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Educator Cummins Lifts Lid on School Funding

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Pacific Palisades resident Paul Cummins, here in his office at the New Visions Foundation, is the founder of Crossroads School and P.S. Arts. He also helped launch New Roads School, Camino Nuevo Charter Academy, Los Angeles Academy of Arts and Enterprise and New Village Charter School.
Pacific Palisades resident Paul Cummins, here in his office at the New Visions Foundation, is the founder of Crossroads School and P.S. Arts. He also helped launch New Roads School, Camino Nuevo Charter Academy, Los Angeles Academy of Arts and Enterprise and New Village Charter School.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Once again, Paul Cummins, the visionary educator and founder of Crossroads School, has bored in on the educational crises in our inner-city at-risk schools by dealing head-on with the money issue. In his new book ‘Two Americas, Two Educations: Finding Quality Schools for All Students,’ he outlines a number of funding sources that can be used to improve, mend and resurrect our failing public schools. He will talk about the book on Thursday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. ‘Every time I would go to a conference or a workshop or read books, I would learn about wonderful ideas,’ Cummins said in a recent interview with the Palisadian-Post. ‘But each time I would run smack against the wall of how would we fund this? So I decided to find out if there is any money, and discovered the money is there. The priorities aren’t, but the money is.’ Cummins, who lives in Pacific Palisades, dedicates the first part of the book to reminding readers about the depth of the problem in public schools in the inner city and immigrant neighborhoods, where the challenges go beyond the classroom. There are issues of poverty and its attendants–poor health and housing–the massive infusion of non-English-speaking students; and safety amidst gang activity, drugs and crime. Some argue that educational spending has grown along with everything else, but Cummins counters that because of the added burden on inner-city schools, they require more funds to compensate for their social deprivation. A comparison of costs per pupil among LAUSD ($6,500), a Westside private school ($22,000), an L.A. parochial school ($2,982) and the California prison system ($35,000) makes explicit the discrepancies. Sadly, Cummins says, the expenditures per pupil, even when increased, are directed toward providing just an ‘adequate’ school. An adequate school has decent facilities’toilets that flush; sufficient materials’updated textbooks, preferably a school library with up-to-date holdings; reasonable class size and teacher load; secondary teachers teaching subjects in which they have a degree; and a diverse and comprehensive curricula’the ‘solids’ and courses in the arts, PE, after-school teams and arts performances. These five criteria are missing in many inner-city and poor immigrant neighborhoods. Neglecting this population deprives more and more young people an opportunity to work and improve their quality of life, and results in more costly social problems. Four years ago, for example, Crenshaw High School had 1,100 ninth graders and 395 seniors. The best guess, Cummins says, is that 30 to 50 students enrolled in college. There was one college counselor and one secretary. At Crossroads in Santa Monica, there were 120 ninth graders and 120 seniors–100 percent enrolled in college and there were three college counselors. Cummins would call this dropout ‘neighborhood drift,’ which is just another way of saying gang-directed lives. Despite the seemingly intractable crises, Cummins sees ideas starting to take hold. He offered a handful of simple suggestions that would make a significant impact, but all require investment. ‘You could cut the class sizes in half, which would require a 100 percent increase in teachers,’ he says. ‘Where would you find those teachers when it’s already hard to find teachers in the inner city? Here’s where I would say, you pay them, pay them $25,000 a year more.’ The elephant in the room is money. While he calls for additional funding, Cummins advises that structural and systemic changes must be implemented. These include site-based management and budgetary autonomy, smaller schools and class sizes, and increased public-private partnerships. Cummins through his New Visions Foundation and Mike McGallard of Mentor L. A. have joined forces to establish West Adams Prep, which will encompass small learning communities (SLC), based on the notion that smaller is better. Each ‘college’ will provide diverse curricula that includes literature, film and media and business and enterprise. Cummins is big believer in what he calls the ‘other five solids’: the arts, physical education, human development, environmental education and community service, all of which will be addressed in the SLCs. The private sector will be a partner in supplementing per-pupil spending. He calls this approach a backlash to the numbing effect of ‘No Child Left Behind,’ which he says has rendered schools slaves to test-taking and teaching to the test. In Part II of ‘Two Americas, Two Educations,’ Cummins says that the money that would give us superb American schools is available: ‘It simply has been allocated to other less admirable and productive purposes.’ In the preface to this section, he writes: ‘I have a great deal to say about the corporate and individual greed that is siphoning away the money that we need to make our schools the envy of the world.’ He identifies corporate welfare, disproportionate CEO salaries, tax cuts that favor the rich and multinational companies as contributing to the myth that we lack funds for schools. ‘Called ‘hidden in plain sight,’ the Ford Foundation-sponsored report totals up costs of the federal government’s assets-building tax breaks and spending programs at $335 billion a year’a stunning third of a trillion dollars,’ Cummins writes. He does endorse one consumption tax, however: an eco tax, which, he says, is not only advisable but also critical. ‘In addition to using taxes to discourage ecologically destructive activities, we need to re-examine the use of government subsidies for the same purpose.’ Despite the huge inequities in our society, which are most visible in the failure to educate our children rigorously, Cummins remains hopeful. ‘There is a fundamental decency and sense of justice in the American psyche, and in the long run these qualities lead Americans to sense and to do the right thing,’ he writes. ‘In the long run’sometimes the very long run’corporate and legislative wrongdoing is inevitably exposed to the glare of public attention.’

