THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Irad Malkin, chairman of the department of history at Tel Aviv University, will discuss the relationship between the rise of Greek civilization and the multi-directional networks the Greeks established in the Mediterranean Sea, 8 p.m. at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. Admission is free, but advance tickets are required. For tickets visit: www.getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Calvary Christian School Holiday Boutique, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the campus, 701 Palisades Dr. Music at St. Matthew’s presents baroque music by Ensemble Caprice of Montreal, 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave. Tickets at the door: $25. 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 10 YA author Brian Mandabach discusses and signs his debut novel, ”Or Not,’ 4 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. 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 11 Annual Holiday Home Tour & Boutique, presented by the Pacific Palisades Junior Women’s Club, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit local schools and charitable organizations. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 The library’s Drama Book Club will discuss Sam Shepherd’s ‘True West’ and read from the play, 6:45 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited. Moonday in the Village, a monthly Westside poetry reading, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 The monthly meeting of the Pacific Palisades AARP chapter will feature a white elephant sale, 2 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Public invited. Friends of Film screening, ‘Willie Francis Must Die Again,’ 6:30 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real Drive. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. Gabe Rotter discusses and signs his first novel, ‘Duck Duck Wally,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 St. Matthew’s annual Christmas Faire, 6 p.m. in the Sprague Center at St. Matthew’s Parish, 1031 Bienveneda.
Calendar for the Week of November 8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Irad Malkin, chairman of the department of history at Tel Aviv University, will discuss the relationship between the rise of Greek civilization and the multi-directional networks the Greeks established in the Mediterranean Sea, 8 p.m. at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. Admission is free, but advance tickets are required. For tickets visit: www.getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Calvary Christian School Holiday Boutique, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the campus, 701 Palisades Dr. Music at St. Matthew’s presents baroque music by Ensemble Caprice of Montreal, 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave. Tickets at the door: $25. 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 10 YA author Brian Mandabach discusses and signs his debut novel, ”Or Not,’ 4 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. 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 11 Annual Holiday Home Tour & Boutique, presented by the Pacific Palisades Junior Women’s Club, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit local schools and charitable organizations. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 The library’s Drama Book Club will discuss Sam Shepherd’s ‘True West’ and read from the play, 6:45 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. The public is invited. Moonday in the Village, a monthly Westside poetry reading, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 The monthly meeting of the Pacific Palisades AARP chapter will feature a white elephant sale, 2 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Public invited. Friends of Film screening, ‘Willie Francis Must Die Again,’ 6:30 p.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real Drive. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. Gabe Rotter discusses and signs his first novel, ‘Duck Duck Wally,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 St. Matthew’s annual Christmas Faire, 6 p.m. in the Sprague Center at St. Matthew’s Parish, 1031 Bienveneda.
Spikers Roll into Quarters
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Palisades High girls volleyball coach Chris Forrest keeps reminding his team that it’s going to get tougher. Sooner or later, the Dolphins might face an opponent that poses a serious threat to their bid for the City Section title. It just hasn’t happened yet. Palisades rolled over its first two playoff opponents to advance to tonight’s quarterfinals at 7 p.m., when the top-seeded Dolphins will host No. 9 Van Nuys Grant. “We didn’t play our ‘A’ game but I’m happy that we’ve moved on,” Forrest said after the Dolphins’ 25-14, 25-20, 25-22 second-round victory over 17th-seeded Harbor City Narbonne on Tuesday. “My focus is on winning each game’not each match but each game.” Palisades has done that with little difficulty thus far, save for a few anxious moments near the end of the match against a game Gauchos squad desperate to avoid being swept. “I wouldn’t say I was worried we might lose but we sort of took it easy a little after we got way ahead in Game Three,” junior outside hitter Laura Goldsmith said. “We played them in the Venice tournament and they were much better this time.” Palisades players barely broke a sweat in last Thursday’s first round’a 25-6, 25-15, 25-7 drubbing of 32nd-seeded Granada Hills Kennedy that barely lasted 40 minutes. If the seedings hold, Palisades could play San Pedro in the semifinals for the second straight year’only this