Everybody knows that Sally Field can draw a crowd. And the two-time Academy Award-winner might have people lining up at Century City’s AMC theater tomorrow to see her latest film, ‘Two Weeks.’ In the ‘bittersweet comedy/drama,’ which debuted at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October, Field plays a dying mother whose four adult children return home to North Carolina to be with her during her last days but find themselves trapped–together–for two weeks. Though Pacific Palisades can’t claim Field as one of its own (she’s a Malibu resident), our town is home to ‘Two Weeks’ writer and director Steve Stockman. He sat down to discuss his first feature film over matzo ball soup at Mort’s Deli on Tuesday. ‘I wanted to create a film that told some truth,’ said Stockman, a veteran commercial director. ‘And the truth is that even in a tragic situation like the one in this film, humor is a critically important part. And the way people get by’certainly, the way this family gets by’is by finding the humor in their situation. So I wanted to create something that was both entertaining and truthful.’ Apparently, Field was drawn to the material for similar reasons and signed on early, before any other cast members were attached. ‘What she told me is that there are not many films that deal with issues that are very important to people her age [60],’ Stockman said. ‘And she felt, as I do, that the idea of what happens at the end of someone’s life is a pretty important issue. I mean, we’re all going there–eventually as key players and, in the meantime, as bystanders. It’s as important a part of the human condition as birth. We ought to know a little something about it.’ The story, Stockman said, is ‘loosely based’ on his own life. Stockman is the eldest of four children and, when his mother died of cancer in 1997, they were all there with her in North Carolina. ‘At the time that it happened, I wrote a lot about it because’I’m a writer. I put it on my hard drive and locked it away and, basically, I didn’t look at it again for a long time. ‘Then three years ago, when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to write next and I was looking for some high concept’and I’d kind of gone through ‘Talking Dog Detective’ and ‘Invisible Woman’ and a bunch of other concepts that I just couldn’t get excited about’I kept coming back to my notes on the hard drive.’ Stockman wondered whether he could bring in a top-notch cast and crew to make the film and still have it be an independent feature. ‘And it turns out that this has a lot of the elements of a good indie feature’it’s about things that mainstream features don’t necessarily gravitate toward, and it’s small and intimate,’ he said. The film cost $2.5-million to make. Stockman initially workshopped the screenplay in a UCLA Extension class and, later, with various groups of actors. When he had raised some money to hire casting director Pam Dixon, who’s worked with directors such as Robert Altman, she got Sally Field to read it. Once Field was attached, Stockman said it was ‘astoundingly easy’ to gather the rest of the cast, which includes Ben Chaplin (‘The Truth about Cats and Dogs’) Tom Cavanagh (star of the TV show ‘Ed’), Julianne Nicholson (‘Seeing Other People’), Clea DuVall (‘Girl, Interrupted’) and Glenn Howerton (‘Must Love Dogs’). They rehearsed in Los Angeles for one week before heading to Nashville, where the majority of the movie was filmed in the spring of 2005. Stockman shot one ocean scene at Will Rogers State Beach. ‘These guys are all great actors and they bonded immediately,’ he said of the cast members. ‘It was fairly magical. Sally became the mother right away. It looked like a family before we even got to the sound stage.’ Stockman has worked for 15 years on TV campaigns for clients like Disney, Village Roadshow, Hearst Corporation, CBS and ABC. In directing actors in a feature film, he noticed how much more deeply they care about the material. ‘When you’re working with Sally Field or Ben Chaplin and you say, ‘Okay, here’s how I think this scene goes,’ their first questions are ‘Why?’ and ‘How does the character feel about it?’ and ‘What’s going to happen after this scene?’ and ‘How does that make sense with what the character does on page 74?’ So, interacting with collaborators who are working at that level is extremely rewarding and extremely challenging.’ The first day of production, Chaplin and Field were filming sequences from interviews that Chaplin’s character Keith had conducted with his mother in anticipation of her death. ‘Sally was absolutely flawless the entire day,’ Stockman said. ‘She hit every line, every speech, every nuance brilliantly. She added things that I hadn’t thought to add. She brought things from her own experience to the dialogue with Ben. Jaws dropped when she started talking. ‘It was a little tough for Ben because it was his first day doing an American accent [he’s British], so he was a little nervous about it but he was actually great. And his nervousness played well in his interaction with Sally because, in the film, she’s really strong and their relationship is a bit strained.’ Stockman joked about the similarities between Chaplin’s character, Keith, and himself: ‘I would say the key difference is that even though he occupies the chronological place that I occupy in my family, Ben Chaplin is younger, better looking and better written than I am.’ ‘Two Weeks’ will be distributed by MGM, which has rushed it into limited release to qualify for awards. The film, which is rated R, will open in major markets around the country on March 7, 2007. Stockman has lived in the Palisades for 13 years with his wife, Debbie. They have two children, Sarah, 12, and Matthew, 10, who attend Ocean Charter School in Culver City. A Syracuse native, Stockman graduated from Brown University in 1980 and began his career in marketing radio. He started his own company, Custom Productions, creating TV commercials primarily for radio stations, and eventually started directing his own spots. Stockman moved from Boston to Los Angeles in 1993 because he wanted to direct feature films. ‘I really loved commercials but they’re kind of like haiku,’ he said. ‘After a while, I found myself wishing that I could write a novel and here I was stuck in this very tight, 30-second format.’ He wrote several screenplays that never got made but which he said, ‘were about learning the craft.’ Now, having written and directed his first film, Stockman said he hopes that he’s learned enough to do it better the next time. ‘The best is going to be Friday when it opens in the movie theater,’ he said, ‘because that’s what the whole process is for’the audience.’
