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IDEAS Studio A Hit with Kids

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At IDEAS Studio, Peter Chevako fits a student with the deep sea creature's head, while fellow students, from left, Chloe Hartog, Tommy Bufigliano and Carley Bell look on.
At IDEAS Studio, Peter Chevako fits a student with the deep sea creature’s head, while fellow students, from left, Chloe Hartog, Tommy Bufigliano and Carley Bell look on.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Praise for IDEAS Studio on Marquez Avenue comes not only from children who play, learn and experiment in an environment that focuses on learning by doing, but also from outside sources. The studio was named best indoor play place by Los Angeles Magazine in its August ‘Best of L.A.’ issue, and recently NBC stopped by to tape the children as they played. In selecting ‘Best of L.A.,’ reporters visited different sites around the city and looked at nearly 200 different products, services and places, including the IDEAS Studio, a science and technology-related enrichment center that offers innovative courses for children. A reporter interviewed co-founders Zac Hartog and Maurizio Vecchione and observed classes. Shortly after, the owners were happy to find their studio among those acknowledged. A research team from NBC contacted Hartog and Vecchione, suggesting that the IDEAS Studio would make a good story. The film crew came to Pacific Palisades several weeks ago to film children in action, and the story is scheduled to air in the next few weeks. Last year, Hartog and Vecchione received the Chamber of Commerce’s Best New Business award for the special service they provide the community with their enrichment programs. Hartog is pleased that the IDEAS Studio’s concept of learning is being recognized and credits the different backgrounds that he and partner Vecchione have as one of the reasons for the innovative programs. Hartog, who has worked as a production designer in films and as a commercial and art director, brings art to the table, and Vecchione, who has worked as a physicist for NASA, brings science. The two wanted a fun environment for children that combined art, technology and science. ‘I wanted a unique environment for our kids that was not based just on a textbook and memorization,’ Hartog said, ‘But one that was based on real-life adventures.’ His inspiration came from Billy Marchese (director/cameraman for ‘Beyond the Summit’), who provided a live feed of his Mount Everest climb to a second grade classroom in San Francisco. During that three-month period, the class learned about geography, teamwork, the environment and budgets by watching a team ascend the mountain. ‘I thought it was such a great idea,’ Hartog said. ‘Not one student was absent in three months.’ At IDEAS Studio, the owners let the learning evolve from different situations. One of their more popular programs is astronaut training camp, which features live video feeds with NASA’s orbiting space station. For more information visit www.theideastudio.com or call (310) 573-7190.