Brian Merritt, Jr. 20, Transplant Recipient

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Brian Anthony Joseph Merritt, Jr., a heart transplant survivor and a graduate of Palisades Charter High School, passed away after a second heart transplant on February 18. He was 20 years old. Born on December 6, 1986, to Kimberly Anne Mack and Brian Anthony Merritt, Sr., Brian received a heart transplant at 18 months, the youngest transplant at UCLA Medical Center. Despite challenges with his health, he enjoyed many accomplishments in his life, graduating from PaliHi and most recently attending Cal State L.A., where he maintained a 4.0 GPA pursuing a degree in nursing. Last September, Brian became ill and in need of a second heart transplant, which he, again, received at UCLA Medical Center on October 22. He is survived by his parents, his stepfather John Fredrick Bass and loving relatives and friends. There will be a celebration of Brian’s life on Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. in Mercer Hall at Palisades High School. Information regarding donations in Brian’s name may be obtained at (310) 963-9189.

PALIHI BASEBALL PREVIEW

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Dolphins Poised for City Title Run

Palisades' infield will consist of (clockwise from top left) shortstop Andy Megee, first baseman Lucas Berry, second baseman Adam Greene, pitcher Cole Cook, third baseman Oliver Goulds and catcher Garrett Champion.
Palisades’ infield will consist of (clockwise from top left) shortstop Andy Megee, first baseman Lucas Berry, second baseman Adam Greene, pitcher Cole Cook, third baseman Oliver Goulds and catcher Garrett Champion.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Coming off three straight league titles it would be easy for the Palisades High varsity baseball team to become a little complacent this season if not for one small detail: the Dolphins have but one goal and it goes far beyond winning their league. “Winning league is great and that is our goal every year,” Coach Tom Seyler said at Monday afternoon’s practice. “But this is the year I think we can really challenge for the City championship and that is our ultimate goal. This group has the potential to be the best team I’ve had so far.” Consistent with his philosophy that to be the best you have to beat the best, Seyler entered Palisades in two of the best tournaments in the state (the Southern California Invitational and San Diego Lyons) and also scheduled nonleague games against City powers Cleveland, El Camino Real, Roosevelt, Carson and San Fernando. In short, the Dolphins are ducking no one. “The way to get respect is to earn it on the field,” Seyler said. “I feel we are an elite team and by playing these games we have an opportunity to go out and prove it. Right off the bat we have three extremely tough games. This might be the toughest schedule we’ve ever had.” Palisades prepared itself by playing 21 games over the winter’including the Moorpark tournament Thanksgiving week and the Martin Luther King tournament in Oxnard in January. Andy Megee (who has signed with Yale), Garrett Champion and Austin Jones were standouts at the plate. Megee batted .438 with 10 doubles, three triples and 22 RBIs, Champion hit .436 with six doubles and two triples and Jones batted .433 with three doubles, five triples and 19 RBIs. On the mound, ace right-hander Cole Cook struck out 35 batters in 31 innings. “Pitching and defense has to be our strength,” Seyler said. “We can’t be giving teams four outs. We have to play fundamentally sound. We’re not the fastest team and we don’t have overwhelming power so we’ll have to find ways to manufacture some runs. We’ve led the league in doubles and triples the last two years and that’s what we do best–finding the gaps.” Defensively, Pali’s infield should be one of the best in the City with Lucas Berry at first base, Adam Greene at second, Megee at shortstop, Oliver Goulds at third and Champion behind the plate. Starting outfielders will be Jones in center, J.R. Bromberg in right and Eric Verdun and Jack Eller platooning in left. Junior Alex Meadow will be a key utility player, David Skolnik will back-up Greene at second, Marlon Zamboni will back-up Megee at shortstop and Zach Dauber and Brian Hanson will share time at first base. Damon Ray will be the second-string catcher while Jared Sklar, Adam Flores and Jake Kramer can all play either infield or outfield positions. Seyler believes his pitching rotation is even stronger than it was last year. Cook, a 6-6, 195-pound senior who has signed with Pepperdine, improved his strikeout-to-walk ratio to 4-1 in winter ball and can consistently throw his fastball 88-90 miles per hour. Behind him will be senior right-handers Bromberg (6-2, 195 lbs) and Rob Rosenberg (6-3, 190 lbs) and sophomore righty Jonathan Moscot (5-11, 170 lbs). Jones, a 6-0, 160-pound left-hander, will be the closer. Palisades will play the first of its six home night games on Friday when it hosts Cleveland in its season opener at 5 p.m. The Dolphins travel to Santa Monica for an intersectional game Saturday at 11 a.m. and return to George Robert Field next Monday for a 3 p.m. game against Roosevelt. For updates and stats throughout the season, visit the team Web site at www. palibaseball.com.