Parodi’s New Album, Created in the Palisades, Is All Improv
Most of the music that Starr Parodi writes and performs has been carefully crafted and polished to fit the confines of her film and television work. A pianist and composer, she has collaborated with her husband Jeff Fair, also a composer, on music for feature-length films, TV shows and trailers. So, Parodi decided to do something completely different when she sat down to record her latest album, ‘Common Places,’ in her home studio in Pacific Palisades–what she calls ‘piano improvisations.’ ‘My concept of the whole thing was ‘just empty your mind and play’,’ she says, sitting at her 1928 Steinway, which is rumored to have been used for the recording of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ score. Originally classically trained on piano, Parodi has played in various soul, gospel, jazz and rock bands, including as keyboardist in Arsenio Hall’s house band, The Posse. When choosing which songs to reinterpret for ‘Common Places,’ which includes the ‘Albinoni Adagio,’ Stephen Stills’ ‘For What It’s Worth,’ and the James Bond theme, she accessed her diverse musical history. However, it was the title song, an original piece, that gave her direction and set the tone for the album, which she recorded over a 10-month period between projects. Five of the 10 tracks are Parodi’s original songs. ‘I was just sitting here [at the piano], looking out,’ says Parodi, whose recording studio in her upper Chautauqua home overlooks a canyon of sycamore trees, with a view of the ocean. ‘There’s a certain light in the Palisades’a really beautiful, filtered-in, gentle light. I just love it. The wind was kicking up. Being isolated in the studio, you can’t hear the sound of the wind, but you see it and you just feel its energy.’ Parodi started playing some chordal improvisations, which she says inspired ‘a deep inner spirituality of some sort, some kind of connectedness and gratefulness.’ In that sentiment, the song ‘Common Places’ and, subsequently, the album, were born. ‘The process for recording the songs themselves was just a very free exploratory process,’ she says. Occasionally, Parodi would sit down at the piano with the intention of playing one song and end up playing something entirely different. This happened with the James Bond theme, which she and Fair had previously arranged and produced for trailers for ‘Goldeneye,’ ‘The World is Not Enough,’ ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ and ‘Die Another Day.’ ‘The way that Jeff and I did the James Bond theme for the movie trailers was very action-driven, which was fun, but I wanted to do something darker, a little bit slower and mysterious, and I wanted to do some improvisation but nothing jazzy,’ Parodi says. Her reinterpretation of the Bond theme, played in A minor, is not connected to the latest James Bond installment, ‘Casino Royale,’ though Parodi says she was inspired cinematically. ‘Basically, for a lot of the different pieces, I was thinking ‘What would it sound like in a Baz Luhrmann film?’–ethereal, magical, moody,’ she says. Luhrmann directed ‘Moulin Rouge!’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ Recording ‘Common Places’ was also, at times, a sentimental journey for Parodi, who included the ‘Albinoni Adagio,’ a piece she says she hadn’t listened to since her father’s funeral in 1999. ‘When my dad passed away, I found that the way I could chill out, connect with myself and my family, and the way I could pray, was just to sit down at the piano, not think, close my eyes and play,’ Parodi says. ‘I feel like I kind of did that with this record, too. You know, all this stuff is going on in the world right now and people seem so on the edge. I was thinking about what makes us more similar than different.’ The ‘Adagio’ was written by Baroque composer Tomaso Albinoni and Remo Giazotto, who arranged the famous piece in 1945 based on a fragment of Albinoni’s composition, most of which was destroyed when Dresden was bombed during World War II. ‘I took a lot of liberties at the beginning [of the piece],’ Parodi says, adding that ‘because only six measures existed anyway and it was all recreated, I felt as if I didn’t completely destroy a classical piece of music. Also, a lot of classical music grew out of improvisation to begin with. So I sort of wanted to make it a neoclassical experience.’ All of the sounds on the CD were originally created on the piano, but Parodi and Fair manipulated the natural piano sound to create other, ambient textures. For example, at the beginning of ‘For What It’s Worth,’ Parodi recorded a figure, or short succession of notes, which they then put through a filter and looped, and Parodi played the entire song over it. She included the lyrics to the 1960’s protest song in the album, which was artistically designed by Asia Dobrowner and features a poem by Palisadian Karen Leigh Hopkins. Parodi has been hearing some of her songs on various radio stations, including KCRW and KXLU, and is looking forward to opportunities to play them live. However, she first has to write down the improvisations. ‘I’ve been having to listen to the songs on my iPod and figure out what I played,’ she says, with a laugh. Parodi and Fair have lived in the Palisades since early 1997. They have a three-year-old daughter, Isolde, who puts her mom’s music second to Ennio Merricone’s score to ‘The Mission.’ Despite that, Parodi says that Isolde listens to her album almost every day. ‘She loves it. She’s made up words, and I hear her sing the melody sometimes.’ To listen to tracks from ‘Common Places,’ visit parodifair.com/commonplaces, iTunes music store, cdbaby.com or amazon.com (search Starr Parodi). The CD is also available for purchase at Village Books on Swarthmore.
Calendar for Week of November 30
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Bob Benton hosts the Chamber of Commerce mixer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at his sporting goods store, 1038 Swarthmore. The public is invited. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 Palisadian Kenneth Turan, film critic for the L.A. Times, signs his latest book, ‘Now In Theaters Everywhere: A Celebration of a Certain Kind of Blockbuster,’ 7:30 p.m., Village Books on Swarthmore. (See story, page TK.) ______________________________________________ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Rebecca Luce, a licensed speech-language pathologist, presents strategies on how to stimulate your child’s language using storybooks, 7:30 p.m., Village Books on Swarthmore. Examples of various types of children’s books along with different styles of presentation will be demonstrated. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 Auditions for Theatre Palisades Youth production ‘Bubba The Cowboy Prince,’ an original musical directed by Nancy Fracchiolla, based on the popular children’s story by Helen Ketteman, 4 to 6 p.m. today, and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. tomorrow at Pierson Playhouse, corner of Haverford and Temescal Canyon Rd. Palisades Charter High School’s winter production ‘An Adaptation of 1984: A Place Without Darkness’ opens tonight at 7 p.m. in Mercer Hall. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. for the first two weekends in December. Tickets: $10 at the box office. Theatre Palisades production of ‘Charley’s Aunt,’ 8 p.m. in Pierson Playhouse on Haverford. Ticket reservations: 454-1970. This classic comedy runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 17. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 Maggie Kilgore will speak about her book ‘Remember to Laugh: Writing My Way Around the World,’ an amusing and informative memoir about her four decades in journalism working in Washington, D.C., and overseas, and teaching in emerging democracies in Asia, Europe and Africa, 2 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real Dr. The community is invited to a reception to meet Russian artists Igor Tolmachev and Tatiana Khmilinina, and view their work, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hidden Cafe, 1515 Palisades Ave. in the Highlands. This exhibit is sponsored by musician and teacher Yuliya Barsky of Yuliyard Aesthetic Center, whose own watercolors, oils and pastels will be on view. Music will be provided by Barsky’s piano students. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church will present a Gift Giving Fair, 10 a.m. to noon at the church, 15821 Sunset (corner of Sunset and El Medio). Rackets, Stars and Guitars event, noon to 5 p.m., hosted by the Palisades Tennis Center at the Palisades Recreation Center. Free to the public. (See story, page 13.) The Channel Road Inn will host its 18th annual Holiday Open House and Tea to benefit One Voice’s scholarship program, 1 to 4 p.m. at 219 West Channel Rd. The Golden Bull Restaurant will provide free parking across the street. Contact: 459-1920. Family Fun Party, including snow delivered especially for the festivities, 3 to 6 p.m. at the YMCA Christmas tree lot, corner of Sunset and Temescal Canyon Road. Public invited; admission is free. Palisades Symphony and Brentwood Palisades Chorale, conducted by Joel Lish, will perform Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio,’ Parts I-IV, 7:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Free admission. (See story, page 21.) MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 Janeen Whalen, founder and creative director of Designing Endeavors, will be the guest speaker at the Pacific Palisades Garden Club meeting, 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. (See story, page 22.) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Enjoy a full moon hike, 6:30 p.m. in Temescal Gateway Park. Bring water and a jacket, flashlight optional for this moderate one-mile hike. Meet in the front parking lot; parking is $5. Singer-storyteller Suni Paz presents ‘Latin American Songs, Stories and Culture,’ 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library. Admission is free. (See story, page TK.) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 Actor David Clennon (‘Saved,’ ‘Thirtysomething’) will read Truman Capote’s ‘A Christmas Memory,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore. Cookies and Yuletide spirit will be free to all. Baby and Toddler Storytime, for children under the age of 3 and their caregivers, 10:15 a.m. at the Palisades Branch Library. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 Sasha Engelmann, a senior at Palisades High, will speak about her recent trip to Ghana, where she was part of a school-building project, 7:15 a.m., Palisades Rotary Club meeting at Gladstone’s. The United Methodist Women’s Mini-Bazaar, featuring handmade gifts, holiday decorations, collectibles and food items, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Gabrielson Hall at the Methodist Church. At 1:30 p.m., the Palisades High School Choir will present a varied program, followed by the UMW’s traditional Christmas Tea. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 Santa arrives for Holiday Ho!Ho!Ho!, an annual Chamber of Commerce event, 5 p.m. on North Swarthmore. Children are invited to visit with Santa on his sled and receive a complimentary gift. Santa’s line closes promptly at 8 p.m. The St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra and the Choir of St. Matthew’s Parish will perform an all-Vivaldi program, 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 Bienveneda. Tickets at the door: $25. _____________________________________________________________ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 The L.A. Department of Recreation & Parks will hold its Board of Commissioners meeting, 5:30 p.m. at the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center, 601 Latimer Rd. The public is invited.
Spreading the ‘Know’
For the Cross family, spreading the word about HIV and AIDS may start at home, but their efforts extend across continents. Inspired by their 14-year-old daughter, Madison, Christopher and Jan and their son, Rain, a senior at Palisades High School, have been fundraising to support AIDS orphans in Africa and raise awareness about the disease. They are planning to travel to the east African countries of Tanzania and Kenya in December to visit some of the orphans and bring them much-needed supplies. While the Crosses know that it’s difficult to prepare emotionally for such a trip, they’re not going ‘cold.’ They recently hosted two orphans from Moshi, a village in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. The girls, Winfrida Stanley, 14, and Nakindya Dismas, 12, traveled to the United States with seven other children from a small shelter. None of the orphans are HIV-positive, but they were either abandoned by their parents or lost them to diseases like AIDS. The children, who are trained dancers and acrobats, were on a performance tour in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco to raise money for a larger, self-sustaining facility in Moshi. The trip was organized by American screenwriter Scott Fifer, who founded the TunaHAKI Foundation (‘We have a RIGHT’ in Swahili), a nonprofit organization to support the health and education of orphans and vulnerable street children in Africa. In L.A., the orphans performed at Crossroads, at half-time during a Lakers game at Staples Center, at fundraisers in Bel Air and Beverly Hills, and on the KTLA morning show. “They have their own props and they make their own costumes, which are simple but beautiful,” said Christopher, a singer and songwriter best known for the Oscar-winning song “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” for the film “Arthur.” “They brought their own drums, made with bicycle rims. With meager tools, they put on a really nice show.” Jan added that, after one performance, “they went into the audience and started shaking hands and mingling. They were just very confident. Here are these really shy kids but you put them on this stage’what they know and feel comfortable with’and they’re amazing.” Coming from a shelter that has outdoor cooking and no running water, and where they sleep three to a bed, the orphans had a considerable amount of stimulation during their 18 days in the United States. But the Crosses were impressed not only with how well the girls adjusted to American culture but how affectionate they were. “We were forewarned that Tanzanians in general are really shy people, that they’re more timid [than other Africans],” Jan said, “and the girls were shy, but they were also so loving and trusting. They’d never been in a plane before, never seen the things they saw here–they were shocked that people weren’t walking in the road. Every facet of their lives is different, but they just take it in. The first day, Madison had known them about 45 minutes and they were already holding hands and playing together.” Winfrida and Nakindya communicated mainly through hand gestures and bits of English. “It didn’t take them long to learn the word ‘chocolate’,” said Jan, who introduced them to spaghetti and salmon, the latter of which they devoured. She also taught them how to use a shower’how to turn the faucet on and off and adjust the water temperature so they wouldn’t hurt themselves. The Crosses taught the girls how to play the boardgame “Sorry!” with the help of the founder of their orphanage, David Ryatula, who translated the cards into Swahili. “Winfrida seems to understand more than she can speak,” Jan said after spending five days with the girls. “Nakindya has learned all these phrases and she’s been enamored with the telephone. She wants to take our phone with her, not realizing that you need the whole system. She’ll get on and act like she’s talking and say different phrases in English that she’s learned.” Jan became “Mommy Jan” to Nakindya, who was sick in the early part of her visit. The Crosses took her to their Palisades doctor, Stacy Waneka. “Their village, Moshi, is really polluted,” Jan said. “All the cars put out this black emission and their oven is a wood-burning stove with poor ventilation. So Nakindya came with this horrible cough and the doctor said, ‘She’s hardly getting any air.’ So we had her on a nebulizer and antibiotics, and she just turned into another child. She was just so much happier. Before she was so down, and we just thought she was being very timid.” For Madison, befriending Winfrida and Nakindya was particularly powerful because she is involved with the Crossroads Teen AIDS Ambassadors, an offshoot of the college-level program created by the UCLA AIDS Institute. Madison was trained as an AIDS educator during an intensive, weekend-long session on the UCLA campus in January, and now teaches her peers at various high schools about HIV. “We call it ‘spreading the know’ because knowledge is our only antidote,” said Madison, a singer who has performed individually and with her father and brother to raise money for charitable causes, including AIDS orphans. Jan and Christopher agree that their daughter is not too young to be learning about sexually transmitted infectious diseases, though Jan admitted that ‘it was pretty strange at first when she came home with samples of rubbers, which were part of the presentation that the kids were trained to give.’ ‘She’s learning that there are dangers connected with sex and not protecting yourself,’ Christopher said. ‘The No. 1 liability is denial.’ When the family travels to Tanzania in December, they will all be tested for HIV at a public event in order to demonstrate that it’s not shameful. ‘There is such a stigma over the AIDS virus that people [especially in small villages] are afraid to be tested or speak of it in mixed company,’ Jan said, explaining that men and women don’t talk about it, nor do adults and children. ‘In the major cities, people are more educated, but so many of the people are not in the commercial areas of the country. Currently, there are 1.7 million AIDS orphans in Kenya alone, and in the next three years it’s expected to go up to almost 2 million, so the ignorance is still there and the disease continues to spread. ‘I think that when people [in the United States] start looking at the statistics of the tragedy in Africa, it’s so easy to just be overwhelmed and put it out of your mind, like, ‘I can’t do anything about it. It’s too big,” Jan said. But by embracing the TunaHAKI orphans and supporting another, New York-based nonprofit called Twana Twitu (‘Our Children’), which supports Kenya’s AIDS orphans, the Crosses feel they are making a difference. “I think that while Winfida and Nakindya have enjoyed the television and all the amenities, the thing that the girls are going to miss the most’and I think it’s true of the other TunaHAKI kids’is the mothering, the maternal part of it,” Christopher said. “I think they’ve become very attached to Jan and the kids.” Jan said that the girls have taught her humility. ‘You see these children who are from the worst backgrounds imaginable–other than being ill themselves’and they’re so gentle and kind and appreciative. They just have this sense of self and wisdom.’ Despite a bittersweet ‘goodbye’ on Thanksgiving morning, when Winfrida and Nakindya left to return to Tanzania, Jan assured them that they would see them in less than a month in Moshi. There, the TunaHAKi children and the Crosses will perform for one another in their village. The Crosses are also currently raising $10,000 to purchase mattresses, bedding, and other basic supplies and toys for Twana Twitu’s 220 AIDS orphans, who sleep on dirt floors in their makeshift homes in the impoverished Migwani District northeast of Nairobi, Kenya. They plan to deliver the gifts to the children and ‘grandmothers,’ or caretakers, who will cook for the Crosses during their stay’in tents’in the villages. ‘Every dollar we raise goes to the kids,’ said Christopher, who appreciates that Twana Twitu does not have ‘the administrative overhead’ that some charities have. He added, ‘When you get involved at the grassroots level, you really see that you can do something.’ To learn more about the TunaHAKI Foundation and Twana Twitu, visit tunahaki.org and twanatwitu.org (click on ‘Teen AIDS Ambassadors Join Twana Twitu for Christmas’ to donate).
Democratic Club Hosts Cartoonist Paul Conrad
The Pacific Palisades Democratic Club will host L.A. Times editorial cartoonist and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Paul Conrad, in conversation with political commentator Robert Scheer, at an event on Sunday, December 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave. in Santa Monica. All of Conrad’s books will be available for sale, including the just released ‘I, Con: The Autobiography of Paul Conrad’ (Angel City Press). Conrad was chief editorial cartoonist of the Los Angeles Times from 1964 to 1993. The autobiography includes more than 250 cartoons plus photographs of the artist and his work. Despite his many professional awards, Conrad’s favorite distinction remains his inclusion on Richard Nixon’s “Enemies List” in 1973. Four years later, Conrad was named for one academic year to the Richard M. Nixon Chair at Whittier College, the ex-president’s alma mater. Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1924, Conrad began his career in cartooning for The Daily Iowan, while a student at the University of Iowa, earning a degree in art. He spent 14 years at the Denver Post before moving to the Los Angeles Times. In addition to drawing, Conrad also creates limited-edition bronze sculptures of political leaders, including Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, John Kennedy, Golda Meir and Martin Luther King, Jr., which have been exhibited at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The Huntington Library in San Marino is home to his complete archive of original cartoons and working papers. His books include ‘Drawn and Quartered,’ ‘Pro and Conrad’ and ‘The King and Us.’ Paul and his wife, the former Kay King, live in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. They have four grown children. A book signing will follow the reception. There is a suggested $25 donation. Call 230-2084 to RSVP.
‘Lion King’ Returns with a Roar at Pantages
The visual beauty of ‘The Lion King’ musical production is like a living work of art. From the opening number, when the stage fills with animals (including an elephant that comes down the aisle), to the stampeding wildebeests set across a blood-red set to boulders on the stage that actually morph into humans, there will probably never be another Broadway show as artful as this production. When Julie Taymor was in the early stages of costume design, one of her first tasks was to decide how to portray the hundreds of animals that populate the story. She made the decision not to hide the human performers behind masks or in animal suits. She went to African art for her inspiration. Swords or sticks could simulate legs; claw- like nails could represent a lion’s paws. Elaborate corsets provided ways to depict fur, feathers and skin. Masks were attached to harnesses, which allow them to move backward and forward. Her vision resulted in an animal that allows the personality of the actor to blend with the animal, resulting in infinitely more complex characters. It was fascinating watching the hyenas’ mouths move (they’re worked by the actors’ hands) as well as focusing on the actors mouths at the same time’it was almost as if it were a double force emanating from that animal. In the case of Damian Baldet (Timon), who is painted green and controls the meerkat, there was an interesting moment when the character walked off stage and the man’s shadow followed the puppet’s shadow, as if the man were the conscience of the animal. Taymor has been praised for her brilliance in taking an animated film and creating a work of art, and it is well deserved. All of the animals are elegant, from the stately giraffes to the ostriches that Nala and Simba ride. With over 200 puppets in the show (rod, shadow and full-sized puppets) and 12 bird kites, representing 25 kinds of animals, birds, fish and insects, the show is full of splendor and wonderment. Although the animals are remarkable, the image used to represent the plants and land is equally creative. The swaying of the ‘savanna’ grass is etched in my mind. Actors wearing ‘grass’ headpieces cast an eerie but calming touch as the lighting transformed the scene into the shadows. Another remarkable vision presented itself when actors dressed as plants transformed themselves into exotic orchid-like plants to set the backdrop for one of the scenes in the jungle. The warm clear voice of Gugwana Dlamini (Rafiki) opens the show, calling the animals to Pride Rock. Dlamini is an actress who fills the stage with presence and a sense of fun. Since she’s the first ‘animal’ the audience meets, she sets the tone for the evening. Kevin Gray drips with sarcasm as Scar, and his interaction with Timothy McGeever (Zazu) is a well balanced tit-for-tat. Both performers are excellent. One of the most amazing performances opening night came from the young Simba (Jordan D. Bratton). Not only does this slight child have great stage presence, but he has the perfect energy as the young cub. His singing is impressive. As a bonus, the chemistry between Simba and Nala (Diamond Curvy) was child-like: sweet and real. The two made the first act fly by. Geno Segers (Mufasa) was stiff in the role of the lion until he sang, and then it became apparent why he was cast. His voice filled the historic Pantages Theater from the elaborate designs on the ceiling to the very depths of the orchestra pit. Segers didn’t study acting until after graduating from college and playing sports, including the World Rugby League Cup. Although Wallace Smith (older Simba) is appropriately limber and once again has a great singing voice, his speaking voice seems to be done with his teeth clenched, which becomes annoying. There are 143 people directly involved with the daily production of the show–53 of them are cast members. The ensemble is to be commended for the ease by which they accomplish constant costume changes, beautifully executed choreographed numbers, and the ease with which they accomplished it. Many audience members took young children to this play with the idea that it was a rehash of the much-beloved animated movie. It’s a mistake. The musical is approximately an hour longer than the movie and I noticed several sleeping children. Other young children found other means of entertaining themselves during the show, which was annoying to audience members. At the risk of insulting a theater icon, the play could stand some trimming, especially the second act. Over all, though, it doesn’t lessen the magnificence of Julie Taymor’s vision. If you haven’t seen ‘The Lion King,’ which won 1998 Tony Awards for best musical, director, choreography, scenic design, costume design and lighting design, do it. The show runs Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There are special 2 p.m. matinees on December 6, 21 and 28. Tickets $15 – $87 are available at Ticketmaster (213) 365-3500 or (714) 740-7878.