Construction Begins With Mistake at Via Bluffs

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A long-sought goal to fortify the Via de las Olas bluffs against dangerous erosion began last week, when City of L.A. workers began digging a trench that will house a massive new steel bulkhead there. But construction there hit an early snag this week. Workers with the city’s Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Street Services broke an 8-inch clay sewer pipe while they were verifying the locations of existing utilities and surveying holes to be drilled for the 59-ft. steel bulkhead piles, according to department Spokeswoman Lauren Skinner. Bureau of Sanitation crews responded ‘immediately’ to the break, but during the repair, the pipe leaked, Skinner said. As much as 600 gallons of sewage spilled, according to Gerald Watson, a district supervisor in the Wastewater Division of the Bureau of Sanitation, who managed crews that responded to the spill on Tuesday. The eight-inch sewer line must be re-routed before bulkhead piles or beams can be installed there, according to the department. ‘There is no adverse effect to the bulkhead project schedule or budget for re-routing the eight-inch sewer around the location of the interfering bulkhead pile,’ Skinner said. Completion of the project is expected by the end of December. As reported by the Post, the city rejected bids from private contractors last May, choosing instead to use in-house workers at the Bureau of Street Services (BSS). In June, engineers said that its forces were ‘able to construct these bulkheads quickly, cost effectively and with a high standard of quality.’ By Tuesday, BSS crews had dug a five-ft. deep trench that extends approximately a dozen feet beyond the current wooden bulkhead or retaining wall. Once complete, the new bulkhead will be buried underground, running 500 ft.’many times longer than the current bulkhead’and spanning six homes between 15251 and 15205 Via (between Lombard Avenue and Friends Street). The only improvements that will be visible above ground will be a new curb and gutter, asphalt patching adjacent to the curb and a new metal vehicular guardrail, according to engineers at Public Works. After nervously watching the edge of the bluffs move closer and closer to their houses for decades after winter storms, residents are relieved to see construction begin. ‘People are pleased that they are starting to take care of this,’ said Bill Moran, who lives at the corner of Via and Lombard. ‘But it’s 55 years in the making.’ In the 1950s, acres of the bluff collapsed under the strain of wet weather and the resulting landslide crossed Pacific Coast Highway onto the beach. Since then, residents have lobbied for better protection with few signs of progress until 2005–when an especially wet winter brought more land movement. That year, with the help of Congressman Henry Waxman, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) awarded $2.6 million toward the $3.5-million project. The city and state are dividing the remaining cost. Although construction plans were approved by the city in 2006, work could not start until the delivery of 61 large steel piles last week from a single supplier in Arkansas. Piles vary in length between 59 and 60 feet, and each weighs more than 11,387 pounds. The storage of those piles, a large tractor and other construction equipment along the bluff has disquieted nearby residents, who worry that equipment and supplies will destabilize the already weak bluff. ‘[I am] thrilled that the project has begun but stunned that the heavy equipment and steel beams are stored on the bluff itself rather than the street,’ wrote Via resident Regina McConahay to a city official by e-mail. ‘This is just what the engineers advised us against doing’that is, allowing vehicles or any other weight off road.’ Said Moran: ‘My concern is whether or not that was a decision that was made by an engineer or the guy delivering [the beams] in the truck. They’re probably going to sit there for months.’ Public Works’ Skinner told the Post that those fears are not justified. ‘The location of the lay-down was made to minimize the impact to the local residents. The lay-down is to be used for a relatively short period in order to facilitate construction. We are in a period of relatively dry weather, when the stability of the area is not impacted by serious rainfall.’ —– To contact Staff Writer Max Taves, e-mail reporter@palipost.com or call (310) 454-1321 ext. 28.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 16, 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

FULLY RENOVATED 3 story Mediterranean home. 1/2 block from beach. Built by J. Paul Getty for his mistress. 4 bdrm, 6 ba, billiard room w/ wet bar. 800 bottle wine cellar, 4 person elevator, several patios & decks & a multi-level yard w/ jacuzzi. Hardwood flrs, California tile, steam shower, 2 indoor Jacuzzi tubs, 3-car garages, loft storage. $11,000/mo. One or more year lease required. For more information or to set up an appointment please contact us at (213) 494-0059 or at fidel68@sbcglobal.net

HIGHLANDS 3+2 HOME: Beautiful panoramic mtn w/ ocean views. Bright, airy, high ceilings, 2 decks, new paint, FP, tile, ss appls, included lrg pvt clubhouse, olympic pool, tennis, gym, gardener incl. Available 8/1. $4,100/mo. Marty, (310) 459-2692

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

GUEST HOUSE, GORGEOUS whitewater views. Quiet, private 1 BD, kitchen+appliances. F/P, util., N/S, N/P. $2,100/mo. Year lease. Wired for internet. Avail Sept. (310) 454-2801

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

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

OCEAN VIEW 1+1 LEASE TO OWN. In Pac Pal, pool, hot tub, avail 8/6/07. $1,700/mo. Call (858) 715-0878

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: SMALL OFFICE space for actor and her assistant in Palisades or surrounding area. Wanting to move in immediately. Please call (310) 573-6288

BRILLIANT, QUIET, hyper-clean teacher seeks unfurn guest house, studio, etc., at miraculous rate by 8/28. One fabulous kitty. Good karma. Great refs. Peace, (310) 717-6086

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. $900 to $1,200/mo., depending on size and view and services. Call Pam, Jen or Rob, (310) 230-6866

VACATION RENTALS 3e

RV SPACES for rent across the street from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades. $1,200-$1,400/mo. Call (310) 454-2515

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

INVESTOR PARTNER SOUGHT for residential local remodel/renovationprojects. Capital needed $150K-250K. No agents, reps, loan brokers. Duration 4 mos. Please contact (310) 454-0685

LOST & FOUND 6a

LOST: CAT, 16 yrs, needs meds & sp. diet. Disappeared nr Marquez & Livorno, missing since 8/10 (her collar w/ tel # found there Sat am. 8/11). Calico, mostly black & orange patches. Name: Fang. (310) 454-0511, (818) 399 8420 or (213) 503-0512

