Home Blog Page 2253

Pacific “Weimar” Palisades: German Exiles in L.A.

By
dev
-

UCLA Professor Ehrhard (Ted) Bahr stands in front of the home on 26th Street, where Bertolt Brecht lived from 1942 to 1947.
UCLA Professor Ehrhard (Ted) Bahr stands in front of the home on 26th Street, where Bertolt Brecht lived from 1942 to 1947.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

By STEPHEN MOTIKA Palisadian-Post Contributor August 12, 1942: “Moved to 26th street, Santa Monica. the house, one of the oldest, is about 30 years old, California clapboard, whitewashed, with an upper floor with four bedrooms. I have a long workroom, which we immediately whitewashed and equipped with four tables. There are old trees in the garden (a pepper-tree and a fig-tree). rent $60 per month’.’ This excerpt is from the journal of the great 20th-century German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht, who spent six years in Los Angeles, five of them on 26th Street. He was not alone. In fact, dozens of German writers and intellectuals lived in Southern California during World War II, including Nobel Prize-winning novelist Thomas Mann, philosophers Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer and composer Arnold Schoenberg, among many others. A recently published book, ‘Weimar on the Pacific: German Exile Culture in Los Angeles and the Crisis of Modernism’ by Ehrhard Bahr (University of California Press), brings new attention to the work these writers created during their exile in California. Bahr, a retired professor of German at UCLA, says the project began as a private interest. ‘My main field is 18th-century German literature, but as I became aware of how many German exiles had lived in Los Angeles, I started to explore this topic in the 1970s.’ He later co-wrote a book with Palisadian Carolyn See on the exile literature of Los Angeles; he wrote on the German contribution, and she on the British. ‘In the 1990s, I developed a graduate seminar that explored the literature, architecture, music, philosophy and film.’ Bahr’s research expanded from a purely literary pursuit to a cultural and intellectual history, a shift that mirrored the development of German studies over the last 20 years. He worked in earnest on the manuscript from 2001 until submitting it for publication in 2005. The book is not a history, but rather takes different examples of exile literature as avenues to explore the period. Bahr dedicates a chapter to Adorno; three to Brecht (one on his poetry, a second on his play ‘Galileo,’ and a third on the film he made with Fritz Lang, ‘Hangmen Also Die’); one to the architecture of Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler, one to Thomas Mann’s ‘Doctor Faustus,’ and another on Arnold Schoenberg. Bahr’s thesis is clear: ‘In exile, these writers had to develop a new identity,’ he says. For example, Brecht didn’t feel as though he could write in the beautiful landscape of Santa Monica, as evidenced in his poem in which he compares Los Angeles to hell, modeled after Shelley’s poem comparing London to hell. While Bahr wondered why Brecht did this, now safe from Nazi persecution, he concluded that the poet must have needed an ugly Los Angeles in order to write. It wasn’t so for Thomas Mann. ‘For Mann, Los Angeles was the Weimar on the Pacific, in which he felt like Goethe in the 18th century,’ Bahr says. ‘Each writer developed an internal topography in order to produce.’ Brecht and Mann approached the problem from different angles, so one thought of himself in hell, the other in heaven. When Mann first arrived in Los Angeles in 1940, he was completing his epic saga ‘Joseph and His Brothers.’ ‘The palm trees in Los Angeles attracted him,’ Bahr says. ‘There were seven palm trees on his first property in Pacific Palisades. They gave him the Egyptian and Palestinian setting for the final volume of his Joseph book.’ Mann liked California and in 1944 became an American citizen. He built a house on San Remo Drive and soon began work on ‘Doctor Faustus,’ his 20th-century re-imagining of Goethe’s masterpiece in which an avant-garde composer, Adrian Leverkuhn, sells himself to the devil for 24 years of fame. Although the book is meant to be a parable of Germany under Nazism, the life of Leverkuhn is based on Mann’s Brentwood neighbor, composer Arnold Schoenberg. Schoenberg was upset with the novel, and Bahr thinks he had reason to be. ‘In the novel, 12-tone music is associated with the demonic,’ Bahr says. Yet Mann learned much of his information on Schoenberg and his 12-tone technique from another neighbor, philosopher Theodor Adorno. ‘And Schoenberg didn’t think very highly of Adorno,’ Bahr adds. Still, Mann felt bad about the end result and made efforts to reconcile with Schoenberg. Mann’s personal taste in music leaned towards the Romantic, and it’s important to remember that although the exiles were from the same culture they had different interests and aesthetics. Brecht and Mann were antagonistic to one another and embraced their adopted city in very different ways. But most of the ‘migr’s were critical of American consumerism and popular culture, famously labeled the ‘culture industry’ by Adorno and Horkheimer. Many returned to Europe as soon as they were able. Although Mann had intended to stay, the experience of being called to testify before the House Un-American Activities in 1952 changed his mind and he returned to Europe, where he died a couple of years later. The novelist Leon Feuchtwanger remained but lost his passport and was unable to travel out of the country for the remainder of his life. ‘Three days before he died he had another interview with the FBI,’ Bahr notes.’ Today, Feuchtwanger’s home in Paseo Miramar, Villa Aurora, houses 22,000 volumes from his library and remains an international meeting place for artists and literary exiles. Although Bahr didn’t know any of the exiles, he has enjoyed imagining their lives in Los Angeles since he first arrived at UCLA, where he taught from 1966 to 2003. Born in Germany in 1932, he came to the United States to study journalism at the University of Kansas from 1956-58 before commencing graduate work in German literature at UC Berkeley in 1961. A Bel-Air resident, Bahr has often thought of Mann’s trips to Westwood to see a movie or to visit Oakley’s, his barbershop on Gayley. All of the exiles went down to the Palisades Park in Santa Monica. ‘They ate at a restaurant in the Miramar hotel or they would also meet at a Belgian restaurant in Santa Monica that no longer exists.’ Perhaps the most surprising thing about the exiles, however, is that the homes where they lived are still standing. ‘You can take a map and travel from house to house if you’re interested; you can easily reconstruct their world,’ says Bahr, who has included the addresses for all the homes in his book. Beyond the physical sites, the only history of the exiles remains in articles and books, and Bahr cannot imagine a historical society dedicated to German history because of the strong feelings associated with the Holocaust. ‘Even though the exiles were against the Nazis, they were still part of German-speaking central Europe,’ he notes. For his part, Bahr wishes that he had written more on the women from the period, including two Palisadians, Greta Garbo scriptwriter Salka Viertel and popular novelist Vicki Baum, author of the bestselling novel ‘Grand Hotel,’ which became the basis for the successful movie. ‘All the ideas associated with modernity are reflected in her novel,’ Bahr says. ‘I discovered her so late myself. Now I wish that I could write a chapter on her.’ Along with Baum, he’d also like to add sections about the work of Feuchtwanger and Heinrich Mann, Thomas’ brother. ‘Maybe someday there will be a second edition,’ he adds. Bahr will read from and sign his book, ‘Weimar on the Pacific’ on Friday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.