Upcoming Musical Events
St. Matthew’s Orchestra and Choir to Highlight Vivaldi St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of music director and conductor Tom Neenan, will perform an all-Vivaldi program on Friday, December 8, at 8 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church, 19031 Bienveneda Ave. The concert will feature the ‘Gloria’ and a recently discovered ‘Magnificat’ by Vivaldi, who served as maestro de capella at the famous Ospedale della Pieta in Venice at the beginning of the 18th century. The Choir of St. Matthew’s Parish and vocal soloists will be featured. Also on the program will be two instrumental concertos’the Concerto in D Major, with mandolin virtuoso Evan Marshall, and the Concerto in A Minor for Two Violins. The orchestra’s concertmaster Yi-Huan Zhao and associate concertmaster Kevin Kumar will be featured soloists. Tickets for the concert are $25 at the door. Contact: 573-7787, ext. 2 or www.Stmatthews.com/musicguild. Mount St. Mary’s to Present Christmas Music Mount St. Mary’s chorus and St. Monica High School chamber singers, under the direction of Ed Archer, will present ‘Night of Silence’ on Friday, December 8, at 8 p.m. in Carondelet Center Chapel, 12001 Chalon Rd in Brentwood. The program features music from medieval times to the present and from many parts of the world, telling the story of the birth of Christ. Composers include Zoltan Kodaly, Paul Creston, Cesar Frank, Francis Poulenc, Marty Haugen and more. A $10 donation is suggested; $5 for students and seniors. Palisades Symphony to Perform Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’ Palisades Symphony and Brentwood Palisades Chorale, conducted by Joel Lish, will perform Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio,’ Parts I-IV, on Sunday, December 3, 7:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Bach’s work is not actually an oratorio at all, but rather a series of cantatas originally intended to be performed on six separate days. The work seems to have been written or perhaps assembled, around the end of 1734, making use of considerable material from some of Bach’s earlier secular cantatas. The first three parts were written to be performed on the first three days of Christmas. The fourth part was intended for New Year’s Day, the fifth for the first Sunday of the New Year, and the last part for Epiphany. It is not known whether Bach put together this work for some special occasion or whether he ever performed it on one or two evenings, as is common today. The soloists are Lori Stinson, soprano, Minna Edel Halloway, mezzo, Gabriel Silva, tenor, and Eli Villanueva, bass. Susan Rosenstein will prepare the Brentwood Palisades Chorale. The performance is free of charge. Contact: 454-8040.
William Grieb, Past Citizen of the Year, Succumbs
William Edward Grieb Jr., longtime resident of Pacific Palisades and owner of the Palisades Letter Shop, passed away on November 15, after a long and heroic battle with lung cancer. He was 68. Bill was born in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 1938. He earned a B.S. in chemistry and mathematics from Roanoke College, a master’s degree in chemistry from George Washington University, and an MBA from American University. Bill began working at the National Institutes of Health in cancer research and genetics, broadening into grants management and computers. He was brought to California to work for System Development Corporation in scientific information handling. An entrepreneur at heart, Bill began his own consulting firm, System Interface Consultants, to interface between scientists and computer programmers. He developed one of the first personal computers, System 2100, and purchased and ran an aerospace machine shop, New Northern Engineering, as well as his latest endeavor, the Palisades Letter Shop. During his life Bill wrote several books, including ‘Small Business Computers Today and Tomorrow,’ ‘Your Option’ with Keith Kretschmer, a fun book, ‘Care and Feeding of Pet Executives,’ and his final book, ‘A Brief History of Life–From the Primordial Ooze to Genetically Engineered Species,’ which will be published in 2007. He relished the opportunity to expand and diversify his wealth of knowledge. This intellectual curiosity led him down many paths. Throughout his life Bill was an active member of Theatre Palisades, the Palisades Library Association, the Gemological Society, Southern California Killi Fish Group, the Palisades Americanism Parade Association, and AAAS, among many, many others. Bill was not only a rigorous intellectual, he was also quite a gregarious personality. Always at the center of any social gathering, Bill was known for regaling his friends and colleagues with his ‘shaggy-dog’ stories. His love of hosting a good party was so legendary that it earned him the honor of ‘Citizen of the Year’ from the Palisadian-Post for organizing a year-long celebration of the 75th anniversary of Pacific Palisades. His salons brought together diverse artists and thinkers. The Pierson Playhouse stage served as a forum for him to share his love of life. Bill not only performed in many musicals and plays, but also wrote and performed his own one-man show, ‘The Apostles,’ in churches across the country. A memorial service was held yesterday, November 22, at the Community United Methodist Church in Pacific Palisades. Contributions in his memory can be made to the USC Gamma Knife Unit, Habitat for Humanity, or the Heifer Project. Bill Grieb is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his son William III (wife Stacy) of West Virginia; his son Robert (wife Brenda) and granddaughter Carly of Maryland; his daughter Sybil Grieb; his mother Virginia Grieb and sister Elizabeth Yancey of Florida, and his brother Robert of Pennsylvania. CAPTION: Bill Grieb, wearing the top hat he made familiar while masterminding the town’s year-long 75th Anniversary celebration in 1997, is congratulated by Palisadian-Post Publisher Roberta Donohue after receiving his Citizen of the Year award in 1998.