MISCELLANEOUS 6c

CONFIRMATION FOR GRADES 9-12. We are accepting Registrations at Corpus Christi Parish on 880 Toyopa Dr. To register your child, contact the Youth Ministry Office at (310) 454-1328 ext. 246 or Janella@corpuschristichurch.com

GOT ARCHERY? Looking for an archery coach/ range and/or club in the Palisades, Malibu or local westside area for JOAD. Any information, please call Lissa, (310) 454-5450

ATTORNEYS 7a

LOCAL ATTORNEY. Previous big firm experience. Avail. immed. $105/hr. Courtesy given to attorneys. Monica A. Mihell, (310) 210-6012

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

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

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

COMPUTER SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT. HOME & BUSINESS–Windows Vista/XP–20 Yrs exp. frankelconsulting.com (310) 454-3886

MARIE’S MAC & PC OUTCALL. I CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE WITH: • Consultation on best hard/software for your needs • Setting up & configuring your system & applications • Teaching you how to use your Mac or PC • Upgrades: Mac OS & Windows • Internet: DSL, Wireless, E-mail, Remote Access • Key Applications: MS Office, Filemaker, Quicken • Contact Managers, Networking, File Sharing, Data backup • Palm, Visor, Digital Camera, Scanner, CD Burning • FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL — BEST RATES • (310) 262-5652

YOUR OWN TECH GURU * Set-up, Tutoring, Repair, Internet. 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

ORGANIZER AVAILABLE TO help you unclutter areas in your home. Homekeeping/mgmt workshop is also available and includes tips on food preparation. Other workshops available. (310) 477-6489

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

QUALIFIED BABYSITTER FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN . . . Schooled & Trained in Special Needs through the school district programs, Red Cross first aid & CPR certified. U Deserve A Break!!! Please call: (310) 968-1375 or email: mallicacooper@gmail.com

CHILDCARE & Light housekeeping. Great experience, caring, energetic, reliable nanny. Clean driving record, CPR, great local references. Looking for F/T. Anna, (818) 894-0548 (818) 521-3869

THE STORK STOPS HERE provides on-call babysitting services. (310) 226-2845 • thestorkstopshere.com. storkstops@aol.com.

HIGHLY SKILLED BABY NURSE available for nights. thebabyguru.com. (310) 226-7097. thebabyguru@hotmail.com

WEST LA NANNIES • Caring • Committed • TRUSTED • (310) 584-4555

PART TIME OR FULL TIME. Monday-Friday. Own transportation. Good references. Good English. Call Maritza, (310) 384-6361

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

“PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.” We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE • Experience • References • Own transportation • Call Erika, (213) 385-7922

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon.-Fri., live-in, refs available, own transportation, some babysitting. Available now. Please call Esperanza, (626) 582-4752 or (213) 924-6534

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

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

MEDICAL ASSISTANT. Two years of experience, own transportation, good English and Spanish. F/T or P/T, Mon-Fri. Call Silvia, (818) 577-9781

CAREGIVER/ELDERCARE, AVAILABLE M-F, day or night. 15 years experience, references. Own transportation, CDL. CPR certified. Call Rose, (310) 280-8355

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) 390-1276. 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 and 23 years teaching experience including 2 years as Reading Recovery specialist. Palisades resident. 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

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

JOHN & TANGI CONSTRUCTION: Home repair & general construction. All concrete • blockwall • brick • stucco • patio cover • stamp • painting • stone • foundations • Free est. (310) 592-9824, (818) 731-6982

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

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

FULL TIME RECEPTIONIST: Physical Therapy clinic in Pacific Palisades. Organized, good interpersonal skills, some computer. Ph. (310) 454-0060, Fax (310) 454-0065

FEMALE CAREGIVER WANTED for Mom, F/T, Pac Pal. Mature, fluent English, live-in preferred, exp., refs, background check, must drive. Free rent, food, salary. Kevin, (310) 749-6755

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

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

P/T HELPER. Energetic youth. Hide for search dog. Local area. 1 hr/day, 2-3 times a week, $20/hr. (310) 339-0665