Palisadian Vocalists Sing with Dana Greene

By
dev
-

Palisadian based vocal coach hosts two youth concerts,

By ALLISON VREELAND Palisadian-Post Contributor Sparkling vocals filled the room at Venice’s Electric Lodge on June 6. Many young Palisadians shared their singing talents with an audience full of family and friends as they performed in Dana Greene Vocal Works ‘Songs of Hollywood’ concert. Greene, who is based in Pacific Palisades, has been training vocalists for 25 years and especially enjoys working with young talent. ‘There’s something in their spirit that I try to coax out of them and when it finally comes out, it’s really magical,’ Greene said about her approach to working with youth. The concert was fun and upbeat as Greene sat behind the piano and provided a quick introduction to each performer mixed with her own personal keyboard flair. Then a student would enter the stage and dive right into his or her performance. From Palisadian Lizzie Edel’s ‘Take Me To The River’ to Palisadian John Alexander’s ‘The Way You Look Tonight,’ students made their song their own. Alexander even included an audience member as he grabbed a fellow singer and started dancing with her in the middle of his performance. The performers seemed confident and comfortable singing on stage and sharing their talents, and the audience was not shy about letting them know how great they were. The 100-seat venue was packed and there were even people standing in the aisles to watch the show. The audience was just as warm and welcoming as the vocalist needed, clapping along to the beat and cheering after every ballad. Dana Greene and her vocalists spent many hours preparing for ‘Songs of Hollywood.’ However, all of this hard work was well worth the effort when afterwards there was a standing ovation. The bassist even came up to Greene after the show and announced, ‘This was the best gig I’ve played at in years.’ Although there will not be another concert just like this scheduled in the near future, Greene’s summer camp, Kids Kabaret, allows vocalists to sing with a band and learn performing tips from a vocal master class to a rhythm jam; their first performance was July 13. Many friends and family filled the small studio in the Adderley School in the Highlands to watch the seven campers perform songs that they chose specially and had practiced carefully with Greene. The dance studio was made to look like a jazz club with tables and chairs arranged in a candlelit room, setting the mood for a great show. The performance began with an all-camper group song-and-dance routine. Then after a quick spur-of-the-moment stand-up comedy performance by the youngest camper, Lizzie Edel started off the show with a contemporary piece, ‘The Sweet Escape’ by Gwen Stefani. After each performance, singers would give a personal, well-rehearsed introduction for the next performer. The studio was filled with a very lively audience. People swayed to Avril Lavigne’s ‘Keep Holding On’ and clapped with the rest of the performers to Creedence Clearwater’s ‘Joy to the World.’ The show ended with a performance by Tierra Church, a student of Greene’s who helped work at the camp, teaching the kids tricks that had helped her in her vocal classes.

