Reflections on ‘Citizen’ Braun
In her 46 years in the Palisades, Vivian Braun involved herself in issues of the town, schools, and the leisure activities offered by the light and warmth of Southern California. For her effort and determination in conceiving and operating the Pacific Palisades-Brentwood Hotline for high school kids in trouble, she was honored as Citizen of the Year in 1970. Braun passed away on June 9 at the age of 87. Born on July 16, 1918, Braun grew up on the north shore of Chicago and graduated from the University of Chicago with a business degree. She met her future husband, Ernest, at the university, where he was studying for his law degree. The couple moved to Pacific Palisades in 1958, concluding that it was “the best neighborhood to make their home.” In her early years as a young mother of two daughters, Carol and Joy, Braun was active in their schools’ PTA groups, but as one of her fellow members found out “she wasn’t in it just for something to do.” When her children were ready for high school, she was too, and became a member of the Palisades High PTA from the time the school opened. During those years, the mid-1960s, she became PTA president. It was her association with the high school and inspiration from principal Dr. Herbert Aigner that gave her the idea to make the Hotline the first project of the Pacific Palisades Coordinating Council (precursor to the Community Council), when she took over as president for 1968-69. She gathered support for the project, not only in terms of services provided without charge’such as free answering service’but in terms of top-caliber personnel. When the Hotline went into action in May 1969, it had professional people with experience in medical, legal, social and moral counseling’two dozen of them. Although Braun was immersed in efforts to help teenagers, she had a difficult time turning down other assignments. She came to the aid of the United Crusade, agreeing to organize the local fundraising campaign. Success begot success, and she also worked diligently for the Heart Fund and the Cancer Society drives as well. With constant demands on her time, Braun realized that her personal time was limited, so she signed up for a ceramics class at Rustic Canyon Recreation Park. As the years went on, she enjoyed ceramics, photography, Japanese flower arrangement and gardening. An inveterate traveler, Braun took one of her first trips, to Mexico, with her parents and brother in 1938. She and Ernest traveled all over the world, often with World Peace through Law and the International Bar Association. She and Ernest celebrated 61 years of marriage before he passed away in 2003. They cared deeply about the Palisades, enjoying Theatre Palisades productions, the local Baskin-Robbins, and never missing a Fourth of July parade. A year after Ernest’s death, Vivian moved to Santa Barbara to be close to her younger daughter Carol Pasternack. She made new friends at the Maravilla Seniors community and Congregation B’nai B’rith. She remained a member of the League of Women Voters for a total of 59 years, continued to contribute to many charitable organizations and took up a new interest in promoting solar energy. She is survived by her daughters, Joy Braun of Massachusetts and Carol Braun Pasternack; son-in-law Kenneth Pasternack; and granddaughter Sofia Pasternack, as well as her longtime companion caregiver Liliana Gomez, and many dear friends.
Breast Cancer Study Seeks Participants
The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation has received three grants in recent months totaling more than $500,000, which will allow it to expand its research program to eradicate breast cancer. The Avon Foundation, The S. Mark Taper Foundation, and the American Breast Cancer Foundation have all contributed to a study to determine the anatomy of the normal breast and the function of the breast ducts when a woman is not actively lactating. “Our initial study of 50 women suggested that each duct was different in cells, protein and hormones,” said the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Susan Love, a Palisades resident. “With the additional funding we have been able to purchase an ultrasound machine which will enable us to correlate the findings in the ductal fluid with the anatomy of the duct.” This research is based on the theory that all breast cancer starts in the lining of the milk ducts. Many Palisadian women have already participated in the study, but the Foundation is looking for more volunteers to complete their goal of 100 women. The study involves attending an information meeting in the Palisades, and an hour-long procedure under local anesthetic. Women over 18 who do not take hormones and have at least one normal breast are eligible. “The little inconvenience and discomfort is really worth it,” says Alison Gensler (a Palisadian with four daughters). “I’m thrilled to be involved in a study which is expanding our knowledge of women’s bodies.” Anyone who is interested can call Connie Long at 230-1712, ext. 21 for more information.