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

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS. Join our innovative team of rehab professionals at Tarzana Health & Rehabilitation Center in Tarzana, CA today! We have immediate IN HOUSE opportunities avail for occupational therapists. Candidate must have BS degree in occupational therapy & 1 yr previous exper. Lic. req. We offer excellent salaries, benefits & professional growth. EOE. For more information about our rewarding opportunities, please contact: Ginger Shaffer, Regional Rehab Recruiter Ph: (866) 658-2034. Fax: (678) 672-3358. Email: GLShaffer@SavaSC.com

AUTOS 18b

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

2001 FORD TAURUS SEL. Navy blue w/ grey leather interior, 3.0 liter engine, ABS, 6CD changer, AM/FM radio, AC works well, 82K miles. $3,200. Call (310) 770-1610

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

YARD SALE, SATURDAY 8/18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 958 Hartzell St. (Corner of Hartzell+Bashford). Kitchen, home decor, antique sheet music+patterns, Xmas decor, stereos, TVs, toys, office supplies, greeting cards, furniture. Priced to sell.

ESTATE SALE FOR CHARITY

Your bargain benefits: • Breathe LA • Museum of Tolerance • KCET & others. Sat Aug 18th, 1-4 P.M. only. 1265 Amalfi Dr., Pac Pal. Checks & cards accepted

MULTI-FAMILY SALE. Fri., Aug, 17th, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., Aug 18th, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. 947 Galloway. Jewelry, books, movies, Star Trek, ornaments, black glass collection, clothes, housewares. WE HAVE IT ALL!

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

CHERRY WOOD Pool table/maplewood/Brazilian slate, carved legs. Retail $3,200, sacrifice $1,295. (213) 353-4633

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.

Inga Neilson to Perform at the Gardenia

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Inga Neilsen will be performing her repertoire of solid gold cabaret standards at the Gardenia, 7066 Santa Monica Blvd., one block east of La Brea, for one show only on Friday, August 24 at 9 p.m. The Palisades resident will be singing from her CD ‘Love Me With All Your Heart,’ demonstrating the careful attention that she gives such standards as ‘Summertime,’ ‘Send In The Clowns,’ and ‘Over The Rainbow.’ Even with those songs that have become other artists’ signatures, Neilsen offers her own personal style, complemented by pianist Lee Lovett and his jazz ensemble, who will be appearing with her at the Gardenia. The deep timbre of her voice, the pointed emphasis in her articulations, and her liberal use of vibrato recall the early days of cabaret when the music was natural and intimate. Showing an interest in show business since she was eight years old, Neilsen was singing and dancing in shows in Las Vegas and the Far East by 19. After taking time off to raise her son, she reopened her career a decade ago, performing in clubs and producing her first CD. For three seasons, she performed in the Palm Springs Follies, and since then has been appearing in clubs locally. Dinner at the Gardenia is served from 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 cover charge, or $10 towards food or drink. For reservations, call (323) 467-7444.

Saltsman Celebrates Farmers’ Markets

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Just home from the Santa Monica Farmers' Market, Amelia Saltsman has peaches, lemons, cauliflower, okra, tomatoes, Persian Bay leaves and a melon to work with.
Just home from the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, Amelia Saltsman has peaches, lemons, cauliflower, okra, tomatoes, Persian Bay leaves and a melon to work with.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