Tennis Aims for Three-peat

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Michael Light will be one of three senior captains this season for the defending City champion Dolphins.
Michael Light will be one of three senior captains this season for the defending City champion Dolphins.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

If its first match is any indication, the Palisades High boys tennis has some work to do if it wants to win its third straight City Section title. The Dolphins lost to crosstown rival Santa Monica for the first time since Head Coach Bud Kling took over the program in 1979 and he won’t be surprised if Pali loses a few more matches before league starts. ‘The negative is that we’ve lost three of our four singles players and four of our top seven doubles players from last year,’ Kling said. ‘The positive is that I’ve got a good group of kids who are eager to prove themselves and want to work hard. How far we go will depend on how much they improve as the season progresses.’ Palisades opened the Bay Area Classic yesterday at Beverly Hills and travels to Fresno for a tournament this weekend. Other nonleague opponents include Mira Costa, Malibu and El Segundo. ‘We could have three or four losses going into league which is unusual for us,’ Kling said. ‘I’m more concerned with where we are heading into the playoffs. That is when you have to be at your best.’ With such a young squad, the Dolphins will rely on the senior leadership of tri-captains Sepehr Safii, Michael Light and Mason Hays. Hays will likely rotate between singles and doubles while Safii will play No. 1 doubles and Hays either No. 1 or No. 2 doubles. Strengthening the doubles lineup will be returner Jeremy Shore, incoming juniors Matt Goodman and Ren Nielsen and sophomore Kenneth Choi. Ranked 52nd in the Boys 16s in the Intermountain region last year, Nielsen moved to Pacific Palisades from the Salt Lake City area and may play No. 3 doubles with Che Borja, a quick and athletic sophomore who also plays JV basketball. Rounding out the doubles are 10th-graders Spencer Lewin and Ali Yazdi, both up from the JV team. ‘Right now, Granada Hills is the clear-cut favorite to win the City,’ Kling said. ‘Taft is a close second and after that it’s probably Carson, Eagle Rock and us. Granada lost to us in the finals last year but returns the entire team. Taft not only has everyone back but picked up two new guys.’ Senior Ariel Oleynik, who won three out of four sets against Granada Hills in the finals last May, will play No. 1 singles. Kuyung Choi, Kenneth’s younger brother, is slated at No. 2 singles and Kling is hopeful fellow freshman Brett Allchorn can fill the third slot. Justin Atlin, a sophomore who sat out most of last season with a back injury, will be No. 3 or No. 4. ‘We’re behind in our fundamentals compared to where we’ve been the last few years,’ Kling admitted. ‘We’re still working on the basics like footwork, balance and stroke production. But I like our attitude and I’d like to see us win our league and see where we get seeded.’

Paly Swims Third at Y Champs

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Merz Qualifies for Nationals in 200 Butterfly

Paly swimmer Allison Merz dives into the pool for her 200 Butterfly time trial. She was fast enough to qualify for the Y Nationals in April. Photo: Eric Lawton
Paly swimmer Allison Merz dives into the pool for her 200 Butterfly time trial. She was fast enough to qualify for the Y Nationals in April. Photo: Eric Lawton

Allison Merz qualified for Nationals, six others qualified for the Junior Olympics and the Palisades-Malibu YMCA swim team finished third in the Y Champs Meet at the El Monte Aquatics Center last weekend. Paly was 77 members strong and leading the way was Merz. The 14-year-old swam a time trial for the 200 Butterfly and knocked two seconds off her previous time, which qualified her for the Y Nationals in Florida in April. She is the first Paly swimmer to qualify since 2004. Six Paly swimmers also qualified for spring Junior Olympics. Courtney Carswell, Olivia Kirkpatrick, Hayley Lemoine, Hayley Hacker, Anna and Mara Silka will join Merz, who qualified at a previous meet. “The whole atmosphere was great at Y champs,” Paly Assistant Coach Eric Butler said. ?About everybody dropped time, which was our goal. Paly’s 13- and 14-year-old 200 Medley girls team of Shelby Pascoe, Jennifer Tartavull, Merz and Kimberly Tartavull won and tied the meet record (1:58.32), barely missing the cut for Y Nationals. Paly’s 200 Freestyle Relay of Jennifer and Kimberly Tartavull, Lemoine and Merz also took first and missed qualifying by a second (1:43.67). “Y Champs is unique because it’s a meet where all levels of swimmers can participate,” Paly Head Coach Brian Timmerman said. ?We had some spectacular swims at the finals.” Three other Paly relay teams also won: the girls 8-and-under (Clara Saab, Grace heck, Gretta Johnson and Caroline Carswell); boys 8-and-under (Hunter Loncar, Joe Walker, Jared Anwar and Finn Bradley); and girls 9-10 (Courtney Carswell, Ellen Silka, Kate Heck and Mardell Ramirez). Second place in the Freestyle relays went to Paly’s girls 11-12 (Olivia Kirkpatrick, Georgia Johnson, Jayme Rossie and Mara Silka), boys 13-14 (Slava Yanov, Shervin Ghaffari, Gabriel Kaufman and Michael Shem), boys senior (Hudson Lofchie, Stephen Anthony, James DeMayo and Nicholas Kaufman) and girls senior (Elizabeth Ebert, Melina Vanos, Katherine Lemoine and Jessica Schem). Medley Relay races proved a tougher obstacle for Paly. The girls 13 & 14 won and four teams took second: the 9-10 boys (Jack McGeagh, Kenneth Saab, Thomas Collins, Michael Lukasiak); 11-12 girls (Georgia Johnson, Olivia Kirkpatrick, Mara Silka and Sydney Cheong); 13-14 boys (Slava Yanov, Shervin Ghaffari, Michael Schem and Gabriel Kaufman); and boys Senior (Hudson Lofchie, Nicholas Kaufman, James DeMayo Stephen Anthony). Courtney Carswell won the girls 9 & 10 100 Individual Medley in 1:20.51 and was second in the 50 Breaststroke. Olivia Kirkpatrick was second in 50 Breaststroke in the 11-12 division and fourth in the 200 Individual Medley and Mara Silka was second in thew 100 Breastroke. Jordan Wilimovsky was second in the boys 200 Freestyle. Hacker was second in the 13 & 14s in both the 100 Backstroke and 200 Individual Medley, Lemoine won the 100 Freestyle in 57.87 and was second in the 50 Freestyle. Merz won the 50 Freestyle in 25.83 and 100 Butterfly in 1:01.74) and Shelby Pascoe won the 100 Backstroke in 1:07.49 and Jennifer Tartavull won the 100 Breastroke in 1:12.69 and the 200 Individual Medley in 2:23.38.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 22, 2007

