Home Blog Page 2386

Margarita C. Alvarez, 84; Valued Assistant at UCLA

By
dev
-

Margarita Cecelia Alvarez, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, died in Santa Monica on March 26 from complications following a stroke. She was 84. She was known to her six grandchildren and one great grandchild as “Nanie,” to her four children as “Mom” and to all who knew her as one of the most loving persons they had ever met. A fourth-generation Californian, Margarita was born in San Jose on November 22, 1921. She grew up with her sister and three brothers on a family ranch near the Quick Silver Mines. She attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. Alvarez was excellent at the jitterbug and met her husband during World War II at Friday and Saturday dances in San Jose. They married and moved to Los Angeles, where she started raising her family. She was active in PTA. Although she never went to college, education was important to her and she inspired all four of her children to attend. She took her love for education and inspired students at UCLA where she was an Administrative Assistant at UCLA’s Department of Spanish and Portuguese for more than 20 years. Alvarez was proud to have helped the professors and students who still value her past encouragement and guidance; some even dedicated their theses to her. She leaves behind her children, Linda Alvarez (husband Leo Perez) of Pacific Palisades, Raymond Alvarez (wife Virginia) of North Hills, Marina Aronoff (husband Steven) of Pacific Palisades, and Sylvia Thatcher (husband John) of Newbury Park; grandchildren John and Jeff Thatcher, Mark and Marisa Aronoff, Daniel and Christine Alvarez, and Michael Alvarez (deceased); great-grandchild Sydney Thatcher; and sister Mary Jane David. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Vigil is tomorrow, March 31, from 5 to 8 p.m., and rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Gates Kingsley & Gates Chapel in Santa Monica. A funeral mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Liam Kidney at 11 a.m. Saturday at Corpus Christi Church. Interment immediately follows at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City.

Anne Ester Lehto, 93; Longtime Palisadian

By
dev
-

Anne Ester Lehto passed away on Tuesday, December 6’Finnish Independence Day’at her home in Pacific Palisades. She was 93. Anne was born in Finland on January 21, 1912, yet she always said that this was the best country. She was proud to be an American and especially loved the Palisades. She was the beloved wife of the late Kauko Johannes Lehto for 51 years. She is survived by her daughters Inari Schultz (husband Edward) of Clyde Hill, Washington, and Helena Fiksdal of Pacific Palisades; grandchildren Eric (wife Bonnie) and Helene Schultz and Alisa, Erika and Krystal Fiksdal. Anne was a lady of tremendous style and elegance.

CLASSIFIED ADS FROM THE MARCH 30, 2006 ISSUE OF THE PALISADIAN-POST

By
dev
-

HOMES FOR SALE 1

INCREDIBLE WATERFRONT HOME, Kitsap County, WA. 2,300 sq ft custom 4 bdrm, 2.5 ba. 96 ft. low bank. Only $599,500! Owner/agent, (360) 265-3652. Janellis16@hotmail.com. REDUCED. 912 El Medio. $3,650,000. Large 4 bdrm, 4 1/2 ba. HUGE LOT, guest house, separate office with separate entrance, pool, spa, 3 car garage. VIEW. By appt. Broker, (310) 459-0749

HOMES WANTED 1b

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

HOME EXCHANGE 1c

CHARMING GARDEN APT. IN HAMPSTEAD, LONDON. Offer to swap for August to visit our Palisades based family. Would consider also offering one week in our large villa with pool in Italy. London apt. is big enough for family of 4 or 5. 1 master bdrm, kids room w/ bunk bed and one more small single bdrm. 2 ba and lg fenced garden. Contact by email: kwolman@blueyonder.co.uk

FURNISHED HOMES 2

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) 459-0765

UNFURNISHED 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. $3,900/mo. Saul Berman, Sotheby’s Realty, (310) 497-2720 2 BDRM, 1 3/4 BA, CLEAN, CUTE, village close. 1054 Hartzell. $3,300/mo. Available April 15th. Call (310) 454-5519

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

BRENTWOOD GUEST QUARTERS. Private entrance, 3 rooms plus bath. N/S, weekly cleaning, utilities included. No pets. $1,675/mo. Call 8-9 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m. (310) 472-307

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

1 BEDROOM, 1 BATH condo at Edgewater complex (PCH & Sunset), water/electricity/gas included, central heating/AC, large patio PCH & Sunset, $2,200/mo. (310) 428-9453 WALK TO VILLAGE. Fabulous condominium. 2+2, formal dining, oversized patios, hardwood floors, sunny, pool. $3,200/mo. (310) 454-7340 or (310) 804-5612 VILLAGE 1 BDRM APT. 85512 Via de la Paz. $1,515/mo. References, security dep. Avail 30th April or before. (310) 454-4668 1 BDRM, 1 BA MOBILE HOME at the beach. Yard, patio, sundeck, ocean view. $1,650/mo. No smoking. No pets. Call (310) 459-8538, cell (310) 895-0537

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

FURNISHED/UNFURNISHED Master bdrm, bath in Palisades home. 2 double closets & sunny. Use of kitchen, laundry, yard. Close to trails. $920/mo. (310) 454-8520

