Artists in Residence
The first in a series highlighting landmark architecture in Pacific Palisades
Stargazing in Pacific Palisades is by no means limited to constellations or celebrity sightings. Important architecture plays a leading role, too. Nestled in this geographically blessed community are head-turning structures’from Spanish Colonial Revival to mid-century modern and beyond’putting in their own award-winning performances. Over a dozen addresses in the Palisades have official status by the city of Los Angeles as Historic Cultural Monuments, with plenty more, according to local historian Randy Young, deserving this designation. ‘Many architects have used Pacific Palisades and its incredible location between the mountains and the sea for their masterworks,’ Young says. The list includes such luminaries as Richard Neutra, Eero Saarinen, John Byers, Charles and Ray Eames, Craig Ellwood and Raymond Kappe. Young, a longtime champion of historic preservation, is one of the volunteers putting the finishing touches on the renovation of Will Rogers Historic Home and Park’the only site in the Palisades listed on the National Register for Historic Places’before its grand reopening on March 25. An inauspicious beginning to the community’s architectural life came in the form of pitched tents in the late 1860s, when city dwellers were drawn to what was then a remote region to enjoy the beach and summer breezes. The conservative Methodists, arriving in the 1920s to establish their Chautauqua and a resting place for their retired ministers, were followed by a different crowd: wealthy motion picture figures, who settled in once the automobile shortened the distance between Hollywood and the coast. Later, many notable writers, artists and musicians fleeing Nazi Germany chose Pacific Palisades as their new home, adding yet another thread to the town’s cultural fabric. To this day, the eclectic mix of architectural styles in the Palisades reflects this crosscurrent of cultures, with modest log cabins and cottages, classic California ranch houses, grand villas and estates in various revival modes, and striking Modernist and contemporary homes all sharing the spotlight. John Entenza, editor of ‘Arts and Architecture,’ was a major figure in the local scene whose passion for advancing Modernist taste influenced architecture everywhere. Entenza masterminded the Case Study House program (1945-66), experiments in residential design by the greatest talents of the day, an event regarded as one of the most innovative chapters in American architectural history. The heart of the program rested in Pacific Palisades, with Entenza’s own Case Study House (#9) situated across the meadow from Case Study House #8, Charles and Ray Eames’ home that is now an international icon. Despite the richness and diversity of architecture found in the Palisades, the picture is not entirely rosy, with many sections of town resembling war zones owing to the rampant tearing down of the old to make room for the new. Preservation too often has taken a back seat to development, and the push for maximum square footage threatens the character of many neighborhoods. ‘We were very much what I call the Norman Rockwell/ Beaver Cleaver-style community,’ says Young, who is well known for his outspoken advocacy. ‘Now, with bigger is better and these massive structures going up, Beaver is definitely getting cleaved.’ Nonetheless, city landmark status does impose a layer of protection for the major architectural stars in the community. The Eames House 203 Chautauqua Blvd. (Case Study House #8) Charles and Ray Eames,1945-49 This is by far the most famous structure in Pacific Palisades, a true icon of the 20th century. The married couple, whose creative synergy was legendary, promoted good design for minimal cost through the use of prefabricated, standardized parts. Their home, composed of two steel-framed boxes set against a eucalyptus-covered hillside, is the ultimate statement of modern elegance achieved through basic materials. The Eameses bought the lot, an idyllic promontory 150 feet above the ocean, from their friend John Entenza, part of a five-acre parcel set aside to launch the Case Study House program. ‘For us, it was just a great place to go growing up, not an icon of modernism,’ says Eames Demetrios, the grandson of the famous couple, an artist in his own right, who now heads the Eames Office. ‘They didn’t describe themselves as modernists; they weren’t caught up with labels,’ he says. ‘They were just trying to make stuff work.’ Make things work they did, including their still wildly popular furniture designs. The famous Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and a limited rosewood edition of the duo is a thank-you gift to individuals contributing $6,500 or more to the Eames Foundation. ‘We want to make sure the house is still around in 250 years,’ says Demetrios, who describes this promotion as one of many tools the Foundation employs to raise funds to maintain the property. In April, the house will be reviewed at a federal hearing for placement on the National Register. Visits to the home, a self-guided exterior viewing, are by appointment only. Members of the Eames Foundation are treated to a guided interior tour on an annual appreciation day. Contact: 459-9663 or go online to www.eamesfoundation.org. Villa Aurora 520 Paseo Miramar (Times Demonstration House,1927-28; Mark Daniels, architect) At first glance, the Villa Aurora, a romantic Spanish hillside house, seems to have little in common with the straightforwardly spare Eames House. Yet each houses’ creation was rooted in the quest to show how good design can enhance people’s lives. The 22-room villa, originally known as the Los Angeles Times Demonstration Home, was built in the prosperous 1920s as a model home to sell property. The project showcased the latest developments in technological comforts’the kitchen boasted a gas range, electric refrigerator and dishwasher, and the spacious three-car garage had an electric door opener. It also showed skeptical Angelenos the benefits of living in this isolated area; few people wanted to live so far from downtown. Architect and landscape designer Mark Daniels based his ideas for the house on a castle in Spain, incorporating carved and painted wooden doors and ceilings designed with Moorish motifs. The house, two stories to the front and three to the rear, is carefully and dramatically integrated into its hillside perch. The home is most famous for its occupants from 1943 to 1958: the German novelist Lion Feuchtwanger, who lived there in exile with his wife Marta. The house became a favorite gathering place for some of the most important artists and intellectuals of the 20th century. The Feuchtwangers often hosted a light evening meal followed by a reading from his current novel, and the guest list for these affairs included people like Thomas Mann, Bertolt Brecht, Arnold Schoenberg, Aldous Huxley, Fritz Lang, Charlie Chaplin and Charles Laughton. After Marta’s death in 1987, the landmark’which she left to USC’was acquired by a German consortium interested in preserving the historic monument. In 1995, Villa Aurora once again became an international meeting place for artists and intellectuals. Its artists-in-residence program hosts up to 16 writers, visual artists, composers, playwrights and filmmakers annually who stay at the villa for three months at a time. Also offered are a wide range of public lectures, concerts and performances. Los Angeles declared Villa Aurora a Historic Cultural Monument in 1994. Visits are welcome by appointment. Contact: 454-4231 or www.villa-aurora.org.
