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Plant Expert to Reveal the Clever Ways of Pests

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The ingenious techniques that pests use to suck, cut or bore out plant juices are as varied as plant species themselves. Jerry Turney, plant pathologist with the Los Angeles Department of Agriculture, will talk to Garden Club members and guests about new pests and diseases for Southern California gardens on Monday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. New pests are always coming into Southern California through a number of channels, Turney says. ‘They come on plant material, whether brought in legally or illegally.’ The newest star is the citrus leaf miner, which is a tiny moth, about 1/16 of an inch, that trashes citrus. The larvae get inside the leaf and chew from the inside out, leaving the leaves distorted and twisted. When the insect emerges it feasts on new growth and can stunt young plants. The fruit is not affected, but the systemic insecticides recommended for homeowners (as opposed to commercial use) to control the fly are restricted for ornamental uses only. Another clever pest that also affects citrus, and coral trees as well, is the Caribbean root weevil, which attacks the tree from both above and below the ground. The adults lay their eggs on the leaves, and the larvae lands on the ground, where it burrows down to spend a year underground feeding on the roots. The insect emerges and the adult weevil crawls up the trunk of the tree and feeds on the leaves. Turney, who holds a Ph.D., is a certified arborist serving as a licensed agricultural pest-control advisor with oversight for permission to use highly regulated pesticides. While pesticides are still used to control certain infestations, Turney says that the tide has turned from the old days, when ‘the adage was spray every Monday. Growers try to use as little as possible. They go out, check their crops and then decide to use pesticides in specific areas.’ Turney says that there is tremendous interest in using minimally toxic or non-toxic remedies to control pests such as oils and soaps, which smother the bugs. These are especially good in controlling sucking insects such as aphids and scale. Certain landscape plants are especially susceptible to pests, Turney says. ‘Ornamental pears are damaged by fire blight, and leaf spot is particularly difficult to control once it gets going.’ ‘One plant that I wouldn’t be planting right now is oleander, which is getting wiped out by leaf scorch, which is fatal.’ Guests are welcome to the free lecture.

U-10 Girls Reach AYSO Sectionals

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Area 1-P of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) held its annual all-star tournament in Culver City over the past two weekends to determine which teams would advance to Sectional playoffs. The Palisades’ U-10 girls team, coached by Phil Pecsok, was the only local team to advance to Sectionals March 10-11 in Riverside. Pecsok’s team played six games to reach the finals and outscored its opponents 27-1. In the final against Culver City, Palisades trailed 4-2 with five minutes left before scoring two goals to tie. Overtime yielded no goals so the game was decided on penalty kicks. The teams were tied through five attempts before Pali finally succumbed in the seventh round of sudden death. Palisades’ U-12 girls, coached by T.R. Gregory and Tony Oliva, beat L.A. Central 7-1, tied Hollywood 1-1, beat South L.A. 3-0 and tied West L.A. 1-1 in round robin play. In the quarterfinals, Pali played South L.A. again and won 2-0. In the semifinals against Beverly Hills, Pali lost 2-1 before rebounding to beat West L.A. in the third-place game. The U-10 boys, coached by Lars Ekstrom, were third in pool play and finished fourth overall. Area 1-P is one of 11 areas in AYSO’s Section 1 and consists of eight regions: Culver City, Santa Monica/Venice, Pacific Palisades/Brentwood, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Hollywood/Wilshire, Los Angeles Central and South Los Angeles. Molly Milligan’s U-14 girls squad went 4-0-1 in pool play, won its quarterfinal game, lost a close semifinal and beat West L.A. on penalty kicks to take third place. On the first weekend, one team from each of the eight regions in girls U-10, U-12 and U-14 and boys U-10, U-12, U-14 played four games to determine ranking. Last weekend a single elimination game knocked out four teams, leaving four teams to advance to consolation and finals.

Late Goals Stun Venice

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Garcia Nets Three in Last Seven Minutes of Pali’s 4-3 Victory

Senior forward Osbaldo Garcia scored three times against Venice on Monday. He has 14 goals and four assists in 11 games for the Dolphins.
Senior forward Osbaldo Garcia scored three times against Venice on Monday. He has 14 goals and four assists in 11 games for the Dolphins.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Osbaldo Garcia scored three goals in the final seven minutes to lift the Palisades High boys varsity soccer team to a thrilling 4-3 victory in a wild game against Venice Monday afternoon at Stadium by the Sea. Garcia completed his ‘hat trick’ in the first minute of injury time on a skillful solo run, but the Dolphins’ victory was a total team effort. Garcia tied the game in the 79th minute when he redirected a corner kick from Davis Lau into the net. Carlos Arteaga scored in the second minute off of an assist from Garcia. But Pali’s lead did not last long. Venice tied the game before halftime and added two goals in two minutes early in the second half to take a 3-1 lead. Pali Coach Dave Suarez made a strategical switch in his lineup, changing the Dolphins’ formation from a 4-4-2 (four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards) to a 3-4-3 (three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards) in an effort to generate more offense. The move worked, as Pali began pressuring the Venice goalie. Garcia dribbled past two defenders and rattled a shot off the post and in for an unassisted goal in the 72nd minute that pulled Palisades within a goal, 3-2. After Garcia scored to tie the game, Suarez switched his lineup back to a 4-4-2 and Garcia scored the go-ahead goal moments later. Garcia leads the Dolphins (7-3-1 overall, 6-2-1 in league) with 14 goals and four assists. Arteaga received two yellow cards and sat out Wednesday’s game at first-place L.A. Hamilton.