WANTED 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 RECENT LAW SCHOOL GRADUATE looking in Palisades area for an apartment or guest house to rent. Clean, responsible, friendly with excellent employment. Non-smoker. Loves pets, children, life. Handy with tools. Able to house/ pet/babysit. Call Michael, (312) 375-5622

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

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 LARGE CORNER OFFICE 320 sq. ft. in Palisades village. 15135 Sunset. Second floor, $1,370/mo. (310) 454-0840 or (310) 600-3603

VACATION 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.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5

I’M THE CEO of my life. Are You? Executive Pay Without Executive Stress! (800) 841-8702 FreedomMyWay.com

LOST & 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) 740-5849 FOUND: SMALL GREY bicycle. Anyone who wants to claim it call Palisades Patrol. Be prepared to give a serial number or identify. (310) 454-7741

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 FREE YOURSELF FROM THE OFFICE! Want to work from home or anywhere you want? Got a Virus? The Mobile Office Professional CAN HELP! Call QTutors, (602) 625-3381 TAX PREPARATION, Over 30 years’ experience. ALL ASPECTS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTING, Including Business and Personal Accounting, Business Management//Entertainment Industry, Assist w/ Tax Filing Extensions (Palisades Resident). Software: Lacerte Tax, Quickbooks. SILVERMAN CO. (310) 454-5822 – ssscpa@aol.com

GARAGE, 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 References

ORGANIZING 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) 573-9263

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

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 HOME HELP! I would love to help you organize kids, errands, pets, cook, office help. 20 years experience. Excellent local references. Call Ruth, (310) 429-2459

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

“PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.” We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419 HOUSEKEEPER OR BABYSITTER available now Monday-Friday. Experienced. Local references. Own car. Please call Imelda or Carolina, (323) 752-5244 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE TO WORK for you immediately. References Monday-Friday. Please call Enriqueta, H (310) 280-0420, or cell (310) 383-0862 EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER AVAIL weekdays Mon.-Fri. Expert cleaning, laundry, errands, English-speaking, own transportation, trustworthy. Pacific Palisades & Malibu refs. Roxanne, (323) 293-4917 EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE 3 days/week, Tues. Thurs. & Sat. Speak English. I have my own transportation. Good references. Please call Adelina at (323) 737-7158 or (323) 527-4538

ELDER 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 COMPANION/CAREGIVER Live-in 24/7. Capable of light housework, meal preparation and drive. References available. Call Precious at (323) 404-5043. Email preciosazgarcia@yahoo.com

GARDENING, LANDSCAPING 11

PALISADES GARDENING – Full Gardening Service – Sprinkler Install – Tree Trim – Sodding/Seeding – Sprays, non-toxic – FREE 10″ Flats, Pansies, Snap, Impatiens. (310) 568-0989 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) 271-0963 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

MOVING & HAULING 11b

HONEST MAN SERVICES. 14″ van & dollies. Small jobs to 2 bedrooms. Hauls it all. California/Nevada. Over 12 years. Westside experience. (310) 285-8688

HEALING ARTS 12

HEAL YOUR LIFE at the DNA Cellular Level. Transform yourself with caring, compassionate spiritual counseling. Gain clarity about root causes of your painful issues, with help from an experienced intuitive who knows how to walk you through the shadows and into the Light. Begin changing your life NOW. Contact: Selacia, (310) 915-2884, Selacia@Selacia.com, www.Selacia.com

WINDOW 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) 632-7207

MISCELLANEOUS 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) 459-9000

PERSONAL SERVICES 14f

DO YOU HAVE MEDICARE? I can find the best and least expensive Medicare Part D prescription plan for you. Private and confidential. (Save $$-join by 5/15). Paula, (310) 454-8694

PET 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, local. Lisa Lukas, (310) 454-0859 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) 517-0566

TUTORS 15e

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION. EXPERIENCED TUTOR 20+ YEARS. Children & adults, 20+ yrs teaching/tutoring exper. MATH, GRAMMAR, WRITING & STUDY SKILLS. Formerly special ed teacher. Call (310) 313-2530. SCIENCE & MATH TUTOR, All levels (elementary to college). Ph.D., MIT graduate, 30 years experience. Ed Kanegsberg, (310) 459-3614 MS. SCIENCE TUTOR. Ph.D., Experienced, Palisades resident. Tutor All Ages In Your Home. Marie, (310) 888-7145 EXPERIENCED SPANISH TUTOR. All 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 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 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 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) 459-2312 COMPUTER LESSONS. Working on an assignment for school or work, but need help? From the Basics to Web Design to Viruses, WE CAN HELP! Call QTutors, (602) 625-3381 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 SAT MATH TUTOR. Ten score 650 plus on June SAT Math, if commit to 2 months. Tutoring 5 hrs/wk plus homework and practice test. No gimmicks, just hard work. Please, only dedicated students. Hubert, (310) 573-7088

CABINET 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.com

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.com

CONSTRUCTION 16d

CASTLE CONSTRUCTION. New homes, remodeling, additions, fine finish carpentry. Serving the Westside for 20 yrs. Lic. #649995. Call James, (310) 450-6237 PALISADES CONSTRUCTION SERVICES. KEVIN B. NUNNELEY. (310) 454-5029. Local References Avail. Lic. #375858

