The Pali Rox, a local girls U-9 AYSO soccer team coached by Phil Pecsok, took first place at the Santa Barbara Splash Cup soccer tournament. Playing against professionally coached club teams, the Rox dominated pool play by outscoring their opposition 19-1. Taylor Pecsok got the ROx off to a fast start in the first game by scoring off of a Laila Touran pass on her way to a three-goal game. Elizabeth Seaman added two goals and her sister, Emma, scored on a Lil Seeley assist. Courtney O’Brien and Touran each scored in the 8-0 win over host Santa Barbara. In the second game against Ventura, the Rox never let up in heavy rain. Seaman had a hat tric, sweeper Hayley Hodson had two and O’Brien, Jules Barlow and Touran each added one. The Rox faced the Black Wings from Camarillo in the finals and fell behind 1-0 in the first half. Touran scored the tying goal just before halftime and the Rox went on to a 3-1 win. The Rox allowed one goal all tournament thanks to goalie Lil Seeley and defenders Alex Jackson, Emma Seaman, Hodson, Izzy Rosenstein and Barlow.
Baseball Dominating League
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
The Dolphins have won their first three Western League games by the mercy rule, including an 11-0 victory at Hamilton on Monday behind a six-hitter from junior pitcher Rob Rosenberg. Johnny Bromberg went four for four with four RBIs, Austin Jones had a double and scored three runs, Matt Skolnik had two hits and three runs and Tim Sunderland had a double and three runs. At the Chatsworth tournament last Saturday, Palisades lost to San Fernando, 6-2. Boys Lacrosse Palisades lost to Chadwick, 7-5, last Thursday night at Stadium by the Sea and fell to 2-3. Pali trailed 4-2 at halftime and each team tallied three goals in the second half to provide the final margin. Pali took 17 shots and goalie Jesse Poller saved 17 of 24 shots. Sophomore Eric Rosen scored three goals with Riley Gitlin and Sudsy Dyke each adding one. Softball The Dolphins needed extra innings to beat Fairfax in their Western League opener last Thursday. Senior left fielder Caroline Palo hit the game-winning single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning for Palisades (5-3). Swimming The varsity girls dominated host Hamilton 142-8 while the Dolphin boys also won in a landslide, 132-13. The frosh/soph teams won 96-7 and 95-0, respectively. Boys Tennis Palisades remained undefeated with a shutout victory over Hamilton last Wednesday and a 6-1 win over University Monday at Stoner Park. Even without four starters, the Dolphins still handled the host Wildcats with ease. Singles players Ben Tom, Chase Pekar, Adam Deloje and Michael Light lost a total of two games in eight sets. Track & Field Junior Kristabel Doebel-Hickock is off to a blazing start, having run personal best times on four occasions already this season. At the Millikan Distance Classic two weeks ago, she won the mile by 13 seconds in 5:29, then won the 800 meters in 2:29 about 40 minutes later. At the San Pedro Relays, she clocked 5:17 in the mile. The Dolphins swept all four divisions against Hamilton in their first Western League dual meet, with juniors Jan Stavro and Jason Kil running the 800 in 2:08 and 2:09, respectively. Boys Volleyball Palisades stayed on pace to win the Western League title with a 25-13, 25-13, 22-25, 25-19 win over University on Monday. After just two days of practice, Vertis Hayes filled in for Jonathan Peters, who sat out with a sprained ankle, and had seven kills. Joey Sarafian led the way with nine kills, the last of which ended the match. “We have five seniors starting,” head coach Matt Shubin said. “So if we can’t win City now, when can we?”
Is a Chico’s Store Coming to the Palisades?