Ahead of the Curve

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New Obstacle Course Puts Revere Students’ Fitness to the Test

Seventh-graders Cary Jacobson (foreground) and Max Morrison finish the monkey bars portion of the obstacle course at Paul Revere Middle School, which P.E. students began using in January.
Seventh-graders Cary Jacobson (foreground) and Max Morrison finish the monkey bars portion of the obstacle course at Paul Revere Middle School, which P.E. students began using in January.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The physical education teachers at Paul Revere Middle School are a congenial and fun bunch until it comes to conditioning: then they’re all business. The latest addition to the campus is an obstacle course designed to improve students’ strength and coordination. California students in grades five, seven and nine are tested for physical fitness in six areas: aerobic capacity (considered the most important), body composition, abdominal, endurance, and trunk strength and flexibility. Only 17 percent of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) seventh graders score in the healthy fitness zone in the six events. At Paul Revere, however, 30 percent of seventh graders pass the six events’right at the state average. ‘Our kids score higher than most other kids in the district on the fitness test,’ Revere P.E. instructor Justin Koretz said. ‘In the aerobic challenge, the majority of our seventh graders also meet the standard.’ Revere students (sixth to eighth-grade) are required to take P.E. five days a week and run at least once a week, usually a distance of one mile. ‘We have several courses for the mile to try to keep the students motivated,’ Koretz said. ‘We have the ‘grass,’ ‘around the world,’ ‘big bear,’ ‘Sunset’ and ‘Superman’ miles.’ General conditioning is also done once a week and the new obstacle course will be used to supplement those exercises. ‘It was fun. I feel like I lost a couple of carbs,’ seventh-grader Cary Jacobson said after trying the course several times. ‘It makes you feel stronger and gives you more energy.’ Revere parent Scott MacGillvery was instrumental in getting the obstacle course project off the ground three years ago. His son Graham, now a sophomore at Palisades High, was a student at Revere at the time. ‘I met Koretz and Stacey and Paul Foxson and I was impressed,’ MacGillvery said. ‘They were so dynamic that I asked them what they’d like and they said an obstacle course.’ An architect, MacGillvery designed the course, received approval from LAUSD, found a vendor that was also approved, got bids and then started looking for funding. At the time he was also working on a complete renovation of the school’s 50-year-old library. He decided to try to gain funding for both by making it a joint project. The total estimated cost for the library and the course was $300,000–over $200,00 targeted for the library and the remainder to go towards the obstacle course. Revere Principal Art Copper pledged $100,000 from the school; an anonymous donor said he would give $100,000 on the condition that parents and the community raise the rest. Parents went into action, writing and then receiving two major grants: the Ann and Kirk Douglas Grant and a Neighborhood Matching Fund Grant. Local community grants brought in money from the Masons, the John Arrow Foundation, the Optimists, Ralph’s, Palisades Junior Women and the American Legion. Still short of the goal, a mailer was sent to Palisades and Brentwood residents, enough of whom responded to raise the remaining money. ‘You can’t even thank enough people in enough ways,’ MacGillvery said. Although the library started renovations two years ago in December and by the fall of 2007 had completed painting as well as the installation of state-of-the art energy saving lights, carpeting, chairs, shelves and laptops, the obstacle course was stalled. In September, Revere parent Nancy Babcock stepped up to the plate. ‘The funds were there and the project was approved,’ Babcock said. ‘The problem was a fence that the district wanted installed around the course, but the instructors didn’t.’ Babcock, who had worked with the District on previous projects, negotiated the impasse. After both parties approved a low-level fence, she got new bids and the project moved forward. In January the course was open to students. ‘It is an incredibly exciting project,’ she said. ‘The course is a challenge and you can get a lot of fitness out of it. The kids are so excited by it.’ The P.E. instructors are also thrilled and look forward to the next project on their wish list. ‘We’re looking into various grants to have some type of running track installed in the P.E. area,’ Koretz said.

CLASSIFIED ADS FROM THE JANUARY 25, 2007 ISSUE OF THE PALISADIAN-POST

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

PALISADES DISTRESS SALES. Free list w/ pictures of bank foreclosures & power of sale properties – www.sellerneedsout.com – or free recorded message, (800) 791-5713. ID #1042 HIGHLANDS BEAUTIFUL 5 BDRM MEDITERRANEAN. Must see, former model, superb condition home on gate, guarded street. Large romantic bathroom w/ jacuzzi tub. 2 large mstr bdrm suites w/ panoramic ocean views, extensive use of marble Italian tile, hdwd flrs. 2 FP, freshly painted, large ocean view deck off of mstr bdrm, landscaped yard, w/ patio, 2-car gar. Walk to Summit club, pool, tennis courts. $1,775,000. 2 1/2% broker co-op. (310) 889-6922 or (818) 817-3691 MALIBU TENNIS ESTATE. One acre, 4 bdrm, 3 ba, pool, spa, gorgeous huge kitchen. Views, downtown, Century City, Santa Monica, ocean. $2,375,000. Malibu Surf, Tom, (310) 739-4886 LOCATION! VALUE! VIEWS! Highlands gorgeous fam. home. 3+2.5 w/ granite, hardwood & stone finishes. 2 FP’s, steam shower+ many custom features. Beautiful pvt yard. Comm pool/tennis. $1,489,000. Agent Sharon/John/Victoria, (310) 573-7725 (7737)

HOMES WANTED 1b

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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

CHARMING FURNISHED 3 bdrm, 1 3/4 ba home, hardwood flrs, F/P, walk to village & bluffs. Short term avail. (310) 459-0765 NEW GORGEOUS Pacific Palisades guesthouse for rent. Serene and idyllic. Separate entrance and deck. 170′ ocean view. Small and bohemian, for one person only. One room with full kitchenette and full bathroom. Loft bed and convertible couch. One closet and room for one dresser and desk. $2,000/mo. or best offer. Showing by appointment only. Call (310) 459-0271