Camille (Mimi) Adams; Political Activist, Pianist, Fun-Loving Host
Camille Ruth Adams, a former longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away on March 5 in Malibu with her devoted and loving family at her bedside. She was 72. ”Mimi, as she was known throughout most of her life, was born in Chicago on October 28, 1933 to Ruth (Wenter) and Paul Stedman Cummins. Her family moved from Fort Wayne, Indiana to Los Angeles in 1947, and she graduated from the Marlborough School. She also attended Pine Manor College in Massachusetts and the University of Southern California. ”Mimi married attorney Ken Adams in 1962 in Reno, Nevada, and they moved to the Palisades in 1975. They lived here for 30 years before moving to Malibu in 2005 to be near their grandchildren. ”In her adult life, Mimi dedicated her high energy and passion to numerous liberal causes including, among others, politics’as a staff member for Robert F. Kennedy, Edmund G. (Pat) Brown, Dianne Feinstein, Jimmy Carter and Alan Cranston; homelessness’as co-founder of Family Assistance Involving the Homeless (FAITH); and the peace movement’as co-founder of Palisadians for Peace. ”She was also active in classical music education, serving as co-founder of the Symphonians of Los Angeles and assistant to the dean of the USC School of Music. The existence of racial inequality, poverty and homelessness in this rich country troubled her deeply. Mimi’s compassionate nature, generosity and organizational skills were combined in her seemingly tireless efforts to effect change for the better in many ways. Always sensitive to the needs of others, she showed equal respect for the human dignity of every individual she encountered in her work. ”Her son, John, learned an early lesson from his mother’s generosity when just seven years old. ”Whenever the family traveled to Puerta Vallarta, Mimi would always come equipped with Chewels to give to the street kids and the beggars on the beach. John wondered why they had to do this; ‘their hands and faces were so dirty, they smelled and talked funny,’ he recalled last week. Mimi would explain that doing simple little things for people in need is really important and that someday he would understand. ‘But then I liked to hear them laugh and giggle after popping a piece of gum into their mouths. I understood that making people smile or laugh and giving gifts without expecting or asking anything in return felt really, really good.’ ”Baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church, Mimi also grew to embrace the spiritual traditions of many faiths and beliefs. Her love of life manifested itself in the arts and nature. A trained classical pianist, she encouraged and sponsored a number of promising young musicians. As an enthusiastic gardener and gifted flower arranger with an eye for interior design, Mimi brought beauty to every environment in which she lived. ”She loved to entertain friends in her home and celebrate all family events, infusing them with her joyful, fun-loving spirit. Writing reminiscences in her journals was a lifetime labor of love. Music’be it classical, Latin or jazz’was always playing in her home. ”She was both a Crossroads School parent and grandparent and a loyal supporter of New Roads School in Santa Monica. ”Mimi’s remarkable personality and presence transcended national boundaries, where she created strong bonds of lasting friendship and support for the arts in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Venice, Italy. ”None of these numerous causes and relationships interfered with Mimi’s domestic life as wife and mother of three children whom she loved passionately. She nurtured each of their unique talents in every way. ”She is survived by her devoted husband Ken and her children: daughter Julie Adams Eamer (husband Brian Eamer); sons Ash Adams and John Adams; grandchildren Jordan, Garrett and Audrey Eamer; brother Paul F. Cummins (wife Mary Ann); sister Kathleen Phillips-Hellman (husband Robert); Debbi Green and godmother Dorothy Boothe. ”There will be a celebration of Mimi’s life on Saturday, March 18, at 3:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 1227 4th Street, in Santa Monica. ”In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in her name be made to the New Visions Foundation, 3131 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404.
CLASSIFIED ADS FROM THE MARCH 9, 2006 ISSUE OF THE PALISADIAN-POST
HOMES FOR SALE 1
PACIFIC PALISADES BY OWNER. Unique 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA Townhome. Stunning Upgrades-New Kitchen and Baths. $799,500 or Best Reasonable Offer. Inspection Sat & Sun. 10-5. www.PalisadesTownhome.com. Townhome will be sold Sunday, March 19 to HIGHEST BIDDER. (310) 459-5230HOMES WANTED 1b
WE BUY HOUSE’S, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887FURNISHED HOMES 2
FURNISHED SHORT TERM LEASE June-Nov. Charming 4+2 in alphabet streets. Private grassy yard. Heated pool, hot tub, $5,500/mo. (310) 230-4060 FURNISHED CHARMING HOUSE near bluffs. 2+ den. Fireplace, garden, hardwood floors. Available short term. $5,000/mo.+security. Call (310) 459-0765 FURNISHED CHARMING COTTAGE close to village and bluffs. 1+1, fplc, garden, quiet. Available short term. $2,700/mo.+security. (310) 459-0765UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
FABULOUS MT. VIEWS! 3 bd, 2 1/2 ba townhm, new wood floors, stainless steel appliances, 1,830 sq. ft., community pool, spa, fitness. Direct entry, pvt. 2-car garage. Available immediately. $4,100/mo. Saul Berman, Sotheby’s Realty, (310) 497-2720 AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS 3 bdrm, 1 1/2 ba., Hardwood floors, deck. No pets. Available March 1st. $4,000/mo. Agent, John Portman, (310) 459-5886 x250 PACIFIC PALISADES 2 BDRM, 2 BA HOUSE. Secluded near village. Hardwood floors, fireplace, skylights, gardener included. $2,650/mo. No pets. (310) 454-5528UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
SUNSET IN THE VILLAGE. Spacious 1 bed, 1 bath, newly renovated, walk-in closets, gated parking, security bldg, laundry. $2,100 per month. 1 yr lease. (310) 454-6074 SPACIOUS APARTMENT. 3+2 upper unit. QUIET bldg. Garage, laundry, new carpets, bright. Lots of storage space. $2,500/mo. 1 year lease. No pets/smoking. (310) 454-8965 GUEST HOUSE. Gorgeous whitewater and sunset views. Quiet, private 1 bdrm, liv rm, fplc, 3/4 ba, kitchen all appliances. Wired for computer, util/inc, N/S, no pets, year lease. $1,900/mo. Near Getty Villa. (310) 454-2801 1 BDRM, 1 BA CONDO across from ocean, PCH & Sunset. $2,200/mo. (310) 428-9453 VILLAGE 1 BDRM APT, 85512 Via de la Paz. $1,515/mo. Enclosed garage. References. Security deposit. Available 30th April or before. (310) 454-4668WANTED TO RENT 3b
