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CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 30, 2007

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HOMES WANTED 1b

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

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

GREAT 4 BD, 2.5 BA. Palisades lease on a cul-de-sac street. Living & dining room, private fenced backyard, updated kitchen, new paint & carpet. $6,000 per month. Available now for a year or more. Call agent, (310) 230-3770

GREAT 4 BDRM, 3 BA, office, den, large spa. Queen’s Necklace, ocean views, quiet cul-de-sac. Available Sept. One year minimum. Some furniture. $7,000/mo. Call (310) 457-1522

HOME NEAR BLUFFS. 3+21⁄2+den. Light, airy, gorgeous hardwood floors, W/D, refrigerator, security system. Great privacy. Move-in condition, 1 yr lease. $5,000/mo. Agent: Pat Haight, (310) 454-1851

DUPLEX, 863 HAVERFORD. $3,195/mo. Pets welcome, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, all app., gardener, garage incl, near beach & village center, great schools, quiet street. Call agent, Linda Taylor, (310) 994-0168

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

CHARMING SMALL STUDIO guest cottage w/ private laundry and storage facilities. Great for your nanny/maid. Utilities/cable included. $975/month. (310) 210-8455

BRENTWOOD “CHARM” Near Country Club. 1 bdrm+den/office, upper. Woodburning fireplace, high-beam ceilings, hardwood floors. Privacy, surrounded by trees. No one above or below. Stainless stove and micro. No pets. Avail Sep 15. $2,150/mo. (310) 826-7960

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

SPECTACULAR CONDO. 2+2. Huge lvg rm w/fpl, new kitchen, granite counters, refr., W/D, new window treatment, A/C, pool, spa, gym, sauna. Move-in condition. Avail now. $3,500/mo. Agent: Pat Haight, (310) 454-1851

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

SPACIOUS BACHELOR UNIT with kitchenette on a beautiful street, close to beach. Includes utilities and cable. $1,250/month. (310) 230-0230

WANTED TO RENT 3b

WANTED: SHORT-TERM RENTAL, apt., condo, guesthouse. Husband and wife, recently retired teachers. Palisades residents, in process of relocating. Non-smokers, no pets. Please call (310) 454-6803

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PALISADES OFFICE spaces avail in the heart of the VILLAGE including those measuring approximately: 1.) single suites ranging between 250-415 sf, windows in each office; 2.) 900 sf 2 room suite and reception area with large windows, great natural, light and a balcony; 3.) 950 sf with reception area, 2 private offices, sink, hardwood floors; 4.) 1,440 sf penthouse/loft space broken out into 4 separate offices, includes private bathroom and enormous decks with gorgeous views of the Santa Monica mountains; 5.) 2,007 sf, great exposure; 6.) 3,310 sf with a fantastic build-out. Building amenities include high speed T1 internet access, elevator and secured, underground parking. Call Kim at (310) 591-8789 or e-mail 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

VACATION RENTALS 3e

26’ TRAILER for rent across from Will Rogers State Beach. $1,400/month. (310) 454-2515

29’ TRAILER for rent across from Will Rogers State Beach. $1,600/month. (310) 454-2515

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

OPPORTUNITY TO EARN executive level income using proven system. Lucrative business model. Free 2 min msg, (800) 472-6035

LOST & FOUND 6a

LOST: GOLD-COLORED WRISTWATCH, gift from husband. On back: his name engraved w/ “25 years of service” to his company. Dropped in CVS parking lot. If found, call (310) 402-7797. Reward.

PERSONALS 6b

SEMPER FI. Give Honor and support to those who are always faithful to God, country, fellow Marines and Americans, and all people fighting for peace and freedom. Ray Nasser, Purple Heart Marine. 16321 PCH #63, Pac Pal, CA 90272. (310) 454-7432

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

BOOKKEEPER/PERSONAL ASSISTANT/Notary Public, personal bookkeeping & financial organizing, clerical duties, honest, reliable, discreet. Excellent references. Patti, (310) 720-8004

LOCAL BOOKKEEPER/Exec./Pers. Assist. My home office or yours. Confidential, honest and reliable. Celebrity clientele. Excellent references. (310) 403-8654

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. Enjoy Problem-Free Computing. 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

OVERWHELMED BY OFFICE/household clutter? Helen, an expert organizer, can make a difference for you. Call for help and talk about your needs. (310) 477-6489

FREE ORGANIZING HELP: Cluttered garage? Busy, working family with 2 young kids? 4 hours free help for participating in UCLA study! Call Brittany, (310) 341-0718

MISCELLANEOUS 7k

DEAR PRODUCERS/WRITERS looking for new stories for next/future venture. I have some. If interested call/visit Ehsan-Syed, (310) 459-8602. Please, Sundays only, 3 p.m.-8 p.m.

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

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

HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING TEAM available Mon.-Fri. Own transportation. CDL, Great local references. Call Imelda or Carolina, (323) 752-5244

MY NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER for 6 years needs part-time work. Great work ethic, fluent English, drives, has car. Call Pam at (310) 562-6736

HOUSEKEEPER/CHILDCARE AVAILABLE afternoons M-F, CDL, fluent English, own car, excellent Palisades references. Ana Maria, (310) 733-7175

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon., Tue., Fri., Sat. Own transportation. CDL, great local references. 10 years experience. Call (323) 735-6382, cell (310) 590-9763

HOUSECLEANING AVAILABLE Mon.-Fri. I like pets. I speak a little bit of English. Cell, (323) 559-8806. Ask for Ingrid D. Molina.