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

BLUFFSIDE VIEW HOME. Sunny, quiet country traditional, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, huge living room with fireplaces + bonus room, dining room, hdwd flrs thruout, 2-car garage. “CHARMING.” Available Jan 15th, 1 yr min. $4,500/mo. (310) 305-2630 SERENE CANYON VIEW. 761 Chautauqua, 2 bdrm, 2 ba, den, lanai, formal din/rm, fireplace, hdwd flrs, enclosed backyard, gardener incl., 2 car garage. $4,000/mo. lease. (310) 454-8282 BRIGHT & CHARMING 3 bdrm, 2 ba, family room, hdwd flrs, F/P, walk to Marquez Elementary, amazing Queen’s Necklace view, large yard. Avail 2/1, 1 year lease min. $5,500/mo. (310) 230-3003 HIGHLANDS BEAUTIFUL 5 BDRM MEDITERRANEAN. Must see, former model, superb condition home on gate, guarded street. Large romantic bathroom w/ jacuzzi tub. 2 large mstr bdrm suites w/ panoramic ocean views, extensive use of marble Italian tile, hdwd flrs. 2 FP, freshly painted, large ocean view deck off of mstr bdrm, landscaped yard, w/ patio, 2-car gar. Walk to Summit club, pool, tennis courts. $7,995/mo. 2 1/2% broker co-op. (310) 889-6922 or (818) 817-3691 IMMACULATE 4 BEDROOM HIGHLANDS. MUST SEE-new floors, carpet, paint, lighting, granite. Huge family room+living room with cathedral ceiling. Bright kitchen with large eating area. Lovely brick yard. Community pool & tennis within yards. $5,495/mo. lease. (310) 454-8265

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

LUXURY PALISADES 2 bdrm, 2 ba, huge private, garden patio with spa, 2 FP’s, gated parking, W/D + appliances. No pets, N/S. $3,395/mo. lease. (310) 456-0047

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

WALK TO BEACH. 1 bedroom with private patio, limestone floors, dressing area, gated parking, pool. 1 block to beach, quiet location. (310) 230-7804 PALISADES 1 BEDROOM, upper remodeled, carpet, stove, refrigerator, covered parking, storage, new paint, Non-smoker, No pets, one year lease, laundry. $1,275/mo. (310) 477-6767 CHARMING 1,600 SQ FT UPPER APT in Mediterranean tri-plex near bluffs. 3 bdrm, 1 ba, tiles, wood floors, plantation shutters, frplc, ceiling fans, garden. $3,500/mo. N/S, no pets. (310) 804-3142 LARGE 2 BDRM+2 BA, carpet, w/d, dishwasher, balcony, walk-in closet, F/P & jacuzzi, village close, controlled access bldg. Call (310) 230-4110

CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES FOR RENT 2d

2 BDRM, 2 BA CONDO with 2-car garage & pool, completely refurbished with all new hdwd flrs, kitchen app., washer/dryer in unit, no pets. $3,100/mo. Contact Christian, (310) 866-7060 2 BDRM, 2 1/2 BA UNFURNISHED Highlands condo. 2 car garage, den, W/D, fireplace, patio. Community center with pool, tennis, gym. $3,000/mo. (310) 383-0852

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

SPACIOUS BACK UNIT with kitchen on a beautiful street, close to beach, not furnished, includes utilities & cable. $1,250/mo. Call (310) 230-0230

WANTED TO RENT 3b

HOME: 4-5 BDRM, unfurnished, prefer bluffs; small dog, desire 18 month lease. Call Joseph, (310) 245-4368 USC PHD European female N/S seeks private guesthouse Palisades/Santa Monica. Kasia, (310) 486-1894

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE. 862 sq. ft. in the village, newly renovated. Call Ness, (310) 230-6712 x105 FULLY FURNISHED office in village. (310) 459-3493 FULLY FURNISHED OFFICE for lease near Pacific Palisades village (on Sunset). Prices range from $300 to $1,000 for desk cubicles or exec office suites. Receptionist, copy machines, laser printers, fax, kitchen, conf rm w/ computer, monitor, TV & VCR. Incl cleaning service & alarm sys. Call (310) 254-5496

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5

ATTENTION AFFLUENT PROFESSIONALS: HASSLE-FREE BUSINESS with proven track record. Not everyone will qualify. (570) 971-7527 – www.SeekFinancialFreedom.com GOLDEN FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY. Want to create your own income? Have control over your lifestyle? What is Financial Freedom? Call direct: (619) 825-9883 RETIRE SECURE IN 2-3 YEARS! Gain your financial independence. Take 20 minutes to learn. Serious inquires only. (866) 425-9383

PERSONALS 6b

SEMPER FI. HONORABLE U.S. Marine Purple Heart combat wounded needs friends help to help other veterans. Ray Nasser, 16321 PCH #63, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. (310) 454-7432 LOOKING FOR HOST FAMILY w/ children for 16-year-old German student from Cologne starting August 07 for one school year. Excellent background w/ good refs. Please call (323) 467-6808, Nora & Gene Goling

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

BOOKKEEPER/PERSONAL ASSISTANT/NOTARY PUBLIC, personal bookkeeping & financial organizing, clerical duties, honest, reliable, discreet. Excellent references. Patti, (310) 720-8004 ACCOUNTANT/CONTROLLER Organize for the new year! Quickbooks/Quicken Setup. Outsource the hassle-all bookkeeping needs including tax prep for home or office. (310) 562-0635

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

COMPUTER SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT -HOME & BUSINESS – 20 Years Microsoft Experience -HELPING WITH: Windows XP – Windows Media Center. www.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. End Run-around. Pop-up Expert! Satisfying Clients since 1992. If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! COMPUTER WORKS! Alan Perla, (310) 455-2000 THE DETECHTIVES TM – 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 NCS COMPUTER SERVICES. HOME & BUSINESS-SAME DAY ONSITE COMPUTER REPAIR, NETWORKING, WIRELESS. 10% DISC MENTION OF AD. CALL (310) 729-6845

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 – Furniture – Antiques – Collectibles – Junque – Reliable professionals Local References

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

CLARE’S SECRETARIAL SERVICES: Business support company specializing in the organization of your home or office. Trained in U.K. References available. (310) 430-6701

