Anne-Elisa Schaffer Weds Jared Yeager at Marina Anne-Elisa Schaffer and Jared Tyler Yeager were married on May 27 at the Marina del Rey Marriott in a rooftop ceremony that was officiated by longtime friend of the bride and groom, Asa Shumskas-Tait. The bride, 24, is the daughter of Mark and Barbara Schaffer of Pacific Palisades. She attended Palisades High School and the USC School of Cinema-Television, where she received her B.A. in critical studies. She is the story editor at East of Doheny, a film/television/theater production company in West Hollywood. The bridegroom, 26, is the son of Bill and Kathy Yeager of Pasadena. He attended the USC School of Cinema-Television, where he received his B.A. in critical studies. He is an associate producer at Vivendi Games in West Los Angeles and also works as a voice-over artist. The bride’s maid of honor was Normandie Zeidler. Bridesmaids were Elizabeth Megel, Deidre Moore, Alison Veneto, Jenny Krochmal and Maya Kuttan. The best man was Ryan French. The groomsmen included Lawrence Everson, Adam Rauscher, Doug Spice, Zach Turner, Jesse Vigil and David Schaffer, the bride’s brother. The flower girl and ring bearer were Shelly and Alex Schaffer, the bride’s cousins. The bridegroom’s sister, Adrianna Yeager, read a selection from Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet.” Following their honeymoon in Australia and Hawaii, the newlyweds are living in West Los Angeles. Kao and Fritzsche Wed in Taiwan Palisades native Thomas Jones Fritzsche and Faye Kao were married February 24 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the bride’s hometown. Both bride and groom are respiratory therapists at UCLA Medical Center. The couple met at respiratory therapy school in Los Angeles. The bride is the daughter of Julie and Paul Kao of Temple City, California. She is a graduate of East Los Angeles College. The groom is the son of William and Delores Fritzsche of Pacific Palisades. He graduated from Corpus Christi School, Loyola High School and Humboldt State University. The bride was attended by matron of honor Vera Wang Chu. Her daughters Suzie Chu and Tammy Chu were flower girls. Vincent J. Fritzsche was his brother’s best man, and brothers William V. Fritzsche and James H. Fritzsche were groomsmen. The couple honeymooned in Hawaii and are at home in Temple City. Dunsmore and Barre Announce Engagement Brenda Dawn Dunsmore and Joshua Lessing Barre, both of Pacific Palisades, have announced their engagement. The future bride is the daughter of Margaret Dunsmore of Victorville and Bill Dunsmore of Oceanside. She is a 1996 graduate of Vista High School in Vista, California, and a 2000 graduate of UCLA, where she received a bachelor’s degree in economics. She is a supervisor at a real estate asset-management firm based in West Los Angeles. The future bridegroom is the son of Laurie Barre of Altadena and Guy Barre of Pacific Palisades. He is a 2002 graduate of American InterContinental University in Los Angeles, where he received a bachelor’s degree in information technology. He is a licensed real estate broker in the states of California, Nevada and Texas and the co-owner of RealPro, a real estate and mortgage brokerage firm headquartered in Pacific Palisades. The wedding is set for August 21 at Shutters on the Beach Hotel in Santa Monica. The couple plan to spend their honeymoon in Tahiti. They will live in Pacific Palisades. Kaszubowski and Cheng Exchange Vows in Miami Martin P. Kaszubowski and Jean Cheng were married on April 29 at Doral Resort and Spa in Miami. The bridegroom is the son of Drs. Krystyna and Pawel Kaszubowski, longtime Palisadians. The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Tina and Mr. Ray Cheng of Coral Springs, Florida. The bride is a very talented musician and plays on various instruments. She graduated from Florida State University with a B.A. degree in music and political science. After graduation, she played violin in the Atlanta Orchestra. The bridegroom, a doctor in the Air Force, graduated from the Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences in Washington D.C., in 2004 and currently works as a staff physician at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. He attended Corpus Christi School and Loyola High School and obtained his B.S. degree cum laude from UCLA in 2000. The groomsmen were Michael Kaszubowski, his older brother; Sergio Antoniuk, his best friend (also from Pacific Palisades); and the bride’s younger brother John. After enjoying a honeymoon trip to Hawaii, the young couple reside in their new home in Tucson. Just before the wedding, Martin served his first medical duty in Afghanistan.