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

NOW SHOWING SPECTACULAR 180′ ocean view homes in Tahitian Terrace & Palisades bowl mobile home parks. SC Realty, Franklin, (818) 577-7116

HOMES WANTED 1b

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

FURNISHED HOMES 2

CHARMING COTTAGE, fully furnished, 1 bdrm, 1 ba, fireplace. Close to village & bluffs. No pets. Flex terms. $3,000/mo. (310) 459-0765 CHARMING FURNISHED 3 bdrm, 1 3/4 ba home, hardwood flrs, F/P, walk to village & bluffs. No pets. Short term available. (310) 459-0765

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

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 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. (800) 638-4354 or (818) 817-3691 PALISADES HIGHLANDS 1 level home. Totally remodeled. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, with private backyard, community pool and tennis court. $5,500/mo. Call Judy, (310) 454-0696 UNFURN/FURN 1 bdrm, 1 3/4 ba, guest quarters. Ocean views, office, like new kit/ba, limestone flrs, behind gates, $3,700/mo. 6 mos or longer. Call agent Holly Davis, (310) 230-7377 PACIFIC PALISADES MOBILE home 2 bdrm, 2 ba, new carpet and paint, rear deck. $2,500/mo. (310) 454-7557 MID-CENTURY ARCHITECTURAL 3 br, 2 ba in prime Palisades location, private wooded lot, 2 fireplaces, wood floors, built-ins, marble/granite finishes, approx. 1,900 sq. ft. $6,500/mo. (310) 230-7901

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

PALISADES SINGLE, large, remodeled, new carpet, stove, refrigerator, covered parking, storage, new paint, non-smoker, No pets, one year lease, laundry. MUST SEE. $1,065/mo. (310) 477-6767 CHARMING 1,800 SQ. FT. upper apt. in Mediteranean triplex 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 GUEST HOUSE, completely remodeled. High-tech guest house Palisades. Includes small yard, private entrance. Ultra high tech. One of a kind. Must see. Street parking. $1,750/mo. Will consider small pet with deposit. Showing by appointment only. (310) 309-8272 SPACIOUS BACHELOR UNIT behind house with kitchenette. Not furnished, includes utilities, private entrance, on a beautiful street close to beach. $1,250/mo. Call (310) 230-0230

CONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 2d

LARGE 2 BD, 2 BA with formal dining and great master. Oversized patio. Hardwood floors throughout. Sunny pool. Walk to village. Laundry in unit. $3,200/mo. Janet, (760) 902-2090 for easy showing

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in professional building in Palisades village. Completely renovated. 862 sq ft. Call Ness, (310) 230-6712 x105 TIRED OF COMMUTING DOWNTOWN? Furn/unfurn office for lease near Pacific Palisades Village (on Sunset). Prices range from $300-$1,000 for desk cubicles or executive office suites. Receptionist, copy machines, laser printers, fax, kitchen, conference rm w/ computer, monitor, TV & VCR. Incl 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 SANTA MONICA 8-LAWYER SUITE has one window office now available for lease overlooking Clover Park. $1,500/mo incl. parking. Additional optional amenities: online library with public records, conference room, fax, photo copier, DSL, kitchen, etc at cost. Call Peter, (310) 450-9582 x214 PALISADES OFFICES FOR RENT, 2nd floor. 15115 1/2 Sunset Blvd. Across from Ralphs. $950/mo. and 1 furnished office, $650/mo. (310) 459-0765

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5

ATTENTION AFFLUENT PROFESSIONALS: HASSLE-FREE BUSINESS with proven track record. Not everyone will qualify. (570) 971-7527 * www.SeekFinancialFreedom.com

MISCELLANEOUS 6c

HUICHOL INDIAN SHAMANISM with Brant Secunda, world famous shaman-healer. Ceremony * Healing * Inspiration * Huichol Art. February 24-25, 2007. Los Angeles, near Pacific Coast Dance of the Deer Foundation. (831) 475-9560. www.shamanism.com

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

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 PERSONAL ASSISTANCE, ORGANIZATION and bookkeeping. Superior services provided with discretion & understanding. Pali resident, local references. Call Sarah, (310) 573-9263 HANDS-ON ORGANIZERS FOR HOME OR OFFICE! Get rid of clutter! Moving help? Packing/unpacking. Sheila, (213) 705-0968. www.blueroomstudios.biz/clutter_busters.htm

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 NANNY, 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Great references, clean DMV, CPR cert. Prefer newborns & toddlers. Call Olga, (213) 675-1185 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 NANNY/COOK/FRENCH TUTOR can speak and tutor French for young children. Available Monday-Sunday. Own transportation, CDL. Call Sheila, (310) 270-6761