HOUSECLEANING AVAILABLE Mon., Wed., Thurs. Experience, excellent references. I love animals. I speak a little English. Ask for Hilda Miranda, (323) 788-4052

RELIABLE, HARDWORKING, HONEST housekeepers each with 15 years experience. Avail Mon.-Fri. References available upon request. Call Bertha Bravo or Paula Alveño, (213) 389-5725

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE M-F, references, own transportation, CDL, insured. Call Maria’s cell, (213) 605-6158. Elenamar02@yahoo.com

RESPONSIBLE HOUSEKEEPING. 12 years experience, good references. Please call Delia R., (310) 673-0342

HOUSEKEEPER EXPERIENCED 17 YEARS, reliable, local references, CDL, insurance, Available Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Please call Rufina, (310) 836-8853 or (310) 663-4853

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

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

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

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. Cell, (310) 498-5380, (310) 435-3843. 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

MOVING & HAULING 11b

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

TREE SERVICE 11d

JOHNSON TREE SERVICE • TREE • SHRUB • STUMP REMOVAL SINCE 1924. St. lic. #685533. (310) 454-8646, Brad

MASSAGE THERAPY 12b

AWARD WINNING MASSAGE by Natalie. Deep tissue specialist. Call (310) 993-8899. www.massagebynatalie.faithweb.com

WINDOW WASHING 13h

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

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

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

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

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

BE HAWAIIAN ROYALTY. Learn classic longboard surfing this summer from experienced veteran surfer. All equipment provided, private & semi-private instruction. Mark, (310) 529-2340

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

SUMMER REVIEW & REINFORCEMENT. Keep student skills fresh. 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 TUTORING. Specializing in math! 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

PIANO TEACHER in Pacific Palisades. 20 years experience. I teach in your home. Great with children and adults returning to the piano. Call Karen Rae, (310) 383-0200

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. Call Diana, (310) 717-5472

SAXOPHONE LESSONS by professional, over 20 years of experience, children and adults. Jazz and improvisation. Call Reinhold Schwarzwald, (310) 283-9975

HAVE GUESTHOUSE? Science teacher at local private high school seeking rental. Experienced tutoring all levels: math, physics, chem, bio. Also: SAT, MCAT, GMAT. Berkeley grad. Laura, (310) 560-0383

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

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

CONSTRUCTION 16d

AT LAST, A BREAKTHROUGH . . . A solution to your construction needs that you can feel good about! I live and work in the Palisades community. General Contractor Lic. #858904. Daniel, (310) 877-5577

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

HANDYMAN FOR HIRE. 12 years experience. Roofs, framing, flooring, drywalls, painting, lighting/electrical and other general construction needs. Non-lic. (310) 428-0362

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16p

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

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16r

PAUL HORST • Interior & Exterior • PAINTING • 53 • YEARS OF SERVICE. Our reputation is your safeguard. License No. 186825 • (310) 454-4630 • Bonded & Insured

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

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

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

PLUMBING 16t

BOTHAM PLUMBING AND HEATING. Lic. #839118. (310) 827-4040

JLK PLUMBING. Re-pipe and sewer specialist & all plumbing repairs. Mention this ad & receive 10% off. Lic. #722414. Call (310) 678-6634

WHITTLE’S PLUMBING • Drain & sewer problems • Garbage disposal & H2O heaters • Copper repiping & gas lines • Fixtures, remodels • Gen. Construction • Free est. Lic. #668743. (310) 429-7187

REMODELING 16v

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

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

COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION • New homes • Kitchen+Bath remodeling • Additions. Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large & small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction today, (310) 230-2930

D SQUARE CONSTRUCTION. Bonded, Insured. References available. St. Lic. #822701 B, C-33. David R. Dwyer, (310) 699-7164

THE TOWN & COUNTRY BUILDERS • Remodeling • Additions • Masonry • Concrete • Flagstone • Patio • Stone Wall • Tile • Fireplace • BBQ • Deck Brick • Steps • Retaining Wall • Driveway • Free Estimates • Lic. #441191 • Please call (310) 578-7108

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

ADMIN. ASSISTANT Exclusive Orthodontic office. Will train and reward. Salary DOE. (310) 454-0317

JOB OPPORTUNITIES. Palisades Elementary Charter School. Several new P/T positions are currently available working with students on the yard & in the classrooms. Desirable qualities: Enjoys working with children, flexible, reliable, available to start in September. Contact: Human Resources Palisades Elementary Charter School. (310) 245-6144 or email: jackiesidman@yahoo.com

PHIL SPRINGER, composer of “Santa Baby,” needs occasional office help w/ experience in theatre production. Send resume (no pictures, please) to: judithsmail@earthlink.net

HAIRSTYLIST STATION for rent in friendly work environment. Call for details. (310) 454-3521

CHILDCARE/PERSONAL ASSISTANT wanted. Must speak English fluently, have excellent driving record, reliable car & be available most Thursdays & Fridays, 2:30-6:30. Send resume: Rebeccalobl@earthlink.net

FRONT OFFICE SCHEDULING/RECEPTIONIST for Holistic MD in PP: Exp wanted, but can train. Start 20 hrs/wk, move to 35 hrs/wk: Mon: 12:30 p.m.-7 p.m. T, W, Th: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri: 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. NO insurance, billing/typing—fun job for right person. You: warm, dependable, front-office multi-tasker, good communication/organizational skills. 5-16 patients/day. Call (310) 383-2629

HOUSEKEEPER/CHILDCARE, Experienced w/ references. Must be organized, good English. Must have clean driving record. F/T, light cooking. Includes every other weekend. Palisades Highlands. Please call Kimberly, (818) 606-6542

PART-TIME OFFICE ASSISTANT wanted for busy fitness center in Pacific Palisades Village. Five or six mornings per week including Saturdays. Must love exercise and people. (310) 459-9845

DRIVER WANTED for errands and driving Miss Daisy. Palisades, Santa Monica, Malibu and surrounding areas. Your car okay. Call (310) 456-8042

AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK help for two middle school children. Mon.-Thurs. from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Strong math skills necessary. Please call (310) 874-8508

AUTOS 18b

1979 MERCEDES BENZ 450 SL. 2 tops, always garaged, excellent condition. Must sell. (310) 592-7405

2000 CADILLAC ESCALADE, Black, 100K miles. Very good condition. Runs excellent. 22” Giovanni rims, tinted, Bose systems premium sound. $14,900. Must See! Eric, (310) 428-3364

2005 MINI COOPER S Convertible. Hyper Blue, blue soft top, chrome wheels, tan/black leather interior. LOADED! Only 24,900 miles on 1.6 liter, 6 speed manual transmission. $25,999 or best offer. To see and drive, call Rhos, (310) 503-7433

FURNITURE 18c

TEAK FURNITURE with custom Sunbrella cushions. Sofa $750. 2 club chairs $500 each. 2 chaise $650 each. 8 dining chairs $100 each. Price not negotiable. Original price over $15,000. To get email photos, call Cindy at (310) 454-4227 or email at cindyleuty@aol.com with TEAK in subject line.

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

GARAGE SALE. FRI.-SAT., Aug. 31-Sep. 1, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Moving sale: antique furn., queen-size bed, bedrm/dining rm furn., lamps, mirrors, clothing, shoes, kids’ playground, fitness equip. 607 Via de la Paz.

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

LOOKING FOR A loving home for 2-yr-old cats. Litter trained, fixed. Emerald eyes. Gorgeous. Call (310) 456-9810

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

CUSTOM KITCHEN CABINETS + counter top for sale. Cabinets are wheat colored oak + countertops are white corian. Never used. Kitchen/bathroom sink ordered directly from Karsten Homes. Contractor available to remove for buyer, no charge. Call to see. Available most days. (310) 454-8429

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPT. 3. THE CLASSIFIED DEADLINE WILL BE FRIDAY, AUG. 31, AT 11 A.M.

Man with the Golden Glove

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Fans Vote Ex-Dodger Wes Parker to Rawlings’ All-Time Defensive Team