Young Writers Illuminate Pages
But words are things, and a small drop of ink Falling, like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousand, perhaps millions think. ‘Lord Byron Students at Paul Revere Middle School were invited to submit poems, fiction and non-fiction for inclusion in the school’s second annual Literary Anthology. Selection was based on 1) fresh, original thinking with relevant age-appropriate topics, 2) an enticing lead, thoughtful transitions, logical sequencing and a satisfying conclusion, 3) a clear writer’s voice and 4) correct spelling and punctuation. Of the 500 pieces submitted, 123 were selected. A sampling follows. In addition, students submitted possible cover designs that needed to include a reference to literature. The cover by eighth grader James Ellis was chosen for its warmth and originality. The Lovely, Calloused Hands By CAROLINE HO (8th grade) Non-fiction essay It seemed as if she balanced the world in her hands’ My mom evoked a sense of peace, love and comfort’ My mom always worked hard; she never took a break or relaxed’ After years of working, my mom was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. At that time, I didn’t really understand the complexities of arthritis, just that it inflicted much pain in those who were affected. Even after being informed, my mother still worked like an animal. There was no stopping her calloused hands. Slowly, the excruciating pain of arthritis made its presence known in my mom’s body; it had spread to many of her joints. She was prescribed different types of medications. Her pill intake was six or seven a day. I was overcome with feelings of despair and helplessness; there was nothing I could do for her. Her hands were swollen, and her joints ached with every movement, as if avenging their abuse over the years. Her case had gotten worse with passing time. Sometimes she would be lying in bed, unable to do work, because her body hurt. She was a stone statue at times. She would always pretend she wasn’t emotionally affected by the pain in her body, but I knew inside of her it hurt. Every morning, I watched as she awoke early to make breakfast for us, and then head off to a grueling day of work. There was never a word of complaint. Occasionally, I’d cry in my room, fighting the wound in my heart caused by my mom’s pain. Her pain was my pain. I felt as if I had to appreciate and cherish more the ones I loved. That was the epiphany that I had reached during those years of early adolescence. It wasn’t until years after the countless pills that were prescribed that my mom found a miracle medication that significantly eased her pain, allowing her to enjoy the quality of her life again. Because of this huge impact on my life, I’ve learned that anything can happen to anyone, and obstacles in life are common. I just have to cope with them and stay away from their negative aspects and focus on the positive ones. I’ve found that “all that glitters is not gold.” Life is so important, more than any superficial qualities like being wealthy or beautiful; I need to appreciate and enjoy the quality of my life for what it is, to appreciate the details in life, not just the big picture. The Recital By MATTHEW SIMON (7th grade) Non-fiction essay My heart was pounding against my chest as I waited. I felt like I was at ground zero, waiting, bracing myself for when the bomb hits. Then it happened; they read my name off of the program. As I walked up to the stage with my cello, it grew eerily quiet. Deathly quiet. I took my bow. My audience, which seemed ten times bigger than it really was, quietly applauded. I sat down in my chair, my palms sweating. Taking a deep breath, I played my first note, my beautiful instrument resonating throughout the concert hall. I played amazingly well, until around measure six, the single most difficult shift in Arioso. I was a little off when I reached the very high B. A mixture of fear and despair exploded within me, though I did not show it. If I did, it would have been harder to recover. Please, no one notice it, I thought desperately. After the repeat, I had a second chance at it. I nailed the same shift. Yes, I thought, I did it! Throughout the rest of the piece, I played wonderfully, even during the most difficult section. When I finished holding out the measure-long G, the last note of the piece, I barely lifted my bow off of the string, not playing, but letting the sound of my cello resonate until the sound died away, like leaves blowing away in a gentle wind. I waited, and the audience still remained completely quiet. Then, I realized and got up from my seat. The room erupted with applause. I took a long, deep bow; I felt extremely proud of myself. Because I was the last performer, the concert was over. After everyone put their instruments in their cases, we all went outside to have a small party. I was pleased to give and receive many compliments to and from the other performers. “Performing is a great experience,” I thought, “I can’t wait until next time.” Loss By NICOLE SAVAGE (7th grade) This short story, which also garnered a state prize in the PTA Reflections contest, begins: I put my cheek against the cold