In recent weeks there has been speculation that Chico’s, a women’s clothing and accessories chain store, will soon take over the coveted retail space at 15237 Sunset, now occupied by The Office Supplier, which has lost its lease after 16 years. “We cannot comment on ongoing negotiations or discussions specifically,” Ed Coury, Chico’s vice president of real estate said Tuesday in response to an e-mail inquiry from the Palisadian-Post. “We are interested in your community. We have pursued locations but presently there is no signed deal for a store in Pacific Palisades.” Local commercial realtor Gregg Pawlik, who represents Palisades Partners, owner of the building and the largest landlord in the village, confirmed that neither Chico’s nor any other business has yet signed a lease on the 2,800-sq.-ft. of prime real estate located between The Nest Egg and Self Center-A Skin Care Salon. Claiming “client confidentiality,” Pawlik would not confirm whether any discussions have even taken place with the national retailer. Chico’s first opened in 1983’a small shop on Sanibel Island, Florida selling Mexican folk art and cotton sweaters. Today, the corporation operates 780 women’s specialty stores in 47 states under a number of different brand names, including WhiteHouse/Black Market, Soma lingerie, as well as Fitigues fitness wear. There are 24 Chico’s stores in California, the closest located at 1314 Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. What would differentiate Chico’s from the other half-dozen women’s boutiques in the Palisades is pricing (mostly mid-range), sizing (offers up to size 16), and exclusivity. Chico’s designs and distributes all of its own products, either through its stores, some of which are franchised, or on the Internet. The Office Supplier is closing down today and is expected to vacate the premises tomorrow when its lease officially expires. Until he finds a new, “affordable” location, the remaining inventory will be stored, according to owner Marvin Spiegel. However, there will no interruption in service. According to Jenney Miller, an employee since 1990, customers can now order over the phone (454-4214) or online at www.The Office Supplier.com for next-day delivery. “Not only will we continue to provide the usual services, from printer cartridges to customized printing, we will now also deliver to your home or office,” Miller said. “We look forward to continuing to serve our many longtime, loyal customers until we find another space in the Palisades.”
Four Win 2005 Sparkplug Awards
For their dedicated work in helping to make Pacific Palisades a more closely-knit, informed and engaged community, four residents have been chosen by the Pacific Palisades Community Council as this year’s Golden Sparkplug winners. The award “honors citizens who ignite ideas and projects into community action which affects us all.” Marie Steckmest, Steve Lantz, John Wirth and Deborah Hafford will receive their awards at a celebration at the American Legion on May 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. MARIE STECKMEST has a knack for bringing residents together to serve others in Pacific Palisades and in the larger Los Angeles community. Last spring, Steckmest launched Palisades Volunteer Week, a week of doing good works through a variety of nonprofit programs. She researched and contacted the organizations that needed help, and published their needs on a Web site, PalisadesCares.org. Steckmest also made presentations to service organizations, churches and schools in the Palisades, which resulted in 200 participants who contributed over 1,000 hours. Steckmest is busy organizing this year’s Volunteer Week, April 23-30. “Her hard work and prodigious stamina have been successful because of her undeterred goal, which is to offer service learning,” said Libby Motika, senior editor at the Palisadian-Post, in her letter nominating Steckmest for the Sparkplug award. Steckmest also has been dedicated to the homeless crisis, collecting donations for the Westside Food Bank and running the Holiday Spirit Toy Drive. For the annual toy drive, she organizes drop-off locations in the Palisades where donations of new toys and clothing can be deposited for distribution to needy children. “Marie has shown her capacity to convert good ideas into concrete programs over the years that I have known her,” Motika said. She noted that Steckmest created the Career Week concept at Marquez Elementary School in the early 1990s, inviting members of the community to give brief presentations to the children about their life’s work. “A broad range of occupations was highlighted, from arborist to a zoologist, and all the letters in between,” Motika said. “Steckmest and her committee organized the week’s schedule and worked diligently to offer as many different views of the working world as possible.” Steckmest and her husband, Larry, have lived in the Palisades since 1983. They have two children, Jeff and Lisa. Thanks to Palisadian STEVE LANTZ, the wheels of Commuter Express 430 are still turning. A loyal rider on the bus, which runs from the Palisades to downtown Los Angeles Monday through Friday, Lantz has led a five-year community effort to continue the service and grow ridership. Lantz is director of communications and development at the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) and has commuted by bus to work for more than 20 years. When he heard about the Department of Transportation’s recommended cancellation of the service, he wrote letters to city officials and met with the L.A. City Council transportation committee. He also energized his fellow bus riders to challenge the LADOT and brought their concerns to the attention of the Pacific Palisades Community Council. “With the support of the Community Council, Steve fought LADOT, forcing them to explain their actions, process and plans to the council and the public,” said council member Patti Post in her letter nominating Lantz for the Sparkplug award. “With attention focused on them, LADOT retreated to repair a flawed process.” When service did not improve and the LADOT again attempted to cancel Line 430, Lantz persevered, according to Post. Finally, last spring, Bill Rosendahl (then a runoff candidate for City Council) and Antonio Villaraigosa (then a City Councilman and chair of the transportation committee) announced their support of Line 430 and, in September, LADOT implemented the community-suggested changes. Since then, ridership has increased significantly (thanks in part to a new stop at Loyola High School). The 40-passenger bus has, on