time the Dolphins would have homecourt advantage. “That’s the team that knocked us out last year,” Forrest said of the fourth-seeded Pirates. “We beat them [in a nonleague match] back in September but I saw them in a tournament a few weeks ago and they’re much better than when we played them.” Lurking on the opposite side of the draw is Western League rival Venice–the only City team to beat Palisades this season. The Gondos got the No. 2 seed by virtue of sweeping defending champion Woodland Hills Taft. “Venice is a very good team and I wouldn’t underestimate them,” Forrest said. “They deserve to be seeded second and I’m not looking forward to that match if we do end up meeting in the finals.” Goldsmith and senior middle blocker Alex Lunder each had 11 kills against Narbonne, which finished third in the Marine League behind San Pedro and Carson. Goldsmith also had 10 digs, made just two hitting errors, and served two aces’the second on match point. Senior setter Jenna McCallister had 31 assists and three aces and sophomore libero Tait Johnson finished with a team-leading 11 digs. Should the Dolphins beat Grant tonight, they would host a semifinal match next Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Venice Crashes Dolphins’ Party
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
The Palisades High varsity football team had to wait a long time to play its first home game this season, so the Dolphins were determined to make the most of their only opportunity. Alas, Venice was not in a celebratory mood. The Gondoliers gave a near-capacity crowd very little to cheer about, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions en route to a 42-0 win that spoiled Palisades’ long-awaited homecoming and denied the Dolphins the thrill of christening their new field with a win. “We thought we were going up against a very good team and Venice made a believer out of me,” PaliHi’s first-year head coach Kelly Loftus said. “Their defensive linemen were as fast as our tailbacks and their players are in much better condition.” Starting quarterback Michael Latt sustained a bruised left quadriceps after being tackled early in the fourth quarter and missed the rest of the game. Latt was replaced by freshman Conner Preston and his status remains a question mark heading into Friday’s season finale at University. Loftus is counting on Palisades’ size advantage at the line of scrimmage to negate the opponents’ speed. “They [Uni] are small but fast so we’re going to see if we can push them around a bit,” he said. “We’re abandoning our man-to-man blocking scheme and switching to a zone. Jose Climaco is moving from right tackle to right guard and David Arzumanov is moving back to tackle.” Venice boasts one of the top offenses in the City Section, led by USC-bound tailback Curtis McNeal and quarterback Richard Ragland. But Palisades played hard the whole game, despite punting nine times and trailing 28-0 at halftime. “This team has overcome a lot of adversity,” PaliHi Defensive Coordinator Ron Evans said. “Our guys have battled through injuries and not having a home field and it says a lot that they haven’t quit.” University’s 22-21 loss to Hamilton last Friday also gives the Dolphins something more than pride to play for. With a victory over the Wildcats there is still a chance that Palisades could sneak into the City Invitational playoffs. “If the right teams lose and the right teams win, we can still get in,” Loftus said. “I can’t remember the last time Palisades won its last game. So there is a lot at stake.” At press time, Loftus had not decided who would start Friday night, but Preston took all of the reps at Monday’s practice and said he will be ready if his No. 5 is called. “It felt good and I really wasn’t nervous,” Preston said of his three series against Venice–one of which ended with an interception. “The biggest difference [between JV and varsity] is that I have so many more playmakers and that makes my job a lot easier.” The City playoffs consist of a championship division for the top 16 teams and an Invitational bracket for teams seeded 17 through 32. According to Calpreps’ Web site, which ranks teams based on their won/loss record, margin of victory and strength of schedule, Palisades enters its last regular season game 38th out of 55 teams in the City. A win over 18th-ranked University, however, might boost the Dolphins’ rating enough to crack the top 32. Ultimately, Palisades’ fate lies in the hands of a City seeding committee. “I’m only a junior but it would mean a lot to win this game for all of our seniors,” running back Joshua Giles said. “If we have a solid running game, we should be able to do it.”
Cohen Skates to Another Gold
She’s only been figure skating for two and a half years, but Grace Cohen is already making a habit of winning. The seven-year-old Palisadian captured her fourth gold medal in as many competitions last weekend at the Desert Ice Open in Las Vegas, finishing first out of 10 skaters at the Lutz level (ages 7-10). The competition, held at the Skating Club of Nevada, included participants from California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico and Utah. A second-grader at Marquez Elementary School, Cohen is a member of the Figure Skating Club of Southern California, where she trains under the watchful eyes of Burt Lancon and Heather McLaughlin. Cohen’s winning routine consisted of a freestyle skate 90 seconds in length that featured three jumps (a toe-loop, flip jump and a lutz), multiple manuevers and a sit spin. Not bad for a girl from the El Medio bluffs just trying to keep up with her athletic older brothers Sam (who plays baseball) and Harry (who plays tennis).
CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1, 2007
HOMES WANTED 1b
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
PETITE PARADISE COVE MOBILE HOME. Steps to sand. Charming writer’s pad, surfer’s paradise retreat. Indoor/outdoor living. Light, airy, serene, fun. Fully furnished. Best deal in Malibu. Only $340,000. Call now: (310) 454-0920
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. Flexible terms. No pets. (310) 459-0765
SHORT TERM LEASE AVAILABLE for 6 months (Dec.-June). Contemporary Monterrey Colonial home in Palisades Village newly built. Main house has 3 bedrooms, 21⁄2 baths, & library. Master bedroom has walk-in closets and steam shower. Ocean views from the second floor. Large gourmet kitchen with indoor/outdoor dining area w/ huge custom door opening from ground to ceiling. Beautifully furnished. Hardwood floors throughout. Outdoor gas barbecue. Pool is heated, saline, & safety pool cover. Gorgeous detached pool house has separate 3/4 bath with shower, treadmill, & large sectional sofa w/ fold out queen bed. Projection system with DVD, cable TV, 8 ft. screen & full surround sound. Move-in condition fully equipped w/ linens, silverware, etc. $18,000/mo. Contact Steve Sawaii at (310) 979-4165
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. $6,500/mo. Call (310) 457-1522
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
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
NEW LOFT in Playa Vista. 2 bdrm, 2 ba +den. Security bldg. All new appliances. 1 mile from ocean & walking distance to LMU. $3,300/mo.+security. (310) 569-1190
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 $3,950/mo. (310) 459-4682
1 Bdrm, 1 ba, PALISADES HIGHLANDS CONDO in unique senior bldg near ocean. Quiet, bright, view. Available immediately to qualified person over 62. $1,340/mo. (310) 926-9886
WANTED TO RENT 3b
USC PHD EUROPEAN female N/S, seeks private guesthouse, studio, 1 bdrm/rm Palisades, Santa Monica, Mar Vista. Kasia, (310) 625-0254
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
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
OFFICES FOR SHORT to medium term sublet available with potential for long term with the right person in the heart of Pacific Palisades. Prefer media-oriented and creative ventures. Office furniture and many business tools included as well as potential use of world class recording studio. Available immediately. (310) 230-2050
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
WRITER’S RETREAT. Fully furnished ocean view. Palisades Park. Internet, DVD, wireless, direct TV available, parking space available. Available immediately wkly/wkdys or monthly. maisonville@yahoo.com.
RENTAL SPACE, STORAGE 3d
STORAGE SPACE AVAILABLE for lease at The Atrium Building (860 Via de la Paz) in Palisades Village. Secured units ranging in size from 67 sf to 168 sf. Please contact Pietra @ (310) 591-8789 or email pietra@hp-capital.com
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
DOUBLE YOUR INCOME IN 90 DAYS! We will show you how to be self employed, earn executive level income and live the lifestyle you deserve! www.haveanamazinglife.com (800) 892-3165
INCOME PROPERTY 5b
WANTED: SOPHISTICATED INVESTORS to purchase highly desirable 5 bdrm, gate guarded, Mediterranean Ocean view home. (310) 947-1844
LOST & FOUND 6a
FOUND: BIKE. Friday, 10/26, off Las Casas. Call to identify. (310) 454-0575
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
ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE, ORGANIZATION & Bookkeeping. Superior services provided w/ discretion & understanding. Pali resident, local references. Call Sarah, (310) 573-9263
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
PROFESSIONAL LOVING NANNY seeking F/T job. Last 7.5 years in Palisades. Excellent local references. Excellent driver. Clean DMV. Call Aida, (323) 496-4984
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
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 Tuesday & Friday. Own car. Experienced, excellent local references. Call Ana, (323) 605-4218
HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tues., Wed. & Thurs. Very good local references. Own transportation, CDL. Call Ana, (323) 428-2947 or (323) 299-2381
HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING. I am available Mon.-Sat. I have good references, am reliable and efficient. You can call Silvia at (323) 898-7186
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
EDIBLE GARDENING CLUB: Now Forming. Get connected to other Pac Pal and Malibu edible gardeners to swap advice and visit gardens. Contact Wendy at wstretten@verizon.net or (310) 456-9520
GARDENING SERVICE • General maintenance Svcs • Sprinkler installation (manual & automatic) • Hillside cleanups • Tree service • New lawn (topping, pruning & removal) • Block/brick planters • Cement work • 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! Fall 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!
