Home Blog Page 2270

A Modern-Day Expeditioner

By
dev
-

From 1993 to 1999, John Haslett designed, built and sailed more than 1,500 miles on four replicas of the vessels described by the Spaniards. In 1998, working with archaeologist Cameron M. Smith and a crew including an Ecuadorian mariner, Haslett made his

The launch of the Illa-Tiki in March 1995 required hundreds of Ecuadorian men pulling and pushing the behemoth into the Pacific Ocean. Photo: Sandra Sykes
The launch of the Illa-Tiki in March 1995 required hundreds of Ecuadorian men pulling and pushing the behemoth into the Pacific Ocean. Photo: Sandra Sykes

As John Haslett relates his adventures aboard a primitive raft, pipe smoke curling about his face, he casts the spell of an ancient mariner following trade routes along the coast of South America. Inspired by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who became famous for his Kon-Tiki expedition in which he sailed by raft 4,300 miles from South America to French Polynesia, and buoyed by his childhood taste for adventure, Haslett has spent the last decade trying to prove the seaworthiness of the balsa wood rafts that the Ecuadorian traders, the Manteno, sailed as far as Mexico before the Spanish conquest. A Pacific Palisades resident, when he is not on an expedition, Haslett has detailed his journeys in ‘Voyage of the Manteno’ (St. Martin’s Press), drawing from personal experiences, diaries, ship’s logs and Ham radio contacts. He will talk about the book at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 28 at Village Books on Swarthmore. Part adventure, part science, Haslett’s expeditions began in a small fishing village on the southern coast of Ecuador in the early 1990s. There he built a 17-ton raft made of balsa wood logs, bamboo decking and manila rope. He had intended to sail 5,000 nautical miles across the open sea to Hawaii, but soon tamed his ambition after being thwarted by the unpredictable forces of wind and sea. ‘I had been told by many in Ecuador that if I had any interest in building balsa rafts I should go to the fishing village of Salango,’ Haslett says. ‘This was the seat of the ancient Mante’o culture.’ The Manteno was a sea-faring culture that existed from about AD 800 until the Spanish conquest in 1535. A prosperous civilization, it was known for its production and trade of decorative ornaments made of mother-of-pearl, spondylus, bone and copper. Over time, agricultural communities with a significant long-distance coastal trade network emerged. Haslett speculates that over-fishing prompted the Manteno to pursue markets further afield, particularly in search of spondylus shells that the Inca thought had more value than gold. Describing himself as a ‘mutated boy scout,’ Haslett, 43, grew up in Dallas, Texas, mastering outdoor skills such as canoeing, hiking and sailing. ‘I also grew up learning about the great explorers and thought I should do great expeditions,’ he says. He prepared for his first great adventure by saving about $100,000 made as a hard-currency trader. His brother Brock joined the crew along with several young fishermen from Salango, descendents of the great Manteno culture. While en route to the tiny town on the back of a truck, a group of fellow passengers asked Haslett why he was going to Salango. ‘I pulled an old book out of my briefcase and showed them pictures of balsa rafts, and then explained my plans,’ Haslett explains in the book. ‘One man leaned forward, put his finger on a picture of a balsa raft in the book, and said. ‘I can do this.” Haslett’s first raft was a behemoth. Its massive logs were strapped together into a 40-ft. long rectangle that came to a point at the front, just like a conventional ship. It was rigged with a square sail, and a little bamboo hut at the back of the raft served as living quarters while at sea. Before the expedition began, Haslett wrote a letter to the Kon-Tiki Museum in Norway and included a request to name his raft Illa-Tiki, which meant Fire God, after Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki, which meant Sun God. ‘Thor Heyerdahl faxed me,’ Haslett says. He wrote: ‘It is possible to reach the Hawaiian Islands from Ecuador by balsa raft. P.S. I have no objection to you using the name ‘Illa-Tiki’ for your raft.’ The first voyage, as with many ‘first times,’ challenged the five-man crew in many ways beyond the expected. They learned about Teredo navalis, the destructive little shipworm with an appetite for balsa wood. They fought tempests, treacherous shoals, and hunger. But above all Haslett learned the importance of the mental stability of the crew, after a seaman crippled by psychotic episodes nearly sabotaged the voyage. ‘We drifted hundreds of miles off course, we fought desperate battles against the cruel sail, and we were hungry and losing weight, but it was Frederick’s mania that now dominated every aspect of life aboard the raft,’ Haslett writes about that first journey. ‘When he showed up to sign on to the expedition and I shook his hand I knew something was wrong with him,’ Haslett reflects in a recent interview. ‘I was immature, but he slowly started to sabotage things. Frederick changed course deliberately when it was his watch as part of his descent into psychotic outbursts.’ After the first voyage floundered, Haslett gave up the idea of sailing to Hawaii and spent the next two years redesigning and building a new raft called the ‘Manteno’ that was built closer to what the ancients would have used, thanks to input from Cameron Smith. An archeologist at the University of Portland, Smith joined the project and hired linguists who translated arcane Spanish texts describing triangular sails. The new vessel was built of balsa and supported a two-story bamboo hut. While the design was seaworthy, after 17 days and 465 nautical miles, the raft was ravaged once again by the ubiquitous shipworm. The third voyage set sail in January 1999 from Colombia. Haslett recruited Alejandro Martin and Cesar Alarcon, both seasoned mariners whom Haslett described as ‘The Inventors’ for their ability to engineer essential equipment from scrounged materials on board, such as a rainwater catch basin or a mast light. This journey was sabotaged by another sort of plague–the Gyre, a huge vortex in the north Pacific that pulled the raft into its windless eye. ‘For weeks the Manteno II drifted, resting on the surface of a flat plain, surrounded by thousands of miles of emptiness, stillness,’ Haslett writes. For 68 days, the men drifted, with provisions diminishing and hope waning until a wind finally came, and the men found land in Costa Rica. In 2000, Haslett sat down to write his book. ‘I wrote it out for a year, I wrote every day, and it was awful, so I threw it out,’ he says. He began again two years later and again threw it out. Meanwhile, an agent who had read his article in Archeology called from New York City and signed him with St. Martin’s Press. Haslett promised he’d finish the book in six months, but as with the Gyre he was adrift. ‘The reader was not on the raft,’ he explains. ‘I wanted this to be an amusement park. You pay your $26 and you get to be right here sailing in this raft.’ Two years after deadline, he finished the book, published last December. Haslett and his wife Annie Biggs, a filmmaker, moved to Pacific Palisades in 2002 to further her career. He has given himself two years to promote the book and continues to contribute freelance articles to magazines. But the full-time expeditioner plans to launch his next voyage in 2008. With continued support from National Geographic, which provided digital videos, tripods and film for the first voyage, Haslett plans to begin his trip once again from Ecuador, destination Acapulco. ‘I have to be in Panama by September, he says, ‘to catch the south wind in January and February for the return from Acapulco.’