CLASSIFIED ADS FROM THE NOVEMBER 23, 2006 ISSUE OF THE PALISADIAN-POST
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HOMES FOR SALE 1
LAS VEGAS HOMES, CONDOS. Interested in a 2nd home or relocation? Listings emailed free. Call Rob or Janet. Realty One Group. (702) 882-1454. www.RobSellsVegas.com 180? OCEAN VIEW. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, Mfg home offers the beach-seeking buyer a private oasis across from the beach at sought-after Tahitian Terrace. 1,440 sq. ft. Rent control, pets ok. $450K. SC Realty, Franklin, (818) 577-7116HOMES WANTED 1b
WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
PRIVATE GARDEN STUDIO guesthouse. $1,600/mo. Laundry, kitchenette, large closets, utils, Wifi paid. References and credit checked. Flex lease. No pets. (310) 874-3233 SANTA MONICA CANYON HOUSE. 1 block from beach, 3 bdrm, 3 ba, balcony w vu of cyn, approx 2,600 sq. ft., fireplaces, patio, 2 car garage, w/d, fridge stv, d/w. Quiet st., Palisades Sch Dst. $3,750/mo. Utils incl’d. 1 yr lse. (310) 990-3372 PALISADES 1 BEDROOM, upper remodeled, carpet, stove, refrigerator, covered parking, laundry, new paint, Non-smoker, No pets, one year lease, quiet and clean. $1,280/mo. (310) 477-6767 $3,995/MO. CHARMING 3 BR, 2 BA in lovely Cheviot Hills w/ beautiful wood floors, 2 FP, remodeled kitchen w/ granite countertops, tile floors and new stove. Freshly painted and ready to move in. Please call Dolly Niemann at Prudential CA Realty, (310) 230-3706 BRENTWOOD, NEAR COUNTRY CLUB. $1,650/mo. “Sophisticated, charming” decorator’s 1 bd upper in vintage bldg nr country club. Woodburning fplc, new wool Berber crpt, shutters, micro, stove, dishwasher. Sylvan setting. Garage, no pets. (310) 826-7960FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b
BRENTWOOD GUEST QUARTERS, One person, private entrance, 3 rooms plus bath. N/S, biweekly cleaning, util incl. No pets. $1,500/mo. Call 8 a.m.-9 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m. (310) 472-3079UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
CHARMING 1,200 SQ. FT. UPPER APT in Mediterranean triplex near bluffs. 3 bdrm, 1 ba, tiles, wood floors, plantation shutters, frplc, ceiling fans, garden. 1 yr lease. $3,500/mo. Available 11/15. N/S, no pets. (310) 804-3142 SPACIOUS APARTMENT. 3+2 UPPER unit. QUIET bldg. Garage, laundry, new carpets, bright. Lots of storage space. $2,600/mo. 1 year lease. No pets/smoking. (310) 498-0149 CHARMING QUIET RESIDENTIAL 1 bdrm, 1 ba guesthouse, new paint, new carpet. $1,400/mo. Call Sean, (310) 454-0288, cell (310) 487-8039 FABULOUS TWH STYLE unit in Pac Palisades. Spacious 2+1 brand new remodel. Granite & stainless steel kit. All hwd flooring, crown mldg. Private grassy patio. No pets, N/S. Ready Dec. 1 at $2,850/mo. (818) 222-7595WANTED TO RENT 3b
QUIET, RESPECTFUL N/S author/self publisher, adventure travel consultant, looking for house sitting, guest house, bungalow, apartment, similar. Westside. 14 year resident of Palisades (same location). Excellent tenant, local references. November thru April preferred (or longer terms). Have home/business in Alaska May thru Oct. Ed, (310) 454-9480 PALISADES COLLEGE SENIOR seeks room in your home. Excellent student, quiet, respectful, N/S. Budget for $400-$500/mo. Please call Ben, (310) 795-7265OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3C
REAL ESTATE OFFICE, MOVE-IN READY. $300-$1000, near village, 2 pvt office, 7 cubicle desks, DSL, phone jacks, receptionist, reception area, copiers, laser printers, fax, alarm system. Kitchen, conference/rm w/ TV/VCR. Cleaning service. Flex lease terms. Call (310) 254-5496VACATION RENTALS 3e
ENJOY CALIFORNIA DESERT RANCHO MIRAGE. 3,000 sq. ft. home, $5,000/mo. 3 bdrm, 3 ba, Wi-fi, Springs Club, pool, spa, gym, many golf courses available. 3 minutes from cineplex and restaurants, 2 minutes to Eisenhower Hospital. Contact (212) 583-1796 or unoneill@aol.com LUXURY PARIS APT. $2,500/2 wks, Jan.-Feb.-Mar. 2007, 2,000 sq. ft. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, elevator, parquet floors, Wi-fi, all util incl., 2 blks from Luxembourg Gdns. Walk to movies, cafes etc. Contact (212) 583-1796 or unoneill@aol.com FIRST FLOOR HOUSE, 12/15/06-1/3/07. Near village, 1 bdrm, 1 ba+living, dining, kitchen, study, laundry, furnished. $100/night+security. 5 day minimum, N/S, sorry no pets. (310) 459-6462CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES FOR RENT 3f
STUNNING OCEAN VIEW, remodeled 2+2 near beach, large balcony, inside laundry, 2 parking spaces. $3,500/mo. Agent Marta Samulon, (310) 230-2448BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5
ATTENTION AFFLUENT PROFESSIONALS: HASSLE-FREE BUSINESS with proven track record. Not everyone will qualify. (570) 971-7527 – www.SeekFinancialFreedom.com EARNING UNLIMITED INCOME? Living Life in your comfort zone? What is Financial Freedom? Call in: (800) 470-5781PERSONALS 6b
SEMPER FI. Be thankful & helpful to all US Marine combat veterans for giving peace & freedom to us all. Ray Nasser, US Marine, Purple Heart. 16321 PCH #63, (310) 454-7432BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
QUICKBOOKS FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS. Set-up, Data Entry, Reporting, Tax Preparation. Over 10 Years of Experience. Palisades Resident. Doris: (310) 913-2753COMPUTER SERVICES 7c
COMPUTER SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT -HOME & BUSINESS – 20 Years Microsoft Experience -HELPING WITH: Windows XP – Windows Media Center FRANKEL CONSULTING 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 DETECHTIVESTM – 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 MICROSITE SOLUTIONS. Making websites work for you! Internet consulting company offering website hosting, design, development, eCommerce, merchant services, marketing & more. (310) 922-4442. www.micrositesolutions.comGARAGE, ESTATE SALES 7f
PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? a moving sale? a yard sale? a rummage sale? an estate 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 ReferencesORGANIZING 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) 430-6701NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