ELECTRICAL 16h

PALISADES ELECTRIC, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437. Insured. Professional Service ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local Service Only (Not lic.). Please Call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286

FENCES 16j

THE FENCE MAN. 14 years quality workmanship. Wood fences – Decks – Gates – Chainlink & overhang. Lic. #663238, bonded. (818) 706-1996

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.com

HANDYMAN 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) 663-3633 AVALON ESTATE MAINTENANCE. Specializing in all aspects of home repair. Reasonable rates. Refs available. Prompt service. Non-lic. Call Dustin, (310) 924-2711

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16o

SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942 (310) 393-5686

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16q

PAUL HORST – Interior & Exterior – PAINTING – 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) 454-6604 QUALITY PAINTING PLUS: Free estimates. Family owned and operated for three generations. Serving southern California since 1979. Interior/exterior, residential/commercial. Only high grade materials applied. Lic. #698939. James Welsh, (310) 663-3914

PLUMBING 16s

BOTHAM PLUMBING AND HEATING. Lic. #839118. (310) 827-4040 JLK PLUMBING. Re-pipe and sewer specialist & all plumbing repairs. Mention this ad & receive 10% off. Lic. #722414. Call (310) 678-6634

REMODELING 16u

KANAN CONSTRUCTION – References. BONDED – INSURED – St. Lic. #554451 – DANIEL J. KANAN, CONTRACTOR, (310) 451-3540 / (800) 585-4-DAN LABOR OF LOVE HOME REPAIR & REMODEL. Kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, tile, doors, windows, decks, etc. Work guar. Ken Bass, General Contractor. Lic. #B767950. (310) 455-0803 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

HELP WANTED 17

DRIVERS GREAT PAY, BENEFITS AND BONUSES! The lifestyle you deserve! Regional and team work. WERNER ENTERPRISES, (800) 346-2818 ext 123 PATROL OFFICER, ARMED, P/T or F/T. Great benefits, high pay. CA BSIS permit and CA POST cert. required. Call today, (310) 454-7741 or email patrol@gatessecurity.com AAA HOME INCOME. 23 people needed NOW. Earn PT/FT income. Apply online to get started: www.wahusa.com 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 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 PART TIME NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER. Must speak English and drive. Great with kids. Flexible hours. Wed., Thurs., Fri. Call (310) 387-7722 LOOKING FOR LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER/NANNY. Tuesday thru Saturday, or Monday thru Friday. Must have experience with children, cleaning. References please. (310) 573-3663 PERSONAL ASSISTANT/CHILDCARE provider needed for 7 year old girl, 10 year old boy, afternoons. Additional hours as necessary. Rebeccalobl@earthlink.net. YMCA/SUMMER DAY CAMP OPPORTUNITIES! We need Camp Directors, Counselors, an Art Director, Hiking and Nature Director to closely supervise and educate the children in the summer camp program, by maintaining a safe and stimulating environment. Each employee is responsible for planning programs for their group of campers and coordinating their programs within the camp. QUALIFICATIONS: High school diploma, GED, or further education. Experience working with children is preferred but not required. CPR and First Aid Certification. Flexibility and ability to adjust to varying situations. Creativeness, patience, understanding, co-operation, and common sense. www.YMCALA.org/PM. Jason Forman, (310) 454-5591 OFFICE MANAGER, GOOD CUSTOMER service skills. Computer literate for new physical rehabilitation clinic. Fax resume: (310) 454-5049 LEAD GUITAR PLAYER WANTED: Looking for mature and accomplished lead guitar player (40+ yr old) to play with local Palisades band (The Garden Weasels) specializing in ’60s and ’70s music. We play occasional gigs, parties, clubs, etc about one gig every two or three months. Together 15 years. Mainly to have fun, money is not major factor. Practice locally in Palisades at homes of band members. Beatles, Eagles, Clapton, Doobies. We do lots of vocals, but we need a lead player. Ours just moved to Phoenix under suspicious circumstances. Call Len, (310) 459-5243, or Don, (310) 459-3170 HOUSEKEEPER/NANNY needed part-time short term. Available immediately to Santa Monica Family. Drive own car, speak English. Call Claudette, (310) 451-8723 SUBTLETONES LOOKING FOR PART TIME and FULL TIME employees in all of our locations, Santa Monica, Palm Desert, Newport Beach. Please contact Janna at Santa Monica store, (310) 576-0504, or email jannac@subtletones.com ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT proficient in Excel and other MS Office products; Windows XP, Internet Explorer. Must have professional communication skills. Full time, salary based on experience. Contact: HumanResources@perrknight.com DRIVERS: $1,000 BONUS! Just for hauling your FIRST flatbed load. Call WERNER ENTERPRISES for this and more! (800) 346-2818 ext 136

SITUATIONS 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, discreet. Local. Excellent/refs. Patti, (310) 720-8004

ANTIQUES 18

RED RUBY GLASS SET, excellent condition. 53 pieces, 1930’s. $900 obo. (310) 459-0486