DOG WALKER/SITTER. Available 24 hrs. Holiday special: 1st walk free. References. Patient. (310) 586-0162
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
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
HART HARDWOOD FLOORING. Best pricing. Sr. discounts, quality workmanship. Bamboo, maple, oak and laminate. Installation & refinishing. Call for free quote. Lic. #763767. Ron, (310) 308-4988
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
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
WALLPAPER REMOVAL • REPAIR • INSTALLATION • Plus minor household repairs. 32 years in business. Lic. #576445. Owen Cruickshank, (310) 459-5485
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: 150K PER YEAR-TEAMS!Earn more plus GREAT Benefits! Western Regional Solo and Team Runs. Werner Enterprises, (800) 346-2818 x123
SUPERSTAR HOUSEKEEPER WANTED. We are looking for an experienced live-out Housekeeper to start immediately. Tues., Thursday & Saturday. Must be flexible on hours. We have one school-age child and a small dog. Must have good English, driver’s license and own car. Must be organized and have great references. Job includes laundry, ironing, closet organization, cleaning, running errands and simple meal prep. Please call (310) 780-8622
DERMATOLOGY OFFICE. Front and back office. Computer knowledge. Experience preferred. Refs. required. F/T. Fax resume: (310) 459-1014
RESTAURANT HIRING CREW members. Mgmt potential for right candidate. Noah’s Bagels. Call Peter, (310) 230-1461. Competitive pay & free bagels!
ACCOUNTANT OR EXP bookkeeper needed for PP estate planning firm. Exp in tax prep, trust acct and/or 706 work a plus. Congenial personality a must. Part/flex time available. E-mail resume and salary req 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
DOG WALKER WANTED immediately to walk an adorable Yorkie & a very sweet & smart Aussie. Tuesday & Friday afternoons for 1 hr in Castellammare area of Palisades. $15 per walk. (310) 573-6288
ANTIQUES 18
ANTIQUE ENGLISH & Swedish pine furniture for sale. Unique pieces. Email csahern@verizon.net for prices and pictures.
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
GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
HUGE MOVING SALE! Great furniture/furnishings/ overstuffed sofas/DR tables/chairs/dressers, book shelves, head boards/African masks/china/glassware/tchotchkes/collectibles. FRI.-SAT., Nov. 2-3, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 17847 Porto Marina (Off PCH/1st lite N. of Gladstone’s). Photos/info www.bmdawson.com
MISCELLANEOUS 18g
FOREST LAWN, HOLLYWOOD HILLS Hillside “Lincoln Terrace” companion plot. Currently selling for $15,400. Asking $5,900 neg. (310) 454-0893
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.
Calendar for the Week of November 1
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Palisadian Darrell Ruocco signs ‘Foolosophy ‘ Humor is the Key to a Healthy Mind’ at 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Stop the war peace vigil, 5 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Swarthmore and Sunset. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Calvary Christian School Holiday Boutique, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Calvary Christian School, 701 Palisades Dr. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Deadline for the Pacific Palisades Community Council Community Service Award. Knolls Pharmacy on Marquez Avenue is offering a flu-shot clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free matinee showing of the Marx Brothers’ Classic, ‘A Night At The Opera,’ 2 p.m., community room of the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real. Center for the Jazz Arts to provide live jazz music at Tivoli Caf’ each Saturday in November from 8 to 11 p.m. at Tivoli, 15306 Sunset Blvd. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Palisadian Maiya Williams signs ‘The Hour of the Outlaw’ at 4 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Pacific Palisades Garden Club presents botanist Bob Gustavson, who will discuss the plants of Southwest Australia, 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Members and guests invited. Dr. Angela Windholz, an art scholar and former Getty Research Institute fellow, will present a lecture on artists’ residences from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Villa Aurora in Paseo Miramar. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Palisades business owners offer ‘Back to Basics: Marketing 101’ on how to grow a successful business in Pacific Palisades at 6 p.m. at Aldersgate Retreat Center, 925 Haverford Ave. The documentary film ‘Afghanistan Unveiled’ will be screened at 7:30 p.m. at Villa Aurora Paseo Miramar. Irad Malkin, chairman of the department of history at Tel Aviv University will lecture on the relationship between the rise of Greek civilization and the multi-directional networks the Greeks established in the Mediterranean Sea at 8 p.m. at the Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Runners Dominate League Meets