Mustang All-Stars Win Section, Advance
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Sure, the Palisades Pony Baseball Association’s Mustang all-star team found comfort at home for the District Playoffs, yet it is also proving capable of winning in unfamiliar territory. Palisades clinched a berth in the Sectionals with a rousing 6-5 victory over Paramount last Wednesday at the Field of Dreams and the team rode that confidence to convincing victories over Norwalk and Lynwood last weekend in Manhattan Beach that earned the squad a spot in the Regional tournament, which begins today at Charter Oak Park in Covina. According to PPBA Commissioner Bob Benton, no local Mustang all-star team has ever advanced this far in the Pony playoffs. Palisades’ Pinto all-stars (ages 7-8) reached the Sectionals last year. “I’m so proud of each and every player’it has truly been a team effort to be Coast Division champs,” head coach Bill Elder said. “Obviously, we want to keep going but I want our team to savor this. To be one of the eight teams left in Southern California says a lot about how hard these kids have worked.” Palisades opened the Sectional tournament by beating Norwalk, 11-5, Saturday at Mira Costa High. Pali scored three runs in the top of the first inning and five more in the second to take a commanding 8-2 lead. Matt McGeagh and Jackson Kogan each went three-for-four at the plate. “It’s all about practice’if you get enough practice in, you are confident enough to throw all of your pitches,” said Pali’s left-handed ace Jackson Bantle, who turns 11 today. “The coaches tell us not to worry about the pressure, which makes it easier to do well.” Bantle was overpowering for the first three innings against Norwalk. Justin Ruder came on in the fourth and used his nasty curveball to keep opposing hitters lunging at air for the rest of the game. In Sunday’s championship game against Lynwood, Palisades starter Brett Elder, who had pitched a complete game in the victory over Paramount, had a rough first two innings before heeding the advice of his coaches to throw more curve balls. “[Assistant coach] Rick McGeagh and I noticed that their batters were sitting on the fast ball, just waiting for Brett to throw it,” Bill Elder said. “We also saw that they couldn’t hit the off-speed stuff, so in the third inning we decided to have our pitchers throw fewer fast balls.” The strategy worked, as Elder shut Lynwood down for the next two innings while Pali’s offense exploded for five runs in the first inning and three in the second. Matt McGeagh, Jackson Kogan and Dawson Rosenberg all had multiple hits and Bantle pitched the last two innings of the 10-5 win. “Our coaches remind us to keep our heads in the game, no matter what the score,” said third baseman Joe Rosenbaum, soon to be a sixth-grader at Paul Revere. “We know we can come back because we’ve done it before.” No game tested Pali’s resolve more than the win over Paramount that allowed the PPBA’s 9- and 10-year-old all-stars to advance to the Sectionals. Elder pitched a nine-hitter with four strikeouts, but the hosts still trailed 4-3 with two turns at bat left. In the top of the fifth, Beetley singled with one out, then scored the tying run on a single by Brett Elder. In the top of the sixth, Kogan singled to right to score Dawson Rosenberg, then Paul Kirkpatrick tripled to center to score Kogan. Matt McGeagh, who singled and hit a sacrifice fly to score Wylie Beetley against Paramount, relies on patience at the plate. “I always look for the high and inside pitch, and I hit it,” he said. Paramount threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth, but Elder got a strike out and catcher Jackson Kogan immediately threw a bullet to third base, where Kirkpatrick tagged a runner attempting a steal for the final out. Should Palisades win the Regional tournament, it would advance to the West Zonals in Chino Hills, where it would play for a berth in the World Series, to be held August 2-5 in Irving, Texas.
Black and Blue Champions
Pali Volleyball Club Teams Win Gold at Junior Olympics
They say that good things come to those who wait. Charlie Stennett can certainly relate. He has been a co-owner of the Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club for 22 years and has experienced his share of close calls and near-misses. Gratified would not be a strong enough word, then, to describe the way he felt after watching not one but two of his boys teams win national championships at this year’s Junior Olympics in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “I couldn’t be happier,” Stennett said. “We have a special group of kids and the coaches did a phenomenal job. I knew we would be strong but for two of our teams to finish first against the best competition in the country is pretty impressive.” Pali’s 15-1 “Blue” team, seeded No. 1 in the Open division, lost only two games in 11 matches at the four-day tournament and took first place with a 25-17, 25-23 sweep of Torrimar, a team from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, in the championship match last Wednesday afternoon. Two hours later, Pali’s 17-and-under “Black” team gave PPVBC its second first-place finish of the day by prevailing 20-25, 25-20, 17-15 over Outrigger of Honolulu, Hawaii, in the finals. The championship was vindication for Pali’s 15-and-under squad, which finished second in the 14s last year. This time, it would not be denied, thanks in part to head coach Matt Diaz and assistants Brian Beckwith and Bryan Stennett, both former PPVBC and Loyola High players. Beckwith, a first-team All-American setter at the University of Hawaii, played for Diaz for three years at PPVBC but never finished higher than fifth at the JOs. “It was great to have Brian helping us out,” Diaz said. “He bleeds Palisades volleyball and he was I think he was as thrilled that we won as any of the players because it’s one thing he never did.” Pali Blue’s only moment of drama came on the third day of pool play when it