ART 18a

PAINTINGS AND ORIENTAL wall hangings. Beautiful! $75 to $500. (310) 459-0486

AUTOS 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. Friendly professional buyer. We come to you & handle all paperwork. Local references. Please call (310) 995-5898 1994 FORD EXPLORER SPORT 4×4, 2 door hunter green. Alloy wheels w/ BFGAT’s. Brand new master cylinder and brakes. 125,000 miles good condition. $3,200 obo. GREAT CAR! (310) 576-0622 1998 VOLVO CROSS COUNTRY V70, AWD, Black, Sportswagon pkg, loaded, blk lthr htd seats, 3rd seat, 85K mi. Clean. $9,500 obo. (310) 892-6707 ’02 VW PASSAT ST WGN-Turbo TipTron trac control, dual front/side airbags, loaded 34,330 miles, exc cond, 1 owner, surf racks. $17,700. (310) 418-1196

FURNITURE 18c

BEAUTIFUL SOLID WOOD Furniture for bedroom, office, living room. Also girls Victorian bedroom set. 1800’s, 11 pieces. $2,000 obo. Marble dining table, 76×34, $1,900 obo. (310) 459-0486 CUSTOM SOFA BEIGE fabric with down pillows. $1,495. Four Crate & Barrel dining room black chairs. $340. Will email photos. m_tassan@yahoo.com, (310) 454-8439. COMPLETE APPLIANCE PACKAGE, Slightly used (Fridge, range, microw, dishw, W/D), white, $1,500. Eclectic pine furniture. (310) 454-0846

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

GARAGE SALE! 1352 Avenida de Cortez, Pac Palisades. Sat., April 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Clothes/books/ toys/collectibles/jewelry/vint. cameras/printers/ DVDs/videos and more. ESTATE SALE, SAT. & SUN., April 1 & 2, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 327 Grenola St. Pacific Palisades. Housewares, furniture, pictures, knick-knacks, misc. ESTATE SALE: PACIFIC PALISADES. Thurs.-Fri.-Sat. 838 Las Lomas, 1/2 block north of Sunset, between El Medio and Bienveneda Ave. Victorian sofa, chairs, tables, hall stands, dressers, antique brass bed, mahogany desk/bookcase, accessories, plants etc. Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE! Sat., April 1st. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 15821 Sunset Blvd. at El Medio. Estate jewelry, collectables, books, clothes, furniture and much more. MOVING SALE! Household goods, furniture, major appliances, big screen TV, tools, clothing, children’s items, holiday decorations etc. Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 1115 Via de la Paz MOVING SALE, MUST SELL EVERYTHING IN HOUSE! Country antiques, designer clothing. stone planters, linens, dog carriers, pine furniture, lamps, dishes, appliances, art work even a Warhol! Electronics, outdoor furniture, CD’s, video’s, tables, hats, shoes, file cabinet couches, etc. Saturday & Sunday, April 1 & 2. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 19746 Observation Dr. (right off Grandview in Topanga) 5 minutes up from PCH. Call if LOST. (310) 455-9707

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

LOOKING FOR A LOVING home for 2 year old cats. Litter trained, fixed, short hair, beautiful grey. Call (310) 456-9810

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

SINGER SEWING MACHINE & other items. Hardly used. Like new. $295. (310) 454-4887

WANTED TO BUY 19

WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, ’50s, ’60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 306-7746 – profeti2001@yahoo.com

Young Palisadians

By
dev
-

CATHERINE WANG, daughter of Tracy and Hi Wang, was one of 200 students who took part in the Junior National Leaders Conference (Jr. NYLC) from February 18 to 23, in Washington D.C. Themed The Legacy of American Leadership, the Jr. NYLC introduces young people to the rich tradition of leadership throughout American history, while helping them develop their own leadership skills. Catherine, a 7th grade student at St. Matthew’s Parish school, has been a swimmer on the YMCA PALY team for six years and was named YMCA National top-16 swimmer in four individual events for the 2004-2005 season. She attends the Westside Chinese school on weekends and is a scholarship recipient from the Southern California Chinese Council for academic achievements in Chinese studying. o o o ALEX LOSITO, a sixth grader at Corpus Christi School, recently won the 2005 Los Angeles-Eschscholtzia Chapter, DAR (Daughter of the American Revolution) American History Essay contest. In his essay “Ben Franklin, Not Just a Revolutionary,” Alex wrote about some of the many inventions attributed to Franklin, and included information on Franklin the humorist. Alex received a bronze history award and a cash gift. o o o LONDON VENTURELLI was recently selected for admission to the National Who’s Who of American High School Students. A sophomore at Brentwood School, she is on the dean’s list, in honors women’s choir and’the manager of the co-ed varsity swim team. She’is also a community’volunteer for the Harold Pump Foundation and Camp Harmony. London enjoys dancing and singing, and records an annual album of vocal and instrumental arrangements.