The ‘Men’s Club’ Provides Friendship

By
dev
-

The men who've lunched together for 32 years include (clockwise starting at top left) Robert Goldsmith, Jack Narz, Ralph Nahigian, Lou Davis, Bill Kehl, Bill Barnes, Jeff Johnston, Walter Johnston, Dick Brewer, Robert L. Horton and Don Carlson. Jeff is the son of Walter and drives his father from a rest home in Northridge every Tuesday to join the group.
The men who’ve lunched together for 32 years include (clockwise starting at top left) Robert Goldsmith, Jack Narz, Ralph Nahigian, Lou Davis, Bill Kehl, Bill Barnes, Jeff Johnston, Walter Johnston, Dick Brewer, Robert L. Horton and Don Carlson. Jeff is the son of Walter and drives his father from a rest home in Northridge every Tuesday to join the group.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

You’ve Got a Friend was a song written by Randy Newman for the movie Toy Story about two toys that became good friends despite their different occupations, one a cowboy, the other an astronaut. That was a movie, though, and when deep friendship happens in real life it is heartwarming. Every Tuesday for the last 32 years, a group of retired men have met promptly at noon for lunch at the Riviera Country Club. They have missed only one week: the day after the Northridge Earthquake in 1994. At first, golf drew them together because it was one of the few areas of interest they all had in common. Their occupations ranged from Dick Brewer, who designed and led construction of the South Coast Plaza, to Robert L. Horton, a F4V Navy pilot in Korea and a TWA pilot, to Bill Kehl, a professor emeritus in computers from M.I.T. Out of the original group of 16 only four still golf–Ralph Nahigian, Bob Goldsmith, Ralph Narz and Dick Brewer–but the group still meets for the camaraderie. Their ages range from 80 to 93. When a Palisadian-Post reporter joined them for a recent lunch the conversation at the table was lively and spiced with jokes as they explained how the group came into existence. ‘Nobody else would play with us,’ said Bob Goldsmith. ‘We came together naturally.’ Goldsmith came to California after World War II and worked as an air-conditioner contractor for hotels, hospitals and apartment buildings. ‘I tried golf for 70 years,’ said Davis, who was a comptroller for LAUSD. ‘There are a lot has-beens, but I was a never-was,’ Goldsmith said. ‘We’re all gentlemen. We’ve played a lot of golf and lied,’ said Walter Johnston. ‘Now we just sit and lie.’ Johnston was in the Navy aboard the Indianapolis in the ship that often ferried President Roosevelt to different countries. After his enlistment in the navy, he attended UCLA and became an engineer. Nahigian, the founder of Plastic Mart (a successful Plexiglas fabrication business, including surfboard construction and materials for boat repair), warned, ‘The stories these guys can tell are hair-raising and not necessarily true.’ They know and respect each other, telling their friends’ stories because their friend might be too modest. Bill Barnes was the head football coach for UCLA for seven years, from 1958-1964, as well as playing for the University of Tennessee. He never mentioned that he was also an all-American halfback and recently inducted into the Tennessee Hall of Fame, but his friend Davis tipped off the reporter. Kehl was part of the National Science Foundation team that developed curricula in computer science. He taught at the University of Pittsburgh, then MIT and finally was responsible for setting up UCLA’s academic computer system. He said that a $4-million computer during the infancy of computers in 1967 would cost about $500 today. Narz admitted to his show-biz career after a group member revealed that Narz was one of the game show hosts affected by the ‘$64,000 Question’ quiz-show scandals. He was the host of CBS’s ‘Dotto’ and it was the first show cancelled during that time. ‘None of the emcees knew what was going on,’ Narz said. ‘The show’s producers were giving certain people answers, but we didn’t know.’ Narz hosted 15 game shows during his career, including ‘Concentration.’ ‘I helped put Channel 13 on the air,’ he said. The good-natured teasing and joking between the men was nonstop and included good-natured jabs about not hearing and medications. ‘It cost me $265 for 100 pills,’ one said. ‘I’d rather drink Scotch whiskey,’ Goldsmith replied. Some complained about gas prices. ‘It costs a lot to live and even more to die,’ Narz replied. They discuss a famous shot-putter who had died that day. ‘I haven’t thrown a 16-pound shot, but I have thrown the half-ounce shot,’ one quips. Goldsmith moved to Louisville, Kentucky, about the same time Narz left that city. ‘It was a combination of his moving in and the Japs bombing Pearl Harbor that made me leave,’ Narz joked, ‘but probably more because he moved in.’ The oldest is Carlson, 93, who has been a member of the Riviera for 63 years and was nicknamed the ‘Sheriff’ because he used to be in charge of golf handicaps. Before retiring in 1959, he coached at Manual Arts High School. He originally hoped to get job at the ‘new’ Palisades Charter High School, but nepotism prevailed and he stayed at Manual Arts, where his team won the City championship. The men don’t sit in any particular spot because they’re never sure who is going to show up each week, but they all get along. ‘We have different points of view,’ Davis said. ‘I’m a conservative and Goldsmith is a liberal, but there is no friction.’ ‘I’m afraid of him,’ Goldsmith jokes as the reason they get along. The group seems to be beloved by the staff at the Riviera. ‘These are our favorite guys,’ said general manager Michael Hyler. ‘They’re so marvelous,’ said waitress Zazie Terrefe. ‘They’re friendly, so nice to have around and they’re fun.’ Of the original group, three are deceased: Fred Paine, Howard Spieth and Lon Lilly. Howell Perryman has moved out of town and Joseph Klein and Anthony Dyer weren’t at lunch that Tuesday. ‘We take care of each other,’ Goldsmith said. ‘If someone doesn’t show, we call the Coast Guard.’ ‘We didn’t hear from Walter [Johnston] for a couple of weeks,’ Nahigian said. ‘He was lying alone in the hospital, so we went and visited.’ Some of the group have lost their wives either through death or because the women are now in rest homes, but the ‘boy’ family is still there for support. ‘We look after each other,’ Nahigian said. You’ve Got a Friend might be the title of Newman’s song, but it could also be the slogan for the 12 men who meet for lunch.