Wes Parker's trusty mitt fits him as well today as it did 35 years ago when he earned his sixth Gold Glove at first base for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Wes Parker’s trusty mitt fits him as well today as it did 35 years ago when he earned his sixth Gold Glove at first base for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Former Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Wes Parker has been voted by fans to the all-time Rawlings Gold Glove team as one of major league baseball’s best nine fielders of the last half century and the 35-year Pacific Palisades resident is still on Cloud Nine. “I was so excited upon hearing the news that I was walking on air,” said Parker, who won six gold gloves with the Dodgers from 1964-72. “They [Rawlings] called me the Friday before the announcement and swore me to secrecy. For me, this is the equivalent of the Hall of Fame.” A panel of 70 experts trimmed the initial list of Gold Glove winners (over 250 since the award’s inception in 1957) down to a ballot of 50 players that included 18 outfielders, five catchers, three pitchers and 24 infielders (six at each position). Nearly one million votes were cast online, by mail and in person at sporting goods stores. Results of the Internet poll were released last Wednesday morning, with Parker collecting 53 percent of the votes at first base to finish ahead of Don Mattingly, Keith Hernandez, Vic Power, J.T. Snow and Bill White. “When I first saw who I was up against I figured Mattingly and Hernandez were my main competition since they played in New York,” Parker said. “Overall, I think the committee did a phenomenal job narrowing the candidates and the fans really did their homework when it came to the voting.” Joining Parker on the all-time team were Greg Maddux (pitcher); Johnny Bench (catcher); Joe Morgan (second base); Ozzie Smith (shortstop); Brooks Robinson (third base); and outfielders Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente and Ken Griffey, Jr. “From an individual standpoint, this means everything to me,” Parker admitted. “There’s no feeling that compares with winning the World Series but that’s a team achievement. This is an acknowledgement of my individual skills and it wraps up my career in a nice blue ribbon.” Robinson, who won a record-tying 16 Gold Gloves, received 61 percent of the vote–the highest percentage for any position. Bench was second with 59 percent, followed by Smith (56 percent) and Parker. “The only one that might have been different was Johnny Bench,” Parker replied when asked if he was surprised by the poll results. “Not that Johnny doesn’t deserve it, I just thought a lot of younger fans would choose [Ivan] Rodriguez because he’s still playing.” Parker’s .996 career fielding average set a major league record (since tied) and he teamed with Jim Lefebvre, Maury Wills and Jim Gilliam in 1965 and 1966 to form the only all-switch-hitting regular infield in major league history. Legendary Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda wasn’t surprised when Parker made the all-time team. “I voted for him,” Lasorda said. “Wes was one of the best.” Just before his final season with the Dodgers, Parker moved from Century City to his current home near Will Rogers State Historic Park–within three miles of where he grew up in Brentwood. This spring, donning his No. 28 jersey and Dodgers cap, Parker threw the ceremonial first pitch to California First Lady Maria Shriver in March to open the Palisades Pony Baseball Association season at the Field of Dreams, prompting PPBA Commissioner Bob Benton to ask, “Who could catch our First Lady any better than a six-time Gold Glover?” Introduced to the sport by his dad at the age of seven, Parker estimates that over the next 10 years he fielded 100,000 ground balls from his younger brother Lyn in their front yard. All of that practice served him well on the West Los Angeles Little League fields and later at Claremont College. Parker transferred to USC his senior year to complete his education, then traveled to Europe to ponder his future. “I remember I decided on a rainy day in Paris that I wanted to play for the Dodgers,” Parker recalled. “So I flew back, looked up their number in the phone book and asked for [ex-Dodgers skipper] Charlie Dressen, who I knew from my American Legion ball in high school. Of course, this is three years before the draft. So he put me on a winter team, the scouts liked what they saw, and three months later I was signed to a no-bonus minor league contract.” After one season in the minor leagues Parker was invited to Dodgers spring training in Vero Beach, Florida, and made the team. He played all three outfield positions and backed up first base as a rookie. Parker won the starting job in 1965 and, thanks in part to his dependability at the bag, the Dodgers won the National League pennant and beat the Minnesota Twins in the World Series. What made Parker so formidable at first base were his mastery of the fundamentals, cat-like reflexes and the confidence he had in his defensive ability. As a left-hander, he had better range and a better angle to throw to second to start a double play. “My attitude was that if you hit the ball to me, you’re going down,” he said. “I’m going to take a hit away from you. And if you don’t like it, hit it to someone else.” Parker, 67, played his entire career under manager Walter Alston but it was Lasorda, then the Dodgers’ AAA Pacific Coast League manager with the Spokane Indians, who changed Parker’s mental approach to hitting during spring training in 1970. “I asked him if we were winning 2-1 in Cincinnati and Joe Morgan was at the plate with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning with a chance to go to the World Series, who would he want the ball hit to,” Lasorda recalled. “And Wes answered, ‘Me.'” “Then I said, what if we’re down 2-1 with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth at Dodger Stadium and the winner goes to the World Series, who would you want at bat. Wes asked ‘Who’s pitching?’ And I said ‘That’s your problem right there.’ It was simply a matter of getting him to believe he could hit just as well as he could field.” Parker took Lasorda’s advice to heart and, on May 7, 1970, tripled in the 10th inning to complete the cycle (a single, double, triple and home run in one game), making him the only Dodgers player to achieve that feat since the franchise relocated from Brooklyn in 1958. He led the league with 47 doubles that season and posted a career-best .319 batting average and 111 runs batted in. Though he became a capable hitter, Parker is known best for his work with the glove and someone who witnessed it up close was pitcher Al Downing, a teammate in 1971 and 1972. “Wes didn’t get a lot of publicity because he wasn’t a home run hitter, but he was an outstanding fielder,” Downing said when contacted at his residence in Valencia. “I always felt confident that he’d make the play. He had good hands, great anticipation and always plugged the gap really well. No doubt he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.” Parker believes his best defensive play came in a regular season game at Dodger Stadium in 1970 against the St. Louis Cardinals and he can still describe it in vivid detail: “I was holding the pitcher on first base and Lou Brock [a left-handed hitter] was up with one out and a 3-2 count. I was playing behind the runner because I knew he was no threat to steal. As our pitcher delivered the ball I moved back and over to my right to better cover the hole and sure enough Brock hit a hard two-hopper exactly where I was moving. It caught me on an in-between hop and with no time to adjust I went through the motion of catching it on the run and throwing to [shortstop] Maury Wills at second without even knowing yet that I had caught it. We ended up turning a double play and the fans applauded politely, not realizing how good a play it was. “I turned to [second baseman] Jimmy Lefebvre and said ‘That’s the best play I’ve ever made.’ He had a look on his face of complete awe because he knew I was right. It was the kind of play only a high professional would recognize for its difficulty.” Parker retired after nine seasons and therefore could not be considered for the Hall of Fame since induction requires a minimum of 10 major league seasons. “I wasn’t upset about not making the Hall of Fame because I wasn’t even eligible,” Parker said. “And even if I had been, the truth is that I didn’t hit enough and as good as my fielding was it didn’t make up for that. So for me, this is my Hall of Fame.” Still, Parker has no regrets about retiring at the peak of his game, only a week after his 33rd birthday. “I called it quits for three reasons,” he said. “First, because we weren’t winning. Second because all of my friends were gone–I think 23 out of 24 players who were on the team my rookie year were no longer with the Dodgers. And last because I never wanted to experience the game with declining skills. I didn’t want to cheat myself or the fans out of my best performance.” After a year away from the game Parker resumed his career in Japan, batting .301 with 14 home runs and earning another Gold Glove (called a Silver Glove in Japan) before retiring for good. Parker’s life after baseball began as an actor in television and commercials in the 1970s and ’80s. Still a bachelor, he enjoys playing golf and bridge and has remained involved with the Dodgers organization. He is an avid collector of sports memorabilia and even teaches a class about seasonal sports at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles. “Wes was a good friend of a lot of the players because he stood up for his own principles,” said Downing, who was invited to speak to one of Parker’s classes. “He may not be in the Hall of Fame but what’s more important is that he’s a Hall of Fame person.” Parker understands that fame can be fleeting and thus is enjoying the media attention surrounding his latest honor. Since the all-time Gold Glove team was announced, the lone Dodgers representative (not counting Maddux last year) has given nine radio and TV interviews and fielded questions on an Internet chat room as deftly as he used to snare hard line drives in his prime. “The best part about this is not feeling the need to prove myself anymore,” he said. “I can just be who I am.” Parker will be recognized for his all-time Gold Glove selection next April at Dodger Stadium.