A walk through a farmers’ market storms the senses. Crimson, tangerine and mahogany-tinted fruits and vegetables flash in the green-scented air, announcing that they are the stars of this show. Unlike climate-controlled produce sections in supermarkets, with impressively symmetrical, proud and unblemished fruits and vegetables, farmers’ markets celebrate the serendipity of size and shape while emphasizing the logic of growing the right thing at the right time, producing peak flavor. One of the oldest farmers’ markets on the Westside is the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, which after 26 years has matured into a way of life for farmers, home cooks and professional chefs and has become a prototype for neighborhood markets that dot the city from downtown to our own Pacific Palisades Sunday market. In her book ‘The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook,’ Amelia Saltsman acquaints us not only with seasonal varieties– champions seldom found in the supermarket, but she also reacquaints us with the vegetables’carrots, broccoli, cauliflower’that we take for granted. ‘When these everyday crops ‘sing,’ that’s something to write about,’ she says. Saltsman, who lives in the shade of Rustic Canyon, long ago adopted the farmers’ market as her one-stop shopping destination. And nowadays as poultry, meat ranchers and ‘honest-to-goodness fishermen from the Channel Islands’ have found a market at these local farmer’s markets, food shopping can be as simple as strolling down a blocked-off street. For almost 30 years, Saltsman has blended her love of cooking and fascination with the culture of food into her career. She was director at Faire La Cuisine Cooking School in Malibu in the early 1980s, writes about food for various publications, hosts ‘Fresh From the Farmers’ Market’ on Santa Monica City TV and has worked as a food stylist for a number of clients, including Marion Cunningham, Marcella Hazan, Deborah Madison and George Foreman. In her book, Saltsman lets the food lead the way; the recipes follow. She says simply, ‘the ingredients definitely talk to me.’ Her recipes reflect the season at hand and her first line of attack is to ‘stay out of the way of the ingredients.’ ‘I loved the research for the book,’ she says, which was really codifying an intuitive manner of cooking that she has followed in her own kitchen. ‘I loved seeing what this ingredient would do, for example, when I heated it in the simplest manner. Then I could pump it up a little bit more, if I needed to.’ She offers numerous examples of this modest approach to vegetables. ‘Roasting cauliflower was probably my biggest surprise,’ she says. ‘They are so sweet and nutty. The smaller you make the flowerets, the more they become like popcorn. You just throw them into a salted, boiling water for three minutes. Place them on a sheet pan, sprinkle them with a little olive oil and salt and roast them in a 425-degree oven.’ Her family’s testimonial says it all. A dinner of grilled salmon and roasted cauliflower yields ecstatic comments’about the cauliflower. A wife and mother of three, Saltsman has spawned a lively interest in food at home. ‘It is one of my greatest joys to watch my children develop into interested cooks, shoppers and food travelers,’ she says. Farmers’ markets are commonplace now, but it takes conscientious oversight to achieve a really successful market that provides a viable livelihood for the farmer, daily inspiration that restaurant chefs have come to rely on’some 60 L.A. chefs shop among the 85 venders at the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market’and a way of life for the home cook. ‘A great market depends so much on the managers,’ says Saltsman, who dedicates a chapter in her book to Laura Avery, supervisor of the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. ‘The manager has to bring a balance of farmers’ crops so customers have choices and farmers can be successful, and managers help to encourage farmers to stick it out. ‘The Santa Monica market started as an attempt to revitalize a very sleepy area,’ Saltsman adds. Saltsman emphasizes patience, not only for the farmers to establish their bona fides, but also for the customer, who must learn to wait for the seasons. While we in California are blessed with a benign climate that often allows blurring among seasons’late summer tomatoes can be paired with autumn pumpkins’Saltsman advises shoppers to notice what’s at the market. ‘If it’s not there, it’s not in season or locally grown.’ Markets can be overwhelming, Saltsman concedes, but she offers help in how to navigate them. Tips include making a simple list until you are more attuned to planning by season e.g. green vegetables, salad fixings, noticing the market layout, and being aware that only farmers are allowed to sell within the formal boundaries of the market, and they must grow the produce they sell. There is a perception that farmers’ markets’ prices are higher than those in supermarkets, but Saltsman after comparison shopping disputes that notion. ‘I’ve found that prices at the farmers’ market are one-half or less than those at the local supermarket on certain items such as peaches and tomatoes. On ‘premium items’ such as heirloom tomatoes, my local market was charging $8 a pound. At the farmers’ market, you can get four pounds for $10, and they were picked 24 hours ago! That’s value.’ Saltsman believes that with patience and trust, customers will learn all the delicious and amazing treats available at farmers’ markets. ‘Farmers’ markets say so much about place,’ she says. If I had only one day in a foreign city, I would choose to go to a farmers’ market. I would learn what people value, I would see them interact and it would tell me about the local economy. Farmers’ markets are where we reveal a lot about ourselves. Look how the Palisades Sunday market has become the town square.’ Saltsman will talk about and sign her book on Sunday, August 19 at 11 a.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

Thriving on Outdoor Challenges

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Lyne encountered this vista point in southern Utah when he worked as adventure trek leader. Photo: Tim Lyne
Lyne encountered this vista point in southern Utah when he worked as adventure trek leader. Photo: Tim Lyne