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 SERVICE, 10 years experience. Fair prices, good references. Available Tues.-Fri. Daily rates. Call Maria, (310) 977-0142 HOUSEKEEPER, REFERENCES, EXPERIENCED. Own transportation. Speaks some English. Available Monday-Sunday. (323) 299-1797. Call evenings, or cell (818) 742-5680 HOUSEKEEPER, EXPERIENCE & LOCAL references. Own transportation. Looking for full time Mon.-Friday, English speaking. (323) 646-4300, call anytime. HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Own transportation, CDL, local references. Call Mabel, (213) 618-1969 or (213) 383-2631, after 5 p.m. HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Many years experienced. Good references. Call Paula, (818) 922-4062, cell HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available Monday & Tuesday. References. 17 years experienced. Call Gisela, (323) 428-1677 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE M-F Own car, CDL, local references, insured, many years experienced. Call Ana, (213) 364-3648 HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER Tuesday & Saturday, full time. References, own transportation. Call Carmen, (310) 412-1747 HOUSEKEEPER TO CLEAN your home. Monday-Friday. Great references. Please call Eida, (323) 730-0033 or (323) 717-4336 HOUSEKEEPER 20 years experience, own transportation, references, reliable. Call Clemencia, (310) 993-3551 cell, (323) 777-2319 home MY FABULOUS HOUSEKEEPER available Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday. Excellent cleaner. References available. Great with kids. Call Barbara, (310) 454-4030 HOUSEKEEPER THOROUGH, CAREFUL, sparkling work. 10 years experience Palisades Riviera. References. Available M-Th. Fair rates. CDL. (310) 430-5768 EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER available Monday & Friday. Own transportation, honest, reliable. References upon request. Call Teresa, (323) 569-8193 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Thursday & Saturday. Fluent English, excellent references. Call Anna, (323) 445-3679 or (818) 442-9416

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

HOUSEKEEPING CHILD & ELDERLY care, experienced CPR, first Aid certified with medical background L/I or L/O, fluent English, references available. Call Ed, (818) 486-6432 ELDER CARE IN YOUR HOME. Available days, Mon.-Fri. Excellent local references, 10 yrs exper, own transportation, CDL, insured. Call Sandy, cell (818) 272-3400, or hm (818) 896-7696

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 GENERAL LANDSCAPING * Maintenance * tree trim * sprinklers by hours or rates * Please call Lorenzo, (213) 479-6942, cell (310) 308-1425

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

MASSAGE THERAPY 12b

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

HOUSESITTING 14b

PROFESSIONAL MIDDLE-AGE couple seek house sitting position. Excellent references. (310) 459-6252

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 * Insured. Connie, (310) 230-3829 DOG WALKER. Flexible hours. Call Travis, (310) 795-2170

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

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 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 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 ENGLISH TUTOR. All ages, flexible and fun. Recent graduate. English/Philosophy major. Call Travis, (310) 795-2170 NEED HELP acing the SAT Verbal and AP English Exams? I’m a top ranked SAT Essay scorer and AP Language and Comp scorer for the College Board. My students have matriculated to Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Tufts, USC, UCLA and many other top universities. I also provide help with college essays and applications. I have fifteen years of professional experience helping students realize their potential. Contact M.L. Rosenthal, (310) 387-9054

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES 15g

SPRINGBREAK/AFTER SCHOOL BEACH CLUB. Kids ages 5-14. Located at Will Rogers State Beach. Sports, arts & crafts, games, fun activities. M-F, (310) 399-3098. www.afterschoolbeachclub.com

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 J. BELL CONSTRUCTION * Custom new homes * Additions * Kitchen remodels * Bathroom Remodels * Established 1979 * Lic. #00376978 & Bonded * (310) 714-1116

DRAPES/BLINES 16g

SILK DRAPES CUSTOM made Frenchpleat, Boxpleat, Rodpocket. We import SILK fabric. Manufactured in California. Designer quality, wholesale prices. (310) 230-0484, silk@plumridge.com www.plumridge.com

ELECTRICAL 16h

PALISADES ELECTRIC. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437. Insured. Professional Service ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local Service Only (Not lic.). Please Call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286 BRIGHT ELECTRIC over 23 yrs experience. Fast electrical repair * New construction * Remodeling * Meters upgrade * Rewiring * Recessed lighting * Light control * Trouble shooting, 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. 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 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. MASONRY WORK, stone block, stucco, ceramic and saltillo tile. Also repair carpentry, fencing, electric. Non-lic. Call (310) 308-1425