Naturalist Training Begins at Ballona Wetlands

By
dev
-

The Friends of Ballona Wetlands and Santa Monica Bay and Los Angeles Audubon Chapters are offering a six-week training program for volunteer naturalists and educational outreach volunteers interested in leading school tours of the Ballona Wetlands. Training classes will begin Tuesday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to noon and continue on Tuesday mornings through October 16. No prior experience is necessary, only a desire to help children develop a love of the natural world and an enthusiasm for preserving it. Since 1990, the Audubon Society has offered tours of the Ballona Wetlands for children in grades 4 to 6. More than 50,000 children have participated in the program, which offers an opportunity for students to see the last major salt marsh in Los Angeles County and to learn about the native plants, insects, birds and microorganisms that inhabit this beautiful natural environment. Tours are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from October to May. Two classes arrive at 10 a.m. to begin their adventure. The children are divided into groups of 15 and a volunteer naturalist accompanies each group. During their two-hour walk, students have an opportunity to use microscopes to observe microorganisms, and telescopes and binoculars to watch birds and bird behavior. They will also walk through the wetlands with naturalists leading the discussion of wetlands and the interdependence of all living things. Volunteer naturalists are asked to lead at least two tours per month between October and May. Educational Outreach volunteers visit local classrooms prior to the field trips. The visit lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours. Training sessions cover wetland ecology, birds, native plants and animals, the food chain and interpretive techniques. Each participant will receive a comprehensive training manual. The training program is free to Audubon members, and $20 for non-members (includes membership). There is also a small refundable materials fee. Contact: Cindy Hardin (310) 301-0050

John Robertson Pays Homage to Willie Mays

By
dev
-

Fox Sports commissioned local artist John Robertson to paint three large-scale paintings of Willie Mays for a tribute to the great (‘Say hey!’) baseball player during the All-Star Baseball pre-game show on July 10. Mays was interviewed by Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey, Jr. and Fox Sports used the large-scale paintings as a wrap and a backdrop for the tribute interview. Two of the paintings are 5-ft. by 6-ft. portraits. The third painting, from the well-known photograph “The Catch” is 4 ft. by 7 1/2 ft. The 4-1/2-minute interview can be viewed by visiting Robertson’s Web site (www.StreetCredibleArt.com) on the sports painting page. A former Pacific Palisades resident, Robertson is a self-taught artist who has metamorphosed from
 a colorful impressionist to a social/political and conceptual portraitist, whose work has razor 
sharp messages embedded in the seemingly benign, colorful medium. In his work for
 Community of Family Farmers Alliance, Real Cheap Sports, Earth Services and 
CROP, he addressed issues of hunger in the land of plenty and substandard health 
conditions endured by farmers. In his work for the Palisades Presbyterian Church, 
and ‘Salt,’ the op-ed page of the Catholic Church, he has confronted abortion, the 
death penalty, charity, vanity and greed. 

Robertson earned a BA degree in English literature from 
Cal State, Northridge. He was a senior executive with a large 
retail corporation for over 23 years, but in 1991 John left the world of business in
 order to pursue his interest in art on a full time basis. His work has been used 
in various movie and television shows and commercials and his work has been exhibited
 in numerous one-man art shows.

Local Guards Win at Regionals

By
dev
-

Eleven-year-old Tristan Marsh sprints to the surf on his way to second place in the Rescue Relay.
Eleven-year-old Tristan Marsh sprints to the surf on his way to second place in the Rescue Relay.
Photo by Paho Marsh

Several swimmers from the Will Rogers State Beach Junior Lifeguards team competed at the Regional Championships last Friday in Santa Barbara and all three did their team proud. Tristan Marsh, an 11-year-old who will be a sixth-grader at Paul Revere in the fall, was second in his age group in the Run Swim Run event, second in the Rescue Relay and fourth in the Open Water Swim. Alexander Landau, also 11, won the Open Water Swim Relay and placed ninth in the Run Swim Run. Landau will be a sixth-grader at St. Matthew’s in the fall. Twelve-year-old Liliana Casso, who will attend Marlborough School in September, took first place in the Run Swim Run. All three Will Rogers competitors also swim year-round for Team Santa Monica. Consisting of over 2,000 lifeguards from throughout Southern California (Santa Cruz to Imperial Beach), the regional competition was broken down into four age divisions: C (ages 9-11), B (ages 12-13), A (ages 14-15) and AA (ages 16-17). Each participant qualified in one or more events based on their results at previous competitions. Joining Tristan Marsh and Landau at the Nationals at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on August 9 will be 10-year-old Tiana Marsh, Tristan’s younger sister, a fifth-grader at Kenter Canyon Elementary. The nationals alternate year to year from West Coast to East Coast. In years when the meet is held on the West Coast, local swimmers must qualify but when it is held on the East Coast, like this year, all West Coast swimmers are invited to participate.