window, sparkling with raindrops. A loud thundering noise gives me goose-bumps. It’s pouring rain, freezing cold, gusting wind outside. I see a pink blur slowly moving up the crowded street, and I realize it’s a woman. I know this woman. On my way to school every morning, I see her. An elderly woman, perhaps in her mid-eighties, maybe younger, maybe older . . .we’ll never know. I see her every single day on my way to school, riding her bicycle. Her old-fashioned bicycle. . .one of those bikes that looks like it’s about to fall apart. No gears, just a regular bike. My mom calls it an original Schwinn. Not only is she riding her bike on a street with no sidewalk, but this street just happens to be Sunset Boulevard, one of the curviest, most dangerous streets in town, at one of the busiest hours. Any day could be this woman’s last. She is always biking so nonchalantly up the hill, traffic zooming inches away from her. She wears the most bizarre outfits: dresses of all colors, sometimes neon green, sometimes bright pink, with a matching bonnet. My family nicknamed this woman “Death Wish Lady,” after her daily routine that seems to be a cry for death. The Lost Year By TYLER COHEN (6th grade) Some think I’m really lucky some think I don’t know what it’s like to feel that endless pain but I do look deep into my eyes can you not see this troubled heart? broken in two and torn apart? the very day it happened, I cried out all my tears for that whole entire year and a half, all I could do was fear A whole year later, they changed their minds the divorce was gone for good or so they said they tried to sew it back together, like trying to stop the rain “But you don’t see, what’s done is done! You can’t take back the pain!” oh sure they’re back together now, but the pain continues to grow that year was the worst year of my life but that I never showed I lost an entire year of my life to my parents’ selfish hearts and to this day I remember that year But I can’t cry not even tears of joy for the day it happened, I cried myself dry CD Player By JAMIE HUBBS (7th grade) I love my CD player Yellow, gray and black It’s so much better than the iPod I lack More than an inch think It heals me when I’m sick My sunshine in the rain It does more than entertain Covered in scrapes Indestructible in its shape And though its batteries may die My love for it is no lie I’ll be with it ’til the end ‘Cause it’s my best friend I love my CD player. Ode to Bellerophon By GABRIEL CONNOLLY (6th grade) Oh Bellerophon, great tamer of horses, With the golden bridle that Athena gave you, Pegasus did you tame and swiftly mount. Over land and over sea as one you galloped. Oh Bellerophon, cunning slayer of the invincible Chimera. You bravely descended over the feared beast And your leaded spear in her mouth melted. The king’s daughter and kingdom of Lycia you inherited. Oh Bellerophon, beloved king of Lycia. Vain you are and to the gods you dared compare. At the gates of Olympus, Zeus cast you out. Down you fell, torn and lame to live as a beggar. Oh Bellerophon, hero of the Greeks. On the back of Pegasus you showed your courage. A king of great power you were But hubris threw you to shame and killed your glory.
Palisades Kids Build Eco-Float
BY DIVYA SUBRAHMANYAM Palisadian-Post Intern Somewhere in the snaking line of floats that made up the Palisades Americanism Parade, there was an aqua blue truck, decorated with paper animals, palm trees and a sun, trailed by a group of children dressed in blue. This unique float was called “Palisades Kids Protect the Earth,” built by a small group of local families with no affiliation to a particular organization. Having watched the Palisades Fourth of July parade from the sidelines for years, residents Melissa Standish and Kelly Williams decided this year that they wanted to make their own float and involve other families and young children. They invited friends, neighbors, and families from Palisades Elementary and Palisades Presbyterian Nursery School, to the Williams’ house on Saturday, June 3, to begin creating the float. “I noticed that there were more official floats, but not a whole lot of families,” Standish explained at that first meeting. “Even as ragtag as we’re going to be’I enjoy having the kids here, although the logistics on parade day may be harder.” Fortunately, everything went smoothly on the day of the parade. The parents spent Monday assembling the elements, then on Tuesday, they took the float to the line-up, and families began arriving and setting up at about 1:30 p.m. During the parade, Standish was surprised to note the quick pace of the parade from a participant’s point of view. “When I’ve watched the parade in the past, it seems like they stop all the time. But when you’re actually in it, it feels like you’re running to keep up!” she laughed. It was, however, a fulfilling and positive experience for Standish, the realization of a dream to both be in the parade and build a community network. “It was so great just seeing everyone sitting on the side, looking so happy,” she said later. The theme of their float was the environment, with paper animals–painted and decorated by the children–attached by wire or