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PALIHI FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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Coaches Expect Forward Progress

Palisades High offensive coordinator Aaronn Castro (right) is putting his players through rigorous conditioning drills to prepare for the season opener September 9 against Sylmar.
Palisades High offensive coordinator Aaronn Castro (right) is putting his players through rigorous conditioning drills to prepare for the season opener September 9 against Sylmar.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Ever since practice began exactly one month ago, Palisades High coaches and players have sought to erase the memory of last season when the Dolphins set a school record for losses. That was then, this is now and the focus is on moving forward, not reliving the past. “We are young and inexperienced, but we’re stronger, faster, and more talented,” said second-year Head Coach Leo Castro, whose team finished 1-9 and dead last in the Western League a year ago. “We’re deeply motivated to succeed and our goal is to make the playoffs.” A postseason berth would appear to be a tall task with so many new names on the roster and the graduation of key starters, including quarterback and kicker Dylan Cohen (who won the Post Cup Award last spring as Pali’s outstanding senior athlete), receptions leader Brandon Bryant, offensive lineman Justin Page, tailback Anthony Anaebere and defensive captain Dave Villalobos. Several other players transferred to other schools, including last season’s leading rusher Andre Harris (Taft), promising receiver Javon Crowder (Crenshaw), and brothers Donovan and Nicholas Blount (Cathedral). Replacing Cohen at quarterback will be junior Raymond Elie, who made first-team All League on frosh/soph last year. Backing up Elie will be Robert Gillett, who started several games when Cohen was injured last season. “The plays are the same but varsity is definitely a different level in terms of strength and speed,” said Elie, who lives down the street from the USC campus. “I’ll be looking to pass first but if the line collapses I’ll use my second instinct and run. And when I take off, I’ll score. No one’s going to catch me.” Elie’s bravado is shared by senior wide receiver and free safety Ryan Henry, who points to the Dolphins’ improved conditioning as a key to improving their record. “We started preparing much earlier this year,” hHenry said. “We went to seven-on-seven leagues at the beginning of the summer, we’ve been in the weight room since and the coaches have been much stricter about getting us in shape. Our focus during practice has been on conditioning, tackling and special teams.” Much of Castro’s staff is the same. His son, Aaronn, returns as offensive coordinator and Carter Austin returns as running backs coach. Ed Weans will be the defensive coordinator, Jujuan Atkins will work with the defensive backs and Ron Cuccia is the quarterback consultant. “I’m really high on Raymond because he is a triple-threat kind of quarterback who can run, throw or hand off, so he’s going to give the defense problems,” Castro said. “On top of that, he’s left-handed. He and Gillett competed for the starting spot all summer, so both got better in the process.” Only 35 players suited up on varsity last season and the Dolphins figure to dress even less this year, meaning several starters, Henry included, will have to play both offense and defense. “Our numbers are way down,” Castro said. “We may only have about 30 players on varsity and 18 or 19 of those will be juniors. So we’re an extremely young team.” Anchoring the front lines will be 6-7, 275-pound junior Mitchell Schwartz, an honorable mention All-League choice last season. “We’re looking good,” said Schwartz, whose older brother, Geoff, is now the starting offensive tackle at Oregon. “The team is much more enthusiastic and our camaraderie is way better than last year.” Up from the frosh/soph squad are tackle Marsden Burton (6-2, 340), center Josh Brookhim (6-0, 180) and linebacker Julian Portugal-Gooden (6-0, 205). Castro described senior offensive guard/defensive end Christian Clark (6-3, 240) as a “pleasant