dropped the first game to Balboa Bay Club of Costa Mesa, 25-22, before rallying to win the final two games, 25-17, 15-8. In the semifinals, Pali made short work of Outrigger, 25-12, 25-18. Setter Oliver Deutschman was named most valuable player while fellow Palisadian Matthew Bagnard, an outside hitter at Harvard-Westlake High, was voted to the All-Tournament team along with Sean Berman of Santa Monica and Martin Tolentino of Culver City. Rounding out the squad were Jake Kneller of Westlake, Ian Satterfield of Manhattan Beach and local residents Matt Hanley (Palisades High), Michael Hartwick (Harvard-Westlake), Jacob Sachse (Crossroads), Robert Stoeckinger (Loyola) and Mason Wojciechowski (Crespi). While Pali’s 15s made their opponents blue using cool efficiency, the 17’s Black “attack” was clicking on all cylinders thanks in large part to the expertise of Jeff Campbell, the men’s coach at Cal State Northridge, who began working with the Pali team in June. Campbell was assisted by Ricardo Hernandez and Chris Mortimer. Seeded No. 2, Pali won 16 of 19 games in pool play and advanced through the medal round with a 25-8, 25-19 quarterfinal victory over Adversity Elite of Des Plaines, Illinois, and a grueling 20-25, 25-22, 22-20 win over Balboa Bay in the semifinals. “That was a really tough match,” said Palisades’ middle blocker Clark Porter, a senior-to-be at Harvard-Westlake. “The third game was only to 15 points but it kept going on and on. Beating Balboa Bay was huge because they beat us in the finals of the Boys Classic.” Seven of the team’s 12 players live in the Palisades and four of those players are teammates at Loyola: twin brothers Stephen and Douglas Brown, outside hitter Matthew Ricard and opposite Brian Scilacci, who was voted to the All-Tournament team along with Thomas McAndrews of Brentwood and most valuable player Hugh Wilton of West L.A. The other local players are middle bocker/outside hitter Sean Dennis, a teammate of Porter’s at Harvard-Westlake, and Paul Peterson, who attends Oaks Christian. Rounding out the squad were Matt Talamantes of Sun Valley and Santa Monica residents Ari Feldman and Bennett Duval. “We felt pretty confident going in that we could do well,” Porter said. “We ran a 6-2 [two-setter] offense that made us hard to stop.” Greg Wilson made the All-Tournament team for Pali’s 16-and-under club division squad and Matthew Moore earned All-Tournament honors for Pali’s 15-and-under club team. Deutschman, Satterfield and Robert Feathers, who plays on Pali’s 14s team, were among 20 players nationwide selected to participate in next week’s Boys USA Select Camp.
David J. Smith, 69; Passionate Tennis Player in the Highlands
Retired insurance executive David J. Smith, an avid tennis player and sometimes golfer, died July 3 after a three-year battle with colon cancer. He was 69. A Pacific Palisades resident since 1974, Dave was born in Greensburg, Indiana, on January 6, 1937. His father Perry, a naval officer stationed at Alameda during World War II, moved the family to the San Francisco Bay area in 1947 and pursued a graduate degree at Stanford University. The family settled in Hayward, where Dave attended high school and played on the school tennis team. Following a four-year stint in the Navy, Dave graduated from San Jose State University and began a career with the Insurance Company of North America in San Jose. This included positions in the field, Santa Rosa, San Francisco and head-office tenure in Philadelphia. Following a transfer from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to head the local claims office, Dave received an MBA degree from Pepperdine University and continued insurance work with Cravens Dargen Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Connecticut General. A merger with INA created CIGNA Insurance Company, from which he retired in 1997 after 35 years. Dave and his wife, Beverly, met in San Francisco. “I was living in the city and he was in the midst of moving down from Santa Rosa to the financial district,” Beverly recalled. “I was a high school counselor and one of the teachers at my school and her husband were good friends of David and they introduced us.” The husband, Wayne Westphal, was best man when Dave and Beverly married in March 1970. Beverly, who graduated from Washington State University in 1958, joined with her husband to establish the David and Beverly Dalstone Smith Endowment in the College of Liberal Arts at WSU. They were honored as Benefactors by the WSU Foundation last October for their 35 years of helping dozens of deserving students achieve their educational goals. Dave served for many years on the College of Liberal Arts advisory council and the WSU Southern California Leadership Council. After his retirement, Dave was a familiar figure on the tennis courts in the Palisades Highlands, where he belonged to half-a-dozen tennis groups. “He loved to cook and eat and watch basketball on television,” Beverly said, “but he also enjoyed running and walking up and down Palisades Drive to stay in shape.” A licensed real estate agent since the early 1980s (first for Jon Douglas, now with Coldwell Banker), Beverly enjoyed having Dave plan their travel adventures. “He handled the itinerary for trips to places like England, France, Bangkok and Hong Kong, and he loved our second home in the desert.” Dave was also a great reader, “especially mysteries,” said Beverly, “and all the nurses at St. John’s Hospital, where he had chemo for two-and-a-half years, remember him filling out the New York Times crossword puzzle’in ink.” Said family friend Lloyd Ahern, “Dave was a great guy’the sweetest, most authentic person you could know.” In addition to his wife of 36 years, Dave leaves a sister, Jane Gardner (husband Gene) of Redwood Valley, in Northern California. A reception to celebrate his life will be held in the Highlands on July 30 from 3-5 p.m. Contributions in his name can be made to SPCA-LA at 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles 90016.