Beloved Canyon Teacher Retires

By
dev
-

Pictured with retiring teacher Joyce Landsverk are (left to right) 5th grader Jeremy Alexander, 2nd grader Caitlin Fernandez, 4th grader Deanna Ter Veer and 2nd grader Jiaxi Chen. Photo: Debbie Alexander
Pictured with retiring teacher Joyce Landsverk are (left to right) 5th grader Jeremy Alexander, 2nd grader Caitlin Fernandez, 4th grader Deanna Ter Veer and 2nd grader Jiaxi Chen. Photo: Debbie Alexander

By DEBBIE ALEXANDER Special to the Palisadian-Post When Joyce Landsverk arrived at Canyon Elementary School nearly 25 years ago, Ronald Reagan was president and gas cost just over $1 a gallon. Certainly a lot has changed since then, except for Landsverk’s devotion to teaching. That’s why Canyon’s auditorium was packed last Friday with parents, students and teachers who wanted to toast her accomplishments and to say goodbye to her at her retirement party. ‘I have grandkids now,” Landsverk says, “and I want to spend time with them.” Her plans include some traveling with her husband David in their motor home. Coincidentally, he is also a math teacher who is retiring from Berendo Middle School. ‘She is so special,’ says Jill Baldauf, whose daughters had Landsverk in second grade. She gave Landsverk a rosemary plant, symbolic of remembrance. ‘She touched the lives of our children and our lives, too. I learned so much from her.’ Originally, Landsverk was hired to teach grades one through six in a bilingual program. Her previous experience included a two-year stint in the Peace Corps teaching English in Brazil. ‘Canyon was like a one-room schoolhouse,’ she recalls. When that program ended, she began teaching mainly the primary grades, and over the years worked with five principals. Landsverk feels the biggest change during her tenure at Canyon was when it became a charter school. Another one was when the mandated 20 to 1 (student-teacher) ratio kicked in. She believes that brought the neighborhood children back to the school. Other positive differences were the grassy playground field and the library renovation. ‘Also, there’s more emphasis on accountability in the classroom,’ she says. ‘The curriculum is harder, too. My second-grade classes today are more like third with the work that the students are required to do.’ Jiaxi Chen, who was one of Landsverk’s students this year, said she loved the book reports. Fourth grader Deanna Ter Veer also remembered those reports fondly, and how much she enjoyed the Star Voyager math contests. Parent Steven Gelber walked up to Landsverk last Friday and handed her a bouquet of flowers. ‘She had two of my three kids–Alex and Harrison,’ he said. ‘She is just terrific.’ Another parent realized she had forgotten a gift. ‘That’s okay,’ Landsverk said. ‘That you’re here is the only gift I need.’

Carol Jago to Head NCTE

By
dev
-

Carol Jago
Carol Jago

Pacific Palisades resident Carol Jago has been elected to a four-year term on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) board, including a year as NCTE president. Carol is the author of nine books on the teaching of English and is the editor of the scholarly journal California English. Since moving west from Chicago and graduating from UC Santa Barbara, Carol has lived in Pacific Palisades for over 30 years. Since 1975, she has taught at Santa Monica High School, where she twice served as chairperson of the English department. She and her husband Michael have a son, James, who learned to play soccer and baseball in Pacific Palisades’ leagues, later representing the state at the Olympic Development regional soccer camp. ‘Naturally, I am delighted with the outcome of the election,’ said Carol. ‘NCTE is the leading professional body for teachers of English in this country. My mission will be to work to help the Council speak with a voice that is heard and respected, and which is influential in all matters that affect literacy and learning.’ She is also realistic about the obstacles that face literacy teachers in the 21st century. ‘In this era of instant access and communication, it is not always easy to convince students–and sometimes teachers–of the value of the rich currency of the written word,’ she commented. ‘But I believe that this is one of the greatest challenges facing me and my colleagues in the classroom.’ The thrust of Carol’s work has been to re-establish the primacy of worthwhile literature in the teaching of English both to native English speakers and to students learning it as a second language.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 14, 2007

By
dev
-

HOMES FOR SALE 1

ANGUILLA, BRITISH WEST INDIES. Situated on one acre with 200’ of waterfront and spectacular views of 4 islands, this private, romantic, Caribbean water’s edge one-of-a-kind West Indian Villa with an established rental income history is available for $2M. Contact: (264) 497-3282 or anguilla@earthlink.net

LOTS FOR SALE 1a

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD A BUTTERFLY FLY BY? Now you can. Beautiful 4.9 acres in San Luis Obispo County. Awesome views, total privacy, paved road, ocean breezes. All utilities underground. Incredible price, only $385,000. Call Alex, Agent, (805) 440 4418

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. $15,000/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

LOVELY FAMILY HOME on private road to the beach. Children ok. 3 bdrms, den, living room/great room, 2 car garage, lots of storage, gardener included, Available June 15. $5,000/mo. Call (310) 383-8055, (310) 578-7884

UNF./FURN. PALI. LEASE AVAIL 8/20. 3+3+home office, wood floors. Ocean views. Broker, Ellen McCormick. (310) 230-3707

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

AMAZING OCEAN VIEW, 2 bdrm+2 ba condo. 1/2 block to beach. 7 min to SM. Hi ceilings. Large deck. Huge closets. W/D. Garage. 1,200 sq. ft. $4,500/mo. (310) 230-4200. www.malibucoastline.com

WANTED TO RENT 3b

WANTED TO RENT: Secure garage/storage for antique vehicle. Long term. Contact (310) 560-4420

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 Maria, (310) 230-6712 x114

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

MONTH TO MONTH Lease. Furn/unfurn office suites on Sunset near Pacific Palisades Village DSL, Receptionist area w/ guest seating, Conference room w/ computer, monitor, TV and VCR. copy center w/ b/w & color laser printers, scanner & fax. Kitchen, cleaning service & alarm system. Call (310) 254-5496

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 FOR RENT. 29’, fully self-contained travel trailer. Just steps to Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades. $1,600/mo. (310) 454-2515

SUMMER VACATION RENTAL. Sweeping ocean views of the “Queen’s Necklace” to Palos Verdes and Catalina Island! 4,400 sf private home on prestigious Paseo Miramar in Pacific Palisades. Fully furnished home sleeps 6 comfortably in 3 bedrooms (2 King, 1 Queen). 4.5 bathrooms, exercise room, media room with 50” plasma, HDTV, Direct TV, wireless internet, private courtyard patio and huge Oceanside terrace. Staffed with gardener and housekeeper/cook. US $4,000 per week, plus deposit. Avail. mid-July thru August 07. (310) 230-7929

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5

FROM THE LOCKER ROOM TO THE BOARD ROOM. These guys do it all. Premier business club. Strongest applicants accepted. (888) 376-5215 • www.dreamsbecomereality.net

PERSONALS 6b

KATHY, FORMERLY OF “A Cut Above,” has relocated to “The Krimpers” at 857 Via de la Paz. For an appointment please call (310) 459-0023

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

NEED HELP WITH PAPER & BILLS? I can help you with bookkeeping, bank recs, filing, online banking,etc. Know Quicken, Quickbooks, MAC & PC. $30/hr. with a 2 hr minimum. Call Allison at (310) 428-5935

EXPERIENCED BUSINESS MANAGER can help you with organizing mail, paying bills, balancing checkbooks, followup, correspondence, arranging travel, research, Internet sales, computer support. (310) 218-6653, (310) 459-2066

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

CLARES SECRETARIAL SERVICES. Providing all aspects of administrative/bookkeeping support in the home or office. (310) 430-6701