Countrywide Has Local Flavor

By
dev
-

Mike and Bob Bryan perform their trademark chest bump in the doubles final of the Countrywide Classic Sunday at UCLA. The twin brothers won the event for the fourth time.
Mike and Bob Bryan perform their trademark chest bump in the doubles final of the Countrywide Classic Sunday at UCLA. The twin brothers won the event for the fourth time.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The ATP Tour came to UCLA for the Countrywide Classic last week and once again there was a strong Palisades presence at the Los Angeles Tennis Center. Southern Californians Mike and Bob Bryan, the No. 1-ranked doubles team in the world, won their hometown tournament for a record fourth time while veteran Czech Radek Stepanek upset American James Blake 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-2 to win the singles title on Sunday. Throughout the week, the venue was filled with junior players from the Palisades Tennis Center. After the doubles final, the Bryan brothers invited all of the PTC kids onto the court and took pictures with them. The PTC has owned and operated the Wilson concession at the tournament for the last 10 years. “It gives our children a chance to see how a professional sporting event runs from behind the curtain,” PTC Director of Administration Heidi Wessels said. “The kids get to meet tournament officials and players, they get credentialed, and they see some of the best players in the world up close. It’s a lot of work but a neat experience for them.” Many PTC juniors played exhibition points in between the matches and even more got to work as ball kids. None of the pros was received as warmly as underdog Zack Fleishman, who plays in the PTC Live Ball workouts on Saturday mornings and has been trained by PTC owner Steve Bellamy. Fleishman earned a wildcard into the main draw of the Countrywide and pulled off the upset of the tournament when he upset top-seeded Fernando Gonzalez in the first round. PTC teaching pro Francisco Franceschini has trained Gonzalez as the two grew up playing together in Chile. “It was great seeing Zack rise to such a high level,” Bellamy said. “He has worked so hard for so long and everything just seemed to crescendo in the right direction that night. His serves were like missiles, his backhand was like a backboard, he was offensive with his forehand and he attacked every chance he got.” Several of the pros visited the PTC to work out the week of the tournament, including Jamie Murray and Ross Hutchins of Great Britain, who were being coached by Palisadian and British Davis Cup coach John Lloyd.

Paly Second at COLA Meet

By
dev
-

The Paly team took second overall in the silver group, the small team division at the COLA meet held at the John Argue Swim Stadium near the L.A. Coliseum last weekend. Culver City YMCA took first and Westside Aquatics took third. Teams were divided into two groups: gold and silver, depending on the number of kids entered. ‘For the amount of kids we had, we scored a lot of points,’ Paly Head Coach Brian Timmerman said. ‘Everyone who went scored points.’ Haley Hacker, 14, took first in the 100 and 200 backstroke, barely missing qualifying in individual Junior Olympics events by tenths of a second. She will go on a relay team. Timmerman pointed out that next year he expects Ana Silka and Jessica Schem (both who also just missed qualifying), as well as Hacker to be among the ever-expanding group qualifying for individual JOs. The final meet of the season for the Y-team will be Junior Olympics held August 3-5. Timmerman had seven swimmers qualify for JOs in Santa Clarita in individual events. In addition, 12 swimmers will be competing in relays. Last year was Timmerman’s first year with the team and he had two swimmers qualify in individual events and four went with the relay. ‘We’re definitely improving,’ Timmerman said. ‘I have a good group that are inching their way towards JOs.’ Locals at Speedo Sectionals Several local swimmers competed in the Speedo Sectional Meet held in Clovis, California last Wednesday through Sunday. The meet was established in 2001 by USA Swimming as a stepping stone meet for accomplished young swimmers. It has rigorous qualifying standards and its format is similar to the Senior Nationals and the Olympics. Palisades High swimmers Kristin Fuji, Jasmine Punch and recent PaliHi graduate Julie Wynn (who will be swimming at San Jose State in the fall), also participated. Other Palisadians included Alexandra Edel, Danny Fujinaka, Brian Johnson (who swims for UC Irvine) and Eric Hamer (who swims for UC Santa Cruz). All are members of Westside Aquatics. Fujinaka improved almost 10 seconds in the 800 meter freestyle for a personal-best time of 8:56.38, placing him 42nd in the nation among 15-year-olds for the summer season. The time also made the Southern California reportable time standard for the event in the 15-16 age division. Merz at Janet Evans Invitational Palisades-Malibu YMCA swimmer Allison Merz was invited to compete in the prestigious Janet Evans Invitational at USC, one of the largest meets in the nation. At the July 13-15 competition, which typically features club teams from the western United States as well as teams from Canada, Mexico and New Zealand. The Invitational, part of the United States Swimming Grand Prix Series, is named after the four-time Olympic gold medalist. After qualifying in the 100 and 200 butterfly, the 15-year-old Palisadian dropped 12 seconds off her 200 time, finishing in 2:32.12. She also improved her 100 time by two-tenths of a second.