HOME INVENTORY SERVICES 7J

HOME INVENTORY SERVICES for fire, theft, earthquake, wills/estates, rentals, divorce. Includes video, photos & detailed reports; Palisades 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. Highly qualified nannies, housekeepers, F/T, P/T. (310) 584-4555 GREAT PRE-SCREENED Nannies available. Let us help you with your nanny search. We are a dedicated, professional agency and we will find the right match for you. Whether you are looking for full time or p/time, L/I or L/O help, we can help you. Call Sunshine Nannies at (310) 614-5065 or (310) 801-8309 EXPERIENCED BABYSITTER/NANNY available Mon.-Fri., live-out, excellent references, own car, CDL, legal, some English, love children. Please call Angelica, (323) 566-2519

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 & REFERENCES with car. English speaking, looking for weekend work. Will clean, housesit, pet friendly, cook, errands & certified organizer. (310) 382-7883 HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER AVAILABLE M-F own transportation, CDL, local references. Call Blanca, (213) 487-9302 HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER w/ many years experience. Palisades references, own car, CDL insured, available Wed. & Thursday plus weekends. Please call Lilian, (310) 390-9235 or leave a message. HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Thursday & Friday, own transportation, CDL, good references. Call Teresa, (323) 735-6382 HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER looking for work on Tuesday. Own transport, CDL, insured, references. Call Marisela, (323) 219-8972 HOUSE CLEANING. References, experience, has car and drivers license. Speaks English. Available any day. Call (310) 703-9905 EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER Great with kids & cleaning. Prefer live in. Perfect references. (310) 689-8015 HOUSEKEEPERS, EXPERIENCED, references, own transportation. Avail Mon.-Fri., reliable good workers. Palisades & Malibu. Call Marlene & Martha, (323) 930-2850, (323) 298-1813 or cell (323) 229-4931 HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER/SENIOR CARE. Available Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Own transportation, CDL, insured, references. Call Juana, (213) 738-1183 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE to clean your home Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Great references. Please call Martina, (323) 877-6053 or (818) 693-2231 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE – Local references – Own transportation – Avail Thursdays. Call Marta, (213) 365-6609 after 5 p.m. or leave a message, please. CLEANING HOUSES Available Mon-Fri, experienced. Speak little English. Silvia Alvarado, (323) 362-7854 HOUSEKEEPING FULL TIME 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, local references, very experienced. No car. Pleasant. Please call Tina, (818) 759-5361 BABYSITTER/HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday-Friday, own transportation. CDL. Babysitting license. References. Call Rosibel, (213) 487-7868

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

CAREGIVERS/COMPANIONS Live in/out. Minimum 2 years experience. 3 work related references required. CNA’S/CHH’S welcomed. Bondable. Call (323) 932-8700 EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER & COMPANION for seniors – Lives in Pacific Palisades – Speaks English – Has reliable transportation – Flexible schedule – References available – Call (310) 459-2861

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

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

AAA ECONO TREE CARE. Professional tree trimming & removal. Non-lic. Free estimates. (310) 497-8131

MASSAGE THERAPY 12b

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

WINDOW WASHING 13h

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

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 14d

LEAD GUITARIST WANTED for mature cover band. Group of 50 somethings who love music & play on the side for fun-need lead guitarist player with good knowledge of oldies pop, rock & R&B. We are five piece drums, keyboard, rhythm, guitar, bass & violin. Empasis on vocals/harmonies. Play mostly for fun/charity! Even get paid once in a while. Practice every other Thursday in Palisades at member home. We cover Eagles, Beatles, Clapton, BeeGees etc. If interested call Leonard, (310) 459-5243, or Don (310) 459-3170

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT 14e

MAGICIAN-MAGIC UNLIMITED. Magic shows for birthday parties, Scout meetings, kid’s and family events. 30-year Magic Castle member. Balloon animals available. Greg, (310) 266-4443

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

PERSONAL ASSISTANT, mature, experienced trilingual. Knowledgeable in coordinating social, business events, planning travel arrangements, personal shopping & supervising household. Rossana Campolungh, (310) 652-4701

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

PET HEAVEN – TOTAL PET CARE. Training. Walking. Playgroups and hikes. 30 years Pali resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog. HAPPY PET – Dog Walking – Park Outings – Socialization. Connie, (310) 230-3829

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

HAVE FUN! GET FIT! NORDIC WALKING CLASSES. Certified Nordic walking instructor teaches private/group classes in the Palisades. Weekends. Call for schedule & rates. (310) 266-4651 WALK WITH MARY. Certified personal trainer and motivator. Come walk or run the trails in Pacific Palisades. Great for women who want a good cardio exercise and experience the outdoors. $50/hr., weight training & stretching available also. Call (310) 505-0597

PERSONAL TRAINER 15c

CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER/REHAB. Get results fast in home gym or I’ll come to you. B.S. Degree. Call Michelle, (310) 469-4317

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

PIANO INSTRUCTION. Give the life-long gift of music! Very patient, creative teacher. Music degree, USC. Qualified, experienced, local. Lisa Lukas, (310) 454-0859. www.palisadesmusicstudio.com MUSICAL TRAINING IN YOUR HOME. Piano – Voice – Guitar – Drums – Percussion. A system of communication which allows for miraculous & immediate results. Cathleen, (310) 390-1969 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 MATH & SCIENCE TUTOR, Middle school-college level. BS LAUSD credentialed high school teacher. Test Prep. Flexible hours. Available to help NOW! Seth Freeman, (310) 909-3049 SPANISH TUTOR, CERTIFIED TEACHER for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications, 18 yrs exper. Palisades resident, many good references, amazing system, affordable rates. Marietta, (310) 459-8180 STANFORD-EDUCATED Math & Science Tutor: Physics, Chemistry, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trig, Pre-Calc/Analysis, Calculus, SAT, SAT2. Young(ish) and personable. BS degree. In-home convenience. References. Chris, (323) 309-6687 EXPERIENCED TUTOR. Most high schl subjects, SAT tutoring & college applications/essays. UCLA grad. 23 yrs old, loves helping kids succeed/get excited about their education. Great refs avail. (949) 295-3489 LEARN TO SPEAK & read French in a short time and have fun doing it. Small group with personal instruction. Call (310) 625-8757 EXPERIENCED (7 YRS.) & PROFESSIONAL tutor; Ph.D. (physics) UCLA; distinguished teaching fellow awards; physics & math (algebra, precalculus, calculus, AP) high school to college levels, SAT 1 & 2, ACT; student-friendly. Call (310) 280-8624

