point of view of the consumer/buyer. We discuss the strengths and challenges of the property and devise a plan that can involve many options–from complete staging or partial staging to revising the current placement of specific furnishings. The goal of successful staging is harmonizing the interior of a home to secure an overwhelmingly positive response from potential buyers. This means combining various elements of style, good design principles and, most importantly, adding relevant consumer psychology to the equation. The home must have that certain something that appeals to buyers and draws them in. More than just lovely furnishings, a solid consumer-oriented plan must show off the best aspects while minimizing the drawbacks. There are no problem homes, just challenges waiting for solutions. Designing a home with the necessary elements to appeal to buyers is quite different from designing a home for individual clients. The first is an exercise in highly targeted mass marketing; the latter is an effort to create a living environment tailored to the needs of just one family. As agents, our objective is to mass-market a home to appeal to a wide audience with many varied tastes. One of our clients in Pacific Palisades had his home on the market for three months with no sale, even though the price had been reduced and continuous feedback from agents and buyers referred to the Spanish tile floors that were covered by luxurious and interesting rugs. In addition, some items were out of scale for the size of the rooms in which they were placed–either too large, too small or too many. We called in Julie to evaluate the situation. As soon as she came into the house, she immediately pinpointed a design conflict as we assessed the situation. She felt that the beautiful Spanish tile floors were in direct conflict with the carpets, giving the feeling there was something to hide. Her remedy was to remove the current carpets and neutralize the floors by using natural woven materials that complemented rather than covered the beauty of the tiles. She pointed out that the floors needed to be presented as an upgrade and a highly desirable design element, not an obstacle. Subsequently, the home sold within three weeks for a higher price. While the owners were not able to replace the floors, we were now able to assist buyers in seeing how they might be able to envision their furniture in this situation. Given the tightening criteria for loans, shifting home prices, the confusion of buyers, and sometimes the cloudy perception of sellers, the professional real estate agent is challenged to help, advise and guide both sellers and buyers on more complex levels than ever before. Our use of a consumer psychologist has proven to be an invaluable addition as we strive to sell a house at the best price in the shortest period of time. (Natalie Reichman and Ninkey Dalton work in the 881 Alma Real building and can be reached at (310) 230-3714. Julie Manz, Ph.D., of Julie Manz Design can be reached at (310) 383-8138.)
Brady Hiete and Lauren Gaona Wed in August
Brady Hiete, son of Mary and Kurt Hiete of Pacific Palisades, married Lauren Gaona, daughter of John and Debbie Gonzales and Robert and Lisa Gaona, on August 4. The sunset wedding ceremony and dinner-dance reception took place at the Sherwood Country Club in Camarillo. Brittany Bierman, friend of the bride, was the maid of honor The bridesmaids included the bridegroom’s three sisters: Tracey, Tiffany, and Terri Hiete, and friends Breanne Henkleman, Taryn Hearst, Lana Tracy and Jen Hiete. The best man was the bridegroom?s brother Ryan Hiete. Groomsmen included Patrick Klein, Adam Nielson, Geoff Perry, Jonathan Stark, David Bozzi, and the bride’s two brothers, Jason and Jared Gaona. The flower girls included the bride?s sister Emily Gaona and her niece Piper Hiete. The ring bearer was nephew Bradley Hiete. The newlyweds honeymooned on Maui and Bora Bora. They are at home in Agoura Hills.
Locals Invited on a Chinese Culinary Journey
The history of the traditional Chinese banquet will be explored by writer Nicole Mones at Chang’s Garden in Arcadia on Sunday, November 18. Throughout the 16-course meal, Mones will relate the principles of cuisine as described in her novel ‘The Last Chinese Chef.’ Literary and culinary devotees will depart from Village Books on Swarthmore at 12:30 p.m. aboard a chartered bus en route to Arcadia, returning at approximately 4:30 p.m. Mones, the author of ‘Lost in Translation’ and ‘ A Cup of Light,’ and frequent contributor to Gourmet magazine, owned a business in China for eight years at the close of the Cultural Revolution before turning to writing about the country. ‘In China, food functions as the power regulator, the setter of hierarchies, and the engine driving guanxi (or connectedness, relationship), which in turn drives Chinese society,’ Mones explained in an interview with Super Chef. ‘Chinese cuisine has a secret language. Who invites whom? What menu is selected’does it flatter the diner’s subtlety of intelligence? Does it convey the appropriate commitment to the relationship? Who sits where? Who toasts whom and how? Who serves whom? Through these symbolic choices and gestures the ritual of dining cements and nurtures relationships.’ Autographed copies of Mones’ book will be available to purchase at the restaurant. The event is $70, $60 if you choose to drive separately. To reserve a place, call (310) 454-4063 or email connie@villagebooks.com.