surprise” while linebacker Henry Argueta and offensive guard/defensive tackle Evan Lambkins (6-1, 235) will provide stability up the middle. Gillett, second-team All-League last year, will double at linebacker and free safety. Billy Ortman and Ryan Lebowitz will play linebacker, Shane Brando will play guard and tackle and D’Kylo Forman will be an offensive and defensive tackle. On offense, seniors Marquise Coleman and Gillett will be the work horses at running back, assisted by fullbacks Michael Anderson and Cesar Amaya and tailbacks Jonathan Aghachi and Anthony Yarborough. “I actually prefer to play defense but I like being on the field every play,” Gillett said. “Our backfield will be balanced and we’re more accustomed to the coaches and what they expect. I think we’ll start this season much more prepared than we were going into last year.” Wideouts will include Herbert Smith, Julian Harris, Dajuan Cofield, Travis deZarn, Sudsy Dyke, Christopher Henderson and Michael Cissel and Colin Vining. Alphanso Gray, Deonte Baker and Portugal-Gooden will rotate at tight end. Cohen’s placekicking and punting successor will be senior Esteban Moreno, who booted a 38-yard field goal two years ago in his first game on the frosh/soph team. “I’m pretty accurate from 35 yards and in,” Moreno said. “My longest in practice is a 48-yarder. I just hope I can be reliable when the pressure’s on.” Unlike last season, Castro is not reluctant to start juniors over seniors. In fact, the Dolphins will start eight juniors on offense and six on defense. “We’re going with the kids who we’ve coached and taught and know our system,” Castro said. “Last year, we gave the seniors the benefit of the doubt and, in many cases, it hurt us. This time, we’re going with the guys we know will stay eligible and who know the plays we want to run.” One factor that could help the Dolphins improve on last year’s record is their schedule. Seven of Palisades’ 10 games will be at Stadium by the Sea, including its annual showdowns with league rivals Venice and Westchester. However, Los Angeles, the team the Dolphins beat last year, has been replaced by Invitational finalist South Gate, which returns Daniel Kozasky, one of the top quarterbacks in the City Section. By far the Dolphins’ toughest test will be Sylmar in next Friday night’s opener. The Spartans possess one of the most highly-touted running backs in the nation, C.J. Gable, who burned Pali for two long runs in Sylmar’s 25-10 victory last season. “There are no pushovers in our league anymore,” line coach George Burns said. “Five years ago you could count on one or two wins every year just by showing up but that is no longer the case. We’re gonna’ have to fight like heck to win every game.” Pali’s players seem ready for the challenge. “We’re pretty confident,” Baker said. “We’re looking forward to coming out strong and starting the season off right. I think a lot of teams are going to overlook us because of last year, but we’re a different team and we’re going to surprise people.” Frosh/Soph Despite having only four returning starters, second-year coach Calvin Parker is optimistic that his team can improve on last season’s 2-7-1 mark. “We will most definitely be better,” said Parker, who will be assisted by defensive coordinator Kelly Loftus and special teams coach Al Heath. “I think we have a better attitude this year, better chemistry. If we execute the way I know we can, we can win eight or nine games this year.” Sophomore Alan Ferguson will start at quarterback while fellow 10th-graders Lazzarian Rankin (fullback), Vorsper Aiwize (tailback) and Miles Nelson (tailback), a transfer from Westchester, will handle the ball carrying duties along with freshman Justin Sawai. Returners Milton Strausberg and Adam Cristiano will anchor the receiving corp while freshman Brandon Omar will be a factor on the offensive and defensive lines. Another key will be the continued inprovement of sophomore center Alejandro Medrano. “We haven’t fumbled a snap since he took over in the fifth game last year,” Parker said of Medrano. “He’ll be a key on offense and the front seven will be the key on defense. We need to have good pursuit and get more helmets on the ball.”