Henry Norris, 84; Early Palisadian
Henry Norris, beloved husband of Robin, passed away peacefully at home on July 6 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 84. Hank, as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Hollywood on April 3, 1922. He grew up in Pacific Palisades, where his parents owned Norris Hardware, which is still operated today by family members. While a student at Hollywood High, Hank became an Eagle Scout. He continued his education in mechanical engineering at UCLA while working at Northrop Aircraft Corp. from 1942-44. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country during World War II, working as a draftsman. After his tour of duty, Hank returned to UCLA, where he earned his B.A. degree in mechanical engineering and had the honor of being a member of the first graduating class in that field of study at UCLA in 1949. Prior to graduation, Hank married Robin Wear, whom he had met while they both served in the Navy. Robin and Hank eventually made their home with their three boys in Sunland, where they lived for 30 years. Hank was active at Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church and in the Boys Scouts of America. He broadened his career experience by working for Librascope as a computer specialist for about nine years after college. Then, in 1962, he began his 25-year career with Jet Propulsion Laboratory, working in the NASA unmanned space exploration program. Before retiring as deputy assistant laboratory director in 1987 he earned many honors, one being the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 1976 for his work as project manager of the (Mars) Viking Project orbiter. After his retirement, Hank and Robin moved to Camarillo, where they made their home for the past 19 years. With this move, they became members of Camarillo United Methodist Church and enjoyed being closer to their sons and grandchildren. Hank is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Robin; sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Debbie Norris of Camarillo, Gordon and Louise Norris of Saugus and Bob and Pat Norris of Ojai; grandchildren, Tiffany Brooke, Sabrina, Jonathan, Cameron, Katie and Brenna; a brother, Benjamin Norris of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express thanks to the many caregivers with Comfort Keepers and Buena Vista Hospice. A service was held on July 10 at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Henry’s memory be made to Camarillo Hospice, 400 Rosewood Avenue, Suite 102, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Russ Peterson, 90; Revere Teacher
Russell Vernon Peterson, a long-time resident of Pacific Palisades, died July 5 in Palm Desert of complications from cancer at the age of 90. Born September 8, 1915 in Grady, Minnesota, Peterson was a captain in the U.S. Army from 1942-46. Ten years later, he was one of the first faculty members at Paul Revere Junior High, where he was a teacher and counselor for 35 years. He and fellow teacher Ray Normandin formed Teen Tours and for many summers took Palisades youth on educational bus trips throughout the United States. Peterson was the eighth president of the Palisades Optimist Club and remained a member for over 45 years. When he moved to Palm Desert, he and Vic Olsen, a former Palisades resident and also a past president of the Palisades Optimist Club, formed a new Optimist Club in Palm Desert. Peterson was preceded in death by his former wife, Jeannine Peterson, who passed away in 1994. He is survived by his wife Lee Peterson, whom he married in 1995, and his sister, Melphi Allen of Apple Valley. A funeral mass was celebrated July 12 at Sacred Heart Church in Palm Desert, with burial at Desert Memorial Cemetery in Cathedral City. Donations can be made to the Optimist Youth Fund in Palm Desert.
Sylvia Maibaum, Teacher
Sylvia Maibaum, a resident of Pacific Palisades for 54 years, passed away peacefully at her home on July 12, two days shy of her 96th birthday. Sylvia is survived by sons Matthew and Paul, daughter-in-law Julie Starr Dresner (Paul’s wife), and granddaughter Shanna Claire Maibaum (Julie and Paul’s daughter), all Pacific Palisades residents. She was the widow of screenwriter Richard Maibaum, who wrote the screenplays for, among many other films, 13 James Bond movies. Sylvia and Richard moved to the Palisades in 1952 to raise their two sons in what was then and still is one of the best communities in the Los Angeles area. Sylvia taught in the Los Angeles Unified School District for over 25 years, teaching first and second grades and then becoming a “Teaching Teacher” for students at UCLA who were student-teaching before receiving their final credentials. She taught at Walgrove Avenue School, Brentwood Elementary and Bellagio Road Elementary. An accomplished pianist, Sylvia also spoke fluent French and was active in the Barnard College Alumnae Association, having graduated from Barnard in 1931. Sylvia loved Pacific Palisades and made a point of frequenting the local businesses. Her favorite restaurant was Dante’s.
CLASSIFIED ADS FROM THE JULY 13, 2006 ISSUE OF THE PALISADIAN-POST
HOMES FOR SALE 1
MALIBU 4 BDRM WITH POOL & JACUZZI. Off Las Flores (Seaview Estates). To be sold to highest bidder by July 31st. No realtor involved. Call (310) 924-4354 or email bis@baldingerins.com 1508 PALISADES DR. E-PLAN. 3 bdrm, 212 ba, 2-car garage townhome with mountain views, pool/tennis/workout, 2 decks, new carpet. $865,000. (310) 704-9008 OCEAN VIEW PALISADES HOME in prestigious Bel Air Bay Club area. 3 bdrm, 2 ba+family rm. Stunning ocean views. Walk to beach. $2,395,000. Contact Adriane Kallie Westland, ReMax, (310) 403-5535. More info, pics at: www.LivingInThePalisades.com A HOME IN THE PALISADES. Ocean view home for sale. See and hear the surf. www.ahomeinthe palisades.comHOMES WANTED 1b
WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887HOME EVALUATION 1d
COMPLIMENTARY EVALUATION OF YOUR HOME. It’s fast, easy and it’s free! Visit www.WhatsmyHomeWorth.comFURNISHED HOMES 2
MAUI HOUSE WITH VIEW. 2 br, 2 ba non-smoking house in South Kihei w/ view of ocean, Lanai’i and Haleakala. Vintage Hawaiian furnishings, Lanai, BBQ, easy access to best beach on the gold coast. Available August 2006. Rent: $1,150/wk+deposits. Call (808) 879-9295. Local reference: (310) 459-7580 CABO SAN LUCAS: 1 week at beautiful Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort. Large presidential suite sleeps 6-8, ocean view, pool, spa, restaurants. Aug. 18-25. Call Hugh, (310) 459-7371, or email hughhmh0939@aol.comUNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
PACIFIC PALISADES WONDERFULLY UPDATED ’60s style house on the Castellammare bluffs. 3 bdrms, 2 ba, newly refinished hdwd floors, all white modern kitchen w/ all appliances, central heating and a/c. 2 car garage, pvt yd with lap pool and bonus rooftop jacuzzi with sunset views of the Pacific. $7,500/mo. 17929 Castellammare Pacific Palisades, 90272. Call Gary C. at the Beaumont Co., (323) 466-9761 (M-F, 8:30-5), (323) 314-7143 (evenings and weekends) EL MEDIO BLUFFS AREA 3 bdrm, 2 ba plus bonus rm, lrg mstr bdrm. All appliances. Corner home w/ mtn view. Priv bkyrd. Gardener incl. Avail 8/1/06-4/30/07. $4,300/mo. Call (310) 454-1669 2 BDRM, 2 BA TOWNHOUSE, 2-car garage, new carpet, paint, A/C, fireplace, patio, pool, tennis, laundry room. $2,650/mo. (909) 861-4493 PACIFIC PALISADES HOME 3 bdrm, 3 ba, large studio w/ deck and canyon view, living room with fireplace, 2 car garage, very clean. $4,200/mo. Call (661) 270-9231 IMPECCABLE 4 BR, 3.5 BA HM w/ oc/mt/cyn vus. Apx 5 min to town & beach. Master ste. w/ pvt study, cook’s kit, fam rm, vaulted ceilings, FR doors thruout open to patios, BBQ area & gdns. This home has it all. $10,000/mo. or furnished $12,000/mo. Adele Carlson, Prudential CA Realty, (310) 230-3747. ADELLE.MC@verizon.net 2 RM GUESTHOUSE. $1,200/mo. incl/util. Single employed female, no pets. (310) 459-1744 SEEKING ROOMMATE(S). 2 BDRM, 2 BA ocean view w/ deck, large spacious living room, fireplace, garage, W/D fridg, dishwasher, very clean. $2,000/mo. Avail mid-Aug.-Sept. (405) 413-6352UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
EDGEWATER TOWERS 1 BDRM, large patio, ocean view. Pools, gated security, covered parking, tennis gym and more. Available July. $2,300/mo. Telephone and fax: (310) 454-5652 NEAR OCEAN: 1 BDRM, 1 BA, Like new, patio, 2 parking, st. level. Walk to shops & rest. $1,300/mo. MUST BE OVER 62. Tel: (310) 454-0846 SUNSET IN THE VILLAGE. Spacious 2 bed, 2 bath, newly renovated, walk-in closets gated parking, security bldg, laundry. $2,700/mo. 1 yr lease. (310) 454-7743 $1,600/MO. ALL UTIL INCL. Charming, self contained 1 bdrm, private entrance, deck and garden. Great ocean view. No/pets, N/S. Call (310) 454-5444OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c
$950/mo. 15115 1/2 Sunset Blvd. #B. LITE & BRITE 2 room office suite. 2nd floor. Call agent, (310) 459-3493 MEDICAL SPACE: UPSCALE BUSY medical bldg. 300 sq. ft. Three office suite. Available 9/1/06. Call (310) 273-8700 OCEAN VIEW OFFICES in Palisades suite. Corner of Sunset & PCH, 4 furnished offices, minutes from Santa Monica and Malibu. DSL, Fax & phone lines. Shared conference & kitchen area. Receptionist available. $950 to $1,500/mo. Call John, (310) 566-1701 OFFICE FOR RENT. Available July 30. Sunset Blvd. Heart of Village. (310) 454-3521BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT SERVICES. QuickBooks, Ouicken, Word processing, Excel spreadsheets, Business Management. Professional, detail-oriented Palisades resident. Exlnt refs upon request. Victoria, (310) 454-2705COMPUTER SERVICES 7c
PUT YOUR COMPUTER TO WORK – PC BASED CAMERA SURVEILLANCE-Featuring: Live Viewing via Internet & Record to Hard Drive. Easy to Use Low Cost Solutions-4 to 16 Cameras – 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 COMPUTER PROBLEMS? Discount prices. Call now for immediate service. Local Palisadian. Taylor, (310) 382-0735GARAGE, 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
HOME & HOME OFFICE MANAGEMENT. Do you need regular assistance, but not full time help? 15 yrs exper, exclnt refs. Website: www.paulapopins.com. (310) 455-4281NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