string to a PVC frame erected on a flatbed truck. Some children rode on the truck, and the smallest were pulled in wagons by their parents. The rest followed behind the truck, on scooters, bikes, and on foot. The ones who walked were carrying poles topped with paper animals and wooden boards emblazoned with messages like “Conserve,” “Protect,” and “Recycle.” One young girl even suggested they write “Feed the elephants,” but this was not used. Standish’s vision also included a tissue-paper rainbow and an environmental banner. “I think of the rainbow as a sort of unifying symbol of the Earth,” she said. Unity in general, along with care for the environment, seemed to be the goal of the entire effort. “Everyone [working on the float] has become friends with one another,” Williams said. “They can go to the park and see new acquaintances, and play or talk. [This network] is what being in the Palisades is all about.” The young marchers, aged 2 to 9, wore matching blue T-shirts and sang the Woody Guthrie classic “This Land is Your Land,” which Standish described as a patriotic tune that encourages “an understanding that’we are all stewards of this land.” After the parade, some families attended the awards ceremony, where this float won the honor of “Best Youth Float.” The children were awed and proud as they passed the trophy around reverently, saying “Can I touch it?” At their first meeting, the families gathered at Williams’ house to eat pizza and paint paper animals. Previously, a few of the parents had met and constructed the blank figures. Williams drew pictures of butterflies, birds, sea creatures and other animals, while others cut them out, stuffed them with paper, and stapled the edges shut. They hung the figures from the railing of the wooden porch and placed throughout the backyard. The children set to work decorating the animals with washable tempera paint. Unrestrained by the confines of adult art, they mixed colors, painting designs on both the paper and themselves. Some used shimmer paint, others used glitter, and still others used solid colors. “This [float] is the culmination of a lot of people’s hard work: PAPA, the Santa Monica Conservancy, parents, others who help keep open spaces open,” Standish said. “That’s why we’re here today.” But she also believes that the larger aim of the project was to educate the participating children on preservation of nature. “They’re not old enough to articulate conservation yet,” she said. “So we build in layers, introducing the idea of the environment early and repeating it again and again. This is one small piece of teaching our children to be aware of everything around them. By building this float, we are beginning to give them a consciousness of the world and of their community.”
Y Seeks Canyon Parcel Donations
The Palisades-Malibu YMCA needs to raise just over $100,000 by October in order to complete its long-sought purchase of 3.9 acres of land in Temescal Gateway Park. Carol Pfannkuche, the Y’s local executive director, told a gathering at the home of Bill and Cindy Simon last Thursday evening that “fortunately, the purchase price was established some 30 years ago,” but there have been additional engineering/mapping costs and city fees since the purchase was approved by the California Coastal Commission last summer. “We need $550,000 to do the deal,” Pfannkuche said, “and we’ve raised about 80 percent thus far.” She thanked Palisadian Jim Buerge for Buerge Ford’s sponsorship of a recent YMCA golf tournament that enriched the campaign by nearly $40,000. Best known as the Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Tree lot, the Y’s Temescal parcel has a stand of three beautiful oak trees where plaques will be displayed in honor of donors who contribute $5,000 to $20,000 to help fund the purchase. Pfannkuche, a Palisades resident, also displayed a map of the entire parcel and said that “this is an opportunity to make our corner green and beautiful for picnics and other activities. Naming rights are available.” Contact: 454-5591.
Movies in the Park to Return August 5
Now approaching its third year, Movies in the Park is old enough that we can say, “Remember when we saw Grease’ at the Field of Dreams?” That was July 2004, when more than 600 people of all ages gathered at the Palisades Recreation Center’s baseball fields to see the popular 1970s musical. “Grease” was the word around town that week. The Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Film will again present this community event on four consecutive Saturday nights, beginning with “Madagascar” on August 5. “The Goonies,” “Back to the Future,” and “Freaky Friday” will follow in that order. The movies will start at 8 p.m. and admission is free. Greg Schem, landlord of the 881 Alma Real Building and owner of Palisades Highlands Plaza, will be the major sponsor for the second year in a row. Once again, local Boy Scouts will sell candy and soda while David Gadelha, park director, fires up those free yummy hot dogs. Moviegoers can bring picnic dinners and blankets. No alcoholic beverages, stick chairs or animals are allowed. For more information, visit www.palisadeschamber.com or www.friendsoffilm.com.