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

CASTLE CONSTRUCTION. New homes, remodeling, additions, fine finish carpentry. Serving the Westside for 20 yrs. Lic. #649995. Call James, (310) 450-6237 ALAN PINE, GENERAL CONTRACTOR. New homes – Remodeling – Additions – Kitchen & bath. Planning/Architectural services – Insured – Local refs. Lic. #469435. (800) 800-0744 or (818) 203-8881 J. BELL CONSTRUCTION * Custom new homes – Additions – Kitchen remodels – Bathroom Remodels – Established 1979 – Lic. #00376978 & Bonded – (310) 714-1116

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 (Not lic.). Please Call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286 BRIGHT ELECTRIC over 23 yrs exper. Fast electrical repair – New construction – Remodeling – Meters upgrade – Rewiring – Recessed lighting – Light control – Troubleshooting etc. Lic. #843079. (310) 800-5210

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 16l

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. Senior 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 & refinishing. National Wood Flooring Association member. Lic. #732286 Plenty of local references. (877) 622-2200. www.goldenhardwoodfloors.com

HANDYMAN 16n

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) 455-0803 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 – 17 years EXCELLENT service & experience. FREE ESTIMATES! Call (310) 502-1168. Not lic. LOCAL HANDYMAN just moved to Palisades. All aspects of building repair/maintanance. No job too small. Local references. Available. Detail oriented, reliable. Non-lic. (310) 230-6942

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16o

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

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16q

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 16s

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 16u

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) 455-0803 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

ROOFING 16v

“WE SEAL LEAKS” roofing (new/repair), carpentry, painting, concrete, remodels, skylights, windows, gutters, foundations, drainage systems, decks, caulking, stone waterfalls, landscaping, tile, local. (310) 457-4652

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 ADVERTISING SALES REP for weekly community newspaper. Experienced self-starter, full time, excellent benefit package. Resume attention: Publisher, P.O. Box 725, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, or fax (310) 454-1078, or email: info@palipost.com RELIABLE HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED for Santa Monica Canyon family. 5 days a week, 5 hrs/day, $20/hr. Must know how to clean silver, stainless steel, hardwood floors, iron shirts and linens. Must have auto ins. to do errands, banking, groceries, dry cleaning. Please call (310) 459-4149 WANTED: COLLEGE STUDENT who drives, own car, CDL, homework helper. Fun & friendly. 2x per week. Local references. Please call (310) 573-5041 DENTAL-ORTHODONTIC ASSISTANT. Exclusive office in Pacific Palisades. Exceptional opportunity. Call (310) 454-0317 PERFECT PART TIME for college student, teacher or coach (M, F 2:45-6 and W 4-7). I need an energetic, reliable, skilled person who loves kids to help during busy afternoons taking care of a 10-year-old boy and a 5 1/2-year-old girl. Our boy is very high functioning, but has some special needs. Responsibilities include driving kids home from school (a short drive), helping with homework, playing with kids, helping out on playdates. Experience and confidence with kids a must. Teacher, counselor, or a coach experience ideal. Need a good car with a safe driving record. Pay is bt $14-$20 hourly depending on experience. Phone: (310) 459-9509 FAMILIAR WITH COMPUTER program, i.e. Quickbook & Excel, full time, $20-30/hr. for construction company. Send resume to 123456inc@gmail.com MOTHER’S HELPER wanted for 8-month-old boy. 10 hours/week, flexible times. High school/college student preferred. Starting $8/hour. Call Nicole, (310) 926-8826 WE LIVE IN the Palisades Highlands. Looking for a housekeeper/nanny 6 days a week, LIVE-IN OR LIVE-OUT, must speak English and have a valid driver’s license. Fax resume or references to (213) 244-1102 WANTED: CAREGIVER for 84-year-old mother. Thur. Fri. & Mon. 7 a.m.-12 noon. $13/hr., take home. Call Mike, (310) 459-5518 HOUSEKEEPER NEEDED 1-2 days a week. English speaking, own transportation, experience, references. (310) 471-2423 GREAT YMCA JOBS for moms or dads! Fitness, aquatics, activities or clerical. Full or part time, flexible schedules. Send resume to carolpfannkuche@ymcala.org I NEED SOMEONE to organize, file and run errands. Must be very computer savvy, own car and be time efficient. Monday & Thursday 9-5. Call Patty, (310) 702-5450

AUTOS 18b

2002 VOLVO S60 4-DOOR automatic, moon roof, leather, CD, blue, white interior, excellent condition. $17K obo. Day or evening, call (310) 459-3266 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS SUV V6, automatic, 4wd, A/C, 4 door, CD, one owner. Tan, only 32K MILES. $10,000. (310) 454-4592 before 8 p.m. 2002 BMW X5 3.0 4WD. $23,999 or assume remaining 9 months lease at $591/month. Titanium silver exterior, black leather interior with wood paneling. Original owner, 48,000 miles, excellent condition. Automatic transmission, navigation system, integrated phone, sport package, premium sound, dvd player, allow wheels, power seats, cruise control, sun roof. Call Susan at (310) 454-4040 ’95 SATURN SC Coupe. 49,700 miles, A/C, $2,500 obo. (310) 393-3295, ask for Rich FORD F150 2000 & UP, Hard Toneau cover with HYD shocks, side step bars, $400 for all. Will sell separately. Call (310) 393-3295 2005 RANGE ROVER, white/tan, 21K mi., rear entertainment system, 20″ anterra wheels, roof rack & running boards. Private party. $59K. (310) 454-3995

FURNITURE 18c

STEREO/TV cabinet with glass door, $275. Large hunter green recliner, $75. Wheelchair, $50. (310) 454-7092

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

ANTIQUES, HOME ACCESSORIES, clothing, china, artwork, pillows, sheets, ski clothing, luggage, misc. 15001 Bestor Blvd. Saturday, Jan. 27th, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. No early birds.