A constant adventurer, 25-year-old Tim Lyne is always trying to push his limits. He has completed a marathon with minimal training, finishing the last four miles after blacking out. He has almost frozen to death on Mount Baldy, becoming so disoriented that he came down the side of the mountain opposite his starting point. He has visited South America and eaten guinea pig, monkey and live termites (which he insists taste like mint candy). Now, Lyne will attempt the two hardest outdoor challenges of his life, which double as charity efforts. First, in September, he will follow the 67-mile ‘Backbone Trail’ from Pt. Mugu in Ventura County to Will Rogers State Park in Pacific Palisades–in under 24 hours. Then, using funds from this sponsored hike, he will travel to Tanzania during his winter vacation and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, contributing the donations that exceed the expedition’s cost to Impact Charities. Lyne caught the adventure bug as a child growing up in Ecuador, when his parents were missionaries with HCJB (Christian ministries that work with healthcare agencies and media). ‘I’ve always had a taste for this,’ said Lyne. ‘In Ecuador, once or twice a year we’d go to a creek and do rock scrambling up waterfalls. Even though I was only a kindergartner, I loved it.’ Then, when he was seven years old, his family moved to Auburn, Indiana, where his father accepted a job as a pastor. But for young Lyne, this small town with its abundant cornfields deprived him of the adventure he loved. ‘I always wanted something more scenic or some more challenging terrain,’ he said. He jumped at chances to leave town and experience new things. In 1997, he went on a group ski trip to Colorado, to a mountain that didn’t have a ski lift. So after skiing down the slopes, he wandered through the forest for several hours to return to the start. This might have fazed some people, but for Lyne, this trek’his first time in the mountains’was the one that got him started on his extreme adventures. Lyne graduated in 2004 from Azusa Pacific University, with a B.A. in cinema and broadcast arts, and then tried to enter the film industry, but that proved to be difficult. He found himself in a variety of jobs, from computer consultant to personal manager to documentary co-producer (‘K2: Daring to Dream’) to adventure trek leader. This last occupation was Lyne’s attempt to turn his passion for the extreme into a livelihood. But the job was exhausting’he would spend three weeks in the mountains with a tour group, take a break for a few hours to do paperwork and sleep, then return for a new group. During his first six months on the road, he had only two days off. Recognizing that he needed some down time, and wanting to try something else, Lyne left that job. He is now the director of brand marketing at Pollack Media Group (located on Via De La Paz, which is so near to his house that he rides his bicycle to work). His job involves gathering data, analyzing playlists/programming and creating reports for executives at places like MTV and VH1. On the weekends, he regularly hikes and explores local mountains. ‘Even in the San Gabriel Mountains, there are places I have been that have no sign that there’s ever been a person there before,’ explained Lyne. ‘It’s very satisfying.’ While his self-described hope is ‘to see as much of creation as possible,’ Lyne’s motivations for trekking are not purely scenic. ‘I want to push myself further and see what my body’s capable of doing,’ said Lyne. ‘I get bored with normal little hikes.’ His desire to test his limits has gotten him in some fairly dangerous situations. Four years ago, he got caught in a blizzard at the summit of Mt. Baldy and retreated down the opposite side of the mountain. He called a friend who drove from Azusa to take him around the base to his car, which unfortunately was frozen shut and covered in a sheet of ice. Lyne was forced to shatter a window to enter–breaking the seat mechanism in the process–and drive three hours home on dirt roads still in blizzard conditions, with his head out the window in order to see, while sitting on shards of glass from the broken window. However, he did learn a lesson from this near-fatal experience. ‘I was pretty terrified up there,’ Lyne admitted. ‘I’ve never been outside in wind that strong. But now I’m definitely much smarter about what I take with me and how to prepare for hikes’I have GPS [Global Positioning System], I have radio and I have the know-how to survive.’ These will all come in handy when he attempts the difficult ‘Backbone Trail,’ which Lyne believes might even be harder than Kilimanjaro, because of the fast pace and level of endurance required. The strenuous 67-mile hike is usually done over several days, and has only been completed in its entirety in one day by a handful of people. To train, he has been running 4 to 7 miles on weekdays and 10 to 20 miles on weekends, including courses with hills to simulate Backbone’s terrain. Lyne learned his lesson about training the hard way’in his first marathon, for which he had been too busy with college to train. He recalled nothing after the 22-mile mark until he woke up in the injured runners tent with an IV in his arm and a finisher’s medal around his neck. To this day, he cannot remember actually completing this race, even though he later saw video footage of his finish. While Lyne’s trip to Africa will be his first attempt at one of the world’s great mountains, it will not be his first time traveling for charity. He has made numerous trips to countries like Mexico, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Australia to help others in need, and has combined these with his love for trekking. For this trip, he is raising money for Impact Charities, a London-based nonprofit Christian organization that trains village teachers in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. It recruits top teachers from around to world to improve the quality of education in rural Africa. Lyne was introduced to Impact by his sister Melissa, 30, who is studying at the London School of Economics for her master’s degree in international development and is also interning with Impact. ‘There are many wonderful nonprofits and NGOs that are doing great work throughout Africa,’ said Lyne. ‘But Impact Charities’ unique emphasis on teacher training is especially compelling to me. It’s more sustainable than just buying supplies.’ The expedition alone will cost about $3,800, but Lyne hopes to raise $2,000 to $3,000 more than that. To do so, he has been networking online, with sites like MySpace, Facebook and his own Web site, www.climbkili.com, through which supporters can donate cents per kilometer towards his successful completion of the ‘Backbone’ challenge. His church (the Risen Church in Santa Monica) has also made Impact Charities its charity of the month, so he has been collecting funds through that venue as well. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro has always been a dream of Lyne’s. It is the tallest freestanding and most difficult nontechnical mountain (does not require special equipment or training), and he and his team will be taking the longest and most difficult path up the mountain. Known as the Lemosho route, it is attempted by only 8 percent of all climbers. But, as Lyne says, ‘Summiting this vast mountain is a goal, but it is not the primary objective of this expedition.’ Instead, the central purpose is to support Impact’s work in Africa. ‘Service has become so important to me because of my upbringing, Christian beliefs and just the basic satisfaction that comes from doing good,’ said Lyne. ‘I appreciate the connectedness of the world and its people and when I have the chance to use my skills, passions and resources to make the world a better place, I feel compelled to do so.’