average, 20-25 riders. “Route 430 can now be considered a success due to the leadership and tenacity of Steve Lantz,” Post said. “He gave the riders the confidence to continue the fight,” said Palisades resident Haldis Toppel, who worked with Lantz to continue the bus service. “He’s an incredible researcher of facts and rules. He wrote these absolutely convincing letters and raised issues that were significant enough that it became a threat to the politicians not to react to them.” Lantz has served as the Community Council’s transportation advisor for about three years. He and his wife, Terri Skidmore Lantz, who was raised in the Palisades, have lived here since 1995 with their children Katie and Patrick. About two years ago, longtime Palisades resident JOHN WIRTH had an idea that he thought would be a big hit in the community’watching a film outside, under the stars. What he didn’t know at the time was that fellow Palisadians David Williams, then president of the Chamber of Commerce, and Bob Sharka, founder of Friends of Film, were talking about the same thing. When Wirth brought his idea to the Chamber office, Executive Director Arnie Wishnick introduced him to Williams and Sharka. They became a team and proceeded to create and promote Movies in the Park. When the Park Advisory Board at the Palisades Recreation Center approved the outdoor film series in July 2004, Wirth told the Palisadian-Post, “We’re showing that our group has a commitment to working with the community to address the concerns of residents who live near the park, in order to make this a successful event that everyone can enjoy. We’re grateful that the PAB sees the value of what we’re going to do for the community.” Movies in the Park debuted July 24 of that year on the Field of Dreams. More than 400 local residents gathered with their picnic baskets, chairs and blankets to watch “E.T.” on a 15-by-20 foot screen purchased by the Chamber. A week later, “Grease” drew more than 600 people, and the event has been a success ever since. Last summer again, Movies in the Park featured family-friendly films (rated G to PG-13) on four consecutive August Saturdays. “John donates time, energy and equipment to this project, which has become a very well-received community event,” said Marilyn Crawford in the Chamber office. A producer and professional television writer, Wirth and his wife, Gail Matthius, a member of the Spolin Players Improv Troupe, have lived in the Palisades since 1995. They have two children, Hannah and Bonnie, and are actively involved in community activities. Palisades triathlete DEBORAH HAFFORD originated and organized the YMCA Youth Triathlon on July 4, 2003, following the Will Rogers 5/10K races. Fifty kids (ages 6 to 15) participated the first year, in an event that features a 5-K bike ride through the Huntington, a 1.1-mile run up to the YMCA pool in Temescal Canyon, and then a 150-yard swim. The second year’s event attracted 84 young athletes and last year there were 162 competitors. Obviously, the event has become a huge success. In addition to the triathlon itself, Hafford oversees a six-week training program, where kids are taught proper technique in cycling, swimming and running. Every Saturday last June, Hafford’s husband even drove a van with her to Ninth Street Elementary School in L.A. and brought kids back to the Palisades for training. She also put out a plea to Palisadian-Post readers for bikes and solicited donations from the Amateur Athletic Foundation for helmets. The Palisades Optimist Club provided a major donation that enabled Hafford to buy swim suits and goggles for the kids who needed them. “Here’s an opportunity to honor a person who is devoted to inspiring kids to pursue physical fitness in a fun way and is committed to making this event a success every summer,” said one of her nominators. “Thanks to her spirit and dedication, the YMCA Youth Triathlon has become an important element of the Fourth of July celebration in our community.” Hafford and her husband, Doug, have lived in the Palisades for 14 years. They have two children, Michael and David.
Penny Minasian, 46; Former Palisades Resident, Hair Stylist
Penny Lee Minasian, a native of Pacific Palisades, died in Oak Park on March 21 after an 18-month battle with lung cancer. She was 46. The daughter of Betty Forgette and Wesley Niemond, she was born December 27, 1958, in Santa Monica. She married Marc D. Minasian in 1987 at Palisades Presbyterian Church, and their son Blake was born in 1992. Penny graduated from Palisades High School in 1977, studied cosmetology at Orange Coast College and graduated from Cal State Northridge with a degree in economics in 1992. She owned her own hair salon for several years in Santa Monica, and after that was an independent hair stylist until 2004. She and her husband moved in late 1997 to Carmel, Indiana, for Marc’s business, and returned to California and settled in Oak Park in 2001. Penny was involved in the Palisades community growing up, and was a babysitter and nanny for many families. She belonged to a Girl Scout troop led by Palisadian Eva Holberg for many years, and participated in various service projects. Penny’s horse Boone was stabled below Will Rogers State Park, and she enjoyed many hours riding the trails at Will Rogers and in the Santa Monica mountains. Penny loved dancing, running, interior decorating and, most of all, parenting Blake. She attended Calvary Community Church. “Penny will be remembered for her wonderful laughter and ability to make others laugh, for her beautiful smile, for her warmth and caring nature, for her inspirational passion for living, and for her deep faith in God,” her family said. Survivors include her husband Marc and her son Blake of Oak Park; her mother Betty Forgette and her partner Warren Maruhashi of Bellevue, Washington; her father Wesley Niemond of Lake San Marcos; her stepfather Jack Forgette of Camarillo; her brother Bob (wife Laura) and their three children of Los Banos; and her sister Judith Niemond of Santa Monica. In addition, her mother-in-law Diane Minasian of Pacific Palisades; sisters-in-law Janette Minasian-Pires and family of Mar Vista, Sue Sims and Family of Fort Worth, Texas; and Sharon Skowron and family of Pacific Palisades. Penny was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Jora R. Minasian. Condolences can be sent to Marc and Blake Minasian at 6772 Pheasant Lane, Oak Park, CA 91377. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 31 at Calvary Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the church; all are welcome.