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

HOME INVENTORY SERVICES 7j

HOME INVENTORY SERVICES for FIRE, THEFT, Earthquake, Wills/Estates, Rentals, Divorce. Incl video, photos & detailed reports. Pali resident. (310) 230-1437 www.homesweethomevideo.com

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

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

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

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

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

HOUSEKEEPING/BABYSITTING TEAM available M-F, full time, own transportation, references. 11 years local experience. Call Gloria & Leslie, (323) 233-9310, (323) 839-8473

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Own transportation, CDL, references. Call Emma, (213) 383-7781

HOUSECLEANING LADY looking for 3-5 days/wk, English speaking, CDL, own transportation, 20 yrs experience, babysitting also available. Call Nila or Silvia, (323) 735-0935 or (323) 387-8882

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday-Friday. Own transport, CDL, insured, good references. Call Alejandra, (323) 757-8110 or (213) 220-2556

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER, experienced, own transportation, CDL, insured, references. Call Paula, (310) 695-5154

AVAILABLE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY. Experienced, local references, own transportation. Imelda or Yolanda, (818) 941-9768, (213) 618-1969 or (213) 804-7778

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., own transportation, CDL, insured, excellent local references, 20 years experience. Call (818) 992-0679

HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. Own transportation. CDL, great local references. Call Teresa, (310) 202-7275

HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m. References, excellent work. Many years experience. Call Rosie, (323) 240-8642

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

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

CAREGIVER/ELDERCARE available Tuesday-Saturday. Own transportion, CDL, insured, excellent references. Call Marta, (626) 255-3050

ELDER CARE in your home. Available in the day, M-F. Excellent local references. 10 years experience. Own transportation. CDL. Insured. Call Sandy, cell, (818) 272-3400, or hm, (818) 896-7696

NURSING CARE 10b

VERY EXPERIENCED BABY NURSE. Available live-in. Excellent local references. Pamela, (646) 239-0943 or (718) 484-7707

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

www.ongoldenpondec.com. Under supervision of Aquaculture Engineer. We service Koi ponds and design filtration systems according to your needs. We considerably improve the aesthetics. (310) 922-5817

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

MASSAGE THERAPY 12b

THAI MASSAGE in the Palisades. Experience an ancient form of healing with Phoebe Diftler. Compassionate, intuitive practitioner/Thai massage and yoga teacher. (310) 573-1499

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 • Scratch removal • Acid Graffiti • Hardwater deposit removed from windows & doors. Expertly repaired. Glass Saver Technologies. Lic. #37810036. Lloyd, (323) 337-2581

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT 14e

SOUTHERN CRUX BARTENDING SERVICE • Andrew Funke Certified Bartender • Parties • Special Events • Etc. (310) 699-8190

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

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

• PET HEAVEN • TOTAL PET CARE • Training. Walking. Playgroups and hikes. 30 years Pali resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

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

PERSONAL TRAINER 15c

LOSE WEIGHT, TONE UP, and FEEL GREAT with DQT FITNESS. Experienced trainer with B.A. in Kinesiology. Individual and outdoor all female sessions. Call or e-mail today! (310) 383-7081 • DQTfitness@yahoo.com

BASEBALL LESSONS! Enthusiastic about your child’s success and confidence! Improve hitting, fielding, pitching, throwing. Serving West L.A. (626) 827-2278

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

VIOLIN INSTRUCTION. Expert, friendly guidance at all levels by highly qualified teacher. Home or studio. Teaching in Palisades 20 years. Laurence Homolka, (310) 459-0500

TUTORS 15e

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION. EXPERIENCED TUTOR 20+ YEARS. Children & adults, 20+ yrs teaching/tutoring exper. MATH, GRAMMAR, WRITING & STUDY SKILLS. Formerly special ed teacher. Call (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

EXPERIENCED SPANISH TUTOR • All grades, levels • Grammar • Conversational • SAT • Children, adults • 7 yrs exper. • Great refs. Noelle, (310) 273-3593

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

LANGUAGE ARTS TUTOR AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER. Grades 6-12: Test Prep., College Apps., Homework Help, Study Skills. Credentialed teacher w/ classroom experience. Excellent refs. Christa, (310) 210-6222. www.geocities.com/christabackstrom

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

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

ALAN PINE GENERAL CONTRACTOR • New homes • Remodeling • Additions • Kitchen & Bath Planning/Architectural services • Licensed & Insured #469435. (800) 800-0744 or (818) 203-8881

ELECTRICAL 16h

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

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

FENCES 16j

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

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

FLOOR CARE 16m

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

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

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

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

HANDYMAN 16o

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

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

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

HANDYMAN • PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • Water damage repair • Small carpentry work • Tile • 17 years EXCELLENT service & experience. FREE ESTIMATES! Call (310) 502-1168. Not lic.

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

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

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

RECEPTIONIST-ORTHODONTIC OFFICE. Exclusive practice in Pacific Palisades. Exceptional opportunity—Salary DOE. Please call (310) 454-0317

MOVIE EXTRAS/MODELS: Earn up to $200 per day. All looks needed to work with film and TV production companies. No exp. req. Call (888) 585-8870

MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED: Busy, fast-paced Family Practice/Internal Medicine office in Pacific Palisades seeking a full time experienced medical assistant. Immediate opportunity with great growth potential. Please fax your resume to Crystal/Audrey, (310) 230-0284

LOOKING FOR CAREGIVER for Thursdays, 8-10 hours (timing flexible). Additional weekend and evening hours on an as need basis. Duties include: light housekeeping, caring for 3 children, ages 10 mos, 3 and 5. Job requirements: Speak English, be legal, and drive. Start time flexible, but, by July. Contact Gabrielle at: (310) 489-0486

EXPERIENCED FEMALE RUNNING partner or student to run for 50 min. Between 7 and 9 a.m. Mon.-Friday in Palisades. Need to pick me up and be punctual! Will get paid $15 an hour, including driving time to beach and back. Contact Susan at eighthsun@mac.com

RECEPTIONIST: Holistic healthcare office in Pacific Palisades, part-time. Seeking warm, energetic person with good communication skills, good multi-tasker with computer plus typing experience. Salary DOE. Call (310) 454-0648, fax (310) 459-3768

WANTED: MOTHER’S HELPER. Want to earn some cash for the summer? Overworked Palisades mom needs help with 7-year-old boy. Car+English a must! Saturday’s only. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. $13/hr. Please call (310) 230-2992

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

RECEPTIONIST FOR riding stable in Topanga. Organized, good people skills, some computer, good phones, friendly outgoing. F/T or P/T but in particular, Friday/Saturday/Sunday. Call Corey, office (310) 455-1116, or evenings, (310) 454-8751

AUTOS 18b

2005 PORSCHE CAYENNE PROSECCO, black interior, 41K miles, navigation, xenon lights, new tires, new brakes, heated seats, local owner. $39,000. (310) 612-1676

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

2003 TOYOTA COROLLA S. Moon shadows (beige), 23,000+ miles, mint condition, one owner, one year extended warranty to 6/08. $12,000. Call (310) 459-3774

1984 EXCALIBUR. See at Estate Sale, Fri.-Sat.-Sun., June 15th, 16th & 17th. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 210 Tilden. East of the San Diego Fwy off Sunset, right on So. Bentley, first left on Denslow, left on Tilden.