Spikers Take Aim at City Title

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(L-R) Laura Goldsmith, Alex Lunder and Jennifer Donohue will key Palisades' attack in its quest to regain the City title.
(L-R) Laura Goldsmith, Alex Lunder and Jennifer Donohue will key Palisades’ attack in its quest to regain the City title.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The Palisades High girls volleyball team has plenty to play for this season: keeping intact one of the program’s proudest records. The Dolphins have never gone more than three seasons without winning a City title and to keep that streak alive Palisades must take home the trophy this fall. “There’s a lot of pressure on us,” says senior setter Jenna McCallister, who doesn’t want to graduate without a City title. “We look up at all those banners in the gym and realize the tradition and we want to add to that.” The Dolphins won the last of their 22 City titles in 2003but appear to have all the pieces in place to hang another banner on the wall come November. Pali’s starting lineup consists of returners–five seniors and a junior. By contrast, City finalists Taft and San Pedro each lost several key players to graduation. “We have to be careful to focus on all of our games, one at a time,” senior hitter/blocker Teal Johnson said. “That [2003] team was in the same spot we are and they won City so now it’s our turn to keep that legacy going.” Chris Forrest, who coached boys varsity in the spring, has put his team through demanding practices in preparation for the season-opening Gahr tournament next Friday. “If they play their best, no one should beat them,” Forrest said of his team. “If everyone stays healthy and plays together we should be fine.” Forrest described defending champion Taft as “always a threat” and named Grant, Granada Hills, Birmingham and Western League rival Venice as other viable contenders. Jennifer Donohue, a senior opposite hitter, called the drills Pali runs in practice “challenging but fun.” “We really have to concentrate on technique,” she said. “During the school year we bonded and formed this trust that is unbreakable.” Johnson agreed that team chemistry is the best it has been. “Everybody’s really close,” she said. “This is my favorite team–and that includes the club teams I’ve been on.” McCallister believes communication between coach and players has improved this year. “Chris is a real encourager,” McCallister said. “He focuses on stuff we’re not doing well and shows us how to correct it.” The other starters are hitter/blocker Alex Lunder, defensive specialist Rachael Ehrlich and outside hitter Laura Goldsmith. According to Lunder, playing San Pedro in their first nonleague match could give the Dolphins a leg up should the teams meet again in the City playoffs. “When we played them in the semifinals last year, their crowd was really loud and when we got behind we never quite got back into it,” Lunder said. “This year we’ll have an even better chance and that pre-season game will help us.” Rounding out the varsity team will be junior outside hitter Chelsea Scharf, sophomore opposite hitter Bonnie Wirth, sophomore libero Tait Johnson, junior middle blocker Kelsey Keil, junior setter Samantha Jaffe and senior opposite hitter Christine Kappeyne. “I think the girls’ defense is better and they are connecting better on the court than they were last year,” Forrest said. “We’ll have a much more creative offense.” Michelle Kauffman will coach the junior varsity squad, led by sophomore setter Lauren Gustafson.

Freshman Boosts Tennis Hopes

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Kathryn Cullen prepares to serve during tryouts Monday at the Palisades Recreation Center
Kathryn Cullen prepares to serve during tryouts Monday at the Palisades Recreation Center
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

She’s only a ninth grader, but on the tennis court Samantha Kogan plays with the poise and confidence of an older, more experienced player. When the season opens, she may just be playing No. 2 singles for Palisades High. “Our No. 2 singles player from last year is not playing due to eligibility issues,” Head Coach Bud Kling said after 23 players showed up Monday at the Palisades Recreation Center for tryouts. “So that moves Samantha up the singles ladder.” Playing No. 1 will be senior Katy Nikolova, the defending City Individuals singles champion. Audrey Ashraf, Kathryn Cullen and Genna Rochlin may trade off the remaining singles spots, although Ashraf could also partner with incoming sophomore Phoebe Driscoll (a transfer from Vermont) at No. 1 doubles. “I’m hoping to play singles but I’ll play doubles if that’s where the team needs me,” Ashraf said. Cullen, Rochlin, Erika Lee and Yasmin Ghiasi are the four seniors returning from last year’s City championship team. “We have two great young players coming in so if we work hard we can pull it off,” said of the Dolphins chances of winning City again. “Our biggest competitor in league is Venice and overall its Taft and Granada Hills.” Lee played with junior Rose Schlaff for most of last season and reached the finals of the City Individuals tournament with Ashraf. “I like playing doubles,” Lee said. “It’s a lot more intense and it spices things up a bit.” Juniors Anne Doyle (a transfer from Marymount), Amy Gore, Marina Sterngold and Stephanie Taft will play for positioning while sophomore Liz Silvers and freshmen Kate Takakjian and Malina Loehrer will challenge returning JVs Yuliana Baskina and Debbie Shamsian for varsity spots. “We have good potential,” Kling said. “We’re solid in doubles and we’ll have three or four girls competing for that No. 3 spot.” Sean Passan, a new social studies teacher at PaliHi, moved to town from Connecticut two weeks ago and will coach the JVs. “I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “This is a great program and a great opportunity for me.” Palisades opens the season against El Segundo next Friday and Marymount on September 11. The Dolphins play Beverly Hills, Mira Costa and Malibu in the second annual Bay Area Classic Sept. 14-19. “Our No. 1 goal is to win league,” Kling said. “It would also be nice to have a winning record going into our first [league] match at Fairfax.”

A Palisadian Paint Job

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Modern California Impressionist artist Dana Torrey, working on his mural at Gladstone's.
Modern California Impressionist artist Dana Torrey, working on his mural at Gladstone’s.