Calvary Director Tapped for Teachers’

By
dev
-

Marti Ingraham-Willens, Middle School director and eighth grade English teacher at Calvary Christian School, has been selected for inclusion in the 10th edition of “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2005/2006.” This publication honors a select 5 percent of U.S. teachers who have been nominated by former students. Palisades resident Jessie Kybartas, a Calvary graduate and current Marymount student, nominated Willens for this honor. Kybartas said: “Mrs. Willens is a teacher who has influenced me because of her true connection to us, the students. When it came to English, she taught with her heart. Mrs. Willens’ passion for literature gave my classmates and me the inspiration to become better writers. She is a teacher I’ll never forget.” Willens has been teaching eighth grade English at Calvary since 1995, became chairman of the English department in 1998 and director of the Middle School in 2000. In addition to academic and administrative duties, she has found time to coach the flag football team, advise the student council and sit on Calvary’s board of trustees as the Middle School representative. Currently she is a member of the board of trustees at the Bel-Air Bay Club. She received honorary service awards from Palisades Elementary School in 1995 and from the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Dept. in 1996. Willens was born and raised in Texas and received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Texas in 1976. She is married to Ron Willens and has three children: Shane, Zack and Stephanie Ingraham.

A Classic Blooms on Stage

By
dev
-

Theater Review

“There is no such thing as natural beauty.” That’s the motto at Truvy’s Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, the small-town setting of Robert Harling’s “Steel Magnolias.” The story tells of a closely-knit group of six women’lively, quirky and lovable characters made famous by the actresses who played them in the 1989 film. It’s hard to imagine a cast that could perform these roles with the chemistry created by Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis and Julia Roberts. However, the play version of “Steel Magnolias” allows the characters to develop and their relationships to be manifest more quickly and intensely by omitting the male roles and staging all of the action in the beauty parlor. The scenes and quotable lines we remember from the movie are cleverly condensed into this sacred female space of comfort, gossip and friendship. In the Santa Monica Theatre Guild production at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre, the sisterhood between these strong-minded southern ladies is refreshingly natural. Under the direction of Sherry Coon, the actresses perform the memorable roles with great energy, clearly inspired by the film’s classic performances but also bringing their own vision to the stage. Jennifer Ruckman is delightful as the sweet and strong-willed Shelby, who is determined to have a baby despite doctor’s orders that she shouldn’t, because of her diabetic condition. Ruckman accentuates Shelby’s tomboyishness and her zest for life. Shelby’s mother M’Lynn (Jaimie Keppel) is visibly torn over her daughter’s decision and needs all the support she can get from her closest friends. They give M’Lynn strength with a generous dose of humor. The mother-daughter relationship created by Ruckman and Keppel is convincing’their characters’ love for each other felt in their intense disagreements on everything from Shelby’s wedding colors to her health issues. The ensemble transitions smoothly between the light, playful banter and more delicate, somber scenes like the moment Shelby experiences “insulin shock,” or M’Lynn’s emotional collapse. These are real southern ladies’strong and vulnerable at the same time. They are not afraid to cry or raise their voices, and what keeps them going is a sharp sense of humor and the ability to laugh at themselves and one another. Clairee (Mary Beth Pape) has some of the best lines and Pape delivers them well. “If you can’t find anything good to say about anybody, come sit by me,” she says in a delicate southern drawl. Ouiser (Joanna Churgin) is the butt of so many jokes, but only because she can take them. Churgin, a petite woman, is a little more feminine than Shirley MacLaine’s crude, overall-clad Ouiser but she has no problem playing the loud and cynical character who claims, “I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a really bad mood for 40 years.” Closely observing the dynamic network of ladies is Annelle (Kimberly Paris), a young woman about Shelby’s age who Truvy hires as her new assistant in the beauty salon. Annelle is from out of town, which is about as mysterious as you can be in Chinquapin. Paris is good as the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Annelle, emphasizing her shy character’s awkwardness in Act 1. She makes it interesting to watch Annelle’s transformation into a confident woman and overzealous Christian as the play progresses. Though most of these actresses seem to be younger than the roles they play, they fit the shoes well, especially Jana Bozeman in the role of Truvy. She crafts a thick southern accent to match her big hair and brightly colored 1980s-style outfits (costume and hair design by Anne Gesling), and is believable as the easygoing and gentle motherly type who takes Annelle under her wing. The beauty-parlor gossip is fast-paced but the actresses make it easy to follow and understand. However, the background music at the beginning of Act 2 is too loud and takes away from the dialogue. The set design (by Thomas A. Brown) creates just the right cozy, lived-in feel of a beauty salon carved out of someone’s home or, in this case, carport. The pastel-colored walls are covered with picture frames and decorations, and it’s a truly workable space where the actresses actually style each other’s hair on stage. The show, produced by Anne Gesling and Larry Gesling, runs through April 8 at the Morgan-Wixson, 2627 Pico Blvd. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets ($18 general admission; $15 seniors and students), call 828-7519.