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

“SEAL IT UP” before spring cleanup. Painting, roofing, carpentry, concrete, remodels, skylights, windows, gutters, foundations, drainage systems, decks, caulking, stucco, drywall, landscaping, tile. (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 CEO & AUTHOR seeks energetic & seasoned personal executive assistant. Successful candidate must have 5 years experience as senior personal assistant to CEO or president. (company 10 million revenues) or A-list celebrity. Exceptional computer literacy. (Office 2003, 60 wds per minute, 200-300 emails per week) & auditory retention. (short hand, diction at regular speed of speech; writing letters & proposals; complex travel arrangements:) Ability to track & follow-thru on dozens of tasks & ongoing projects. Email resume to Bob@abacuswealth.com WEATHERVANE ON MONTANA AVE., Santa Monica, is looking for a stock person to work in the office. Duties include receiving, ticketing, steaming merchandise, and some assistance to the office manager. Part-time, flexible hours, 2-4 days a week, 3-4 hours. Please apply to Gretchen, (310) 451-1182, for appt. BRENTWOOD ART CENTER seeks great people-person with outstanding customer service and administrative skills. Best candidate is conscientious, attentive to detail, friendly and outgoing. Requires computer skills. Willing to provide training to capable, computer-literate candidate. Must be available two Saturdays per month. Medical & dental benefits. Email resume to: jordan@brentwoodart.com ANIMAL BATHER, FULL or part time for busy grooming shop in town. Prior grooming experience preferred but will train. Benefits provided. Salary based on experience. (310) 459-2009 CUSTOMER SERVICE. Here’s a great full or part time steady job. Applicant must enjoy assisting customers over the phone. Must speak good English & have basic computer skills. Stevenson Ind. 881 Alma Real Dr., Ste. 310. (310) 459-9393 x202 ACCOUNTANT/TAX/PARALEGAL wanted for estate planning law firm in Pacific Palisades. Computer skills and congenial personality a must. Fax resume to (310) 459-4477 SALES REPRESENTATIVE, Spectrum Club Palisades. Min. 2 yrs sales exp. Exp. in health club industry pref. Competitive pay! Email cover letter & resume to hrspectrumla@spectrumclubs.com. (310) 459-2582 x222, fax (310) 727-9310. www.spectrumclubs.com METHODIST PRESCHOOL SEEKS DIRECTOR. Methodist Preschool of Pacific Palisades seeks passionate, committed leader for full-time director position. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative team-player with strong communication skills and high energy. Qualified applicants must meet the requirements outlined in Title 22 for a child care center director. Please fax or mail resume by 3/1/07 to: Methodist Preschool, attn: Selection Committee, 801 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. Fax (310) 230-4071 SEEKING ORGANIZED ADMINISTRATIVE assistant in fine arts & antiques. Full Time, salaried position will run our home office. Minimum 2 years office experience & college degree. Resumes to gardenantiques@hotmail.com

AUTOS 18b

FORD F150 2000 & UP, Hard Toneau cover with HYD shocks, side step bars, $400 for all. Will sell separately. Call (310) 393-3295 2000 BMW 323i, 58K miles, excellent condition. $16,000, financing available. (310) 454-2075 or winfieldking9@gmail.com JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. V8, black, loaded. 50,200 mi, clean, new tires. $11,000. (310) 573-1255 2003 FORD TAURUS SE wagon 40. 54,000 miles, silver, air, CD, runs well. Blue book price $7,500. (310) 573-1136 2002 VOLVO Sedan. Excellent condition, leather, moon roof, very low mileage. (310) 459-3266 1968 FORD RANCHERO GT. $600 or best offer. Runs good. Call Rich Donohue, (310) 393-3295

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

HORSE FOR LEASE In Pacific Palisades. Exp. Adult rider. Call Kelly, (310) 666-7038 GOLDENDOODLE puppies (1/18/07) are looking to join a lovable family. Adorable wavy apricot and champagne color. Bred for temperament, health guarantee, parents AKC. $2,000. Call for pictures/questions, (310) 498-9730

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

CANYON FIREWOOD. Featuring local soft & hardwood. Delivery & stacking anywhere on premisis with no hidden cost. Also willing to haul away wood of any kind for a nominal fee. Contact Doug, (323) 293-7675 or (310) 753-3307 or email RobinQueen@sbcglobal.net

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

PALISADES CARES ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK

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This week’s column provides an update on some local environmental topics

A diverse group of Palisadians attended the first meeting of the Palisades Environmental Network on January 30, including representatives from the business community, schools, environmental businesses, service organizations (PRIDE, Palisades Beautiful, Newcomers, the Garden Club, AARP) and residents. The evening was an opportunity to learn about the participants as well as to brainstorm about what we can do to help ‘green’ Pacific Palisades. Several businesses explained how they can help homeowners protect the environment. The Reuse People (thereusepeople.org) salvages reusable building material and distributes it to low-income families. They partner with the Habitat for Humanity Home Improvement Store, and can provide their own demolition (or deconstruction) crew. Tax donations are given for the materials donated to The Reuse People. Sustainable Design Source, operated by Palisadian Sid Greenwald, (sustainabledesignsource.com) advises homeowners on sustainable building alternatives. Permacity Corporation (permacity.com) provides solar energy systems to homeowners and businesses. The cost of such systems can be reduced by rebates from the DWP. The following topics were discussed as potential action items for the group to address in helping green the Palisades: -Encourage the use of reusable bags by local shoppers; – Implement solar assistance at Palisades High; – Encourage recycling in the Palisades business district; – Put a stop to having decorative lights on at night; – Reinforce the gas leaf-blower ban; – Encourage a local ban on Styrofoam; – Eradicate the invasive ivy along local trails. ‘GREEN’ THE PALISADES MEETING Further discussion of action items, other concerns, and a plan for addressing them will take place at the group’s next meeting, to be held Thursday, March 1, at 7 p.m. in Mort’s Oak Room, 1035 Swarthmore. All interested community members are invited to come and network with others interested in greening the Palisades. Call (310)-459-1614 or visit www.palisadescares.org for further information.