A Fan’s Journey to Major League Ballparks

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By JACK KUHLENSCHMIDT Special to the Palisadian-Post I love baseball. Ever since I was a toddler, baseball has been a passion of mine. Not necessarily playing baseball, but just watching professional baseball. The slick glove of Cesar Izturis, the homers of Mike Piazza, and the arm of Raul Mondesi are almost a part of me. The atmosphere around Dodger Stadium makes me feel as if the team really needs me there to support them, or they will lose! The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd: that is where I feel I truly belong. The fans, with their yelling and passion, and how the stadium is set up enough to take my breath away. And of course, one of the most important things about a baseball game, the ballpark’s hot dogs. Luckily for me, Dodger Stadium serves the immortal Dodger Dog, a long skinny wiener that, when topped with the right condiments, makes a good game even better. So when my good friend Jake invited me on a whirlwind tour of four baseball cities in four days, I jumped at the chance to join him. Jake had been doing similar trips with his dad for five years. I could only hope the stadium, the dogs, and the teams would stand up to my Dodgers. The first city we visited was Toronto. We had high expectations of Toronto, because Canadians always say that they are so clean. Maybe our expectations were much too high. I truly believed that every building there was going to be a shining white and silver, without any blemishes at all. Well, they were regular buildings with the occasional graffiti, but Toronto was still much cleaner than smoggy L.A. At the stadium, we were let onto the field (let’s just say Jake’s father happens to be very famous) to meet players and get a feel of a major leaguer player’s pregame routine. The Skydome has artificial turf and a domed ceiling so that nothing can intrude on baseball. We learned that the ball actually bounces more slowly on the artificial turf, which makes it a very tricky surface to play on. A hard-hit ground ball might not make it out of the infield. After the players took batting practice, Jake, his father, and I were escorted to our seats. I shook my head and tried to recover from meeting so many major league ball players. We got hot dogs and enjoyed the game. The Blue Jays beat the Baltimore Orioles, 6-2, because the Jays got a strong pitching performance from Roy Halladay. A stadium highlight was a man selling beer who sang a song to the rhythm of “Hot in Here” by Nelly: “It’s getting hot in here. So hot, so buy an ice cold beer.'” Another observation: the hot dogs in Toronto were much meatier than American hot dogs. No comparison to Dodger Dogs, though. Also, Canadians really do say “aboot” and “oot” instead of “about” and “out.” After staying overnight in Toronto we flew south to Tampa Bay, which Jake and I quickly determined cool people call simply Tampa. We met about 20 major leaguers from Florida and Tampa Bay and walked around on the artificial turf at Tropicana Field, which was an even faster playing surface than the one in Toronto. Tampa dogs are really boring and ordinary, without any special characteristics. The Devil Rays were blown out of the water by the Marlins (I will spare you the score). Tampa Bay is a beautiful place, an almost unreal and peaceful city. I was extremely sad because the best baseball fantasy of my life was half over. We left the stadium for the airport and on to Houston, Texas. Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, has a retractable dome roof, which means games can be played either indoors or outdoors. Because the temperature was 93 degrees, the roof was closed and air-conditioning on when we arrived. Thanks to Jake’s dad, we met Jim Wynn, one of the greatest Astros in history, and witnessed the historic occasion of his number being retired. We went into Wynn’s box about five minutes after Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Morgan had left, which was almost as awesome as actually meeting him. We had a lot of fun in Houston. They had spicy hot dogs, incredibly delicious when topped with onions. Very different from Dodger Dogs, but they would rank nearly as high on a 1-10 scale. Minute Maid Park is a true work of art because of its intricate design and masterful seating arrangement. It has a natural grass field and the domed ceiling is worked up with thousands of metal supports, making the roof look futuristic. The walls of the stadium are made of brick, which makes it look like a ballpark from the 1920s or ’30s. The seats go up to the ceiling and there are 50,000 good seats. Anywhere you sit you can see the field. The seats are dark green and blend with the brick walls to create a soothing mixture. The Astros lost a slugfest, but it was an amazing game with lots of offense. The teams combined for seven home runs! During the seventh inning stretch, after “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is played, Houston fans go wild singing their favorite song: “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” Our last stop was Phoenix, Arizona. It was so hot there that you could literally sunburn in five minutes. It was over 100 degrees all day long, so when we weren’t at Bank One Ballpark we were in any air-conditioned area we could find. Two hours before game time, we made a mad dash to the stadium and sat through batting practice, satiated by homemade Polish dogs with sweet grilled onions, not a bad choice to beat the heat. I waited an hour and a half outside of the Detroit Tigers’ locker room to get the autograph of my favorite player, Ivan Rodriguez. He has been the face of catching for years and has inspired me to try to play like him. When he went out to warm up, my heart started beating faster. “Is it really him?” Standing behind the dugout, I was surprised when I realized he makes a Maria Sharapova-esque grunt every time he throws his balls at incredible speed. I screamed, politely, of course, “Ivan! Oh Pudge!” all during his warm-ups, until he was finished. He was entering the dugout when he noticed me among dozens of fans. “Throw it here,” he said and I tossed my baseball to him. ‘Squeak, squeak’ my sharpie rubbed across the leather of the baseball and he tossed it back to me. I yelled ‘Thank you’ and a modest grin swept across his face for a split second. He only signed my ball. I could have gone home right then. My quest was complete. The Diamondbacks won the game, 13-7, on a pair of Shawn Green homers. It was a great game to watch because of all the offense and a couple of defensive gems. We then had to return to our sad and boring lives in Los Angeles. Drive to school, drive back. Do our homework, go to sleep. Wake up, go to school. From fantasy to reality. We arrived at my house in a solemn state, stunned that it was all over. But I knew this was a trip I would not forget for the rest of my life. (Editor’s note: Palisadian Jack Kuhlenschmidt is an eighth-grader at St. Matthew’s.)