Ann Gerchik Fagan McKechnie; 34-year Palisadian

By
dev
-

Ann McKechnie, a 34-year resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away June 30 at St. John’s Medical Center, surrounded by loving friends, family, soul mate Dr. Steven Lattimore and Roberta Smith, her doctor in the Palisades for 13 years. Ann died at the age of 62 after a six-month fight with brain cancer. Born Reece Ann Bridges on a farm in Dayton, Kentucky, Ann moved with her mother to California at the age of 2. She grew up near the Sunset Strip and attended Fairfax High, where she was prom queen and captain of the cheerleading squad. As a young woman she was a go-go dancer and a member of the L.A. City Ballet. She majored in English at UCLA, taught literature and grammar in junior high and high school, and worked for 10 years in public relations. Ann was the head librarian at Santa Monica High School before retiring in 2005, when she and Lattimore moved to Santa Paula. She was a world traveler (she visited over 100 countries) and a writer. She also gave to numerous charities for animals and owned many dogs and cats. She found two of her dogs at the Sunday adoption venue on Swarthmore. “Ann was a remarkable person,” said her friend Linda Schilcher, of Pacific Palisades. “She loved to travel, even teaching in Afghanistan for two years. She was also an active hiker with the Sierra Club, participating for years in the Friday night hikes on Paseo Miramar.” She lived in Castellammare from 1971 to 2005 and enjoyed Cafe Tivoli, Cafe Misto, Cloud 9, Starbucks and dining outside at Mort’s Deli. Her gentleness, humility, love and friendship will be missed. She lit up so many lives and fought so courageously, surviving three battles with breast cancer and one with lung cancer. Ann is survived by her stepparents, Max and Reca Gerchik of Pacific Palisades, and her half siblings, Danny, Lisa and Julie. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Humane Society, the Sierra Club, or the American Cancer Society.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 19, 2007

By
dev
-

HOMES FOR SALE 1

BEAUTIFUL WHITEWATER VIEWS, 3 bdrm, 2 ba home above Bel Air Bay Club. $3,195,000. Agent, (310) 459-3493

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. $12,000/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

GREAT 4 BD, 3 BA, office, den, large spa. Queen’s Necklace, ocean views, quiet cul-de-sac. Available Sept. One year minimum. Unfurnished $8,000/mo. Furnished $8,500/mo. Call (310) 457-1522

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

PACIFIC PALISADES CONDO For lease for sr. citizen. Must be over 62 years of age. 1 BR+1 BA with wood floors. Close to shopping and the beach. All utilities are included. Available immediately. $1,399/mo. For more info, please call (310) 979-4170

PALISADES CONDO. 2+2, Walk to village. Woodsy view, open den, AC, W/D in sec/ bldg., 2 car pking, storage, pool, jacuzzi, gym. $2,800/mo. Avail 8/1. Nancy, (310) 995-5257 or (310) 454-5257

2+2 VILLAGE CONDO. Large living room, den, dining rm, F/P, balcony, all appliances, new paint & carpet, W/D, pool and gym. 1 year lease at $3300/month. Ready now! (310) 454-4713, (310) 617-0600

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

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PROFESSIONAL BUILDING in Pacific Palisades. Newly painted, renovated suite with new pergo laminated floors. Pleasant office space located in village. 862 sq. ft. Call Ness, (310) 230-6712 x105

PALISADES OFFICE SPACES avail in the heart of the VILLAGE including those measuring approximately: 1) single suites ranging between 150-300 sf, windows in each office and balconies; 2) 800 sf 2 room suite and reception area with large windows, great natural, light and a balcony; 3) 976 sf with reception area, 2 private offices, private bathroom, hardwood floors; 4) 1,440 sf penthouse/loft space broken out into 4 separate offices, includes private bathroom and decks with gorgeous views of the Santa Monica mountains; 5) 2,007 sf, great exposure; 6) 2,477 sf; 7) 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

UPSTAIRS OFFICE, 855 Via de la Paz. Avail. Sept. 1, $569/mo. 1 mo. rent + $1,200 sec. dep. Call for appt.: (310) 454-4668

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

PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS. Enjoy the summer in this partially furnished 2+2, unique beach lease. Across the street from renowned surf spot at Sunset Beach. Large oceanside deck, minutes to town, white-water views. What a great way to spend the summer! $4,500/month, can start July 15. Broker, (310) 317-9327

SEEKING APT SWAP in Palisades. 2 Bdrm NYC UWS furnished/doorman apt. Approx 8/10-8/20 or adjustable week. Numerous local references. (310) 403-2854

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

FOUND: ADULT RACING BICYCLE. July 9th, in front of Blockbuster building. Call to identify. (310) 454-5915

FOUND: ADULT GRAY and white cat. Has collar, no ID. Corner of Via de la Paz and Charm Acres Pl. (310) 454-4270

PERSONALS 6b

SEMPER FI: To be always faithful to God, country, fellow marines & all people who fight for freedom & peace. Ray Nasser, U.S. Purple Heart Marine, 16321 PCH #63, Pacific Palisades, 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

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

OVERLOADED WITH CLUTTER? All Areas Organized can restore order to any home, office or garage w/ effective organizing solutions. Including: paper management, desk overhauls, home office set-ups, clutter control, closet organization, filing & storage systems. Save time, energy, money & space while reducing stress! Professional, reliable & non-judgmental. Locally based in Pacific Palisades. Call (310) 562-7271 for consultation. Member National Association of Professional Organizers.