FURNITURE 18c

ELECTROPEDIC TWIN LONG BEDS (TWO), like new. EL wireless remotes with mattresses. Can convert to king-sized bed. 4 years old. 25-year warranty on electric bases. Asking $2,400 for both OBO. Call (310) 230-1660

POOL TABLE, excellent condition. 8’ Chelsea Pocket table. English dark oak finish. Dark green cloth with matching cue. $500. (310) 454-8804

REMODELING SALE: Armoire/TV cabinet, tall bookshelves, ironwood bedside tables, curtain rods/ rings/brackets from Arte de Mexico, and unique light fixtures/chandelier,older subzero refrigerator. Please call (310) 489-9395 or email 4sale247@earthlink.net for info

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

GARAGE SALE! Saturday June 16th, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. ONLY! 16573 Via Floresta. Toys, home decor, clothes, books, kitchen stuff, knick-knacks and more!

ESTATE SALE: BRENTWOOD. FRI.-SAT.-SUN., June 15th, 16th & 17th. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 210 Tilden. East of the San Diego Fwy off Sunset, right on So. Bentley, first left on Denslow, left on Tilden. California Mission furniture, residential furn, chandeliers, porcelain, china, crystal, silver, mirrors, kitchen items and thousands of small items. Pacific Estate Sales.

GARAGE SALE! FRI., June 15th & SUN., June 17th, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 954 Bienveneda Ave. Household items, plants, clothes, books, toys and more!

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

BORZOI PUPPIES AKC. First shots • First visit to vet. $1,500 firm. Call Scott at (323) 663-1664

ADORABLE AKC mini dachsund puppies. Red female, black & tan female, black & white piebald male. Available now. Call Julie Sterling, (310) 573-1150

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 INDEPENDENCY DAY, WEDNESDAY, JULY 4. THE CLASSIFIED DEADLINE FOR THE JULY ISSUE WILL BE FRIDAY, JUNE 29, AT 11 A.M.

Ronny’s Market Is Sold; Smile Doesn’t Go Away

By
dev
-

Kendrick Hughes gives Ronny Naidoo a good-luck kiss. Naidoo and his wife Debi (left) sold Ronnys Market after opening the popular deli/liquor store on Marquez Avenue for 14 years.
Kendrick Hughes gives Ronny Naidoo a good-luck kiss. Naidoo and his wife Debi (left) sold Ronnys Market after opening the popular deli/liquor store on Marquez Avenue for 14 years.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Daily customers who stopped by for coffee, sandwiches and neighborhood news at Ronny’s Market in Marquez Knolls were surprised to learn that after 14 years, Ronny Naidoo and his wife Debi had sold their business to Jerry and William Durghalli. Last Thursday, the Pacific Palisades couple talked to the Palisadian-Post about the sale, their store and their future plans. The first thing one notices about Ronny Naidoo is his smile, the kind of smile that welcomes everyone from familiar customers to people he’s meeting for the first time. Debi is equally affable. A private conversation with the couple in front of the market is impossible because Ronny is constantly stopped by neighbors wanting to chat, and even motorists who drive by and roll down their windows and yell out to him. ‘He should run for mayor,’ Debi said as she watched the interactions. Back at the Naidoos’ condo, which they moved to five years ago from Calabasas, a five-foot poster covered with signatures and good wishes from all their customers, neighbors, babysitters and housekeepers hangs on their living-room wall. It has been a long time since Ronny wasn’t behind his market’s counter in the afternoon. He worked seven days a week: Monday through Saturday he was at the store from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Perhaps no one was more astonished at the sale than his wife of 33 years. ‘When Ronny told me, I was surprised and shocked because he loved his customers so much and he loved being there,’ she said. Naidoo started working in the Palisades in 1988 at Hughes Market (now Ralphs), where he was a manager in the liquor department, which was ironic because he doesn’t drink. Five years later he and Debi bought the Marquez Liquor Store. At first they sold only liquor, but after two years, they opened a deli and started selling groceries. ‘I hired Olga [Garcia] and trained her,’ Debi said. Garcia still works in the deli. They also hired Patima Lopez, who works part-time and fills in when Garcia is out. A third employee, Melvin Arfaro, helps with stock and Marcelino Ruelas worked part-time on the weekend as a cashier. The store became a popular stopping place for kids after school, although Debi said Ronny was insistent on politeness. ‘The kids had to say ‘Hi, Ronny’ before they looked for candy,’ she said. Every child who came through the door knew about the gummy worms and how Ronny would dangle them in front of the child and it was up to the child to ‘catch’ the worm. ‘I could see the joy on their faces,’ he said. His wife added in wonderment, ‘Yes, from just one little worm.’ Neighborhood mothers also depended on Ronny in a way that was beyond most store owners. ‘He knew my kids, he practically raised them,’ said Patti Brockman, who moved into Marquez Terrace when she was pregnant with her daughter, now 21. ‘For as long as I can remember, he’s been there.’ She also has a son, 19. Ronny would occasionally get calls from moms asking if their kids were at the store and then telling him, ‘Keep them behind the counter until I can get there.’ He cheerfully did. ‘Moms felt their kids were safe with Ronny,’ Debi said. ‘I saw kids grow up, graduate and marry,’ Ronny added. Candy Hynes, an employee at Knolls Pharmacy next door, bought a blank book and invited Ronny’s customers to sign it. The thick book is full of remembrances and good wishes for the couple. It turns out that not only did Ronny know all of the neighborhood children’s names and let them catch ‘gummy worms,’ he also knew all the dogs. One of the entries in the book was from the owner of a white dog named Bull (aka ‘the brat’). ‘Only one question, Ronny: Who will give me biscuits now?’ Sentiments from former customers were heartfelt. ‘I’m envious and sad,’ said one. ‘I hope the new guys also give hugs and advice and listen to my gripes, too,’ said another. Yet another wrote, ‘Ronny was the shoulder for everyone who had a problem; he listened to them.’ Although their customers were obviously appreciative, that appreciation went both ways. ‘We’d like to thank our customers from the bottom of our hearts for their love, support and kindness over the years,’ the Naidoos said. ‘It sustained us.’ With their newfound time, the couple are planning a 10-day trip to Hawaii this month, and in December they will travel to South Africa for six weeks. Both were born in that country and still have relatives living there. They also hope to spend more time with their grandchildren, Amanda (12), Matthew (7) and Kaitlin (2), who live in Aliso Viejo with Naidoo’s daughter Samantha and son-in-law David Bates. Ronny is a notary public and plans to continue as a mobile notary in the Palisades. ‘Maybe we’ll get tired of traveling and we’ll come back and do something else,’ Debi said. ‘We’ll leave it open,’ Ronny said with a smile.