NANNY/BABYSITTER available Monday-Friday. Excellent Palisades references, experience with newborns. Call Rosie, (323) 962-8486 LVN NURSE. A 53 yr widow RN student. Energetic, reliable. Available evenings/wkends for preemies, newborns to teens. In N/S homes, offices and sets. Local references. Miss R, (310) 621-7781 NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER available 3 days, Monday, Tuesday, Saturday. Excellent local references. Love kids. Call Azucena anytime. Hm: (310) 419-7718, or cell: (310) 782-4552 NANNY EXPERIENCED WITH CHILDREN. DMV clean record, bilingual Spanish/English. Available Mon.-Sat. Live out. Please call Marie, hm (323) 292-5194, cell (310) 465-5621, cell (310) 430-3915HOUSEKEEPERS 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 HOUSECLEANING OR BABYSITTING available Mon. thru Fri., 7 a.m.-4 p.m. L/O. References, experienced with children. Own transportation. Please call Imelda, (323) 752-5244 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday-Friday, Live-out, excellent references, English. Please call Reyna, (323) 217-6019ELDER 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) 692-3692 EXPERIENCED ASSISTED LIVING OR ACTIVITY ASSISTANT. Can drive and have own transportation, good record. Love swimming. Great helper. Call (310) 271-6709GARDENING, 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 POND CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN: Water gardening. Japanese Koi fish. Filtration pond service, repair & maintence. Free estimates. Cell, (310) 498-5380, (310) 390-1276. Visit us at www.TheKingKoi.com GARCIA GARDENING SERVICE – Maintenance – Sprinkler Systems – Planting – Clean-up – Landscape – (310) 733-7414MOVING & 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
HAVING A PARTY? SELLING some real estate or just want to do some spring cleaning? Get those WINDOWS SHINING by calling No Streak Window Cleaning, where we offer fast friendly quality service you can count on! For a free estimate call Marcus, (323) 632-7207. Lic. #122194-49. Bonded EXPERT WINDOW CLEANER 20 years Westside. Clean and detailed. Free estimates, sills and screens included. Up to two stories only. Brian, (310) 289-5279MISCELLANEOUS 13i
PRESSURE WASHING. Superior cleaning, driveways, walkways, patios. 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. Playgroups and hikes. 30 yrs Pali resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog. HAPPY PET – Dog Walking – Park Outings – Socialization. Connie, (310) 230-3829SCHOOLS, 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 PRIVATE PIANO INSTRUCTION IN YOUR HOME: Customized learning made FUN! Classical – Modern – Jazz – See results. KIDS & ADULTS. Palisades Chamber member. Sandra, (310) 666-4149 HIGHLY GIFTED CHILDREN WANTED. Small school, Santa Monica, Project based, individualized instruction. Ages 9-14. (310) 880-9369TUTORS 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 CLEARLY MATH TUTORING. Specializing in math! Elementary thru college level. Test prep, algebra, trig, geom, calculus. Fun, caring, creative, indivdualized tutoring. Math anxiety. Call Jamie, (310) 459-4722 LANGUAGE ARTS TUTORING. Secondary credentialed teacher in English from USC, ten years experience. Specializing in grammar, writing and test preparation. Call Louise, (310) 459-2433 INSPIRATION & ORIGINALITY. Articulate your ideas with dramatic writing. Realizing one’s imagination with words is a formidable tool for improving confidence. The same process used in verbal communication is an essential skill in social interaction. 8-15 years. Taught by screen and short story writer who has worked with LA’s Young Storytellers Program and the Writers Guild foundation’s High School Screenwriting Workshops. (310) 993-3037 or mayleparis@hotmail.com WANT REAL GUITAR LESSONS? Palisades local teacher. Beginning to advanced. Any genre or style. Private lessons $30/hr. Flexible hours. (310) 454-8222 or leave message at (310) 359-3942 MATH TUTOR/CHESS LESSONS. Three-time USA Math Olympiad participant, Stanford freshman. All levels: test prep, algebra, geometry, calculus and more. Call David, (310) 569-2166 SPANISH TUTOR CERTIFIED TEACHER for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications and experience. Palisades resident. Many good references. Amazing system. Affordable rates. Marietta, (310) 459-8180SUMMER CAMPS 15f
CAMP HIGHLANDS SUMMER DAY CAMP. 6/26-8/25 Flexible Use, sports, games, swimming, different activities weekly, 17005 Palisades Circle. Call (310) 459-4083CABINET 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) 450-6237ELECTRICAL 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, 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 PETERPAN – Quality home repair. Serving entire Westside. (Not lic.) Ask for Peter, (310) 663-3633 AVALON ESTATE MAINTENANCE. Specializing in all aspects of home repair. Reasonable rates. Refs available. Prompt service. Non-lic. Call Dustin, (310) 924-2711HEATING & 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) 678-6634REMODELING 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. #769443 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) 230-2930HELP WANTED 17
DRIVERS: EARN MORE AT WERNER ENTERPRISES. Western region runs. Also seeking inexperienced and seasonal drivers. (800) 346-2818 ext 123 ADMIN/PR. Fast-paced, upscale office in Pacific Palisades. Will train & reward. PT/FT. Call (310) 454-0317 PRE-SCHOOL TEACHER NEEDED who loves children, art, music. Team player, must have experience, and 12 ECE units. Begins September 2006. Fax resume to: (310) 454-7203 PACIFIC PALISADES PROFESSIONAL FIRM seeks receptionist/admin ass’t who can multi-task; is detail oriented; and has professional telephone manner. Accounts receivable detail experience helpful; seasonal overtime. Excellent salary; 401k Plan; health insurance; and flex-time. Please fax resume to (310) 313-0242. HOUSEKEEPER/NANNY NEEDED Tues.-Sat., 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Excellent English & refs req’d. Must drive. Please call (310) 581-8891 and lv message. WANTED: INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES, Palisades Elementary. Hrs: 15/wk. Time: 8:30-11:30. Days: Mon.-Fri. Making a difference in a child’s life: Priceless! Call (310) 454-3700 or fax resume, (310) 459-5627 LADY WANTED FOR LIVE-IN position. Light housekeeping. Help with handicapped daughter. (310) 457-3393 DRIVERS: What makes us different? EVERYTHING! New start at a new southwest division! CDL-A, 2 yrs, OTR EXP. Welcome home! VOYAGER EXPRESS, Cody, (866) 528-6885 PERSONAL ASSISTANT/CHILDCARE helper needed for afternoons. Monday-Friday. 15 hours per week usually after 3 p.m. $15/hr. Rebeccalobl@earthlink.net RECEPTIONIST/ADMIN ASSIST wanted for busy doctors office. Friendly, sharp, multitasking, motivated with computer and phone skills. F/T wage depending on experience. Apply in person, 16624 Marquez Ave. Fax resume: (310) 230-1646 email resume staff@palichiro.com.AUTOS 18b