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

MINI AKC REG. dachshund puppies. Rare red & white and black & white pied (spotted). Call Julie Sterling, (310) 573-1150

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

CANYON FIREWOOD. Featuring local soft & hardwood with delivery & stacking. Reasonable prices. Contact Douglas, (323) 293-7675 or cell (310) 753-3307

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

A Persian Hymn to the Irrational

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Sitting in St. Matthew’s church beneath the imposing outstretched arms of the Latin cross, I thought the classical Persian musicians playing simple instruments of gourd and animal skin a surprising anomaly. Soon, I realized it wasn’t so incongruous; after all, we were in this sacred place beneath the cross of passion, listening to the music that rekindled the pulse and awakened that same non-logical part of ourselves that consoled the early Christians. Rowan Storm, who spent her childhood in the Palisades and graduated from St. Matthew’s, discovered this collection of ancient melody fragments passed down over generations 40 years ago. She has dedicated her life to deepening her knowledge by studying and performing classical Persian music called ‘radif,’ with masters of traditional Middle Eastern music. Friday night she brought this group of performers and composers to her hometown. There she was standing at the altar, a blond, radiant Aryan, which ironically connects her to Iran, ‘the land of the Aryans,’ pleasantly insisting that we open ourselves to the music–to a repertory that has not been harnessed by notes and meter, but shoots directly into our hearts, finding a sympathetic vibration in our bodies. The Lian Ensemble, based in Los Angeles, presented music based on the lyric poetry of two influential mystics of the 13th century, Attar and Rumi. Sometimes the ‘tar,’ the six-stringed instrument carved from mulberry wood, quieted the sanctuary space; others times the dulcimer-like ‘santur’ took the lead, or the plaintive song of the ‘ney,’ a wind instrument used in the Middle East for at least 5,000 years, stirred in all of us the sadness that shadows the human condition. At intermission, I encountered a woman in the bathroom who had been stirred to tears by the music. ‘I always cry with this music,’ she told me, smiling and weeping at the same time. Not even the most self-contained Episcopalian could resist the power of the drums–pounded, fingered or brushed to match our pulsing hearts. As the drumming overwhelmed the full sanctuary, men and women began to clap and sway, their bodies responding on a sensual level–separate from our intellect, our politics and our preconceptions. The basic nature of classical Persian poetry is profoundly humanitarian and spiritual, and the heart of the music. Nonrational and inexplicable, this music unleashes something ancient, dark and mysterious into the world. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that art is the path of the creator to his work. I left the church feeling fragile and puny in the powerful undertow of this music. But, I also felt exhilarated and flushed, reconnected with my ancient irrational parts.

Beach Closed After Sewage Spill

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Broken sewer pipes sent 10,000 gallons into Santa Monica Bay

Warning signs were posted at Will Rogers State Beach last Friday afternoon following a sewage spill in Santa Monica Canyon.
Warning signs were posted at Will Rogers State Beach last Friday afternoon following a sewage spill in Santa Monica Canyon.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

The L.A. County Department of Health Services closed a one-mile stretch of Will Rogers State Beach last Friday afternoon, several hours after 10,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Santa Monica Bay through a storm drain at Santa Monica Canyon. Later that day, a potential public health disaster was averted when 65,000 gallons of raw sewage was stopped short of entering the ocean at Potrero Canyon. Will Rogers beach was reopened Monday evening after several samples taken from the bay near the Santa Monica Canyon storm drain showed normal bacteria levels. ‘At this point, we don’t know if anyone was affected,’ said Eric Edwards, the acting chief environmental health specialist with the county, who doubted that many people were in the water that day. ‘It is January and the water is pretty cold.’ According to a preliminary study by the city’s Department of Sanitation, a 10-inch sewer pipe was reported blocked at 6:35 a.m. at 1250 Capri Dr., near Riviera Country Club. The cause of the blockage was attributed to a broken pipe, which created a backup that forcefully routed the sewage through Santa Monica Canyon’s storm drain. One city official said that tree roots might have ruptured the pipe, but the cause of the break is still under investigation. City sanitation crews called the county to confirm that the hazardous waste had entered the ocean approximately nine hours after the city discovered the sewage spill, said Edwards, who made the decision to close the beach after receiving the call. The city operates the aged sewer lines that run through Pacific Palisades, but L.A. County maintains area beaches, including Will Rogers. Expediting communication between the two local bureaucracies during public health emergencies has been a long-sought goal for environmental watchdogs like Heal the Bay. ‘A nine-hour response time is generally better than the norm,’ said Mark Gold, executive director of Heal the Bay. ‘We’ve had situations in which officials didn’t notify the public for two days after they knew about a spill.’ At noon Friday, 65,000 gallons of sewage spilled after another pipe broke at Friends Street and Via de Las Olas. That sewage was caught by a storm-water basin at Will Rogers, according to a report released Tuesday by the sanitation department. City officials said that the two spills were unrelated, and officials are still investigating what caused the pipe to break. Last Friday’s sewage spills and the resulting beach closure have strengthened community demands for year-round storm water diversion. As a result of a new decision by the L.A. Regional Water Quality Control Board, the county must prevent all harmful bacteria from entering Santa Monica Bay from April to October, considered ‘dry’ months. The county and city have installed storm-water diversion systems to divert harmful water to treatment plants during those months, but no equivalent standard exists between November and March. ‘If they had extended the dry-weather diversion to year-round, this beach closure wouldn’t have happened,’ Gold said. Current city plans project a year-round storm-water diversion system to begin in 2009, but many environmental and community groups want quicker action. ‘The city says the deadline is 2009, but I’d like to see them beat that deadline,’ said George Wolfberg, president of the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association. ‘If it’s not raining, keep the diversion going.’ —————– Reporting by Staff Writer Max Taves. To contact, e-mail: reporter@palipost.com.