VIP NANNY AGENCY. “Providing very important people with the very best nanny.” (818) 907-1017, (310) 614-3646HOUSEKEEPERS 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/CAREGIVER, light cooking, 20 years experience in Beverly Hills & Santa Monica, excellent references, own car, CDL, insurance. Available M-F. Call Gloria, (310) 313-1432 or (310) 488-3572 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE M-F, own transportation, CDL, insured, many years experience. References. Call Marleny, cell (213) 210-3416, hm, (323) 759-1628 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE NOW! Great references, own transportation, CDL. Call Evila, (323) 997-9157 HOUSEKEEPER OR DRIVING ONLY. I have experience. Good references. Have license. M-F, part time. Call Silvia, (818) 808-5600 HOUSEKEEPER EXPERIENCED IN LARGE HOMES looking for part-time work. Available Thurs. Will do errands, light cooking and housesit. Pet friendly. References available. Call (310) 736-0455 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday-Saturday. Own transportation. References. Call (323) 718-5975 LOOKING FOR HOUSEKEEPING JOB: Live out, Tuesday & Thursday. 20 years experience, good references, some English. Call (213) 487-2182 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Tuesday & Thursday afternoon and Friday all day. Own transportation. Excellent references. I want to work for you. Call Carol, (323) 299-1797 or cell (818) 842-5680ELDER 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 DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE with bathing, grooming, personal hygiene, errands, doctors visits or just companionship? Hourly or live in. Licensed and insured. Call 24/7 for all your care needs. Citywide Homehealth Agency, (877) 342-0400GARDENING, 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 ERIC-GARDENING SPECIALIST. Seasonal planting, Pruning, Garden clean-up, 15 years local experience. Call Eric, (310) 633-3173MOVING & 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) 285-8688TREE SERVICE 11d
JOHNSON TREE SERVICE. TREE – SHRUB – STUMP REMOVAL SINCE 1924. No job too small! Consultations. St. lic. #685533. (310) 454-8646, BradMASSAGE THERAPY 12b
AWARD WINNING MASSAGE by Natalie. Deep tissue specialist. Call (310) 993-8899. www.massagebynatalie.faithweb.comWINDOW WASHING 13h
EXPERT WINDOW CLEANER, 20 years Westside. Clean and detailed. Free estimates, sills and screens included. Up to two stories only. Brian, (310) 289-5279 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, bondedMISCELLANEOUS 13i
PRESSURE WASHING. Superior cleaning, driveways, walkways, patios. Craig, (310) 459-9000HOUSESITTING 14b
YOUR PALISADIAN HOUSESITTER, reliable, experienced, loves animals, lives in the Palisades. References upon request. Call Karen, (310) 570-7297PET 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 TRUSTED HOUSE/PET CARE IN PALISADES AREA. Retired teacher with 3 golden retrievers. Walking – Playgroup therapy – References. Call Chris, (310) 454-4768PERSONAL SHOPPING 14k
PERSONALIZED SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS & beyond. Yule love Us! Give us your shopping list, we do the rest. Call AT YOUR SERVICE IN LA, (310) 230-1932 YOU SHOP . . . DR. WRAP wraps it up at your location! Beautiful papers & satin ribbons; gift baskets wrapped; corporate & personal wrappings. Highly professional & seen on HGTV; resume available; $75 min. “house call.” Call Dr. Wrap, (310) 995-5624. www.wrapitupmobile.comFITNESS 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) 266-4651SCHOOLS, 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 HIGHLY GIFTED CHILDREN WANTED. Small school, Santa Monica, Project based, individualized instruction. Ages 9-14. (310) 880-9369 – wwwpcclschool.comTUTORS 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 ages – All levels – Local refs – Flexible hrs. 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 LOCAL CREDENTIALED HS TEACHER. Experienced tutoring specializing in Algebra and Chemistry. Experienced in helping students with learning differences too! Call Carole at (310) 749-3378 STANFORD-EDUCATED Math & Science Tutor- Four years experience tutoring Physics, Chemistry, Algebra I&II, Geometry, Trig, Analysis, Calculus, SAT II 1C & 2C, and even robotics. Young(ish) and personable. Engineering degree. In-home convenience. References. Chris, (323) 309-6687 SPANISH TUTOR CERTIFIED TEACHER for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications, 17 yrs exper. Palisades resident. many good refs. Amazing system. Affordable rates. Marietta, (310) 459-8180CABINET MAKING 16
CUSTOM WOODWORK AND CABINETS. Craftsmanship quality, 20 years experience, local resident. Local references available. General Contractor Calif. License #402923. Ron Dillaway, (310) 455-4462. rondillaway@yahoo.comCONCRETE, 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.comCONSTRUCTION 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 – Licensed & Insured. #469435. (800) 800-0744 or (818) 203-8881 PALISADES CONSTRUCTION NOW ACCEPTS VISA, MC & AMEX! Custom remodel – Decks – Floors – Kitchen – Bath – Elec. – Plumbing. Nobody does it better! Lic. #784088. Jason, (310) 980-2463ELECTRICAL 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) 317-8286FENCES 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.comHANDYMAN 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 THE HANDY GUY. Any job, big or small. Over 16 years experience. Lic #B-858574. We’re proud to donate our services to Habitat for Humanity. (310) 216-9034 LOCAL ENGLISH HANDYMAN serving the Palisades 10 years. You can trust me to do the job right. Hourly rates/bids. Not lic. (310) 454-3838 – (310) 367-6383 HANDYMAN – PAINTING – DRYWALL REPAIRS – Water damage repair – Small carpentry work – 17 years EXCELLENT service & experience. FREE ESTIMATES! Call (310) 502-1168. Not lic.HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16o
SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942 (310) 393-5686PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16q
PAUL HORST – Interior & Exterior – PAINTING – 52 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) 454-6604PLUMBING 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) 429-7187REMODELING 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 and small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction today, (310) 230-2930ROOFING 16v
SOLAR PANEL CLEANERS: bird droppings (major obstacle), leaves, dust removed, benefit from global warming. License #576445, bonded. Owen Cruickshank, (310) 459-5485HELP WANTED 17