James Huffman; 93; Global Birdwatcher, Audubon Leader
James Huffman, a renowned birdwatcher and comic book collector, passed away on March 21 at his home in Pacific Palisades, where he had lived since 1972. Born in Evansville, Indiana, Jim moved to Manhattan Beach in 1946 and went to work as a metallurgical engineer for North American Aviation until his retirement in 1967. He played jazz clarinet as a young man and loved jazz and classical music. He especially enjoyed playing classical piano. Jim had a sly sense of humor and was making people laugh until a few days before his passing. One of his prize possessions was his collection of “Pogo” comic books. He also enjoyed his collection of Nero Wolfe mysteries by Erle Stanley Gardner. Jim, who was regarded as one of the world’s foremost birdwatchers, found his greatest pleasure in helping other people spot and identify birds. He was president of the Los Angeles Audubon Society, for which he often led birding trips, and for many years he regularly returned to Evansville to enjoy the spring migration. Most of his friends were birders with whom he traveled to Africa, Europe, Australia, Malaysia, Mexico and Central and South America. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Margaret, a naturalist, photographer and writer; his sister Ruth McQuady of San Clemente; his son James of Eugene, Oregon; two granddaughters; two great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson. There will be no memorial service. Gifts in Jim’s name may be made to the Bill and Mable Dedon Fund c/o the Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society, P.O. Box 35, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.
Marguerite H. Sammons, 80; Enthusiastic Birder and Quilter
Marguerite (Maggie) Sammons passed away on March 20 at the age of 80. One of four children, she was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on August 4, 1925, to Lewis and Marguerite Helms. When she was 7, she moved with her family to Pacific Palisades, where she continued to live for 48 years before moving to Westlake Village. As a child, Maggie would go with her friends to Will Rogers’ house. Will caught them once “liberating” fruit from his orchards and told them they could come any time and pick as much as they wanted. Some of the neighborhood kids would collect the broken polo mallets and balls and play their version of polo on their bicycles. Maggie met Fred Sammons when he dropped by one day to visit some buddies who were helping her brother, George, work on a Model T. On August 17, 1943 the couple were married and lived, along with other friends, in the Presbyterian Conference Grounds. After Fred served in the Army, their first son Frederick C. Sammons, III., was born She had four more children: Jeffrey, Gail, Sally and Michael. Later in life she became the proud grandmother of Dillan, Harrison, Megan, Marie and Ryan. The family spent many weekends at the beach with all their friends. There were also ski trips, camping trips up and down the California coast, and to Ensenada. Her interest in California history took her to many of the Missions. Her passions in life, besides her family, were birding and quilting. Maggie and Fred spent a great deal of time in their pursuit to fill their Life Bird List, traveling extensively in the United States, Australia, Belize, Hawaii, Alaska and Europe looking for different bird species. They were Audubon members for 20 years and active in other birding clubs. Maggie also enjoyed the splendor of a good spring bloom of the wildflowers in the desert. When they weren’t birding, she was quilting. Untold hours were spent in the quest for the perfect fabric for her latest design. Fred would patiently measure and cut the fabric and then she would sew it together. She lovingly created an uncountable number of quilts, wall hangings, table runners and vests for her children and grandchildren. She also liked to knit and was known to knit sweaters and hats. She will be loved and missed always by those who knew her. She is survived by her husband Fred of Westlake Village, and her children: Jeffrey Sammons of Westlake; Gail Sammons (husband Tom Violand) of Moorpark and daughter Megan; Sally Eggly (husband Alan) of Romeo, Michigan and children Marie and Ryan; and Michael (Sue) of Santa Monica and children Dillan and Harrison. She was predeceased by her eldest son, Fred. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity or environmental or nature conservancy. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2 at Reardon Funeral Home in Simi Valley.
Margarita C. Alvarez, 84; Valued Assistant at UCLA
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
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.