Rodriguez and Kiino Wed in Santa Monica

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Diane Carol Rodriguez and Ronald Isamu Kiino exchanged vows on January 14 in a sunset ceremony at the Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica. Family and friends were in attendance. The bride, daughter of Cathy and Ruben Rodriguez of Pacific Palisades, earned a Ph.D. in international education from USC. She is the director of diversity at Santa Barbara City College. The bridegroom, son of Cece and Ron Kiino of Portland, Oregon, graduated from Brown University, where he majored in American civilization and played varsity baseball. He is senior editor at Motor Trend magazine. The couple honeymooned in Namibia, Africa, and plan to settle in Westlake Village.

Squire, Torres Abadia Wed in May Ceremony

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James Robert Squire and Frances Dayle Squire announce the marriage of their daughter Genn’a No’lle Squire to Francisco Javier Torres Abadia, son of Jamie Arturo Torres Monroy and Luz Marina Abadia Rengifo, both of Bogot’, Colombia. The wedding took place on May 11 in Santa Monica with the Rev. Eric W. Schaefer officiating. A reception followed at Shutters on the Beach. The bride graduated from Marymount High School and received her B.A. degree in international studies and political science from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She is employed as the international protocol coordinator for the city of Dallas and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. The bridegroom graduated from Colegio Mayor Celstino Mutis in Bogot’, Colombia. He received his bachelor of business administration degree in management at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business in Dallas. He is employed as a banker with J.P. Morgan Chase in Dallas. The couple met while studying in Paris in 2004. Following the wedding they honeymooned in South America. They currently reside in Dallas.

Transient Murdered in Potrero Canyon

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Seth Grinspan, 46, a known transient, was allegedly stabbed and killed by Alfred Delagraza, 48, also a transient, in the 15300 block of Pacific Coast Highway at about 7 p.m. Saturday night. Police said that apparently an altercation took place between the two men and ended when Grinspan was stabbed, across the highway from the lifeguard headquarters, near the mouth of Potrero Canyon. According to firefighters from Station 69 in Pacific Palisades, who were first on the scene, a blood trail enabled them to pinpoint the exact location where Grinspan was knifed. He had moved about a hundred yards toward Temescal Canyon Road before collapsing. He was dead when the firemen arrived. The suspect ran across PCH to the lifeguard tower. When the female lifeguard saw he had a knife, she slammed the door shut and called police. According to Palisades Senior Lead Officer Michael Moore, firefighters held the suspect until the police arrived and took Delagraza into custody. Grinspan was well known to Moore. ‘He did cause problems,’ Moore said. ‘He had been accused of physically attacking a woman who lived in the Palisades.’ Grinspan also had a prior history of arrests. ‘We knew him to be a violent homeless person who had previous altercations with law enforcement personnel and with local residents,’ said Scott Wagenseller, owner of Palisades Patrol. Delagraza, who was not known by Moore or members of Palisades Patrol, will be charged with murder.