CAN HELP YOU ORGANIZE areas in your home to create more open space. Housekeeping workshop is also available for you and/or your housekeeper. Workshop includes food preparation. Please call (310) 488-0609

MISCELLANEOUS 7k

SEEKING P/T employment as an exec. assist. or personal shopper. Complete bookkeeping & computer skills (Mac & PC). Extensive writing, research & buying experience. Reliable, N/S, mature, Wellesley grad., local refs. SM Cyn. resident. (310) 454-6511

CUSTOM FILM & VIDEO TRANSFER 7l

Transfer Your Precious Home Movies to Perfect DVDs. We transfer all videotape formats, old movie film, 35mm slides to DVD, with 54 visual on screen chapters. Free pick-up & delivery. IMAGINE VIDEO SERVICES. Tel. (310) 256-7299. www.imaginevideo.biz

DAYCARE CENTERS 8

PALISADES LEARN AND PLAY. Creative & nurturing Pre-K program. Crafts, music & educational curriculum. Openings for summer & fall, F/T or P/T. (310) 459-0920

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

VIP NANNY AGENCY. “Providing very important people with the very best nanny.” (818) 907-1017, (310) 614-3646

EXPERIENCED ENGLISH-SPEAKING European nanny looking for F/T or P/T position. Good DMV record and excellent references. Call (818) 481-1549

NATIVE PALISADIAN RESIDENT w/ valid CDL, seeks part time position providing assistance for elders. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, driving & other needs. Good experience & refs. Sarah, (310) 883-8504

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, EXPERIENCED, English speaking, car, CDL. Will keep your home sparkling clean w/ personal care+more options. Loves animals. Refs. (310) 754-0545

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday, Thursday & Friday. Local references. Call Theresa, (323) 567-3032

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE M-F. References. Call Maria, (818) 398-8137

CLEANING SERVICE. Homes, apartments, and offices. Independent, hard-working and local references. Call Reina, (310) 223-2467

HOUSEKEEPER, REFERENCES, EXPERIENCED. Own transportation. Speaks some English. Available Tues., Thurs., Sat., Sun. Call Carol, (323) 299-1797. Call evenings, or cell, (818) 742-5680

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

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

HONEST MAN SERVICES. All jobs, big or small. Hauls it all. Homes and businesses. 14 foot van/dollies. 15th year Westside. Delivers to 48 states. (310) 285-8688

TREE SERVICE 11d

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

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

MISCELLANEOUS 13i

GLASS RESTORATION. Shower doors/windows sparkle! Hardwater deposits expertly removed. Acid graffiti/scratches gone! Glass Saver Tech, (323) 337-2581. Lic. #37810036 glassavertech@yahoo.com

HOUSESITTING 14b

HOUSESITTER: PERSONAL TOUCH. PET, PLANT & HOMEMINDERS . . . when you’re going on vacation. Responsible lady (teacher). Many local references. (310) 393-6196

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

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

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

CARPENTRY 16a

SKYLIGHTS, WINDOWS, DOORS, fencing, decks, kitchens, bath, etc. Non-lic. (310) 428-3822

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

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

ELECTRICAL 16h

PALISADES ELECTRIC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437 Insured Professional Service

ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local Service Only. Lic. #775688. Please Call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286

FENCES 16j

THE FENCE MAN. 14 years quality workmanship. Wood fences • Decks • Gates • Chainlink & overhang. Lic. #663238, bonded. (818) 706-1996

INDEPENDENT SERVICE CARLOS FENCE: Wood & Picket Fences • Chain Link • Iron & Gates • Deck & Patio Covers. Ask for Carlos, (310) 677-2737 or fax (310) 677-8650. Non-lic.

FLOOR CARE 16m

GREG GARBER’S HARDWOOD FLOORS SINCE 1979. Install, refinish. Fully insured. Local references (310) 230-4597 Lic. #455608

CENTURY HARDWOOD FLOOR • Refinishing, Installation, Repairs. Lic. #813778. www.centurycustomhardwoodfloorinc.com • centuryfloor@sbcglobal.net • (800) 608-6007 • (310) 276-6407

HART HARDWOOD FLOORING. Best pricing. Sr. discounts, quality workmanship. Bamboo, maple, oak and laminate. Installation & refinishing. Call for free quote. Lic. #763767. Ron, (310) 308-4988

GOLDEN HARDWOOD FLOORS. Professional Installation and refinishing. National Wood Flooring Association member.License #732286. Plenty of local references. (877) 622-2200 • www.goldenhardwoodfloors.com

HANDYMAN 16o

HANDYMAN • HOOSHMAN • Most known name in the Palisades. Since 1975. Member Chamber of Commerce. Lic. #560299. Call for your free est. Local refs available. Hooshman, (310) 459-8009, 24 Hr.