At Home with Chappell and Kanner

By
dev
-

Radliffe Avenue residents Winston Chappell and Catherine Kanner walk out their real front door towards the perceived front door of their home, which opens into a gorgeous courtyard, not into the house. They bought the home in 1990, after living two years in a house on Hampden Place.
Radliffe Avenue residents Winston Chappell and Catherine Kanner walk out their real front door towards the perceived front door of their home, which opens into a gorgeous courtyard, not into the house. They bought the home in 1990, after living two years in a house on Hampden Place.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

In 1987, Catherine Kanner and Winston Chappell were newlyweds living in a Santa Monica apartment. They had met two years earlier at a school reunion at Oakwood, a high school in North Hollywood, where he had been a faculty member, and she a former student. Every Sunday morning, Kanner perused the real estate section of the newspaper, searching for a house where they could raise a family. At the time, Pacific Palisades was in what they called ‘impossible land.’ They were on a limited budget and were looking for homes mostly around Topanga and Sunset Park. However, one listing in the Palisades really grabbed Catherine’s attention, so she drove over to check it out. The house, which was the least expensive listing in town, was located on Hampden Place and was in serious disrepair. But Catherine, who fell in love with a four-lot garden across the street, could see the home’s potential. She only had to convince her husband. ‘I thought Pacific Palisades was the place where the Stepford wives lived,’ Winston jokes. ‘I thought you had to have a baby pram.’ One visit to the house and Winston was sold. As a residential designer and a contractor, he could envision exactly what the house could become. Fortunately for Catherine and Winston, the house had been listed one week early by accident, before realtors had seen the property. This reduced buyer competition for the couple, allowing them to enter escrow the day after Winston first viewed the house. Soon, they were gutting the house, and Winston redesigned the interior to create a loft-like space overlooking the garden across the street that made it feel ‘like living in a tree house,’ Catherine says. After two years in their new Palisades home, Catherine and Winston had their first child, Annakate. On nice days, the couple would walk her around the neighborhood, occasionally stopping at open houses in town just to look around. One afternoon they came across a house on Radcliffe Avenue, which overlooks lower Temescal Canyon. ‘It was just part of our walk,’ Catherine recalls. ‘But at this house, we looked at each other after we walked through and asked, ‘Do you like this house as much as I do?” Unfortunately, the house was not only outside their budget, but was taken off the market several days later. Upon the suggestion of Catherine’s mother though, the couple wrote a letter to the owners requesting that they contact them if they ever decided to sell. Six months later, they received a call. The owners were putting the Radcliffe house up for sale, and thanks to a drop in the real estate market, Catherine and Winston would be able to afford the house they had fallen in love with months earlier. What they really treasured was the footprint of the house, which had won a design award upon its conception in 1948 and was built shortly after. And although Catherine and Winston rearranged bedrooms, enlarged the master bathroom and converted the garage into a home office, they liked the existing house so much that very little was changed. They loved the modesty of the front of the house and that the front door was part of a covered patio that opened up into an inner garden. ‘It’s kind of a surprise when you walk through the front door,’ Catherine says, explaining that most people expect to be walking inside a house when they step through the door, but are pleasantly astonished when they enter a gorgeous green courtyard. They moved into the house in 1990 and, the following year, their daughter Rebecca was born. The home, with its inner courtyard, proved perfect for raising children. Because both Catherine and Winston do freelance work, often from home’she as an artist, he as a residential designer’having a house where the kids could play outside, while still being monitored through most windows in the house, allowed the parents to work and the children to play without major disruptions. Just as their new home fit their needs perfectly, so too did their block (500 Radcliffe). Neighbors dub themselves ‘The Rad Pack’ and their yearly block parties have become traditional. One summer, The Rad Pack decorated Winston’s truck with red, white and blue crepe paper for the Fourth of July parade and filled it with all the kids on the block. They even took home a trophy for their efforts. As an illustrator and a residential designer, Catherine and Winston have also enjoyed living on a block full of people involved in the creative arts, from writers and artists to photographers and musicians. Catherine, who earned a B.A. and B.F.A. in Fine Arts at UC Santa Cruz, creates from the garage-turned-home office at the front of the house. There she works on newspaper, advertising and editorial illustrations, books, graphic designs and more. For 15 years she created illustrations for the Los Angeles Times editorial page. She has illustrated several books including CETUS, The Whale: An illustrated Companion to Moby Dick, In the Direction of the Beginning by Dylan Thomas, The Owl & the Pussycat by Edward Lear and Timeline by Michael Crichton. She also wrote and illustrated a book of her own called The Book of the Bath that describes the history of baths and bathtubs and offers ideas and recipes for different baths and more. She is currently working with the Los Angeles Ballet Company creating graphics, logos and other printed material. Since she danced ballet as a child, working with them has allowed her to combine two of her favorite interests. Last holiday season, she also designed sets for The Nutcracker. To give the performance a Southern California feel, her sets were created to look like a Spanish Colonial home and the beach. Occasionally, Catherine also does drawings and other kinds of fine art, like the beautiful pencil drawing portraits hanging in their living room. ‘I really approach a job where the job speaks to me and tells me what it wants,’ says Catherine, who is obviously a versatile, talented artist. ‘I don’t impose the same thing on every job.’ Winston, a Harvard University graduate, works as a residential designer from his office in Santa Monica, which he shares with Catherine’s brother, Stephen Kanner, a prominent architect (with whom he sometimes collaborates). He specializes in historic restoration and also does fantastic work in historic reproduction, in which he designs new spaces to look historical. Still, he also enjoys designing modern architecture; one of his modern home projects, located on Mulholland Drive, was recently featured in Architectural Digest. His focus is generally residential design, which he enjoys because he gets to design personal space for people. ‘I feel like it’s like portraiture,’ Winston says. ‘I listen to the client and it is my responsibility to give them want they want.’ Catherine adds, ‘It takes a special kind of person to do residential design well because you’re dealing with a client or a family on a personal level, designing for a relationship.’ Winston is also a longtime member of the Pacific Palisades Civic League, which reviews architectural plans for new homes and remodels of existing homes in Tract 9300 (basically from Chautauqua west to Marquez, excluding the Huntington Palisades and hillside locations), to encourage better design and prevent structures that do not fit within the league’s guidelines regarding height, setbacks, lot coverage and landscaping. Daughters Annakate and Rebecca are also quite creative. Annakate, 18, who just graduated from Crossroads High School, will enroll at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts this fall, where she will major in dance. She is an accomplished ballerina and a great photographer. Rebecca, 15, is a student at the Frostig School in Pasadena. She is a talented artist and painter and has attended Brentwood Art Center for several years. This summer she plans to work as a junior counselor at Little Dolphins camp in Temescal Canyon. Meanwhile, Winston, who was at first skeptical of moving to Pacific Palisades, has changed his mind about the town. ‘Once I came here and once I had children, everything about the Palisades made sense,’ he says. ‘It’s very oriented to family life in a terrific way.’