SEEKING A LONG TERM housesitting arrangement. 53-yr-old widow. SMC RN student without children/ pets. Desires a quiet environment. N/S. Call anytime. C.R., (310) 548-0626 SINGLE FEMALE PERSONAL TRAINER needing guesthouse/private room to rent. Willing to trade for P.T. services. Love animals, kids and mature adults. Call Maria, (310) 994-9450 WANTED TO RENT: GARAGE STORAGE area. For storage and shop purposes. Frank, (310) 927-6500. Long term.OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c
GREAT SANTA MONICA LOCATION, 26th St. and San Vicente. Top floor, bright 2 rm office in smaller bldg. Approx. 500 sq. ft. $1,600/mo. (310) 395-7272 OCEAN VIEW OFFICES for rent in creative suite on Sunset and PCH in Spectrum Club bldg. Near great restaurants. 4 brand new offices. Available now. DSL/Fax and phone lines with call answering will be in. Furnishing available. Shared conference room/kitchen area. Just sit down and do business. $900/mo. to $1,200/mo. depending on size and view and services. Call Pam, Jen or Rob, (310) 230-6866 OFFICE OR ART STUDIO FOR RENT: 3 rooms, bathroom. BRIGHT! IMMEDIATE. $650/mo. 2633 Pico Blvd., Unit D. (310) 393-0936 or cell, (310) 710-1570 OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE. Sunset Blvd. Heart of village. $700/mo. Call (310) 454-3521 LARGE CORNER OFFICE 320 sq. ft. in Palisades village. 15135 Sunset. Second floor, $1,370/mo. (310) 454-0840 or (310) 600-3603 FOR RENT: QUIET FURNISHED 16’x10′ office overlooking Sunset Blvd. in heart of village. Ideal for writer. $600/mo. Call (310) 459-2757VACATION RENTALS 3e
PRIVATE FURN APARTMENT IN PARIS. Services available. 24-hour hotline. Starting at $75 a night for 2 persons (studios to 4 bedrooms). Privacy, economy, convenience as you live like a Parisian. 5 day minimum. Established in 1985. PSR 90, Ave Champs-Elysees. PSR, Inc. (312) 587-7707. Fax (800) 582-7274. Web address: www.psrparis.com. Email: Reservations@psrparis.comBUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5
I’M THE CEO of my life. Are You? Executive Pay Without Executive Stress! (800) 841-8702 FreedomMyWay.comLOST & FOUND 6a
$500 REWARD! LOST: BLACK DOGS, lost February 2nd. Escaped from backyard De Pauw St. near Swarthmore. “DRAKE” 11 years old, pit bull/lab mix, white chest, very people friendly. “Stella” 8.5 years, lab mix black retriever. CALL (310) 740-5849PERSONALS 6b
Cheri Lyn. Call Lillian!COMPUTER SERVICES 7c
PUT YOUR COMPUTER TO WORK – HOME & BUSINESS SURVEILLANCE-Featuring: PC Based Solutions to View your Property Remotely – Live Viewing from Internet & Wireless Handhelds! – 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 COMPUTER CONSULTANT, MAC SPECIALIST. Very Patient, Friendly and Affordable. Tutoring Beginners to Advanced Users. Wireless DSL internet. MAC/PC SET UP – Repair – Upgrade – OS X. Senior discounts! Home/Office. William Moorefield, (310) 838-2254. macitwork.com QUICKBOOKS-GET ORGANIZED – Set-up, Data Entry, Reporting, Tax Preparation. Palisades Resident. Doris, (310) 913-2753 LOCAL TECH SUPPORT. Computers, audio, VOIP, network camera. Call for free estimate. Local references. support@Palisades computers.com. Ray Guran, (310) 500-0534GARAGE, 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 – Furniture – Antiques – Collectibles – Junque – Reliable professionals Local ReferencesORGANIZING SERVICES 7h
PUTTING IT TOGETHER 25+ years organizing. Organize: home office, file system setup, finances, kitchen, bedroom, closet, garage, etc. Clear the path to enjoy life. (323) 580-4556 PERSONAL ASSISTANCE, ORGANIZATION & BOOKKEEPING. Superior services provided with discretion and understanding. Local references. Call Sarah, (310) 573-9263NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
OUR WONDERFUL NANNY IS AVAILABLE Mon-Fri. Flexible, excellent experience, own transportation, speaks English. Local references. Call Rosa, (818) 620-7507 BABY NURSE/NIGHT NURSE available starting April. Contact Ms. Dennis for booking, (310) 226-7097 GREAT PRE-SCREENED Nannies available. Let us help you with your nanny search. We are a dedicated, professional agency and we will find the right match for you. Whether you are looking for full-time or p/time. L/I or L/O help, we can help you. Call Sunshine Nannies at (310) 801-8309 or (310) 614-5065 NANNY AVAILABLE FULL TIME! Mon.-Fri. Great references. I can travel anywhere! Love children. Many years experience. Please call Rosie, (h) (323) 461-3834, (c) (323) 580-2110 BABYSITTER, RESPONSIBLE 27 YEAR old female avail weekday evenings and weekends. $15/hr. (310) 779-9630HOUSEKEEPERS 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 AVAILABLE Monday-Friday. Experienced. No car. Some English. Call Maria, (323) 216-8934 HOUSECLEANER AVAILABLE Tuesday and Thursday. Local references and experienced. Own transportation. Call Erika, (213) 385-7922, after 5 p.m. EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday through Friday, any day. Able to manage large home, laundry, floors, etc. Great Palisades references. VERY RELIABLE, speaks English, has own car. Please call Jazmina, (213) 381-5924 EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Own transportation. Will do errands. Reliable. Local references. Experienced. Call Delmy, (323) 759-5159 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday-Friday. GOOD REFERENCES! Experienced. Call Irma, (323) 664-8454 NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE NOW! Monday-Friday. Local references. Experienced. Trustworthy. Call Rosa H, (310) 839-4082, or cell, (310) 467-7470 EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER Looking for work. Full time, part time, week-ends. Will clean, cook, errands. Experienced in maintaining large homes. Pet friendly. Will do housesitting. Bevery Hills, Pacific Palisades or Santa Monica. Excellent references and resume. Call (310) 736-0455 HOUSEKEEPER 18 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Excellent references. Own transportation. Available Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Call Aida, (323) 735-7603 HOUSEKEEPER FOR 1 day or 5 days. Good references. Own transportation. Call Marina, (562) 408-2068 EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER with GOOD REFERENCES, own car, Available M-F. Call Patricia, (310) 838-2610 HOUSECLEANER AVAILABLE: Local references, 20 years experience. Apartments, houses, offices. Call anytime: Olinda, cell, (213) 793-0368, home, (213) 382-3746ELDER 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) 692-3692GARDENING, 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 TREE AND LANDSCAPE EXPERT. Horticulturist, arborist, landscape manager/designer. Tree diagnosis, trimming, removal, appraisal/donation for tax deduction. Lawn diagnosis, repair. Sprinklers, drip systems. Expert maintenance. Greenhouse/ veggie/herb gardens Comprehensive plant & landscape consulting. Darren Butler, (818) 271-0963MOVING & HAULING 11b