LABOR OF LOVE carpentry, plumbing, tile, plaster, doors, windows, fencing & those special challenges. Work guaranteed. License #B767950. Ken at (310) 487-6464

LOCAL RESIDENT, LOCAL CLIENTELE. Make a list, call me. I specialize in repairing, replacing all those little nuisances. Not licensed; fully insured; always on time. 1 Call, 1 Guy: Marty, (310) 459-2692

BOB OF BRENTWOOD • Quality work home/office repairs • paint • plaster patch • plumbing • lights • locks • screens, etc. 10 yrs exp. Free est. Non-lic. (310) 820-5407 • bobofbrentwood@peoplepc.com

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

SPIROS PAINTING. INTERIOR/EXTERIOR Painting on the Westside since 1980. Lic. #821009. Fax and phone: (310) 826-6097. NO JOB is too small or too big for Spiro the Greek

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

EXPERIENCED HOUSE PAINTING, 30 yrs local. Spray-oil-refinishing. Stars welcome. Also carpentry, masonry, sealing, retaining walls, landscaping, concrete, drywall, tile, rock waterfalls. (310) 457-4652

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

EARN $800-$3,200 Monthly to drive brand new cars with ads placed on them. www.AdCarDrive.com

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

MOTHER’S HELPER WANTED, 1-year-old boy. Weekdays, approx. 3 hours/day, flexible times. High school/college student preferred. Starting $8/hour. Nicole, (310) 926-8826

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

PALISKATES IS SEEKING a general sales manager & assistant sales manager. Qualifications: Min. 2 years retail management, exp. merchandising/buying background preferred. Superior references required. Proficient in Quickbooks. Full time. Email or fax resume & salary history. Include cover letter. Paliskates@yahoo.com. Fax (310) 230-4536

PALISKATES IS SEEKING retail sales assistants. Full & part time. Highly motivated, energetic w/ great communication skills. Aware of current fashion trends, flexible schedules, some sales experience, excellent customer service. Email or fax resume & salary history. Include cover letter. Paliskates@yahoo.com. Fax (310) 230-4536

AUTOS 18b

BEAUTIFUL CONDITION 1998 Mercedes E320, Black opal, silver rims, low mileage, grey leather. Call (310) 230-9701

‘92 LEXUS ES 300, garaged, care, tan-leather, moonroof, CD changer, 107K miles, black. $3,950. Private party. To see or demo, (310) 454-0250

FURNITURE 18c

Brand New Custom Linen Sectional (marine blue). NEVER BEEN USED! 84” by 72”. $1,500 obo. Please call Kristin Keefe, (310) 459-8314

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

FUN SUMMER SALE! Tables/chairs/lamps/mirrors/ bar stools/knick-knacks/curios/books/Lenox glassware/console table/cherry desk/antique wrought iron shelf, mirror, new, unused single posturepedic mattress/framed prints. Lots more! 1297 Capri (at Sunset). FRI.-SAT., July 20-21, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Photos/details:www.bmdawson.com

ESTATE SALE: BRENTWOOD. 210 Tilden, LA 90049. Fri., July 20th, Sat., July 21st & Sun., July 22nd. 9 A.M.-4 P.M. Take Sunset east of the San Diego Fwy. Turn right on Bentley, left on Denslow, left on Tilden. We did a sale in this house last month and the family has brought in several lovely antiques and many accessories from storage, residential furn., Calif. Mission furn., antique hall tree and much more. Pacific Estate Sales.

HOME/YARD SALE. Saturday, July 21st, Broad Beach Area, Malibu. 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Items include: couch, chairs, dining tables, coffee tables, small dresser, nightstands, shelves, lamps, pots & plants, cassette & video tapes, washer & dryer, free-standing air conditioner, fan, small refrigerator, miscellaneous stereo equipment & more . . . all PRICED TO SELL. CASH ONLY!!! Julia, 31770 CottonTail Lane, Malibu 90265

INTERIOR DESIGNER ESTATE/Moving Sale. Sat., July 21st, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No early birds. 1162 Charm Acres Pl. Home furnishings and accessories, clothes, children’s books and toys.

2-WEEK BLOWOUT MOVING SALE. Everything must go! Thurs., July 19th-Sun., July 29th. 773 Via de la Paz. Schafer & Sons baby grand piano, din/table+6 chairs, tons of Oasis, outdoor teak furn., one-of-a-kind table+4 ch. (inlaid tile +concrete), potted plants. Full size waterbed w/ storage below. 2 armoires, bookcases, slipcover couch+chair. 2 desks, 2 TVs, 2 computers, flat screen+much more. Call for appointment: (310) 459-7418, (310) 490-0890

AMAZING GARAGE/ESTATE SALE. Great selection of amazing items including; Cottura Italian ceramics, plates and dishes; designer men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, hats, accessories (Ralph Lauren, Prada, Gucci etc.); beautifully framed art, kitchenware, furniture, games, DVDs, CDs, designer pillows, picture frames and a whole lot more!!!!!!! Saturday, July 21st only, 9:00-3:00. No Early Birds Please! 641 Swarthmore Ave., 3 blocks south of Sunset.

GARAGE/ESTATE SALE, Sat., July 21st, 9 a.m-3 p.m. Furniture, houseware, women’s clothes, shoes, tons of books. 273 Trino Way, Pacific Palisades, off Sunset.