Court Deals Setback to PaliHi, Charters

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Recent ruling in sexual harassment suit threatens legal rights of school and statewide charter schools

An appellate court’s decision on January 10 to reopen a sexual harassment lawsuit against Palisades Charter High School has exposed the school to a protracted legal battle and has weakened the legal protection of charter schools statewide, legal observers say. The suit against the school was filed in June 2004 by Dr. Thomas Knapp, the father of a 13-year-old parochial student who alleged that she was harassed by PaliHi history teacher Ron Cummings, 69, while visiting the school as a prospective student in February 2004. Among other complaints, the girl alleged that Cummings commented on her breasts, humiliated her religious background and unnecessarily interspersed a history lecture with sexual innuendo. The school’s unwillingness to fire the teacher excluded PaliHi as an option for Knapp’s daughter, who chose to attend a private high school. His suit demands that the school pay him for the cost of four years of private education, estimated at $125,000. That case was dismissed twice on technical grounds, centering on the legal identity of PaliHi. When the Second Appellate District court recently overturned its previous decision to dismiss the case, it redefined the legal identity of PaliHi and other charter schools. Basing its ruling on a state Supreme Court decision made in August, the appellate court ruled that PaliHi is not a ‘public entity’ despite the fact that the school receives its funding from the state like other school districts do. The California Government Tort Claims Act (TCA) explicitly provides public entities like city governments and school districts with extra protection from litigation. For example, the TCA imposes a six-month deadline from the date that an alleged act occurred for filing a claim with a public entity. For non-public entities like individuals or private corporations, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. The TCA also requires a pre-lawsuit filing procedure that gives public entities an opportunity to investigate personal injury claims and more easily resolve them before they go to court. ‘The recent court of appeal decision in Knapp v. PaliHi is not good for the charter school movement,’ said Keith Turner, a lawyer and Palisades resident who has analyzed the case. ‘[The school] is unfortunately operating in an uncertain legal environment as to its rights.’ Before this month’s ruling, charter schools like Pali assumed that they were public entities. That has entitled the school to the protection of the TCA, but has also forced compliance with the regulations of government agencies, like the Brown Act, the Public Records Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. By ruling that the school is a ‘nonprofit public benefit corporation,’ the court excludes PaliHi from having the same legal protection as a school district like LAUSD. Because Palisades’ other charter schools are not independent from LAUSD as defined by the court, their legal status is unlikely to be affected by this decision. The California Charter Schools Association (CCSA), which is the state’s chief charter school advocate, sees potential hazards for charter schools and their employees and volunteers from this most recent decision. Without the more extensive legal protection of the TCA, CCSA expects that the costs of insuring charter schools will rise. Also, employees and volunteers could lose the legal protection of the TCA. ‘Board members, for example, could be sued for exercising their free speech rights,’ said Greg Moser, the attorney representing the CCSA and the CCSA-Joint Powers Authority, which insures charter schools. ‘Nonprofit employees and volunteers enjoy certain legal protections. But they are not as protected as government officials.’ The CCSA originally petitioned the court to review its decision on behalf of the Knapps because previous rulings established that PaliHi was legally dependent on LAUSD. Now, the CCSA has indicated that it will likely support PaliHi and appeal the case to the state Supreme Court. ‘You can end up with the worst of all possible worlds where you have the liabilities of a private organization and all the regulatory burden of government agencies,’ Moser said. Cummings is currently a part-time teacher at PaliHi, where he has taught for 17 years. School administrators could not say whether his part-time status was a result of the Knapp allegations. In January 2005, following a formal complaint by Knapp, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing issued a ‘public reproval’ of Cummings but did not revoke his teaching credential. After a school investigation of the incident in May 2005, then-principal Linda Hosford admonished Cummings for fostering an inappropriate classroom discussion and using sexual language in ‘an attempt to gain favor with your class.’ In the same letter, Hosford also dismissed some of the allegations against Cummings. It is unknown how much the school has spent on legal fees in the case. Cummings’ legal fees have been paid by United Teachers Los Angeles, the union representing almost all PaliHi teachers. ‘We’re disappointed in the court’s ruling on the Knapp case,’ said Amy Held, executive director of PaliHi. ‘The school’s attorneys intend to appeal it.’ If the state Supreme Court decides against reviewing the appellate court’s decision within the next three weeks, the case will go to trial. ———— Reporting by Staff Writer Max Taves. To contact, e-mail: reporter@palipost.com.

Local Joins Gore’s Climate Change Project

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Palisades investment advisor David Fried (left) was trained by Al Gore and a team of scientists to inform other citizens about the threat of and solutions to global warming. Photo: Gena Moore.
Palisades investment advisor David Fried (left) was trained by Al Gore and a team of scientists to inform other citizens about the threat of and solutions to global warming. Photo: Gena Moore.