HONEST MAN SERVICES. 14″ van & dollies. Small jobs to 2 bedrooms. Hauls it all. California/Nevada. Over 12 years. Westside experience. (310) 285-8688WINDOW WASHING 13h
NO STREAK WINDOW cleaning service. Fast & friendly. Quality service you can count on. Free estimates. Lic. # 122194-49. Pressure washing available. Please call (323) 632-7207MISCELLANEOUS 13i
PRESSURE WASHING. Driveways, patios, walk-ways, garages, dirt, oil, rust, paint and moss removal. Concrete, brick, natural stone. Clear and colored-stain sealer. Craig, (310) 459-9000PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
BE HAPPY TO COME HOME! Trusted house/pet care in & around Palisades since 1986. Educated, responsible. (310) 454-8081 PET HEAVEN – TOTAL PET CARE – Training. Walking. Play groups. Does your dog need manners? Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog.SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d
VIOLIN INSTRUCTION. Expert friendly guidance at all levels by highly qualified teacher. Home or studio. Teaching in Palisades 20 years. Laurence Homolka, (310) 459-0500 PIANO INSTRUCTION. Give your child the life-long gift of music! Patient, creative teacher, specializing in children. Music degree, USC. Qualified, experienced. Lisa, (310) 454-0859 CERTIFIED CPR & FIRST AID Instructor teaches classes at your location. Contact Ms. Dennis, (310) 226-2845 WOULD YOU LOVE TO LEARN to play piano? Skilled piano teacher specializing with beginners/intermediate children, adults. Karen Barton, B.S. USC trained. (310) 486-1995 LEARN HIGH SCHOOL ALGEBRA or geometry over the summer at UCLA. Key concepts. Small class sizes. 5-week course. Now enrolling. Call instructor Steve, (818) 517-0566TUTORS 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 grade levels, conversational & all ages. Local refs, flexible hours. Please call Noelle at (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 & AP). In-home tutoring at great rates. Call Jonathan, (310) 560-9134 ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING! Credentialed teacher of elementary, middle and high school subjects. Local references. (310) 454-8520 SPANISH TUTOR, CERTIFIED TEACHER for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications and experience. Palisades resident. Many good references. Amazing system. Affordable rates. Marietta, (310) 459-8180 PIANO TEACHER IN PACIFIC PALISADES! 20 years experience. I teach in your home. Great with children and adults returning to the piano. Call Karen Rae, (310) 383-0200 PROFESSIONAL WRITER (with CableACE, Genesis, other writing awards) offers tutoring in English and composition plus guidance on essays, papers or reports. Resume available. Paula: (310) 454-8694 MATH & SCIENCE TUTOR Middle school-college level. BS LAUSD credentialed high school teacher. Test Prep. Flexible hours. AVAILABLE to help NOW! Seth Freedman, (310) 909-3049 HOMEWORK HELPER. Experienced and credentialed English teacher available to tutor in your home or mine. Call Mimi at (310) 367-9456 MATH & SCIENCE TUTOR. Basic math, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, algebra II, biology and SAT prep for middle and high school students. Experienced. B.S. UCLA. Steve, (818) 517-0566 TUTORING BY JARED SINCLAIR. Recent Berkeley graduate. Cum Laude at Loyola High School. “I’m an expert in all subjects and soon your son or daughter will be one too.” Call (310) 459-2312CABINET MAKING 16
CUSTOM CARPENTRY – Entertainment Units – Cabinets – Libraries – Bars – Wall Units – Custom Kitchens – Remodeling – Designed to your Specifications – Free Estimates – CA Lic. #564263 – (310) 823-8523 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.comCARPENTRY 16a
FINISH CARPENTRY, CABINETS, SHELVING UNITS: Interior trim, wine racks, hardware installation, door/ window installation. 33 years EXPERIENCE. Frank Williams, (310) 927-6500. Non-Lic. Local resident.CONCRETE, MASONRY 16c
MASONRY & CONCRETE CONTRACTOR. 36 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pool, 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 PALISADES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES. KEVIN B. NUNNELEY. (310) 454-5029. Local References Avail. Lic. #375858 L’ESPINETTE GENERAL CONTRACTOR! Custom homes, remodel, improvements, additions, design plans, permits, job co-ordination. BIG or SMALL we get it done! Excellent references. Lic. #818-988. (310) 457-4112ELECTRICAL 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) 706-1996FLOOR 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, Since 1975. Call for your free est. Local ref. Lic. #560299. Member, Chamber of Commerce. 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 HANDYMAN SERVICES. No job too small. 10 years experience in the Palisades. Please call (310) 454-3838 for prompt, friendly service. Not licensed. PETERPAN – Quality home repair. Serving entire Westside. (Not lic.) Ask for Peter, (310) 663-3633HEATING & 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
ROBERT RAMOS, Plumbing Contractor – Copper repipes – Remodels – New Construction – Service & Repair – Water Heaters – Licensed – Bonded – Insured – St. lic. #605556 – Cell, (310) 704-5353 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) 678-6634REMODELING 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 BASIX DESIGNS & REMODELING, INC. WE DO IT ALL – Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Specialist – Room Additions – Interior/Exterior Paint – Windows/Doors – Custom Carpentry – Plumbing – Electrical – Call For Free Estimate – Toll Free: (877) 422-2749 – Lic. #769443HELP WANTED 17