Sanborns Put a Face on Katrina

By
dev
-

The Sanborn family pose with Harold and Barbara Hamilton in front of their home, which is unsalvageable. From left to right, Ander, Carol, Harold, Barbara, Scott and Jessica. Photo courtesy of Carol Sanborn
The Sanborn family pose with Harold and Barbara Hamilton in front of their home, which is unsalvageable. From left to right, Ander, Carol, Harold, Barbara, Scott and Jessica. Photo courtesy of Carol Sanborn

To see mountains of wreckage where homes once stood in New Orleans is to see a landscape of devastation and bewilderment, a tragedy. But if you look closely, you see a Pacific Palisades family inserted into the frame, working alongside a man, a resident of the Ninth Ward, cleaning up the soggy remains of his life. It has been six months since Hurricane Katrina blew over New Orleans covering four-fifths of the city in water, destroying thousands of structures and displacing hundreds of thousands of residents. “It was so much bigger than what we were seeing on TV,” Carol Sanborn says, simply. “I remember listening to a man describing to a journalist that his wife had just gone, and the journalist, a pretty blond in her yellow raincoat, quietly ended the questions.” A thoughtful woman of steady conviction, Sanborn decided that she had to do something, and felt compelled to go to New Orleans. Not knowing exactly how to go about her mission, she called her Paulist friend John Collins, who was serving at St. Paul’s in New York. He told her to call Faye Blakely, who had a friend, Sister Loretta Theresa, a nun with the Sisters of the Holy Family whose order was working in Louisiana and Mississippi. The Sisters of the Holy Family was established on November 21, 1842 by a free woman of African descent, Henriette Delille, who began the work of educating the children of slaves and caring for the sick, the poor and the elderly. While denying a superstitious nature, Sanborn believes that signs were there, such as the coincidence that November 21 is her birthday, which she took as encouragement. Sister Loretta put Sanborn in contact with Sister Kathleen, who would be working with her. “It was difficult to contact her because the sisters had been displaced, and there were no phones,” Sanborn recalls. “I told her that my family wanted to help; we’d clean, read books to children, anything.” Although acting on her convictions is familiar to Sanborn’in August she had gone to Crawford, Texas, to keep vigil with Cindy Sheehan’she wanted to include her husband and particularly her children in the New Orleans mission. “I wanted the kids to know that it is not enough to say that this was terrible. I wanted them to know that these people had done nothing wrong to have this horrible tragedy come upon them. Ironically, I realized that we were buying some hardship for them, children who are so privileged living in the Palisades.” As plans unfolded through the fall and Sister Kathleen put Sanborn in touch with the Rev. Doug Doussan of St. Gabriel Parish in the Ninth Ward, it looked as if the Sanborn family would be traveling to post-Katrina New Orleans for a week during the kids’ Christmas break to help two families. The Sanborn children, Jessica, 19, Erica, 17 and Ander, 13, while lacking the fervor of their mother and insisting on staying home for New Year’s Eve, agreed to a diminished Christmas and took off on New Year’s Day. “This was something that Carol had to do on a small scale and we supported her,” says her husband Scott, a gynecologist/obstetrician at Kaiser Hospital. The Sanborns say that even though it was four months after the hurricane, it was as if the staggering devastation played on endlessly. The carpets in the airport were still pulled up, and warnings were clearly displayed: “You’re going to be in contact with mold.” “The Marriott looked like a once-decent hotel that had gone to ruin, and the services were diminished: towels twice a week, maid service three times a week. For every one business that was open, 10 were not,” Scott says. The angels in the story were the people they met. “Once we were there, we saw such deserving people, such expressive people,” Scott says. Father Doussan had told his parishioners that he couldn’t promise them much, but that “they wouldn’t do this alone.” He is the director of Priest Personnel for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, but so much more. His flock was scattered, but his commitment to the community and to recovery was constant. Father Doussan had arranged for the Sanborns to assist two families from St. Gabriel Parish, remove the contents of their homes and then demolish the walls and ceilings’the first step in reclaiming their homes and lives. “St. Gabriel Parish is located in the Ninth Ward in a section known as Gentilly Woods,” Carol says. “Their homes sustained about 8-1/2 feet of flooding when the levy broke a few blocks from their neighborhood. The brackish water stood for weeks before it was finally pumped out, and residents had only been permitted to return in January to see the damage for the first time.” They first met Eric Hornsby, whose family had a long tradition of support of the parish and who was the church organist. “He told us how his father delivered mail to the Marsalis family, most famous for sons Wynton and Branford, and negotiated music lessons for Eric with Mr. Marsalis,” Carol says. “Eric worked part-time as a librarian at Delgado College and is engaged to Lynette, who is confined to a wheelchair. They have been living temporarily in Houston since August 29.” Dressed in hazmat suits, rubber gloves, face masks and bandanas, Carol and Scott approached the house, a two-story home Eric had inherited from his parents. “Our first impression was the smell of rotten food and the sweet pungency of mold,” Carol says. “We went into the house, opened the windows and pulled down the drapes so the light could come in.” The children, overwhelmed by the stench, stayed away for a day, preferring to help ferry trash from the house to the piles of debris in the “front” yard. The Sanborns had to reckon with other obstacles, too, such as no water, no power and no gas stations. Although some 200,000 homes were destroyed in the neighborhood, FEMA would provide trailers and tarps to those whose houses could be inhabited once again. But few applied. “Only one out of 50 has taken advantage of the assistance because they don’t know about it and there are no services,” Scott says. The Sanborns began to shovel out 18 years of stuff, using simple tools’shovels, hammers, trash cans’and muscle. On one occasion Carol was clearing out the kitchen and reached up on top of a cabinet and felt something. She jumped back thinking it was a cockroach’which in those parts are the size of a loaf of bread’but no, it was a Nintendo game. “I realized that this had once been a family, and for the first time we could not pretend that these people were not us.” While Scott doesn’t share his wife’s Catholic religion, he does embrace the spirit. “Whatever you do, you do it well,” he told the kids. “Manual labor brings satisfaction every day.” After long days, the Sanborns would return to the hotel and quickly remove their clothes. Most items were ditched, leaving the blue jeans for the Laundromat. Shoes, caked with mud and mold, were tossed into the trunk of the car until the next day. They threw out their hazmat suits before lunch and again after a day’s work. “In the evenings we’d go to the French Quarter, where we were the only people in the restaurant besides the FEMA guys,” Scott says. “We’d be eating in places where normally it might have taken months to get a reservation.” After two days with Eric, the Sanborns moved on to assist Harold and Barbara Hamilton to clear their house. Eric wanted to be with the Sanborns, so he joined in the work party at the Hamilton’s, and later Harold and Barbara returned to Eric’s house to help complete the job. A proud man, Harold was wary of accepting help. “He told Father Doussan that this was serious business and wanted to make sure ‘these people’ were trained,” Carol says. “Fr. Doussan assured him that we were trained, after having worked two days at Eric’s.” The families became close, sharing the details of their lives, even jokes, and adding new chapters. “For these people to heal, they need one another,” Carol says. “There is such a feeling of abandonment. My kids asked, ‘What difference does it make? It’s only two homes.’ I tell them, ‘If we had an earthquake in Pacific Palisades and somebody decided to help us, it would make a whole lot of difference.'” Carol is planning to return to New Orleans, perhaps with a small group of women from Corpus Christi. “So many people have supported these people by giving money,” she says. “Giving money is a noble act, but it is important for me to see a face with this crisis. One of the things that I’m left with recently is that, when you’re gone, it’s not what material wealth you had, but what you did and the people you met and touched.” Those interested in more information may call Carol Sanborn at 503-7690.