WW II’s Pirates of the Sky

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Former Jolly Rogers tail-gunner Cliff Carlson at home in Pacific Palisades.
Former Jolly Rogers tail-gunner Cliff Carlson at home in Pacific Palisades.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

By SUE PASCOE and BILL BRUNS ‘No group of fliers since the Flying Tigers of China has ever emerged from the war with greater glory than the world-famous Liberator unit–the Jolly Rogers,’ said the authors of a June 1944 book commemorating the squadron’s history to that point. ‘Month after month, since September 1942, American newspapers and magazines have brimmed over with colorful stories about this most colorful of all B-24 outfits.’ Cliff Carlson, now a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, was a tail-gunner for one of the Jolly Rogers bombers, all of which featured a distinctive twin-tail insignia–a huge, leering skull surmounting two crossed bombs–and a good-luck emblem painted near the cockpit. Carlson’s crewmen named their plane KAY-O, derived from a popular Moon Mullins cartoon strip. Other nicknames–usually illustrated with a pin-up woman–included Liberty Belle, Roarin’ Rosie, Louisiana Lullaby, the Duchess of Paducah, Joltin’ Janie, Windy City Kitty, Pistol Packin’ Mama, Yankee Doodle Dandy (who ‘had a charmed life for 100 missions’until she straggled from the formation over Hollandia’ and was shot down), Cookie, Joltin’ Janie, Golden Lady, and Eager Beaver (who ‘had almost 100 missions before she returned to the States to sell war bonds’). ‘We were like family,’ Carlson says during an interview at his home on Via de las Olas, recalling the year he spent with his 10-man crew flying 1,500-mile roundtrip missions from bases in New Guinea against Japanese cargo ships, airfields, oil fields and defense installations. “We all knew we were in it together, and whatever we did could affect the other guy’s life.’ While the heavy bombing attacks were vital to the Allied forces as they steadily advanced northward from the South Pacific towards the Philippines, Carlson and his fellow machine gunners–the nose gunner, the top turret gunner, the belly gunner and two waist gunners–played a lifesaving role as they fought off enemy fighters. ‘The factor that probably drew more attention to the Jolly Rogers than any other was their record in shooting down Zeros,’ said the squadron’s yearbook. ‘Interception [by Japanese fighters] was always heavy’but the hot guns of JR crews were more than equal to the challenge.’ When Carlson was asked recently if he knew how many planes he had shot down, he replied in his honest, reticent manner, ‘Nobody knows if you were the one responsible for the hit.’ Activated at Key Field, Mississippi, in April 1942, the Jolly Rogers squadron had no planes or pilots, and consisted of a cadre of two officers and 73 enlisted men. But soon ‘the wheels began to turn,’ wrote the yearbook authors, and personnel streamed in from all over the United States with a crazy quilt of civilian backgrounds”teachers, toolmakers, students, surgeons, wool salesmen, farmers, engineers, accountants, editors, draftsmen, lawyers, coaches, linesmen, farmers, ball players, and missionaries.’ In early August, the squadron moved ‘to Henry Ford’s great Willow Run Bomber Plant’ in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where the goal was to complete one B-24 every hour. ‘The men who were to fly and maintain these huge airbirds trained beside the workers who built them,’ the authors noted, ‘and those who were there will never forget the sight of 1,500 cots arranged in orderly rows extending from one end of a huge hangar to the other.’ In September, planes and crews began arriving in Hawaii (where training took part ‘in the grim atmosphere of the birthplace of our war with Japan’) and by mid-November they were flying combat missions from a base in Australia. Carlson, who grew up in Wisconsin and remembers being fascinated by Charles Lindberg’s flight across the Atlantic, was working in an aircraft plant in Baltimore when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He joined the Air Corps in September 1942 and eventually volunteered for gunnery school, where he learned his B-24 role’firing two .50-calibre machine guns from the rear of the plane as he faced backwards toward the attacking Japanese fighters, with only a plastic windshield in front of his face as ‘protection.’ The Jolly Rogers squadron (already calling itself ‘the best damn heavy bomber unit in the world’) was stationed in Port Moresby, New Guinea, by the time Carlson and his crew arrived in October 1943. They quickly joined the attacks that took a heavy toll on Japanese shipping and shore installations from Rabaul and Hansa Bay to Hollandia and Peleliu. In March 1944, during a mission against targets in the Wewak area, a squadron report noted that ‘a 75 mm. projectile passed through the No. 3 propeller of the leading plane [Carlson’s KAY-O], pierced the trailing edge of the wing, entered the fuselage slightly to the front and above the right waist window and came out of the top of the fuselage, exploding 500 feet to the rear of the plane. Fortunately for those aboard, no one was injured, but had the shell exploded as it pierced the plane we could have ‘scratched’ one B-24.’ The KAY-O had another close call during a bombing mission north of Wewak, when a 1,000-pound bomb got stuck in its rack. The plane’s bombardier, Jess Taylor, later wrote in his diary: ‘I tried desperately to manipulate the mechanism that was holding this monster that was threatening our lives. After 15 minutes of futile effort it looked to me that the only [solution] was to unbolt the bomb rack assembly from the airplane and let it fall with the bomb in it. I called for the flight engineer to hand me a wrench and started to loosen bolts. It suddenly occurred to me that the same bolts also held the wing components to the body of the airplane and I was disassembling the plane. While I was sweating it out, Sergeant Carlson asked for permission to try releasing the bomb.’ Carlson takes the story from there. ‘I walked this narrow catwalk to reach the bomb bay. I leaned on the bomb and saw that the safety fuses hadn’t been disarmed. After doing that, I looked at the latch that held the bomb and saw that it was rocking. So I used a screwdriver to jostle the attachment, and that movement was enough; the bomb slid out of the mechanism holding it and went out the plane.’ ‘If we had tried to land with the bomb,’ Carlson says, ‘it would have blown up the plane.’ Back in the air for another mission, Carlson’s plane was third in a V formation of five planes. As he recalls, Captain Sheehan and his crew were to KAY-0’s left when a Japanese fighter sent Sheehan’s plane plummeting to the earth. ‘I saw one crewman bail out, but he was never found. Twenty-eight years later, the remains of the plane were found in the jungle.” Carlson pauses for a second and says, “It was hard; Sheehan’s crew had stayed in a tent next to ours.” Ultimately, Carlson’s KAY-O crew flew 54 successful missions before returning to the States in September 1944. They later received a 30-page Jolly Rogers ‘Who’s Who’ pamphlet that provided addresses for the nearly 5,000 men who served in the squadron. ‘Wherever your wandering feet take you in the U.S., in civvies or khaki, you’ll always find a Jolly Roger to stand you a beer and chew the fat over [Southwest Pacific] hardships,’ the pamphlet noted. ‘Keep this list in your hip pocket’to help you hunt up the jungle-happy Joes who sweated it out with you. Permission hereby granted any Jolly Roger to use this list to start a postwar JR club, union, vets association, knitting society or ping-pong tournament.’ (After completing his military service, Carlson moved to California and started working as a stonemason and bricklayer. He eventually became a deputy inspector for the City of Los Angeles in that field. He and his first wife, Christie, moved to the Palisades in 1972 and were married for 53 years. She died in 1998. He met his second wife, Joanne McNamara, a former nurse, through mutual friends and they were married at Corpus Christi Church in June 2001.)