DRIVERS GREAT PAY, BENEFITS AND BONUSES! The lifestyle you deserve! Regional and team work. WERNER ENTERPRISES, (800) 346-2818 ext 123 SALES POSITION. Retail women’s luxury goods specialty store in Santa Monica seeks professional salesperson with confident selling skills. Must be able to build and maintain a customer book. Compensation: Commission with guarantee. Benefits and pension plan. No Sundays or evenings. This is an excellent opportunity for the right person as a top salesperson is relocating. Email or fax resume to Deanna. Email Weathervaneii@AOL.com Fax# (310) 393-2077 SECURITY GUARD, UNARMED gatehouse position. Full or part time. Excellent pay, benefits, medical. Great for college students. Call Scott, (310) 454-7741 PACIFIC PALISADES INTERNAL MEDICINE office seeks front office receptionist. Minimum 3 years experience. Energetic and cheerful dispostion. Great phone skills. Salary commensurate with experience. Fax resume to (310) 394-1682 DENTAL ASSISTANT, PART TIME. Brentwood/Wilshire office. We will train. Call (310) 473-2099, or fax resume, (310) 473 4434 AAA HOME INCOME. 23 people needed NOW. Earn PT/FT income. Apply online to get started: www.wahusa.com. EXPERIENCED “ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT” to work closely with the Preschool Director and staff. Must be a team player and a multitasker. Duties include: word processing, filing, events and schedules, admissions, assist clients via phone and in person, assist director and administration. Position open immediately. Fax resume to Seven Arrows/Little Dolphins, Attn: Trish Skinner. Fax: (310) 454-7203 FULL-TIME BOOKKEEPER FOR the Malibu Times newspaper. Become part of our account team. Experienced. Proficent in Quickbooks, Word, Excel. Detail oriented, organized with excellent people skills. Fax resume with salary history to Janice, (310) 456-8986 GREAT P/T SALES POSITION available in Pacific Palisades retail store. Need creative motivated and flexible individual with people/ customer service skills. Call Megan at the Nest Egg, (310) 573-9777 BLUECROSS PET HOSPITAL NOW HIRING! Full- and part-time positions. $7.50/hr. Must love animals, be self motivated and a hard worker. Call Sandra, (310) 454-2633 DRIVERS: $1,000 BONUS! Just for hauling your FIRST flatbed load. Call Werner Enterprises for this and more. (800) 346-2818, ext. 136 PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS WITH D/D in Malibu. M-F, 3 p.m.-10 p.m. Also available M-F, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Both positions excellent benefits and salary. (310) 457-2026 PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS WITH D/D in Malibu. Live-in couple. Free hours, weekends off, Apartment and board. Good benefits. Also available shift relief, live-in every other weekend. Friday 9 a.m. thru Sunday 9 p.m. Both excellent salary. (310) 457-2026 DRIVERS: OWNER OPERATORS. $2,000 Sign-on Bonus! Dedicated Runs! Excellent Home-Time! Qrtrly Safety Incentive! Fuel Stabilized! WE TRAIN! TRIMAC: (888) 799-4374 LOCAL FAMILY (2 boys) needs after school pick up & care 2 days a week. (Tues. & Thurs). Min 4 hrs. each day, but flexible for more. Must have own car, good driving record and references. Call Lissa, (310) 454-5450SITUATIONS WANTED 17a
PERSONAL ASST/NOTARY PUBLIC avail. Let me help you run your life more smoothly. I’m proficient in bookkeeping, clerical duties, event co-ordination, mailing, research. Honest reliable, discrete. Local. Excellent/refs. Patti, (310) 720-8004AUTOS 18b
2000 DODGE RAM 1500 pick-up, 4 wheel drive, V8, loaded. Camper shell, grill guard. 65K miles. $14K obo. (310) 924-9558 CASH FOR CARS $$ Foreign or domestic. Running or not. We come to you and handle all paperwork. Friendly professional buyer. Local references. Please call (310) 995-5898FURNITURE 18c
LEATHER SOFA plus 2 matching overstuffed chairs. Italian caramel color. Very high end. $5,000 obo. (310) 459-0884, leave message DINING ROOM TABLE MODERN design, glass top with beautiful Italian marble base. Seats 8. Call (310) 699-7794 or email for a picture pbsolomon@adelphia.net. CONTEMPORARY TECHLINE COMPUTER DESK. White, with separate shelf and drawer units. Purchased from Functions in S.M. Mint condition. $450. Antique oak sideboard/buffet with mirror, $450. Can e-mail photos. (310) 459-2482GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
MOVING SALE! ANTIQUE Bjur BG Piano/treadle sew mach./’50s metal desk/furn/furnishgs. Vintage clothes/magazines/film photos. Art/knick-knacks/ etc. 545 Lucero (Sunset/Paseo Miramar), 1/2 mile up from Sunset. FRI.-SAT., Mar. 10-11, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. HUGE GARAGE SALE! We are having a Multi-Family Garage Sale to benefit “safe” senior prom and graduation nights. It will be on Saturday, March 11, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location at 809 Alma Real, Pacific Palisades. Lots of really good stuff ranging from bikes, clothes, toys, books, furniture and household items. OFFICE MOVING SALE: Tables, chairs, bookshelves, other misc. office stuff. 16712 Marquez Ave. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., March 11th. MOVING/ESTATE SALE: Furniture, collectibles, clothes, vintage items, houseware, books, records, knick-knacks. 3725 Seahorn. (Sunset Mesa) Sat.-Sun., March 11-12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e
WHITE LAB PUPS AKC registered. 7 weeks old. 2 females, 1 male. Championship line. Hand-raised. Adorable. Must see! $600. (951) 609-4975WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, ’50s, ’60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 306-7746 – profeti2001@yahoo.comLocal Connection to This Year’s Oscars
Pacific Palisades residents and others connected to the Palisades were in the spotlight at Sunday night’s 78th Academy Awards. Paul Haggis, Steven Spielberg and Amy Adams were all nominated in the top categories. Haggis, who lived in the Palisades until the 1994 earthquake when his home on Corona del Mar was destroyed (he still owns the property), won Oscars for best picture and original screenplay for his film “Crash.” Haggis directed “Crash” in 2003 with the ensemble cast of Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillion, Brendan Fraser, Thandie Newton and Ryan Phillippe. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received rave reviews. It was released in the United States in 2005 and instantly become a favorite of movie reviewers throughout the United States. Critic Roger Ebert named “Crash” the year’s best film. Haggis left his successful television career in 2000 (“thirtysomething”) and wrote two screenplays back to back, “Million Dollar Baby” and “Crash.” Clint Eastwood read “Million Dollar Baby” and wanted to direct it. It was nominated for seven Oscars and won for best picture, best director, best actress, Hilary Swank, and best supporting actor Morgan Freeman. Haggis wrote “Crash” quickly with his friend Bobby Moresco and it was turned down by major studios. They took it to Bob Yari, a producer starting his own company. It took Yari a year before he agreed to produce it and only under the condition they assemble a name cast. When the script reached another Palisadian, Don Cheadle (fresh off the success of “Hotel Rwanda” for which he was nominated for an Oscar), he agreed to co-star and co-produce, which set the project in motion. Haggis is married to Deborah Rennard who grew up in the Palisades and graduated from Pali High. o o o In August 2000, Amy Adams was a relative unknown in the world of show business. She was cast as Babe McGrath in Theatre Palisades’ production “Crimes of the Heart,” a romantic comedy about a bad hair day in the life of three sisters in rural Mississippi. At the time, Adams was dating fellow TP cast member Oliver Macready, whose character was smitten with hers. The two later broke up, but the role was a significant step on Adams’ path to the red carpet. Adams, now 31, was nominated for best supporting actress for her role as Ashley, the small town mother-to-be in “Junebug” at last Sunday’s Academy Awards. It was Adams’ first Oscar nomination and although she did not win, she won an Independent Spirit Award for best supporting actress at a ceremony on the beach in Santa Monica Saturday night. A regular performer at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Minnesota in her early 20s, Adams landed a part in the 1999 film “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” which was shot in Minneapolis. Kirstie Alley, who co-starred in the movie, recognized Adams’ talent and encouraged her to move to California. Adams took Alley’s advice, relocated to Hollywood, and worked as a guest star on TV shows (including “That ’70s Show,” “Charmed” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)’all while rehearsing for “Crimes of the Heart.” Looking back, Adams said she credits her early work on stage as a springboard to her success in film. o o o Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg (“Saving Private Ryan” and “Schindler’s List”) directed and produced “Munich,” which was nominated in five categories but did not win an Oscar. The film has been the subject of fierce debate for the questions it raises about racial intolerance and Middle East politics. “Munich,” which has not yet been released in the Arab world, deals with the murder of 11 Israeli athletes by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September during the 1972 Olympics, and the subsequent Israeli response. The Mossad (Israeli intelligence agency) retaliates by deploying a team of five agents in Europe to assassinate those responsible for the attack. At a recent discussion on the film at Pepperdine University, Allan Mayer, managing director and head of the entertainment division for Sitrick & Company, spoke about working with Spielberg on “Munich.” He was Spielberg’s political and media advisor. Mayer said Spielberg was drawn to the story because of the importance of keeping alive the memory of these events and raising questions'”not about Israel’s right to exist but rather the terrible choices that terrorism forces us to make and how we decide.”
Jr. Women Donate $100,000 to 34 Groups
At a special ceremony held Tuesday evening at the Woman’s Club, the Palisades Junior Women’s Club awarded checks totaling $100,000 to 34 community organizations. All funds were raised through last November’s annual home tour and member donations. The Palisades-Malibu YMCA was the major beneficiary, receiving $25,000 for its upcoming beautification project involving its newly acquired property at the corner of Sunset and Temescal Canyon Road. The second largest gift ($10,000) went to the Palisades Charter Schools Foundation, in addition to $4,000 donated to each of the five local public schools. “Each PPJWC member donates many hours of her time to make the home tour a success,” said club president Gina Vincent. “Our mission of preserving the unique nature of the Palisades is validated by all the businesses and individuals who support the home tour.” This year’s home tour chair Annie Barnes went the extra mile to make the 20th annual home tour the largest yet. “We generally do not focus on exceeding fundraising goals,” Barnes said, “but in the 70th anniversary year of the club, our members, vendors and sponsors all stepped up to help us reach the $100,000 level for the first time.” Since the 1980’s, PPJWC has solicited grant requests from nonprofit organizations in the community to further its goal of preserving the character of life in the Palisades. “The organizations we help range from grassroots groups to long-standing institutions,” said Susan Mazzarella, project selection chairwoman. “In our town, PPJWC is unique in its mission and I think the members recognize that, so they’re eager to give back.” The following organizations have received grants in the amounts noted: Palisades-Malibu YMCA (Sunset and Temescal) ‘ $25,000 Calvary Christian School (soccer field maintenance) ‘ 1,500 AYSO Region 69′(Palisades High field resurfacing) ‘ 5,000 Friends of Film ‘ 2,500 Oom PaPa Band ‘ 500 Pacific Palisades Art Association ‘ 400 Chamber Music Palisades ‘ 250 Palisades Symphony Orchestra ‘ 1,000 Palisades Community Center Committee (Recreation Center) ‘ 5,000’ Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club ‘ 6,000 Fire Station 23 ‘ 2,500 Fire Station 69 ‘ 2,500 Cub Scout Pack 223 ‘ 1,000 Venturing Crew 223 ‘ 750 Boy Scouts of America (Kevin Niles Library on Catalina) ‘ 500 Camp Managers Corps ‘ 1,000 Palisades Graffiti Busters (Palisades Patrol Girls/Temescal Mural) ‘ 250 Palisades Sheriff’s Posse ‘ 250 Palisades Americanism Association, Inc. ‘ 4,000 Chamber of Commerce'(Street Cleaning ‘Chrysalis) ‘ 2,000 Chamber of Commerce (Winter Decorations) ‘ 1,000 Chamber of Commerce (Disaster Preparedness) ‘ 100 Pacific Palisades Historical Society ‘ 750 Nature of Wildworks ‘ 250 Sisters of St. Louis ‘ 250 Palisades Charter Schools Foundation ‘ 10,000 Palisades High School Booster Club ‘ 4,000 PRIDE Booster Club at Paul Revere ‘ 4,000 Palisades Elementary Enrichment Program ‘ 4,000 Friends of Marquez Elementary ‘ 4,000 Canyon Charter School Booster Club ‘ 4,000 Palisades PRIDE for the Marquez Business Block project ‘ 4,250 Palisades Beautiful ‘ 1,000 Pacific Palisades Garden Club ‘ 500
Key Questions Raised About Potrero Lots
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