DRIVERS: 150K PER YEAR-TEAMS! Earn more plus GREAT Benefits! Western Regional Solo and Team Runs. Werner Enterprises, (800) 346-2818 x123 LADY WANTED FOR LIVE-IN position. Light housekeeping. Help with handicapped daughter. (310) 457-3393 WANTED COLLEGE STUDENT who drives own car, CDL, homework helper. Fun & friendly. Once a week, Wednesday, 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Please call (310) 573-5041 WANTED: HYGIENIST. For Thursday only. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (310) 454-3732. Fax: (310) 459-2245 GETTY VILLA MUSEUM STORE ASSOCIATE Malibu, CA. P/T, varied sched (eve, wknds). 2 yrs retail exp., H.S. Diploma. $10.70/hr. Cover letter, resume to jobs@getty.edu BENTONS SPORT SHOP: full- & part time retail sales personnel needed. Positions avail for both mornings &/or afternoons. Exper helpful but not mandatory. Apply in person: 1038 Swarthmore, (310) 459-8451 HOUSEKEEPER WANTED 2 days per week (schedule flexible) for family of 4 in Brentwood Hills. Call Cheryl: (310) 780-8115 YMCA TREE LOT. Positions available for labor & sales, Need delivery drivers. Call Jim, (310) 454-5591. Apply at YMCALA.org/PM MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST FRONT OFFICE F/T work for internist. Must be organized and friendly. Medical experience required. Fax resume: (310) 230-3033 PART TIME RECEPTIONIST 1 p.m.-6 p.m. M-F, Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Must have people skills & be able to multi/task, some computer skills. Call (310) 573-7707, fax (310) 454-7122, ask for Kat MANICURIST STATION FOR RENT in friendly work environment. We have clientele for you. Call for details, (310) 454-3521 LAUNDRESS, 3-4 DAYS/WK. Must be very experienced, able to iron shirts. References needed. (310) 573-1891 DRIVERS: LOCAL-HOME NIGHTS! Hourly pay+benefits. 2 yrs CDL-A experience, good DMV record. CAL STATE XPRESS. LeAnna, (562) 806-7333ART 18a
HOLIDAY ART GLASS SALE. Palisadian artist Serge Lashutka is having an art glass sale. Each object was individually handcrafted by Serge. This sale of blown glass includes a wide variety of styles, sizes, colors and prices. Large to small, vases, bud vases, Venetian goblets, tumblers, bowls and a few seconds. Saturday, December 2, 2006. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1024 Kagawa Street. Preview at sergeglass.comAUTOS 18b
1989 CADILLAC EL DORADO super clean, 112K, new alt., new battery, new radiator, new front brakes. $3,000 obo. Ask for Roger, mention ad: (310) 450-5644 CASH 4 BMW/MERCEDES BENZ $ 1980-1995, running or not. Any questions please call (310) 995-5898 1995 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SR fully loaded, excellent condition, sun roof, third row seat. $5,500. (310) 367-5803 2002 CHRSYLER TOWN & COUNTRY VAN LTD. Single owner, loaded, w/ DVD/VHS, chrome wheels, new tires, 44,000 miles w/ 70,000 factory warranty. Excellent family car. Great condition. $11,900 obo. (310) 913-1700 ’04 CHRYSLER SEBRING, SILVER, 4-cyl. 2.4 liter 4 door, 14,800 miles, under warranty, air, power steering, windows, door locks, tilt wheel am/fm, 6 disc cd player abs, air bags. One family car. (310) 459-6188FURNITURE 18c
COUNTRY FRENCH DINING ROOM SET, $1,800 obo. Seats eight. Beautiful, pecan finish. Eight chairs. Carved legs, excellent quality. Purchased at Glabmans new for $8,000. Karastan rug (8′ x 12′) for $350. (310) 913-1700GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
FINAL SALE DAYS. 531 EL MEDIO, Pacific Palisades 8 a.m.-12 p.m. November 24th and 25th, Friday & Saturday. Furniture, indoor/outdoor items, misc. NO EARLY BIRDS PLEASE. GARAGE SALE-GREAT STUFF! Furniture, clothes, kids stuff, books, etc. Saturday, November 25th, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 1377 Avenida de Cortez in Highlands. OPEN HOUSE GARAGE SALE. Relocation, everything must go. Antiques from Morocco & India, German furniture & clothes & much more. 17822 Porto Marina Way. Pacific Palisades Nov. 25-26, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e
“WOULD YOU LIKE TO ENJOY THE LOVE & companionship of 2 adorable miniature dachshunds but, NOT ALL the responsibility???” Looking for doggie time share! Call (310) 863-3030MISCELLANEOUS 18g
MITSUBISHI 55 INCH WIDE SCREEN, rear projection HDTV with companion progressive scan DVD player+component video cables. $795. (310) 828-7583 EPSON R800 COLOR PRINTER. New in box. Price $350, store price $399+tax. (310) 454-5713WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, ’50s, ’60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 306-7746 – profeti2001@yahoo.comInez Beye, Longtime Resident
Inez Beye, who had been a 59-year resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away peacefully October 29 at her daughter’s home in San Luis Obispo. She was 91. Born and raised in New York, Inez studied at the University of Rome, and in 1935 came to California to live with her sister, Dolores, and attend the University of Southern California. After graduating, she taught physical education and science in Lancaster, where she met Bill Beye. They married and moved to Los Angeles and in 1947 built their home in the Palisades. Inez was a community leader and activist. Some of her accomplishments included helping to found Corpus Christi Parish and School in the Palisades, serving as president of the American Association of University Women, and being a Girl Scout leader. She was a substitute teacher in the Santa Monica School District and continued substituting well into her 80s at Santa Monica High. Inez was also physically active and fit, and up until last year could be seen country-line dancing with her over 90-year-old sister, Maria, at the Palisades Recreation Center. She was an avid golfer, swimmer and gardener and enjoyed playing bridge. The Beyes were adventuresome. In 1954, Bill took a sabbatical and worked for Aid to Developing Countries. He and Inez traveled with their children to Asmara, Eritrea where they lived for two years. They also took assignments in Mexico and Nicaragua. Inez continued to display her love for travel and especially exploring other cultures throughout her life. Inez was loved by her neighborhood and had many multi-generational friends. She had a great love for children, especially teenagers. She is survived by her daughters, Gerry Robertson of San Luis Obispo and Marty Nason of Simi Valley. Her husband Bill and son Larry predeceased her. She was a proud grandmother of eight and a great-grandmother of one. Her family is so thankful to Hospice Partners for their loving care. A celebration of Inez’s life will be held on Saturday, December 2 at 11 a.m. at the Woman’s Club on Haverford Avenue. Memorial donations may be made to The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura (co-founded by Inez’s daughter Marty), 530 Hampshire Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361 or Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, 277 South Street, Suite R, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