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

Hillside Work Paves Way For Mansion

By
dev
-

Huntington Homeowners Eye Plans for 27,000-sq.-ft.

Workers clear the debris of two houses that fell off the hillside at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Chautauqua Boulevard in the 1994 earthquake. Ron Flury plans to build a 27,000-sq.-ft. house on the two-lot, Corona del Mar site sometime next year. Max Taves/Staff Writer
Workers clear the debris of two houses that fell off the hillside at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Chautauqua Boulevard in the 1994 earthquake. Ron Flury plans to build a 27,000-sq.-ft. house on the two-lot, Corona del Mar site sometime next year. Max Taves/Staff Writer
Photo by Max Taves

Every weekday for the past few weeks a cadre of mostly Latino workers, carrying pick-axes, shovels and thermoses, has rappelled down the steep, muddy hillside that abuts Pacific Coast Highway and Chautauqua Boulevard. They are hauling up the skeletons–concrete caissons and steel beams–of two houses that succumbed to the earthquake of 1994 to make way for a bigger and safer reincarnation: a 27,000-sq.-ft. Tuscan villa. A permit to grade and remove 20,000 cubic yards of dirt from the 81,500-sq.-ft. lot was issued this April by the L.A. Department of Building and Safety, along with owner Ron Flury’s application for the two-level ‘single-family dwelling.’ Flury is the CEO of Ecology Industries, an environmental cleanup company. Once completed, his house would occupy one of the most prized pieces of real estate in the county, replete with 180-degree-plus views of Santa Monica Bay. ‘I personally feel that it has one of the best views in the world,’ said Joan Sather, a nearby resident and local realtor. ‘[The view] is pretty much totally unobstructed. It’s the best of the best.’ But completion–let alone construction–of Flury’s home could still be a long way off, if history is any guide. That’s because despite at least one previous attempt, Flury’s application has been rejected by the Huntington Palisades Property Owners Corporation, Inc. (HPPOC), which has legally binding jurisdiction over all demolition and home construction plans within the exclusive, blufftop community. ‘We have pretty strict rules: [house and fence] height, [house] setback, sideyard setbacks, etcetera,’ said an HPPOC spokesperson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. ‘When you’re in the Huntington, it’s mandatory. And we have a bigger bite than the Civic League.’ This time, HPPOC members fear that Flury might be trying to bypass their community’s covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs). The topic was an agenda item at its last meeting in May, after many neighbors called in about the visible work on the site. Exacerbating that fear is the fact that Flury has not responded to three certified letters that the HPPOC sent him, requesting his building plans. ‘In May, we realized that [Flury] got approval from the city, but not from us,’ said HPPOC’s spokesperson. ‘If any construction starts, the board may take legal action.’ The HPPOC has backed its threats before. This year, it won a battle against a homeowner on Pampas Ricas Boulevard after he proposed building a high wall along the street. And some members expect another fight. Not so fast, says Garry Morris of Pacific Crest Consultants, who is representing Flury. Morris told the Palisadian-Post on Monday that plans for the home will be submitted for ‘the second or third time’ to the HPPOC, but those plans are not yet due because construction of the home has not begun. He also said that no home construction is planned this year. He expects that the homeowners’ corporation will approve plans this time because Flury plans to do less ‘extensive work’ at the site. Beyond changing the roof’s pitch, Morris did not offer further details of changes to the house’s original plan. HPPOC’s spokesperson could not recall what out-of-compliance details in Flury’s previous plans triggered the corporation’s rejection. If Flury has made no other changes to his house’s plans since his last application in 2003, the top level of the house will comprise the main living space: three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a library, kitchen, dining area and living room. The basement of the house, approximately 11,770- sq.- ft., will include space for a 15-car garage, a maid’s quarters, guest bedroom and bath, a gym and a wine cellar. In addition, the house will have a pool and a 3,496-sq.-ft. loggia. Within code or not, hillside work has been a nuisance for the home’s bottom-of-the-hill neighbors, where falling debris has covered the corner nursery’s growing plants and flowers several feet deep and obscured a trail used by nursery workers. Morris would not comment on damage to the nursery because he said he had not seen it. He said that after his workers finish cleaning the hillside, they will begin stabilizing the cliffside. Those plans include using ‘soil nails,’ which are 50- to 70-ft.-deep concrete rods built into the bluff. In a previous interview with the Palisadian-Post, Morris said these plans would not interfere with the natural look of the hillside. ‘The city’s engineering requirements are stringent,’ realtor Joan Sather said. ‘But they’ve never been tested. That property has always been a little unstable. I looked [at the property] in the late 1980s, and even then it was sold for a bit of a fire-sale price. It was less than a property with those kinds of views would [normally] go for.’ Geologically risky or not, Sather estimates the house could fetch $20 million. —— To contact Staff Writer Max Taves, e-mail reporter@palipost.com or call (310) 454-1321 ext. 28.

1...2,2522,2532,254...2,529Page 2,253 of 2,529
© Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272