Stryer Wins Post Travel Contest

By
dev
-

The winner of this year’s Palisadian-Post Travel Tales writing contest could have told a hundred different adventurous stories of backpacking in Alaska and game-viewing in Africa. Michael Stryer, a social studies teacher at Fairfax High School, has traveled to 65 countries and every continent except for Antarctica. But he chose to write about one of his more meaningful experiences in a country that is close to his heart’Brazil. More than two decades ago, Stryer decided to explore the Amazon following a semester of study at the University of S’o Paolo. He boarded a crowded boat and, during eight days under the jungle canopy, befriended an Argentinian man named Daniel who was fleeing his country’s repressive military government. In Stryer’s story, their “unexpected friendship” takes an interesting course after they part ways. “For me, it’s such an uplifting story about the potential for people to act honestly, even at times when the person you’re dealing with, you may never see again,” Stryer said Monday. “It was also an amazing trip being on this boat with people with different objectives, and going up the Amazon River.” Stryer, who was then 20, said it was an interesting time to be in Brazil because the country was making the transition from a military government to a democratic system. Jo’o Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo was president. “We didn’t know whether there was going to be a revolution or a military coup or a peaceful transition to democratic government,” said Stryer, who remembers that there were curfews and that the atmosphere “felt dangerous.” As it turned out, the country made a smooth transition to democracy. “Very few Americans went to Brazil then,” he said. “It was an anomaly.” Stryer didn’t want to leave. A native of Palo Alto and a junior at Stanford University, he stayed in Brazil for a short time after his year of study and travel was over, until his family worried he wasn’t coming back. He eventually returned to the United States and earned his degree in political science. “The [Brazilian] people couldn’t have been warmer,” said Stryer, who lived with a family for a while and then with local college students. Now a father himself, he’s still in touch with his Brazilian host family and friends. Unfortunately, he has not been able to locate Daniel. “He must have moved because my letters haven’t reached him,” said Stryer, who speaks Spanish and Portuguese. A 15-year career in international sales and marketing gave Stryer the opportunity to see the world. He’s traveled to most of the major countries in South America, and lived for a few months in Mexico while working for the Ford Foundation. He’s been to most European countries (except for Russia, which is at the top of his list for future trips), and has traveled to Japan, Korea, Thailand and China. He has even trekked in Nepal. While working for Levolor, a window blinds company, Stryer taught factory workers in southern China how to make blinds. When he worked for Applause, a toy and stuffed character company, he posed for a photo with executives at Euro Disney. These snapshot experiences were memorable, but Stryer said that traveling almost 100 days a year was exhausting. The things he liked most about his job’the mentoring and teaching aspects’he realized he could do closer to home in Pacific Palisades, where he and his wife, Barri, have lived for 13 years. They have two children: Leah, 11, and Adam, 8. So, three years ago, Stryer got his teaching credential and worked with Palisades High School teachers before landing a job at Fairfax High School. He currently teaches AP world history, government and economics, and often incorporates stories from his travels into the lessons. As a teacher, Stryer also has more time to travel for pleasure with his family. Last August, they visited the Gal’pagos and, during winter break, they went on a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. “We had a few close encounters,” he said of his family’s experience in the desert. “An elephant charged us and a lion came quite close.” Stryer’s most adventurous trip, however, was one he took with his brother in 1986. They spent a week backpacking in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, where they saw “pristine wilderness’unbelievable wildlife and grizzly bears,” and had no contact with other human beings. While Stryer has quenched his desire for a more “natural” existence, as he wrote in his Amazon story, he still has a couple of trips he plans to make. He wants to see the Stry River in Ukraine, which is where his family name comes from, and go dog sledding in the Arctic. Traveling, he said, has opened his eyes to “the amazing ability we have to communicate with others, despite so many differences in culture, upbringing and socioeconomic status.” Stryer coaches youth soccer and baseball in the Palisades, and has served on the Marquez Elementary Governing Council. His story, “Unexpected Friendship on the Amazon,” is the first piece he has ever had published. Stryer’s next “trip” will be just a short distance from the Palisades, at the Luxe Hotel Sunset Boulevard in Brentwood, where he can redeem his prize of a two-night stay for two, including two spa treatments and daily breakfast in the Caf’ Bel Air.