As environmental and climate-control groups urge President Bush and Congress to pass legislation limiting greenhouse gases, individual citizens also are doing their part to spread the global warming message. Pacific Palisades resident David Fried is one such messenger. Fried, an investment advisor, recently completed a training program led by former Vice President Al Gore and a team of renowned scientists and environmental educators. Fried applied last year and was one of 1,000 people selected for The Climate Project (theclimateproject.org) and trained to present a version of Gore’s computer-based slide show, the basis of his best-selling book and documentary film “An Inconvenient Truth.” Armed with the knowledge and tools, Fried has committed to making 10 presentations within a year on the threat of and solutions to global warming. Presentations are free of charge and can be scheduled by calling Fried at (310) 459-9196. “One of the things I assumed going into the training was that if we stopped the carbon emissions that we produce, the [global warming] problem would kind of come back in focus and rectify itself rather quickly,” Fried says. “As it turns out, that’s not the case. It’s not a question of just correcting the damage. It’s a question of how much more damage we’re willing to do before we pay attention to this problem.” Fried, 50, began educating himself on the global warming crisis after he saw “An Inconvenient Truth” in a theater early last year. “I was shocked at the problems that were presented and I was amazed at how ignorant I was about the causes of the problem,” he recalls. “I had grown up thinking that electricity was clean, but [the production of electricity] is two-thirds of our [country’s] pollution problem in regards to global warming.” Fried remembers researching “the greenhouse effect” on the Internet and that a lot of the links that came up for “greenhouse” had to do with machines. “It occurred to me that if, as a civilization, we wanted to change the climate, we would do exactly what we’re doing–we’d give everybody little machines that produce CO2 and drive them around all day, then we’d build our power plants in such a way that most of them produce CO2, and it’s like this perfectly designed destruction machine. “Another thing that struck me is that all of the technology to prevent this from happening exists–solar panels, wind energy, and wave energy, which is coming along very quickly.” Driven by a need for information and desire to share his knowledge with others, Fried created a Web page (beatglobalwarming.info) with his own thoroughly researched list of 25 things people could do to stop global warming and five reasons why they should. He implemented his list at home, installing compact fluorescent bulbs and solar panels on his house, and making little changes in his daily life’not letting the water run while he brushed his teeth, printing on both sides of the paper, choosing the more fuel-efficient car when he went out with his wife, Deborah. (Fried had bought a hybrid Lexus before seeing “An Inconvenient Truth.’) As a father of two young children, ages 6 and 9, Fried acknowledges that global warming is a legacy issue. “When I was a kid, I used to go to summer camp and we were taught, very simply, if we went on a sleep-out, that we should leave the campground in a better condition than we found it,” he says. In recent years, “it occurred to me that, as a generation, we weren’t doing that. We were going to be the first generation to hand the globe off to the next generation in worse shape.” Fried explains how dramatically different the Palisades could look 70 years from now due to the melting of land-based ice–the Western part of Antarctica and Greenland, each of which would contribute to raising the ocean water level 20 feet. “The Palisades bluffs themselves are not hard rock; it’s sedimentary rock, it’s dirt,” he says. “If the water levels rise here in Pacific Palisades, then you could very well see erosion at the bottom of the Palisades. Where it stops and how much of this beautiful real estate gets claimed is anybody’s guess. But it’s a very real problem.” Fried, whose investment management office on Sunset looks out onto one gas station and is adjacent to another, adds that the global warming problem is not a political issue. In fact, he plans to begin his presentations with the question, “What’s a capitalist like me doing in a cause like this?” Of the 200 people who participated in The Climate Project’s rigorous two-day training in Nashville earlier this month, Fried says that about 80 percent of them were already involved in the public and/or environmental sector; the other 20 percent “were concerned capitalists like myself.” In addition to making presentations, Fried plans to work with his temple, Kehillat Israel, to cut down energy consumption. He is also organizing a local contest to encourage other residents to sign up for green power, or natural, pollution-free electricity, produced by the sun, wind and water instead of coal or oil. Through the LADWP’s Green L.A. program, residents can support renewable energy by paying a small premium on their bill. The extra cost is 6 percent, or approximately $3 a month for the average customer with a monthly electricity cost of $50. Palisades residents who sign up after the January 25 issue date of this publication and submit a copy of their bill to the Palisadian-Post by June 1 will be eligible to win $2,500, paid to the DWP in the customer’s name. The runner-up will receive $500 and the third-place winner $250, also paid to the DWP in their names. For more information on the Green Power Program, visit ladwp.com or call (800) 342-5397. “What we do here literally goes around the globe,” Fried says. “You find the carbon in the ice caps high atop mountains and in Antarctica. ‘Nobody can make your contribution for you. You’re the only one who can cut your own ‘carbon footprint’.” —————– Reporting by Associate Editor Alyson Sena. To contact, e-mail: newsdesk@palipost.com.

Caddy Goes Up in Smoke

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Station 69 Firemen inspect the inside of a 1984 Cadillac that caught fire in the CVS parking lot last Friday. In the background, wearing a blue shirt, is store manager Angel Blancia.
Station 69 Firemen inspect the inside of a 1984 Cadillac that caught fire in the CVS parking lot last Friday. In the background, wearing a blue shirt, is store manager Angel Blancia.
Photo by Sue Pascoe, Staff Writer

Thick clouds of smoke swirled over Swarthmore Avenue last Friday, resulting from a fire that engulfed a 1984 Cadillac El Dorado in the CVS parking lot at about 1 p.m. Quick response from Fire Station 69 kept the fire from spreading to a silver Acura parked next to the Cadillac. ‘I didn’t know what happened,’ CVS Store Manager Angel Blancia said. ‘I was in the office in a meeting when someone said there was a fire, so I called 911. ‘I only called two minutes ago and they’re already here,’ he told a reporter as he watched firemen pour water on the flames. ‘That’s a quick response.’ The owner of the car, Palisadian Paul Boroughs, and his friend Susan See had gone into the store for a quick purchase and looked shocked as the realization hit them that it was Boroughs’ car ablaze. ‘When we pulled in, the car was smoking,’ See said. ‘I asked him if it was okay and he said it was the oil.’ Despite Boroughs’ reassurance, See decided not to leave her border collie Sparkly in the car and instead tied the dog up in front of the store. It proved to be a fortunate decision. ‘Thank God I didn’t leave him,’ See said. ‘I only lost a couple of notebooks.’ The firemen handed her a wet, dripping notebook and a Ziploc bag of pens. The vintage Cadillac had been left in a horse pen in Topanga from 1996 until this past Christmas, when a friend gave it to Boroughs. ‘I just returned from taking it on a test drive to Nevada,’ he said. ‘It worked fine.’ He had purchased three new tires for the car and was planning on finding other parts to restore it. Four nights before the parking lot fire, the car started running hot and Boroughs discovered that someone had pulled the radiator hose while the car was parked on Bienveneda. He put the hose back on and filled the radiator with water, but ‘I had been having trouble ever since,’ he said. After the fire had been extinguished, Boroughs peered under the hood of his car and noticed the radiator hose was once again loose. ‘Someone did it again. There’s no clamp on it,’ he said. ‘I don’t know why anyone would do that. I don’t know why anyone would hate me to do that.’ Boroughs had liability insurance, but not enough coverage to help him obtain a replacement vehicle. ‘This just tells me I’ll be riding the bus again,’ he said.

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