Music and Mayors Mark the Parade
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa made good on his pledge a year ago to ride in Tuesday’s Palisades parade–the largest Fourth of July parade in Los Angeles. The high-energy mayor started out by sitting in an open convertible along Via de la Paz and Sunset until he reached the grandstand at Ralphs, whereupon he began walking the remainder of the route down to Drummond and then back along Toyopa to the park, shaking hands with spectators all along the way. The mayor was followed by singing icon Patti Page, who drove up from Solana Beach to ride as parade grand marshal; parade marshals Don and Carolyn Haselkorn; Honorary Mayor Gavin MacLeod; County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky; City Councilman Bill Rosendahl; Assemblywoman Fran Pavley; Los Angeles school board president Marlene Canter and board member David Tokofsky; and various other community leaders and honorees. The festivities also included a record 20 bands and other musical groups. Longtime resident Cheryel Kanan (business manager of the Palisadian-Post) rode as president of the PAPA, the parade organizing committee, and Hoppy Mehterian rode as leader of PAPA People, the volunteer group that handles various duties the day of the parade and at the fireworks show. At 2 p.m., all eyes were in the sky above town looking for the Carey Peck skydiving team that usually swoops down to land at Swarthmore and Sunset, marking the start of the parade. Many spectators were disappointed when they failed to appear. “We’re very sorry,” Peck told the Palisadian-Post yesterday. “We discovered technical problems with the plane the evening before the parade.” After calling all over Southern California, Peck was unable to find a plane that supports a skydiving operation. “There are not a lot of planes that sky divers can use,” he said. “We need a specific type of plane in order for the insurance to support diving, and those at the Santa Monica Airport aren’t the right type.” Peck’s plane usually comes from Riverside. “The skydivers are a popular feature of our parade and we apologize for their absence this year,” Kanan said. A group listed as the Minutemen Civil Defense Corps, which defines itself as “a citizens’ Neighborhood Watch observing and reporting on illegal activities at our borders,” brought controversy–and a group of chanting protestors–to the festivities. (See Editorial, page 2.) American Legion Post 283 won the Float Sweepstakes award as Most Outstanding Float, the Norwalk All City Youth Band garnered the Musical Sweepstakes trophy, and the Lighthouse Church and School of Santa Monica won the Patriotic Award for Best Local Entry with a float titled “The Light as the Message.” The Santa Monica Mounted Police received the Bud Emerson Memorial Award for best equestrian entry. Other awards included: Civic Float: Palisades Garden Club (first), Theatre Palisades (second), Community United Methodist Church (third). Youth Float: Pali Kids Protect the Earth (see story, page 4), Palisades-Malibu YMCA, Palisades Pony Baseball Association. Service Float: Riviera Masonic Lodge 780 (first). Marching Unit: Fancy Feet Dance Studio, Palisades Lutheran Church, Brownie Troop 835 (based at Seven Arrows Elementary School). Novelty: Patriotic Pups, Kids on Bikes, Gerry Blanck’s School of Karate. Antique Auto: Palisades Volleyball Club, Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades, Aldersgate Retreat. Clowns: Willyum the Clown (Bill Prachar).
PPBA Mustang All-Stars to Host District Tourney
For the first time ever, the Palisades Pony Baseball Association is hosting the Mustang District All-Star Championships, the first round of the Pony Baseball National tournament. The tournament, consisting of the area’s best 10-and-under teams, starts Friday, July 7 and runs through next Wednesday, July 12 at the Palisades Recreation Center’s “Field of Dreams” diamonds. Teams from surrounding cities will play for the right to advance to the Sectionals, the second stage of the Pony Baseball National tournament. The two top teams from this week’s competition will move on to the Sectionals. Under the direction of head coach Bill Elder, who led the Cubs to the PPBA Mustang championship in June, the Pali All-Stars consist of Matt McGeagh, Cade Hulce, Jackson Kogan, Joe Rosenbaum, Brett Elder, Drew Pion, Paul Kirkpatrick, Jackson Bantle, Alex Flutie, Wylie Beetley, Chris Duvall, Justin Ruder, and Dawson Rosenberg. Pali advanced to the final four of last weekend’s Firecracker National Invitational, where they lost 8-5 to host Chino Hills on Monday. Earlier, Pali lost to Simi Valley, 12-9, before rebounding to beat Las Vegas, 4-3, and La Crescenta, 16-3.