By LINDA RENAUD and SUE PASCOE At the February Potrero Citizens Advisory Committee meeting, Norman Kulla, senior counsel to Councilman Bill Rosendahl, said city geologists have raised questions about the feasibility of building on some of the lots in Potrero Canyon because of possible “instability.” Is the city’s concern justified, given the double standard that currently exists regarding development of lots around Potrero’s rim? Why are some considered stable enough to build on while others are not? What safety standards are being used? The city says a lot has to be assessed every year for five years before it can be “certified.” Why is there building going on when the 20-year landfill project is not yet complete? What if there are other landslides? Of the 82 lots that border Potrero, 51 are owned by private citizens, 31 by the city. This count doesn’t include the 13 homes on Patterson Place or the homes on nearby Hampden Place that are also on the rim. The city acquired the lots, which were condemned starting in 1964, when the canyon was first found to be unstable because of landslides. While 21 of the city-owned lots are currently vacant, the other 10’located on Alma Real, De Pauw and Earlham’have homes on them which the city leases out. Eventually, all of the city-owned lots will be sold at auction to reimburse General Services for the estimated $30 million it has spent to date on the project. This includes $13 million to acquire the lots and another $17 million to buttress and fill the canyon’plus future costs to complete Phase II and III, which includes the creation of a park and riparian habitat at an estimated cost of $7 to $12 million. Work on the canyon came to a halt more than two years ago when the city lacked the $1.2- million needed at the time to complete Phase II, which is 95 percent complete. To raise the necessary funds, the city approved the sale of two lots on Alma Real, both with houses the city currently leases out. It is not known if the city’s concern regarding “instability” in Potrero will further delay the sale of these two lots, which is still awaiting Coastal Commission approval. Nor is it known if the city’s concern extends to the privately-held lots, most of which have homes on them that are occupied, as well as where new homes are being built’with the approval of both the city and the Coastal Commission. According to a 1990 city plot map, Friends Street has five private homes that flank the city’s 10 vacant lots, one of which was constructed in the last five years. Construction on another home is expected to begin in a few months. “The city has been helpful,” said Robert Klein, who with his wife JoAnn bought a lot on Friends from a private owner. “There have been no hold-ups, but the design process has taken a long time.” Using a local architect and building contractor, the Kleins have gone through the city planning and zoning, as well as complying with the Coastal Commission’s recommendations that the city has adopted for new construction. Klein said it took three years to reach the construction phase. Part of the reason for the delay were changes in the design, which the couple made after consulting with neighbors concerned about their views. Klein noted that many residents on the west side of Friends Street moved in when the lots across the street were vacant, and are not pleased about new homes being built on the canyon side of the street. From Friends, the street curves into Lombard, which has four privately owned houses on the canyon rim. Lombard weaves into Earlham, where there are three vacant privately owned lots. Public records show that a coastal development permit was issued May 19, 2005, to Westside Homes to develop three single-family dwellings on those lots. At press time there was no confirmation of the start date for construction. There are also two homes on Earlham facing Potrero’one owned by the city, the other by a private party. On De Pauw, there are 11 vacant city lots, as well as a city-owned house at 15237. At 15245 is a new private residence, located next to one of the vacant city lots. Continuing north there is another newly constructed private house, separated by a vacant private lot and a new house at 15257. Moving north there is another vacant city lot and then another city-owned house at 15265. On Alma Real, 27 houses line the canyon. The two owned by the city (615 and 623) are 10 houses down from the lower tennis courts at the Recreation Center. A new house was recently constructed at 644, which is just one lot removed from 623. Numerous new houses have been built in the 400 block of Alma Real. According to Alice Gong, project manager for Parks and Recreation, before the city can submit a permit amendment application to the Coastal Commission for the sale of the two Alma Real lots, it must produce a certificate saying that the lots have been stabilized. The J. Byer Group, the geo-technical people hired by the city for Phase II, may have the certifications, but the city still owes the company $27,000. The J. Byer Group had no comment for the Palisadian-Post. The Coastal Commission, an independent, quasi-judicial state agency established by voter initiative in 1972 (Proposition 20), become involved in Potrero Canyon in 1976. The commission oversees the coastal zone which varies in width from several hundred feet in highly urbanized areas up to five miles in certain rural areas. Curiously, not all of Potrero Canyon is under Coastal Commission jurisdiction. According to Al Padilla, Coastal Commission Program Analyst, the northern boundary along Alma Real is El Cerco Place, which means four of the houses on the canyon closest to the lower tennis courts are not included. Off the Swarthmore side of the canyon, Carthage street is the dividing line, which means that none of the houses along Patterson Place and about half of the homes on Hampden Place are also not included. When the Commission originally approved the Potrero project, it placed restrictions on the sale of the city-owned lots until all three phases were complete. While the amendment to allow for the sale of the two Alma Real lots is expected to be approved by the commission to finish Phase II, how the “certification” issue will be resolved is not known at this time.
Baseball Splits First Two Games
The Palisades High varsity baseball team scored four runs in the first inning of its season opener en route to an 11-2 victory over Glendale last Saturday. Austin Jones, Tim Sunderland and Garrett Champion each had three hits while Johnny Bromberg allowed two hits and no runs in five innings to earn the victory. On Monday, Palisades traveled to Cleveland and lost, 7-0, as Justin Kaid pitched a complete game two-hitter for the Cavaliers. Cleveland got back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning, the first of which was a grand slam. Palisades played a make-up game against Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on Wednesday (result unavailable at press time) and continues play in the Southern California Invitational on Saturday.