Planning Dept. Delays Shell Station Decision

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Last Thursday, an associate zoning administrator at the L.A. Department of City Planning postponed deciding the fate of a proposed automated car wash and 24/7 mini-mart at the Shell station on Sunset Boulevard at Via de la Paz. But Administrator Dan Green, who presided over the hearing, said he was “inclined to reject” the car wash proposal, citing the Specific Plan, which regulates the character of buildings in Pacific Palisades commercial zones. Green left 10 days for proponents and opponents of the project to submit further arguments to be considered by the Planning Department. His final resolution is not expected to be made public until the first week of September. If approved, Shell station owner Jin Kwak would replace the station?s garage with a 1,640-sq.-ft. mini-mart and a 756-sq.-ft. car wash, which would operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dozens of Palisades residents, fearing increased noise, traffic and crime, attended the standing-room-only hearing in West L.A. No resident spoke in favor of Kwak’s plans. After two hours of oral testimony, residents left encouraged by Green?s comments. In an e-mailed message to the Palisadian-Post last Friday, Green wrote that he needed more time to ?digest all of that information, especially in light of the effort that went into producing it.” Also, he said he will review provisions of the municipal code and conduct any necessary independent research. He made no statement regarding the mini-mart and declined to answer questions about whether he would be similarly “inclined to reject” it. At a Palisades Community Council meeting just hours after Thursday?s hearing, members alluded to what could be a more costly battle. Some believe that Kwak will appeal a negative decision or reapply with only cosmetic changes. “This guy might look like a small, immigrant business owner,” Vice Chair Richard G. Cohen said. “But he’s got significant resources.” Kwak owns six gas stations throughout Southern California, according to his project manager, Larry S. Turner, and has already converted many of his station?s garages into mini-marts and car washes?considered more profitable. Culver City recently rejected Kwak’s application to build a car wash there after neighbors of the would-be wash feared noise pollution. “We’re up against people who know their business,” said Council Chair Steve Boyers, a lawyer. “But as someone who goes to court, I’d rather have what looks like a victory than what looks like defeat.” In July, the council unanimously adopted a motion opposing the issuance of a conditional-use permit for the project. Members berated Kwak at that meeting for using false information on his application to the city. That application said that the station was surrounded on all four directions by commercial properties. It did not mention the three multi-unit residential buildings near the project, including a three-story condominium complex directly behind the proposed car wash. In June, the board of the Pacific Palisades Residents Association (PPRA) voted to oppose the Shell station plans. Since then, its members have actively organized opposition to the proposal. Ten of its members spoke during Thursday’s hearing, each elaborating on how this project would increase traffic at a crowded intersection, noise next to the condominium complex and possibly crime by attracting loitering. Project manager Turner has tried to allay residents’ fears. Speaking to the Post this week, he said that the impact of the project would be “negligible.” He says that the city concluded that no traffic study would be required when it approved the Mitigated Negative Declaration. A city official familiar with the application said that studies are not usually required except for very large projects. Turner cited an acoustical study that predicts that “sound levels will be below existing daytime ambient noise levels at all adjoining and nearby residential properties” as long as proper mitigation measures are used. Those measures, which Turner said would be required, include using a sound muffler, “bi-fold” doors at the entrance and exit of wash, and limiting hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Turner called it ‘premature’ to say whether Kwak would appeal a negative ruling. “You have to play the first quarter of the ball game before you play the fourth,” he said. The PPRA isn’t taking any chances. Members have retained a lawyer, Roger Holt, from Greenberg Glusker just in case this fight expands. “I don’t believe it’s over,” PPRA President Barbara Kohn said. “I don’t know how far it’s going to go. But I expect an appeal.” Letters regarding the station’s plans can be sent by e-mail to planning@lacity.org or by fax: (213) 978-1334. Please include the case number: ZA 2006-9396 (CU). —– To contact Staff Writer Max Taves, e-mail reporter@palipost.com or call (310) 454-1321 ext. 28.

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