Coaches Have PaliHi Cross Country Teams on Course for Western Crown
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Football has not been the only sport without a home at Palisades High this season. Without a track to run on during the Stadium by the Sea renovation, the Dolphins’ cross country team has had to find other places to train this fall, although that is nothing out of the ordinary for Ron Brumel, who has always preferred taking his team off campus for workouts. This year, the Dolphins are utilizing the polo fields at Will Rogers State Park and the results have been positive so far. Mike Voelkel was hired as Palisades’ baseball coach in August but volunteered to do cross country too when two other coaches backed out unexpectedly. “We usually run in Rustic Canyon for hill training or down to the beach for speedwork anyway,” said Brumel, who returned shortly after the season began to assist Voelkel. “For most of what I like to do we don’t need the track, but it’s nice going up to Will Rogers. I think the kids enjoy it.” Palisades’ boys varsity is undefeated in Western League dual meets and the girls varsity has lost only once, to Hamilton, when the Dolphins were short one runner. Leading the way for the boys is a formidable trio consisting of sophomore Carlos Bustamante, senior Mohaned Elias and junior Mike Fujimoto. Brumel sees unlimited potential in Bustamante, a frosh/soph medalist in cross country and track last year, but stressed that the Dolphins success has been a team effort. “The entire team has done well despite not having much off-season training,” he said. “We’re short on races but we’re a late-blooming team and times have been dropping.” Bustamante has already obliterated his best time from last year (17:46), running 17:16 in his very first meet, while Fujimoto shaved 20 seconds off of his best time with a 17:20 finish against Venice and Elias clocked a 16:55 versus Hamilton. Senior Marco Tringali and juniors Oliver Gard-Murray and Tom Sullivan are also poised for breakout performances. Despite the absence of two of its top runners from last year, the varsity girls squad is also winning league thanks to the efforts of, among others, Kaitlin Kim, Melina Vanos, Sarah Shore and Nicole Mahanian. Shore has run 20:58 this year and Brumel said he might have Kim, who has run varsity all season, compete in the frosh/soph race in the City meets so the Dolphins can score low. Kim’s best time this year is 24:19. “It’s been a lot of fun and the team has had a great attitude from the start,” Voelkel said. “I’ve also enjoyed working with Ron [Brumel]. He’s put together a great program and knows how to get the best out of the kids.” Although the Western League is not particularly deep this year, the City Section has speed to burn. On the boys’ side, Lake Balboa Birmingham and Woodland Hills Taft have supplanted perennial power San Pedro as the early favorites while Reseda appears to be the surprise frontrunner for the girls, although Birmingham and San Pedro are always in the mix. Palisades has gone unchallenged so far in league, but how does Brumel think his Dolphins will fare against the rest of the City? “Our boys varsity and frosh/soph teams are on the cusp of making the finals,” Brumel said. “They’ll have to come down in their times but I could see them scratching and clawing their way all the way to the finals. The frosh/soph girls might be able to squeak in too.” The Dolphins next compete in the League Finals Meet today at the three-mile Pierce College course in Woodland Hills. The girls varsity race starts at 4:10 p.m., followed by the boys varsity at 4:50 p.m.
Spikers Nets Top Seed
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
The City Section playoffs begin this week and the Palisades High girls volleyball and tennis teams might both be seeded No. 1. The volleyball seeding meeting was held Tuesday and the tennis seeding meeting was Wednesday (results undetermined at press time). The Dolphins’ girls tennis team built a strong case to be seeded No. 1, going undefeated and unchallenged in the Western League and losing only twice all season–to Southern Section powers Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach Mira Costa. If seeded among the top four teams, Palisades will receive a first-round bye and would host a quarterfinal match next Wednesday at 1 p.m. Meanwhile, the Dolphins’ volleyball team was awarded the No. 1 seed in the City Section playoffs and will play No. 32 Granada Hills Kennedy in the first round. The Dolphins swept Sylmar in a nonleague match on Monday after finishing 9-1 in league play and winning the Venice tournament. “Palisades would get my vote,” said Sylmar coach Bob Thomson, whose team also lost to Woodland Hills Taft, the defending City champion. “I think this is their year. They don’t have a weak rotation.” Palisades hosts Kennedy at 7 p.m. If victorious, the Dolphins would host a second round match next Tuesday night.