PPBA Begins New Season
The Palisades Pony Baseball Association’s 52nd season kicked off its 2006 season the last week of February as newly organized teams took to the Palisades Recreation Center’s Field of Dreams complex. A record 380 boys tried out, 30 more than last year. During the tryouts in January, the boys were asked to field grounders, catch fly balls and demonstrate their hitting. Exactly 320 players were drafted onto eight different teams in three different divisions. This year for the first time since PPBA was started the names of two of the teams, the Braves and Indian teams were dropped and the Cubs and Yankees have been added. “We did it because we have so many people from Chicago. We love the New York and Chicago base here,” PPBA Commissioner Bob Benton said. “When we told the little kids they were on the Yankees they were excited because they know the names of some of the players.” Pintos consist of mostly eight-year-olds with a few outstanding seven-year-olds and a few nine-year-olds who kept to help provide leadership for their younger teammates. Pinto games are Tuesday or Thursday and on Saturday morning. A pitching machine is used for this age group. The Mustangs are nine and ten-year-olds and play on Wednesday and at noon on Saturday. For many players its their first time facing a peer pitcher. Broncos are 11 and 12 and play on opposite diamonds than the Pintos on Tuesday and Saturday. On Friday night, the Pony division, consisting of 13 and 14-year-olds, plays at the Rec Center. The schedules for all teams in all divisions as well as other important announcements such as field closures are available on the PPBA Web site: www.ppba.net. Opening Day is slated for Saturday, March 18 at the Palisades Recreation Center at 851 Alma Real. The annual pancake breakfast goes from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Find your favorite local baseball player to purchase a ticket. The cost of admission is $3 and will include sausage, pancakes, coffee, orange juice and the chance to meet with all your friends, while waiting for the first games of the season to get underway. Commissioner Benton shared a piece of trivia about the Field of Dreams. The same people who constructed the baseball field in the Iowa cornfield for the movie “Field of Dreams” also built the “Field of Dreams” which is located in the Palisades. At 9 a.m., the first pitch will be thrown out at the Field of Dreams. The rumor is that Palisadian Ray Liotta will start the season with a fastball on the inside corner. Liotta starred as ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson in “The Field of Dreams.” He was also in “Goodfellas,” “Narc,” “Something Wild” and is currently in post- and pre-production on 11 different films, as well as awaiting the release of yet another.
Tennis Ready to Repeat
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Now that the Palisades High boys tennis team has reclaimed the City Section championship, it has no intention of giving up the trophy anytime soon. In fact, the Dolphins hope to build a dynasty reminiscent of years past and, at least on paper, they appear to be the clear-cut favorite to repeat. “This is my last year and I definitely want to go out on top,” said senior Seth Mandelkern. “What we accomplished last year was great but that won’t mean anything if we lose.” Palisades began last season as the hunter, trying to dethrone five-time City champion El Camino Real, which the Dolphins did with a 16 1/2-13 victory in the finals that ended the Conquistadors’ 80-match winning streak. Palisades begins this season as the hunted, knowing it will get the best from every team it plays. “Sure, there’s more pressure on us this year but that just makes it more exciting,” said Mason Hays, who will likely play No. 2 doubles with his best friend, fellow junior Michael Light. “We’re a lot more confident this year. Palisades is supposed to dominate in tennis and our motivation is to keep the tradition going.” Palisades has won 25 City titles in all and five in a row twice, from 1969-73 under previous coach Bud Ware and from 1995-99 under current coach Bud Kling. “We have a lot more depth than we did last year,” said Mandelkern, who will play No. 1 doubles with either junior Sepehr Safii or senior Stephen Surjue. “Last year we had holes in some positions but this year we’re solid all the way through the lineup.” Returning singles players Adam Deloje and Surjue will be joined by USTA-ranked freshman Chase Pekar and senior Ben Tom, who had played No. 2 singles as a ninth and 10th-grader before being suspended from the team his junior year for failing to complete Kling’s off-season program. “With four AP classes and college applications I just didn’t have time for tennis,” said Tom, who was still playing for the school soccer two weeks ago but has somehow found time to refine his groundstrokes. “The year off made me a lot hungrier. I’ve been squeezing in time to hit as much as I can and I think my game is coming around. The bad weather hasn’t helped, though. The more practice I get, the better.” Deloje, who transferred from Loyola High to play No. 1 singles for Pali last year, cited the fact that he might not play No. 1 as an indication of the Dolphins’ strength in singles. “I’m not too concerned what spot I play in,” Deloje said. “The great thing about being deep is that our lineup is interchangeable. We’ll probably be switching positions a lot depending on who we’re playing.” While Pekar has proven his mettle on the junior circuit, fellow freshman Justin Atlan survived two weeks of tryouts to emerge as a likely candidate to play doubles with senior Daniel Burge and junior George Hudak. “We’re going to make it hard on other teams in singles,” Kling said. “Even in a round robin situation a really strong player will have a tough time getting through our four guys. Our doubles should be just as good or better than last year too. Kling said the Dolphins will be the favorites to win City. Once again, their stiffest competition will likely come from the West Valley League. “From what I hear, [Woodland Hills] Taft is going to be the team to beat out there,” Kling said. “Unless they’ve had a huge infusion of talent, El Camino Real is going to be down this year. Granada Hills will be strong contenders as will Carson, Marshall and Eagle Rock.” The junior varsity will be paced by a talented pool of ninth-graders including Che Borja, Alexander Gaskin, Spencer Lewin, Jeremy Shore and Ali Yazdi. Sophomores Erik Eckhert and Mikele Grando round out the JV squad. “I like this group of kids and I’m looking forward to the season,” said Kling, who returned from the Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy, last week. Weather permitting, Palisades opened the season Wednesday at Manhattan Beach Mira Costa (result unavailable at press time). The Dolphins host Crossroads today and Beverly Hills next Tuesday at the Palisades Recreation Center. Both matches begin at 2:30 p.m.