Records Fall in Youth Triathlon
Compared to the Palisades- Will Rogers 5/10K, the Palisades Youth Triathlon is still in its infancy. Yet, in just four years, it has emerged as one of the “cool things to do” for local youth on July 4. While a number of records were broken at this year’s competition, the number Triathlon founder and organizer Deborah Hafford is most proud of is 160. That is the number of young athletes ages 5-15 who participated in Tuesday morning’s event, which began with a three-mile bike ride through Huntington Palisades, continued with a one-mile run through the Village and ended with a 150-yard swim at the Palisades-YMCA pool in Temescal Canyon. Fourteen-year-old Willy MacMiller, who had finished third overall the previous two years, set a blistering pace on his bike that distanced him from the pack and he went on to win the event with a time of 19:43, breaking the record of 21:22 set by Jared Brown in 2005. MacMiller lives in the San Fernando Valley, but his uncle Jim lives in the Palisades. Willy, who will be attending Crespi High in Encino in the fall, runs for the West Valley Eagles Track Club. “The 3,000 meters is my best event,” he said. “I do it in around 9:59. I usually do mountain biking in the San Fernando Hills. But I need to work on swimming.” The second finisher overall was Jimmy De Mayo, also in the 13-15 age group, who completed the three phases in 21.02. Finishing third, also in the 13-15 age group, was David Hafford. The first female finisher was 14-year-old Natalie Farnham, who won for the second straight year and, in the process, knocked almost two seconds off of last year’s winning time. Farnham completed the event in 23:08, bettering the previous course record of 23:30 set two years ago by Courtney Knapp. “The training helps,” said Farnham, who went to three of the four clinics offered by the YMCA and directed by Hafford to prepare participants for Tuesday’s triathlon. Allison Merz, also 14, took second in 23:34. “It was hard,” she admitted. “I did zero training. The worst was going uphill on the bike.” Sitting next to Merz was Alexandra Edel who confessed: “I should have tried the bike before the race. It was like 30 years old and it wouldn’t shift.” Finishing third in the girls’ 13-15 category was Vianey Barrios, who was the second girl to begin the pool phase but was passed after several laps by Merz, who swims for the Palisades-Malibu YMCA team. Barrios had run the Palisades-Will Rogers 5K in 27 minutes, finishing about an hour before the start of the Youth Triathlon. She would have run faster had she not missed the 5/10K turnaround point and been forced to run back up the hill. Barrios is part of Exceeding Expectations headed by Cherie Grunfeld who trains youths in San Bernadino who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. This year she brought 14 athletes all of whom competed in the 5K and the triathlon. “I really like this,” Barrios said, “It keeps you out of drugs and keeps you healthy.” Barrios is planning to run cross country at Redlands East Valley High next year. Cody O’Connell was a repeat winner in the boys’ 11-12 age group. He took first place last year in 24:26. This year, he set a new record of 23:11. Second place was Alex MacMiller and third was Dylan Rees. Mara Silka repeated in the girls’ 11-12 age group and her time of 23:46 was the third fastest overall. She eclipsed last year’s time of 25.38 and set a new age group record. Second place was Emily Berkin and third was Lucy Tilton. Winning the boys’ 9-10 age group was Alec Wilimovsky with a time of 27:52, followed by Joe Rosenbaum and Michael Beutner. In the girls division, Kjahna O took first place for the second time in 27:39. MacKenzie Gray was second and Rachel Martin third. Tommy Lutz set a new boys’ 6-8 record with a time of 31:22, ahead of second place finisher and previous record-holder Joe Walker. Third went to Collin McCarthy. A record also dropped in the female 6-8 category as Courtney Corrin finished in 30:58. Finishing second was Aralely Juarez and third went to Jacylin Inclan. The last triathlete to complete the course was six-year-old Sarah Kitay. Four members of her Brownie troop jumped into the pool and swam with her, cheering her on until she touched the wall. Nine-year-old Veronica Ramos, one of the students from Ninth Street Elementary in Santa Monica who had come to the Palisades to train for the previous last four Saturdays was the last place finisher in 2005. Part of the problem in that race was she hadn’t quite mastered the bicycle and did the course on training wheels, was ecstatic this year. She told Hafford, “I was last last year and this year there were tons of kids behind me.”