Local Actor Goetz Stars in ‘A Picasso’ at Geffen

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Peter Michael Goetz illustrates the power and persona in his portrayal of Pablo Picasso during the West Coast premiere of Jeffrey Hatcher?s ?A Picasso? in The Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse.

 Photo: Michael Lamont
Peter Michael Goetz illustrates the power and persona in his portrayal of Pablo Picasso during the West Coast premiere of Jeffrey Hatcher?s ?A Picasso? in The Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse.

 Photo: Michael Lamont

Local actor Peter Goetz takes on the role of Pablo Picasso in Jeffrey Hatcher’s play ‘A Picasso,’ now on stage in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave. through March 25. This time the Spanish painter finds himself in an underground vault in German-occupied Paris in 1941, where he encounters a young Gestapo art critic, Miss Fisher (Roma Downey), who hopes to inveigle him into authenticating his work so it can be publicly burned. The situation gives playwright Hatcher an opportunity to demonstrate the wit of the artist, the power of the persona and his unflinching passion for his work. The sexy inquisitor’s job is to get Picasso to crack under pressure. Hatcher’s many award-winning original plays have been performed on Broadway, off Broadway and regionally across the U.S. and abroad. He wrote the book for the Broadway musical ‘Never Gonna Dance,’ based on the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film ‘Swingtime.’ Other works include a film adaptation of his acclaimed stage play ‘Complete Female Stage Beauty,’ ‘Casanova’ for director Lasse Hallstrom, as well as screenplays for directors Steven Shainberg (‘Secretary’) and Kim Pierce (‘Boys Don’t Cry’). He has also written for the Peter Falk TV series ‘Columbo’ and E! Entertainment Television. Downey, originally from Ireland, has played on Broadway opposite Rex Harrison. Off Broadway, she has appeared in ‘Ghosts,’ ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost,’ Tamara,’ and ‘Arms and Man.’ She has also appeared television movies and was a series regular on ‘Touched By An Angel.’ She is the international spokesperson for ‘Operation Smile,’ and the author of the children’s book ‘Love Is A Family.’ Goetz has appeared on Broadway in ‘Macbeth,’ ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs,’ and ‘The Last Night of Ballyhoo,’ also performed in Los Angeles. His film credits include ‘Father of the Bride,’ ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash,’ ‘Glory,’ and Above Suspicion,’ among others. His television credits run the gamut, from ‘The Cavanaugh’s’ to ‘Room For Two,’ and many guest appearances. Goetz and his wife Connie, who works at Village Books in Pacific Palisades, live in Malibu and have two sons and three grandchildren. For tickets ($55), call (310) 208-5454. Caption: Peter Michael Goetz illustrates the power and persona in his portrayal of Pablo Picasso during the West Coast premiere of Jeffrey Hatcher’s ‘A Picasso’ in The Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse.

 Photo by Michael Lamont. 


Math Professor Explains The World at UCLA

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The 2007 Leonard Mautner Memorial Lectures will take place at UCLA February 27 and 28. ‘ Using Mathematics to Explain the World Around Us’ will be the first of two lectures presented by Dr. Peter Lax, professor of mathematics, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University. The principal objective of the Mautner lectures, which have been given since 1983, is to make the achievements of science more accessible to the educated lay public and students from other disciplines who have limited knowledge of science and technology. The series, which has featured distinguished memorial lecturers such as Richard Feynman, Robert Gallo and Harold Varmus, was initiated by the late Leonard Mautner, a Palisades resident, and has been continued by his wife Marguerite. Lax was awarded the 2005 Abel Prize in Mathematics of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. This prize is modeled after the Nobel Prize and was developed by the University of Oslo. Born in Budapest, Lax emigrated to New York with his parents in 1941, and subsequently received his Ph.D. in 1949 from New York University. He is the recipient of many prestigious honors, awards, and honorary doctorates from universities all over the world. The public lecture on Tuesday, February 27 is at 4 p.m. in Covell Commons, and the Research Lecture, titled ‘ The Zero Dispersion Limit’ is on Wednesday, February 28, at 4 p.m. in Schoenberg Auditorium. The public is cordially invited. For more information, call (310) 206-7575 or go online to egremse@support.ucla.edu.

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