CASH FOR YOUR CARS $$ Foreign or domestic. Running or not. Friendly professional buyer. We come to you & handle all paperwork. Local references. Please call (310) 995-5898 2004 DODGE DURANGO. Take over lease. $564/mo. lease with 18 months left. Great condition! Available to purchase. Call Mike, (310) 230-1080FURNITURE 18c
ALL ITEMS UNUSED. Queen mattress set, cost $595, sacrifice $195. Dinette set cost $495, sacrifice $195. Sofa sectional, cost $1,295, sacrifice $695. Chest of drawers, cost $595, sacrifice $295. (310) 451-2319 TRAVERTINE TABLE. 32″ square, 19″ high. $150 obo. Call (310) 472-8333 after 4 p.m. FRENCH DRESSER, BELLINI BABY-SET, bookcase, desk, lamps and much much more! Please call (310) 454-4210GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
34TH ANNUAL MALIBU LAWN SALE! Antique hall tree, small old dressers w/ mirrors, pine hutch, trunks, Victorian rocker, oak cabinets, fine glass, china, copper, brass, silver, pottery, vintage linens, laces, quilts, Victorian clothes, much orientalia, wooden pheasant antiques. Jewelry: costume, silver, gold, Indian, Indian baskets, framed antique prints, empty frames, country kitchen, collector’s tools, much MORE. SAT.-SUN., July 15-16, 9:30 a.m. (NO EARLIER). 5838 Bonsall Dr., Zuma Canyon. DON’T MISS! DELIGHTFUL cross section of fine/familiar/fun/old/new/antique/contemporary merchandise! Everything from Eng. door knockers to quilt hangers! Knick-knacks/collectibles/lite fixtures/linens/books/this ‘n that/etc. A “fun” browse! 744 Jacon Way. FRI.-SAT., July 14-15; 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. DIPLOMATIC MOVING SALE! Electrical Appliances. New lady bicycle. Some furniture, television sets and more. (310) 472-6896PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e
SCHNAUZER PUPPY FOR SALE. Potty trained shots, AKC papers. $1,000. Call (310) 586-0162MISCELLANEOUS 18g
DODGER TICKETS: 4 Field seats behind home plate plus parking. August 9th, 11th, 14th, 29th. GREAT SEATS. (310) 459-3458WANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, ’50s, ’60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 306-7746 – profeti2001@yahoo.comCalendar for the Week of July 13, 2006
THURSDAY, JULY 13 Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m., Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Public invited. D.J. Waldie signs “Where We Are Now: Notes From Los Angeles,” an exploration of the meaning of place in Los Angeles, long regarded as one of the most “placeless” of American cities, 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. (See story, page 16.) Weekly campfire program in Temescal Gateway Park, 8 p.m. at the campfire center next to the dining hall, through August 24. Enjoy a fireside program led by local naturalists and celebrate the campfire tradition with stories, songs and (free) marshmallows. Bring stories to share and a picnic dinner. Parking is $5. Contact: 454-1395, ext. 106. FRIDAY, JULY 14 Theatre Palisades’ production of Bernard Slade’s murder-mystery thriller “Fatal Attraction” (not the movie) runs through July 16 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Dr. The show plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: 454-1970. Box office hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY, JULY 15 Community volunteers are needed for a work party on the Village Green, 9 to 11 a.m.. Newcomers especially are welcome. Just bring shears and gloves. Contact: Marge Gold at 459-5167. Bonne Musique Zydeco, a top Southern California band, will bring their infectious rhythms and beat to the Palisades Branch Library and perform a free outdoor concert at 3:30 p.m. The band was formed in 1991 by Louisiana musicians living in California who wanted to bring home-brewed zydeco music to our state. SUNDAY, JULY 16 Amy Ephron signs “One Sunday Morning,” a riveting drama of gossip, indiscretion, secrets and betrayal in Jazz Age New York, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Village Books on Swarthmore. (See story, page 16.) Weekly Summer Splash program, featuring family games, activities and music, 5 to 7 p.m. at the YMCA pool in Temescal Gateway Park. Free admission. Bring a swimsuit, bring a picnic, bring a friend. TUESDAY, JULY 18 Tuesday Night Hikes, organized by the Temescal Canyon Association, Meet at 6 p.m. in the Temescal Gateway parking lot at the corner of Sunset and Temescal Canyon Rd. for carpooling. Public invited. Expect to return between 8 and 9 p.m. Story-craft time, for children 4 and older, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Listen to stories and build on them. The Malibu-Palisades Orchid Society will hold its annual “Ask the Experts” meeting, 7 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. (See story, page 16.) WEDNESDAY, JULY 19 The Teen Summer Reading Club presents “Magic and Illusions,” featuring Allen Oshiro from Hollywood’s Magic