When Palisadian Dana Torrey submitted a painting of the Pacific Palisades coastline to Gladstone’s as a possible menu cover design, he believed that diners might enjoy his artwork briefly before perusing the restaurant’s fare. However, managers at Gladstone’s had loftier plans for his beautiful landscape painting, and when they decided to remodel the back room they asked him if he could expand his menu design into a mural. Soon, Torrey was diligently working on a plan for such a large-scale painting, which now covers the upper portion of the north and south walls in the back room at Gladstone’s. He began with his original painting, altered the vertical image to a horizontal and expanded its magnitude before creating giant sketches that would serve as his guide for the final painting. ‘I had pretty much the whole thing planned out before I started,’ Torrey said. ‘The real work started before the painting, not during the process itself.’ Still, despite his thorough preparation, painting was no easy task. To avoid any discord with customers, Torrey began painting at night, when the restaurant was closed. He started with his sketch, wash and blocking, but it quickly became apparent that nighttime did not provide enough good light, which was crucial for the realization of his vision. ‘I told them that I just couldn’t work at night. I need the daylight to see how it’s going to look,’ Torrey said. Since Gladstone’s wished to keep the back room open for business, Torrey’s only option was to paint, carefully, around patrons. Fortunately, Torrey had chosen acrylic paint as his medium, so diners would not have to deal with any pungent smells during their meal. Still, Torrey’s biggest obstacle was not the customers, but rather the height of the mural, which is located about 12 feet from the floor on the upper walls, and extends another eight to 10 feet, just below the ceiling. The only way to paint it was from a ladder. ‘I would climb the ladder 200 times a day and that was my limit,’ Torrey said. ‘After that I was done, physically done.’ That many climbs kept Torrey painting between two and four hours daily, over a course of several weeks. Midway through completion, a buildup of floor wax began to form on the bottom of the ladder, unbeknownst to Torrey. Then one afternoon, while perched on one of the highest rungs, the ladder began to slip. Torrey had just enough time to scream, ‘Get out of the way!’ to his two daughters, who were on the floor below him, before he and his ladder came crashing to the ground, breaking a chair and a table in the process. Torrey landed between two rungs, on his feet, brush and palette still in hand. ‘The thing just shot out from under me,’ Torrey said. ‘Nothing else happened, but it scared the heck out of me.’ The following week Torrey purchased non-skid padding for the floor and ropes to secure the ladder to the wall before continuing his work on the mural. ‘For the next week I was pretty nervous,’ he said. Still, painting at Gladstone’s was a job Torrey thoroughly enjoyed, especially his commute. ‘It was the first time I’ve had a job where I could drive five minutes and be at work,’ Torrey said. ‘I appreciated that a lot.’ Torrey began his career at the University of Vermont Teaching Hospital, where he worked with cadavers, creating medical illustrations. In 1982, he moved to Los Angeles to broaden his creative skills, and began studying commercial art at Art Center in Pasadena. He soon landed a job as a cityscape backdrop painter for Hollywood movie studios. He also worked as an art director for several feature films, painted the King Kong exhibit mural at Universal tours and animated a video game based on ‘The Simpsons.’ Tired of illustrating and painting the ideas of others, Torrey took the next step in his career, choosing to pursue his own creative interests. Soon he was painting stunning landscapes and portraits all around Los Angeles. He even painted two angels for the ‘A Community of Angels’ project several years ago. One was displayed at LAX and the other at City Hall. He painted former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan’s official portrait, but the city lost it after Riordan left office. ‘If anyone knows where it is, let me know,’ said Torrey, whose other portrait of Riordan is on display at the Richard Riordan Central Library downtown. He also has paintings on display at the Getty House, the mayor’s official residence. ‘Now I’m doing what I want, but I do miss the artist camaraderie of a film set where all these artists were working together,’ Torrey said. This time around, though, at Gladstone’s, Torrey had the good fortune to work with two budding artists, his daughters Jes, 8 and Liz, 5 who not only kept him company, but helped him paint. Liz assisted with the wash, and Jes with the blocking. Their likenesses appear in the mural, on the south wall, sitting on a park bench overlooking the ocean, alongside the likeness of their grandfather, Richard Riordan, owner of Gladstone’s restaurant. Torrey’s favorite part of the painting, in addition to his family member’s images, are the personal items he painted near them, including bicycles and helmets the same colors as his daughters’ favorites. ‘As long as the paintings last,’ Torrey said, ‘they have a memory of their childhood.’ The rest of the mural features a beautiful panorama of Pacific Palisades. To create his realistic landscape, Torrey visited and photographed the coastline frequently, focusing on the dramatic interplay of light, shadow and haze on an environment that is constantly changing. ‘Impressionism is about going to the place and painting the feeling of that place,’ said Torrey, whose mural certainly captures the essence of the region.

It’s All about the Light

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“Tilted Boat, Little People” photograph taken on the tidal bay at Provincetown’s East End by Neil Baker, who will speak about his new book, “The Quality of Light” at Village Books.

When Neil Baker was tossing around possible titles for his recently published book of photographic impressions of Provincetown, he thought, “Stop and Smell the Light.” “Too corny,’ his wife said. He agreed, but in choosing “The Quality of Light,” Baker kept his eye on the sunrises and sunsets that shape the light on this tiny spit of land at the tip of Cape Cod. Geography plays a large role in reflecting the light as the town is tucked between Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay. For almost 14 years Neil, his wife Gail and their daughter Maisy have rented a house on the beach in Provincetown, an excursion they initiated when friends introduced them to the resort town. Neil grew up in Newton, a suburb of Boston, and was familiar with East Coast beaches, the tufted sand dunes and long, shallow tides. “It’s a navigable place to be,” Neil says, explaining that when the family is there, not in Pacific Palisades, they get around on foot or by bicycle. “When you’re walking down the street early in the morning, not only are you seeing and feeling things, but you’re smelling things.” Baker’s large-format photos reflect this slowed pace that lends itself to quiet observation and attention to the subtle changes of the seasons. Observed from a distance, the photos could be watercolors, washed in an endless spectrum of gray and green, with the unexpected colors of manmade objects caught by the lens. Baker still uses the Nikon 8200 manually operated zoom he bought almost 40 years ago. He says that the zoom captures the detail he was looking for, but the size and weight of the lens outlived two Nikon camera bodies. ‘This lens enables me to look through the aperture and frame the picture in the way I want. When it’s printed, 4×6, and it represents what I want, I’m happy.’ Baker confesses to being a Luddite when it comes to technology. He owns a basic cell phone without the camera, so he eschews all electronic manipulation of photos as well. He has the film negatives scanned in high definition and put on a CD. ‘When I need a large print, I can do it. I’ve gone as large as 30×40 for posters of my prints, and some of these shots cry for large format.’ Although Baker has no immediate plans to continue his chronicle of Provincetown, he has begun to think about observing his own community more closely. ‘Life goes by pretty quickly,’ he says. ‘Even on my street Oracle Place, where there is a wonderful view and deer on the street. I’m now thinking about how wonderful it is to live here or in Santa Monica and I should take my bike and do the same thing I’ve done on our summer vacation.’ Baker studied economics in college, but says that he always wanted to work with his father, which is what he did, and ended up working in the same industry. He designs automated plants for factories that do electroplating. He moved to Los Angeles 20 years ago and relocated to Pacific Palisades in 1990, the year he and his wife, Gail Strickland’an actress with many Google listings’were married. ‘For years I have been taking pictures. The wall along the hallway to our master bedroom is lined with them,’ Baker says, adding that a gallery in Provincetown exhibited works from the current collection in mid-August. Now trying to catch up after a month away, Baker looks forward to next summer in Provincetown. ‘Where we live is a quiet, lovely, isolated place,’ he says. ‘It’s that calm I love.’ Baker will be talking about and signing ‘The Quality of Light’ on Thursday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