How to Avoid the “Seven Sins” or Remodeling

By
dev
-

Gordon Gibson completed construction of this 8,000-sq.-ft. French Country-style house on Via Cresta, in the upper Bienveneda area of Pacific Palisades, about a year ago. Gibson, a pilot and world traveler, has visited more than 100 countries, gaining insights into the architecture and construction techniques indigenous to a particular country or region. He also generally reads four to five books at a time on history and locales yet to be explored, adding color and dimension to his personal palate.
Gordon Gibson completed construction of this 8,000-sq.-ft. French Country-style house on Via Cresta, in the upper Bienveneda area of Pacific Palisades, about a year ago. Gibson, a pilot and world traveler, has visited more than 100 countries, gaining insights into the architecture and construction techniques indigenous to a particular country or region. He also generally reads four to five books at a time on history and locales yet to be explored, adding color and dimension to his personal palate.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Gordon Gibson, CEO and founder of Gordon Gibson Construction, has come up with a list of the seven most common mistakes in the home renovation process. A resident of Marquez Knolls in Pacific Palisades, his insightful tip sheet can help educate homeowners before disaster ever strikes. 1. PRIDE: “I can do everything myself; I don’t need any help!” Know you cannot do it all and that the hired architects and contractors are there to help you meet your goals. Gibson’s Absolution: Homeowners should spend quality time with both the architects and contractors in order to understand what services they provide and what roles they play in the renovation process. 2. LUST: “I must work with this architect on my home, under any circumstance. If I don’t, I can’t go on!” Don’t lust after certain contractors and architects. If it’s the right fit, you’ll know. Gibson’s Absolution: Check references carefully. Past clients are a good source of information, as are state licensing boards and local associations. 3. GREED: “I want it all, but at a discount!” The scale of renovation will determine the overall cost. Don’t be greedy if the budget doesn’t allow for it. Gibson’s Absolution: Architects should give homeowners a thorough understanding of how much the entire project will cost–from drawings to completion, including plans, permits and furnishings. Take the expert’s advice to heart and don’t chisel the budget beyond recognition. If you do, you’re eliminating years of professional experience and even building safety issues unknowingly. 4. GLUTTONY: Your eyes are bigger than your pocketbook. Neither the homeowner nor the architect should be gluttonous about their suggestions. Each is there to guide each other towards a common goal. Gibson’s Absolution: Homeowners should know what they want to spend, given their budgetary and space constraints (i.e. elevations, layout of major rooms), before letting artistic freedom go to the architect. 5. ANGER: “You’re fired!” It is important to be patient with your contractor. Do not get heated about the timeframe of your project, unless the project is months behind schedule. Gibson’s Absolution: Understand the time constraints of your project before you take it on. Know going in that an 8,000+ square-foot home can take one to two years to complete. 6. SLOTH: I’m too tired to make a decision now; maybe later.” It is important for homeowners to make decisions in a timely manner, to avoid delays. Gibson’s Absolution: Homeowners should acknowledge their role as decision maker and make timely and prudent decisions; otherwise it will delay the renovation process and, as they say, time is money. 7. ENVY: “Why doesn’t it look like the picture?” Once your renovation is finished, do not look back and wish you had done it differently. Gibson’s Absolution: Do a little homework on your own before the initial meeting with architects and contractors so you can carefully articulate your goals. Homeowners should communicate the basic design concepts and how they want them reflected in their home. Once you initial the drawing, you’re giving the architect and builder absolute approval. (For nearly four decades, Gordon Gibson has been imprinting his signature across the Southern California landscape as one of the region’s premiere builders of luxury estates. Gibson learned the business hands-on, first as framing contractor, then moving on to room additions and small houses, and finally arriving as a sought-after builder of some of Southern California’s most beautiful homes. His office is located in Santa Monica and his homes can be found in high-end communities such as Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Beverly Hills and Beverly Park. Contact: www.gordongibsonconst.com.) CAPTION: Gordon Gibson completed construction of this 8,000-sq.-ft. French Country-style house on Via Cresta, in the upper Bienveneda area of Pacific Palisades, about a year ago. Gibson, a pilot and world traveler, has visited more than 100 countries, gaining insights into the architecture and construction techniques indigenous to a particular country or region. He also generally reads four to five books at a time on history and locales yet to be explored, adding color and dimension to his personal palate. Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer Historical Society Honors ‘Builder’ Members of the Pacific Palisades Historical Society thanked Dr. Roger Woods with a copy of ‘Pacific Palisades: From the Mountains to the Sea’ for designing and fabricating a new trash container to match an existing one on Founders Oak Island. Volunteers from the Society maintain the little island in the 900 block of Haverford, close to Pierson Playhouse and the historic Aldersgate Lodge. They regularly empty the trash, prune and water, and replace the shrubs when needed. Because the California oaks are fussy about water, most watering is timed and watched. When the large oak, under which the Pacific Palisades was founded in 1922, eventually died, the Society and Gene R. Dreasher nourished its small offspring. Later the Society provided benches and paths, and planted some typical native shrubs. Now, the trunks of these oaks are more than a foot in diameter. The Landmark Society marked this site in 1955, and it became a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Site in 1966 before it was deeded to the Historical Society in 1973 by Lelah and Townley Pierson, longtime local realtors. An official plaque marking the site’s historic importance was installed in 1993. Currently, the little park is a quiet reminder of the trees and shrubs that once covered the rolling mesas of the village area. The town’s history is brought alive in the illustrated book ‘Pacific Palisades: From the Mountains to the Sea,’ by Betty Lou Young and Randy Young, available at Village Books on Swarthmore and the Palisadian-Post office on Via de la Paz. People are encouraged to visit the Historical Society’s Web site at www.pacificpalisadeshistory.org.