Skinner, AYSO Donate to Pali Stadium Project

By
dev
-

At Tuesday afternoon’s meeting of the Palisades High board of directors, project co-leaders Bob Jeffers and Jim Bailey updated the progress of the planned all-weather football field and track at Stadium by the Sea. They also announced that Mike Skinner, who spearheaded the Palisades Recreation Center’s Field of Dreams makeover, is donating $10,000 and that an additional $30,000 is being donated by AYSO’s Region 69, headed by Commissioner Debbie Held. “Bob gave me a call asking for ideas about fundraising,” said Skinner, who was named Citizen of the Year in 2004. “This is definitely something I want to be a part of because I coached on this field. My son, Ryan, played football his senior year at Pali. So this is just my thing.” Skinner’s donation will be used for preliminary architectural design and AYSO’s contribution will go towards surveying as well as construction documents. “I would like to thank Palisades High for giving the community the opportunity to pursue this project,” Held said. “AYSO is happy to continue its support of the school through its contributions and grant money that it applied for and received’specifically $5,000 from the Junior Women’s Club.” Larry Foster of Bellinger, Foster and Steinmetz, the design firm assigned to the project, gave a slide presentation with before and after images of the facility. He said one of the primary changes will be moving the existing field 15 feet north to accommodate a full eight-lane track. The proposed $1.4 million project will consist of (1) replacing the existing natural grass playing field with a soft and durable Field Turf synthetic grass and (2) replacing the current dirt running track with a rubberized all-weather surface. Jeffers and Bailey are hopeful that construction will begin after graduation in June and be completed in time for the start of the football season in September. Anyone interested in donating to the project should call Jeffers at 230-8914 or Bailey at 408-6761. The Board also approved the the hire of Aquatic Design Group to design the on-campus pool, a $2.4- million project expected to take four years.

Will Rogers Ranch Reopens This Saturday

By
dev
-

After three years and $5.3 million in renovations, the Will Rogers ranch house and adjoining properties will reopen with a yippee-kay-ay this Saturday with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Rogers family at the ranch to mark the event. Admission is free. In 2002, California State Parks began to restore the ranch with the intention of approximating its appearance when the Rogers family lived there. Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with The Lost Canyon Rangers performing on the ranch house stage. At 11 a.m., the rededication ceremony will commence, with Schwarzenegger among the scheduled speakers. Public tours of the restored ranch house will begin at 11:30 a.m. The cornerstone, sponsored by Riviera Masonic Lodge No. 780 with master of ceremonies Bill Branch, will be dedicated at Jim Rogers’ Barn at 11:45 a.m. “Will Rogers” himself (Robert Basgall) will be on hand to deliver a special tribute to Will Rogers at 12:15 p.m. Gun spinner Joey Dillon will perform dazzling tricks and famous trick ropers Dave Thornbury, Gene McLaughlin and Pat Puckett will entertain. Trail rides ($20 per person), sponsored by the Circle K Ranch, will allow visitors to view the 186-acre park that still offers an easy retreat from urban Los Angeles. There will be a no-host Western-style barbecue catered by Calamigos Ranch throughout the day, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Will Rogers Polo Club will give a polo demonstration, narrated by Andrew Bossom. There will be no on-site event parking at the park itself, but complimentary shuttle service will be provided at three locations: 1. Paul Revere Middle School, at the east parking lot (near the Mandeville entrance). 2. Los Liones Gateway Park, 400-500 Los Liones Dr., with stops at parking lots A and B. 3. Temescal Canyon Road, the SW corner of Temescal Canyon Road and Bowdoin Street and at the bottom of Temescal Canyon Road. Off-site parking locations open at 9 a.m. Free shuttle service begins’by’ 9:30 a.m. at each location. Note: Last shuttles leave Will Rogers Park at ‘4 p.m.

1...2,3852,3862,387...2,552Page 2,386 of 2,552
© Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272