‘The Boy Friend’: Everybody Comes Out a Winner

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Polly (Meredith M. Sweeney) and Tony (Drew Fitzsimmons) “Could Be Happy Together.”

Londoners seeking distraction from the grim aftermath of World War II enthusiastically embraced Sandy Wilson’s frothy, infectiously entertaining show, ‘The Boy Friend,’ which ran for more than five years on the London stage. These days, some of us distract ourselves with heightened TV melodramas situated in hospitals or the haunts of the super-attenuated wannabe models. But there is a very lively audience for musical revivals: witness the recent success of ‘Anything Goes,’ ‘On Your Toes,’ and even ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ which revived a mythical old musical. These joyous musicals are guilelessly victorious in packing in audiences. Theatre Palisades made a wise choice by staging ‘The Boy Friend’ for this summer’s musical. While the limited cast lends itself well to the size and capability of Pierson Playhouse, each actor shoulders demanding performance expectations as singer, dancer and actor. ‘The Boy Friend,’ written in 1953, is a comical pastiche of the 1920’s shows’a golden age for Broadway musicals, many of which remain anchored in our memories through songs such as ‘When I’m Calling You’ from ‘Rose Marie,’ or ‘Tea For Two’ from ‘No, No, Nanette.’ Despite the wildest romantic plot possible, the set, costumes and score lure us into enjoying every bit of the ride. The situation is simple’lovely, fun-loving young ladies, eager young men; love abounds, but only after the disappointment and heartbreak of love thwarted. The scene is set in the south of France, simply and effectively designed by Gene Smith, who has created a score of sets for Theatre Palisades. Along with his talents, those of costume designer Joyce Gale Smith cannot be praised enough. The flappers dressed in a rainbow of pastel chemises, or flattering two-piece bathing attire evoke their privileged station in life. And the costumes for the dressy ball are spectacular, from the black- and-white satin suits for Pierrot and Pierette, to Marie Antoinette’s ensemble with headdress. The plot turns on Polly (Meredith M. Sweeney) and Tony (Drew Fitzsimmons), who find one another in the most preposterous circumstances. If being together were based on their singing and dancing alone, soulmates they’d be. They are aptly supported by a talented corps of girls and guys, with particular attention to Maisie (Sarah Mahoney), whose flirtatious seduction is irresistible, particularly to her sweetheart Bobby (Joshua Ziel). Their Charleston is, what the 1920s were all about. Speaking of seduction, for Lord Brockhurst (Bill Quade) hope burns eternal, and what a spin he takes with the fun-loving Dulcie (Amy Coles). The show, in three acts, moves along on the musical talents of pianist Anouich NeVart and her trio: Reed Phantom, saxophone and clarinet, and Dan Blum, drums. From the sing-along three-quarter time waltzes to the eight-count Charleston, this versatile orchestra maintains the upbeat pace this play deserves. Choreographer Victoria Miller matches talent with skill. Nicole Paolini (Nancy) and Allan Penales (Pierre) step out of their chorus roles into a tango that shows where their real passion lies. And Polly and Tony pay homage to Rogers and Astaire in tap shoes. ‘The Boy Friend’ continues Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through October 14 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. For tickets ($16 to $22) contact (310) 454-1970.

Workshops Set for Grandparents and Books

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Palisades Branch Library is seeking volunteers for the Grandparents and Books (GAB) program, which pairs adult volunteers with children to encourage the love of reading. Sharing stories with children can improve their reading skills, enrich their imaginations and help them develop a life-long love of reading. The program is intergenerational,’ says Gail Kim, the children’s librarian at the Palisades Branch. ‘It connects people of all different ages, shapes and sizes. ‘In this mobile society, many children don’t live near their biological grandparents,’ Kim continues. ‘And that’s the beauty of this program. We bring the generations together. There’s a historical connection. We also encourage our ‘grandparents’ to bring something in that’s outside of the book experience and share it with the children. Something that’s dear to them, just as a biological grandparent might do. It’s an opportunity to expose some of these children to something they might not have seen before.’ Almost daily, a library grandparent can be found reading aloud from a picture book, or telling stories with puppets. Sometimes, she or he might be listening to a child read and helping with pronunciation and vocabulary, and many times a special connection is made between a reader and child. To become a new GAB volunteer, participants (adults 21 and older) should be willing to make a six-month, two-hour (or more) per week commitment and attend three training sessions that will teach engaging read-aloud techniques and more. Two workshops are required at a specified branch, and the third workshop, which occurs only after completion of the first two, will be at the branch where the volunteer will be reading. The two-session training on the Westside will be Thursdays, October 4 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m at the Mar Vista Branch, 12006 Venice Blvd. The GAB program has become a model for other reading programs throughout the world and has a very high volunteer retention rate. Many participants have been involved since the program began in 1995. For more information contact Gail Kim at (310) 459-2754 or visit www.lapl.org/about/gab.html.