Castle, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room. Admission is free. (See story, page 15.) Monthly meeting of the Potrero Canyon Citizens Advisory Committee, 7:15 p.m. in the old gym at the Palisades Recreation Center, 851 Alma Real. Public invited. THURSDAY, JULY 20 Palisades residents Sylvia and Jon Boyd will speak at the Palisades Rotary Club breakfast meeting about their role introducing Tupperware to the world, 7:15 a.m., now at Gladstone’s restaurant, corner of Sunset and PCH. The public is welcome. Scott Frost, author of the Village Books bestseller “Run the Risk,” returns to sign his second Alex Delillo mystery, “Never Fear,” 7:30 p.m., Village Books on Swarthmore. Weekly campfire program in Temescal Gateway Park, 8 p.m. at the campfire center next to the dining hall, through August 24. Enjoy a fireside program led by local naturalists and celebrate the campfire tradition with stories, songs and (free) marshmallows. Parking is $5. FRIDAY, JULY 21 Palisades Beautiful meeting, 10 a.m. in the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Agenda discussions include planting of residential parkway trees in the Palisades this fall and facilitating the removal of dead trees and stumps. The public is invited.
Palisadian Meets with President and Military Support Groups
Palisades-based America Supporting Americans (ASA), an organization that aims to boost troop morale, received some national publicity on June 26 when president and founder Linda Patterson traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Bush. Patterson, a 20-year Palisadian, met with Bush in the West Wing to discuss her work. She was accompanied by other members of America Supports You (ASY), an outreach program launched by the Department of Defense to highlight citizens’ support for military men and women. During the hour-long meeting, the president expressed his own appreciation for the troops’ efforts. “We ask a lot of those who wear our uniform. We ask them to leave their loved ones, to travel great distances, to risk injury, even to be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. They are dedicated, they are honorable; they represent the best of our country. And we are grateful,” said Bush. The president also thanked the ASY coalition’s support of troops at home and abroad. “One of the amazing things about America is that people are desirous of coming together to support a neighbor in need,” he said. “We’ve got people at this table who are supporting their families, their loved ones, and most importantly, the troops that are in harm’s way.” Patterson was grateful for the president’s remarks and support of ASA. “It was a great honor for me to attend this meeting with the president. Recognition of this magnitude fuels ASA’s passion to let service members across the world know how much America supports them,” she said. Citing the publicity generated by the meeting, Patterson spoke about the importance of exposure for ASA’s continued growth and success. “I was on the Larry King Live show just before we went into Iraq, in 2003. Even though I was on his show for just 20 minutes, in that period my Web site went from having 300 hits to 32,000. The power of the press will get ASA out there. “I know there are people out there who want to help but don’t know about the organizations,” Patterson added. “Families come to us and say, ‘I wish I had known about this two years ago when my son first deployed; I just found out about it for his second or third deployment.’ Our meeting with President Bush was a way of showing the country what’s out there, what type of organizations–a way to let people know that whatever way they want to support our troops, it’s there.” Patterson also praised the work of organizations affiliated with ASY, which include USA Cares, a Kentucky-based group that provides grants to military families for necessities such as paying utility bills and putting food on the table, and Packed With Pride, a charity based in Stockton that sends care packages to troops. “There are approximately 200 nonprofits supporting our troops,” Patterson said. “But when compared to the number of troops, this is small number of groups doing a remarkable amount of good work. “I know the president realizes how relevant this is to the morale of our troops.” Patterson emphasized that troop support at home is even more vital given the relative unpopularity of the current Iraq war. “It’s important for Americans to separate the warriors from the war,” she said. “We should not take our personal [political] opinions out on our troops, who are making enormous sacrifices and are separated from their families.” Patterson started ASA in 1967 when her brother, Sgt. Joe Artavia, wrote her from Vietnam asking her to help raise the flagging morale of his unit. Patterson, who then lived in San Mateo, asked her hometown to “adopt” Joe’s company, and San Mateo agreed. Joe was killed in action two weeks later. Since then, Patterson has led ASA and its flagship “Adopt-A-Unit” program, working with civic and community groups to facilitate “adoptions” between communities and military units. These communities–now numbering more than 60–send letters and care packages to their adopted troops. “It doesn’t take much to put a smile on soldiers’ faces,” Patterson said. “Just tell them you are proud of them and know their mission may place them in harm’s way. It helps them to know that their hometown doesn’t need to be where they were born but can be Anywhere, USA.” Contact: 459-5625 or visit www.asa-usa.org.