PaliHi Board Restructures Academic Leadership

By
dev
-

Above, PaliHi's Board on Monday discussing a plan to create two positions that will divide management of the school's academic instruction. The board approved that plan in a 7-2 vote.
Above, PaliHi’s Board on Monday discussing a plan to create two positions that will divide management of the school’s academic instruction. The board approved that plan in a 7-2 vote.
Photo by Max Taves

In the first significant change to its organizational structure since becoming independent, the Board of Palisades Charter High School voted on Monday to create two positions that will lead and manage the school’s academic instruction. The board’s 7-2 vote will add a new position, director of instruction, and it will reshape the role of principal while keeping the title. The decision preserves Executive Director Amy Held’s position, leaving her as the single head of the school. After Principal Gloria Martinez announced that she would not return to the 2700-student school in late April, a broad group of school officials, parents and faculty began critically examining the school’s administrative structure, including the position of principal. Influenced, in part, by a tumultuous application process and a divisive administrative attempt to change the school’s academic calendar, they complained of a lack of clearly defined roles for the principal and executive director that often meant unaccountability, especially among assistant principals. Rather than immediately replacing Martinez with another principal, board members discussed ways to re-imagine the school’s top academic job. One main idea that emerged from these discussions was to scrap the position of principal altogether. Many board members felt that the title was outmoded and communicated too much authority at a school where much of the decision-making is made by the executive director. As an independent charter, the school operates autonomously from the Los Angeles Unified School District, giving it control over its budget, personnel, curriculum and facilities. Since Held was hired last summer, she has managed almost all of the school’s operations outside of instruction and curriculum’and without a staff of her own. A four-member task force, appointed by the board to envision administrative reorganization, returned to the board on Monday with a recommendation that surprised many teachers and parents: divide management of the school’s academics between the principal and the director of instruction. As envisioned by task force members, the director of instruction, who will report to the principal, will be involved in day-to-day instruction at the school. Once hired, the director will work closely with department heads and manage existing academic programs like the Pyramid of Interventions, Dolphin Days and Literacy Program. Among a large array of other duties, members want the new hire to work directly with teachers by frequently visiting classrooms, leading faculty meetings and overseeing the school’s professional development programs. The director would also meet with parents to mediate classroom instruction. Freed from the daily details of the school’s instruction, the principal will be the ‘big-picture’ instructional leader of the school, say task force members. The principal will create and implement short- and long-term strategic plans. He or she will manage budgets for instructional programs and benchmark school performance against school goals and state standards. The principal, who will oversee the director of instruction, will report to the executive director. The board’s nearly unanimous vote in favor of the organizational shift masks significant disagreements among school faculty. Sometimes expressing a wide array of opinions, many teachers wanted the board to shelve the one-head school structure with Held, who has more experience in management than in education, at the top. At the board’s meeting Monday night, longtime PaliHi English teacher Rose Gilbert presented an alternative plan, in which the principal and executive director would share equal power but manage separate spheres at the school. She also expressed concern that dividing instructional leadership of the school would frustrate accountability. ‘Where does the buck stop?’ Gilbert asked. ‘That’s what I want to know. Does it stop at the principal or with the executive director? Class sizes, teacher-traveling’these are big issues. Who would be in charge of them?’ ‘I agree with the focus on instruction,’ said fellow English teacher Olivia Castro. ‘But I would still rather have two heads than one. And if we are going to have one head, the principal should be the one at the top.’ Board Member Rene Rodman, who also helped create the approved plans, defended the task force’s recommendations. ‘In the charter, the executive director is above the principal,’ she said. ‘We felt that if the principal had to run the entire school that person could never be involved in instruction. ‘We [on the task force] heard that teachers want more support and professional development,’ Rodman said, ‘Personally, I went into this process with [only having] one director of instruction. But there were all these big-picture items. We have all these lofty goals. And we see the principal as that person.’ Teachers and administrators who spoke Monday night urged the board members to delay taking immediate action on the approved plan and asked them to reconsider the large scope of work assigned to the director of instruction. ‘I think it’s moving too fast,’ said Assistant Principal Anne Davenport. ‘I disagree with the director of instruction position. I think you’re going to kill that person. One person can’t handle all of these things.’ ‘You’re sending this person to an early funeral,’ chimed Margaret Evans, another assistant principal. After the meeting Board Member Eileen Savage told the Palisadian-Post, ‘I think we made the right decision. It wasn’t my first inclination to add another layer. I can see now that this is really an important thing for us to do. There have been e-mails sent around, saying that we have made the school too top heavy. But I think current structure was really hard to work with.’ The task force made other recommendations that could significantly strengthen the role of the executive director. Those suggested changes that have not yet been approved by the board include: ‘ Giving the executive director oversight of the current assistant principals in charge of human resources, facilities and athletics, admissions and attendance. Currently, those assistant principals report to the principal. ‘ Renaming assistant principals as directors. The task force hopes that the new names will promote more accountability. The board will discuss these recommendations at upcoming meetings. But they will not necessarily be decided before the school year ends this month. A hiring committee is currently vetting candidates for the director of instruction. Members say they have several ‘highly qualified’ applicants for the position. The board’s decision means that the school can begin searching for candidates to fill the position of principal. Because it was uncertain that the school intended to hire a principal until this week, the school has not advertised for the position. Several board members, including Executive Director Held, expressed concern that finding qualified applicants this late in the school year will be difficult. Many board members say that the school will hold off hiring a new principal if it cannot find the ‘right candidate.’ ——- To contact Staff Writer Max Taves, e-mail reporter@palipost.com or call ext. 28.

Historical Society Honors ‘Builder’

By
dev
-

Shirley Haggstrom, incoming president of the Pacific Palisades Historical Society, visits with Dr. Roger Woods and the trash container he designed and built for Founders Oak Island.
Shirley Haggstrom, incoming president of the Pacific Palisades Historical Society, visits with Dr. Roger Woods and the trash container he designed and built for Founders Oak Island.

Members of the Pacific Palisades Historical Society thanked Dr. Roger Woods with a copy of ‘Pacific Palisades: From the Mountains to the Sea’ for designing and fabricating a new trash container to match an existing one on Founders Oak Island. Volunteers from the Society maintain the little island in the 900 block of Haverford, close to Pierson Playhouse and the historic Aldersgate Lodge. They regularly empty the trash, prune and water, and replace the shrubs when needed. Because the California oaks are fussy about water, most watering is timed and watched. When the large oak, under which the Pacific Palisades was founded in 1922, eventually died, the Society and Gene R. Dreasher nourished its small offspring. Later the Society provided benches and paths, and planted some typical native shrubs. Now, the trunks of these oaks are more than a foot in diameter. The Landmark Society marked this site in 1955, and it became a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Site in 1966 before it was deeded to the Historical Society in 1973 by Lelah and Townley Pierson, longtime local realtors. An official plaque marking the site’s historic importance was installed in 1993. Currently, the little park is a quiet reminder of the trees and shrubs that once covered the rolling mesas of the village area. The town’s history is brought alive in the illustrated book ‘Pacific Palisades: From the Mountains to the Sea,’ by Betty Lou Young and Randy Young, available at Village Books on Swarthmore and the Palisadian-Post office on Via de la Paz. People are encouraged to visit the Historical Society’s Web site at www.pacificpalisadeshistory.org.

1...2,2692,2702,271...2,538Page 2,270 of 2,538
© Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272