Column: All That Jazz

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Peruvian Singer Noel Brings Salsoul to Stage

By BARRY BLITZER Post Columnist There was a sell-out crowd last Thursday evening at the Skirball Center, and no wonder, the attraction was Cecilia Noel & the Wild Clams. While not exactly a household name in the Palisades, Noel has been called the Latin Tina Turner and has arguably been compared to the legendary icon Janis Joplin. A native of Peru, vocalist Noel and her 16-piece band played a torrid selection of sambas, rumbas and mambos, some with familiar melodies like ‘El Cumbanchero,’ ‘Carlito’s Way’ and ‘Tu Condena.’ As she subsequently explained, they were all part of her interpretive Afro-Latino/Motor City creation known as ‘Salsoul.’ If you’re turned on to percussion–in this case the infectious rhythm of bongos, congas and timbales, as played by percussionists Ricky Rodriguez, Handark Lozano and Cesar Chavez’the Skirball was a dream come true. You couldn’t help but get up and dance, along with the hundreds of other spectators. For that matter, who could resist the three enticing young singers and dancers on stage in addition to the ear-splitting shouts and erotic gyrations of Cecilia No’l in person? Approaching the show’s finale, she joined in an up-tempo duet with her Australian husband, guitarist Colin Hay of ‘Men at Work’ fame (a mega-hit from the 80s). All of which brings up a negative comment: As entertaining and exciting as the show was, there was a dire need for a slow ballad or two that would give both the audience and performers time for a breather–or to coin a phrase: ‘Less is more.’ Still and all, we’re indebted to the Skirball for presenting Noel & The Wild Clams. Let’s hope they’ll be back next summer. There’s no excuse for missing them. Call (310) 440-4500 for pertinent info. Labor Day weekend is looming and what better way for jazz buffs to celebrate than by heading south for ‘The Sweet & Hot Music Festival’ at the LAX Marriott Hotel. Performing artists include ace trumpeter Jack Sheldon & his Concert Band and the fabulous if seldom-heard guitarist Howard Alden. Not to forget the singer/raconteur Ernie Andrews along with the ever-popular vocalist from years gone by, the legendary Herb Jeffries. For reservations call the Jazz Festival office (310) 461-5570. Finally, a sincere reminder to keep listening to jazz station KJAZZ, 88.1 on your FM dial. Also be advised that this is the first ‘All That Jazz’ column that didn’t mention The Jazz Bakery in Culver City. There’s nothing like will power.

Contemporary Clothing Store Opens on Sunset

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Larissa Love is the owner of Margano, the latest clothing store to open in Pacific Palisades.
Larissa Love is the owner of Margano, the latest clothing store to open in Pacific Palisades.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Margano, a contemporary clothing store offering moderate prices, opened last Saturday at 15228 Sunset Blvd., next to Philips French Cleaners. Owner Larissa Love, who also has a boutique shop on Montana and 11th Street in Santa Monica, will carry dresses, skirts, shirts, shoes and accessories. ‘I focus on basics,’ she said. Love has wanted to open a store in Pacific Palisades for a while”I love the people here,’ she said, ‘and the vibe of the community’–but was waiting for the right opportunity. When the owners of Philips, who are friends, decided to downsize, Love seized the opportunity. ‘It just came up that way,’ she said. ‘It was meant to be.’ Although the interior of the store is completely finished, Love is still waiting for furniture for a front sitting area, her first shipment of shoes and additional shipments of clothing. ‘I wanted to bring in good-quality clothes for good prices,’ said Love, who has priced the most expensive items in her stock at between $100 and $125. A basic yoga pant retails for $32, tank tops range in price from $12 to $20 and shoes will retail for $38 to $68. Love has chosen styles that accommodate mothers and daughters. Her long skirts might be more appealing to the older generation, while her mini-skirts are geared towards the younger crowd. In addition to clothes, she has a large selection of hair accessories, including jeweled bobby pins, clasps, and combs. She also plans to give students with ID cards a 10-percent discount. With so many high-end clothing stores in the Palisades, Love opted to go into a lower price range and give local shoppers more choices. ‘I didn’t want to compete with anyone,’ she said. ‘My neighbors should be happy because I’m not going head to head with any of them. I like everyone to be happy’I like a serene environment.’ In the 1990s, Love had a Palisades pet store, Bel-Air Pet 2 Pat, which was located just up the block, next to Kay ‘n’ Dave’s Cantina. She eventually closed the store because she was going to college at the same time and the demands were too high. In addition, she had a tough time parting with the pets. ‘Every time I sold a pet, I cried,’ she said. After graduating from the University of San Francisco with a degree in business and art history, Love went into fashion. She still loves animals and designs high-end pet beds, pet handbags/carriers and matching outfits. That are all made in the United States. Samples will be available at her store and available for order. Initially, Love and her mother or sister will be in Margano to welcome customers. ‘I like my clients to feel as if they belong to a family,’ said Love, who added that the response from women who have stopped in the store so far has been positive and that many are pleased with the affordability of her clothing. In addition, she will also offer a gift-wrapping business. Love plans to keep her shop on Montana, which leaves little free time for her personal life. ‘I’m an aunt of three and a mom of a Chihuahua,’ she observed. Margano is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Telephone: (310) 454-7021.

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