Living with Day of the Dead
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Seventeenth-century Dutch artists handled the subject with delicacy. Those still-life paintings of flowers, so extravagantly detailed and abundant, inevitably reveal a faded bloom or two, a faint reminder of the fleeting nature of life. No such subtlety exists in Mexico, where death takes on a dazzling presence during the annual El D’a de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday held on November 1, All Saints’ Day (it begins October 31 and ends on November 2). Not to be confused with Halloween and its more ghoulish quality, Day of the Dead is a joyful time of feasts and vibrant festivities that embraces death as a natural part of living. In Mexican homes, elaborate altars are created with special foods, flowers, tequilas and other attractions to tempt the family’s departed back for a short visit. Incense, food, dance and music fill the days and nights as cemeteries are blanketed with marigolds set aglow by the twinkle of a thousand candles. The fanciful creations of folk artists’decorative skulls, candelabra, trees of life and skeletons made of wood, clay, tin and paper’especially enliven and infuse humor into contemporary Day of the Dead celebrations. The famous Mexican satirist and graphic artist Jos’ Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913), who portrayed Mexican society through the amusing guise of animated skeletons, or calaveras, is the inspirational source for much of the imagery seen today. Posada’s influence was especially strong on Pedro Linares (1906-1992), who raised the craft of papier m’ch’ to a one-of-a-kind art form; the tradition continues today with a third generation of his family in Mexico City. Linares’ life-size skeleton figures portraying scenes from everyday life are known throughout the world, and the artist’s ‘discovery’ back in the 1960s had much to do with Judith Bronowski, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades. Bronowski was ‘completely hooked’ on Mexican popular culture after she first visited the country from her native England in 1966. She went on to make award-winning documentary films about three Mexican folk artists, including Linares, in the 1970s and to curate a definitive exhibition showcasing all of their work at the Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles in 1978. It was a visit a decade earlier to the San Diego Museum of Man, and seeing a recreation of the studio of Diego Rivera, where skeletons hung everywhere, that first fueled Bronowski’s curiosity. ‘Once I saw that stuff I thought ‘I’m going back to Mexico, I’m going to find out what this is all about,” she recalls. ‘My interest was really in the Linares family and other folk artists, not in Day of the Dead per se. ‘In those days, there was this sort of conspiracy of anonymity associated with folk art which I very much objected to, and it’s one of the reasons I made the films,’ she says. ‘People at the galleries would say ‘Oh, lots of different people make these things, it’s a tradition.’ Yes, it’s a tradition, but there’s always a person who’s taking it one step further.’ Through tenacity’and the goodwill of a gallery janitor with access to artists’ addresses’Bronowski learned the whereabouts of the Linares family. ‘I went directly there, even though it was a really rough neighborhood,’ Bronowski says. ‘Pedro lived there with his wife and three sons. The house was rickety with railroad tracks running within six feet of the front door. He and his sons worked up on the roof. ‘We all just stood around saying ‘Wow.’ They were so nice. This dirt-poor family produced this wonderful, brightly colored material for every season. They really kind of reinvented Day of the Dead.’ In addition to skeleton figures, Pedro Linares is famous for his ‘Alebrijes.’ fantastical, other-worldly creatures made of papier m’ch’ that are painted in fine, vibrantly colored detail. Bronowski’s Palisades home, one she shares with husband Grant Loucks and their daughter, Julia Loucks, a senior at PaliHi, displays a rich variety of Linares pieces, though much of what Bronowski collected over the years, she says, has been sold or donated to museums. Her relationship with the Linares family runs deep. She often hosted members of the family in Los Angeles, promoting and organizing exhibitions of their work throughout the United States. They would use her Santa Monica warehouse space to construct large pieces. It’s when commissions began piling up that relations soured a bit. ‘Folk artists are very headstrong, eccentric people who don’t follow a path,’ Bronowski says. ‘When pressure gets on them, they really don’t like it; they don’t know how to handle it. Commerce is tricky.’ Bronowski says the traditions surrounding Day of the Dead have ‘changed like mad’ since she first started going to Mexico. ‘It used to be very regionalized. For instance, Oaxaca only had altars and didn’t display any skeletons. Now everything is everywhere,’ she says. It was more than 500 years ago that the Spanish Conquistadors encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. ‘The Death motif has been used extensively since the pre-Columbian era,’ Bronowski says. ‘When the Spanish came, they thought ‘We can live with this, it falls close to All Saints’ Day. We’ll tell them they can still do this one and still be Christians.’ ‘Mexico has this duality, whether it be life and death or beauty and ugliness,’ she says. ‘It’s a very important part of the culture.’ About the current folk art scene, Bronowski says: ‘Some of the sons and extended family of the Linares are carrying on the tradition, but sometimes push it too far. At some point it becomes cerebral and is too clever for its own good. It doesn’t have any soul. The work has to have soul and a heart. That what makes you respond to folk art, whether you realize it or not.’