Making a Big Racket on the Tennis Scene

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Palisadian Brian Alle won the Boy’s 14 Singles division of the USTA Long Beach Junior Open held last weekend. Ranked in the Boy’s 12s, Alle played up a division and beat the top seeded player, Michael Tang of Irvine, 6-4, 6-3, as well as the No. 2 and No. 4 seeds on his way to the title. Last month, Alle and fellow Palisadian Brett Allchorn were selected by the USTA Special Performance Committee to participate in the National USTA Pacific Zone Team Championships in Tucson, Arizona. Alle, who attends Calvary Christian School, and Allchorn, who goes to Paul Revere, participated in the Boys 12 & Under singles, doubles and mixed doubles events. Players were selected based on their Sectional/National Rankings. Four other teams participated, representing Northern California, Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest and the Pacific Southwest. The Southern California Section sent six teams, consisting of 5 boys and 15 girls per team. Nationally recognized coaches advised each team. Alle finished undefeated in nine matches.

Louise Davies, 81; Owned a Top Real Estate Office Here

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Louise Davies, a longtime Pacific Palisades resident, passed away at her San Remo Drive home on August 26 at the age of 81. She died of natural causes after a lengthy struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Best known as one of the Palisades’ leading realtors during the 1970s and 1980s, Louise and her husband, Merton E. Davies, a legendary planetary scientist with The Rand Corporation, will be remembered as much for the character and charm of their household as for their important accomplishments in business and science. Born in Santa Monica on June 18, 1924, Margaret Louise Darling was the first child of Shelby Rogers Darling and Kathleen Dodge. Her father, born in Oregon in 1895, was a descendant of early pioneers of Kentucky and Ohio, and moved to Southern California in 1910. Her mother Kathleen’s roots date back to among the first American colonists, and all four of Kathleen’s grandparents were living in California by the 1860s, making Louise a fourth-generation Californian. Louise’s only sibling, David, was born in 1931. The young family’s early years during the Depression were difficult, and at times they lived in a trailer while Shelby pursued work in farming and construction. After graduating from Van Nuys High School in 1942, and blessed with movie-star good looks, Louise began work in a department store where her natural charm and abilities were quickly recognized. In 1945 she met Merton Davies, a young Stanford graduate who worked as an engineer at Douglas Aircraft during World War II. On February 9, 1946, they were married in Santa Monica, and their first child, Deidra Louise Davies, was born August 18, 1947. After the war, Merton joined Rand, where he would remain his entire career. He and Louise had two sons, Albert (born in 1950) and Merton, Jr., born in 1951. In 1948, Merton and Louise bought a lot at 468 Arbramar in the Palisades and built their first home. At Rand, Merton worked on top-secret Cold War battle plans as a pioneer scientist in the field of satellite reconnaissance, while Louise managed the household and educated the children. Every weekend was spent at the beach with neighborhood friends, and the summers included three cross-country trips with a travel trailer. From 1960-63, the family lived in Alexandria, Virginia, while Merton worked at Rand’s office in the Pentagon with Air Force intelligence. Louise enjoyed life in and around Washington, D.C. during the Kennedy Administration, and Merton’s work brought them into high-ranking political and military social circles. When the family returned to the Palisades, Louise got her real estate broker’s license and began her successful business career. After starting with Ross Price Realty, she opened Louise Davies Real Estate in about 1967. Many of her clients started as referrals from Rand, but Louise established herself as honest, reliable and extremely capable. At one point she owned and managed two offices, one in the Palisades and in Santa Monica, with a total of over 20 agents and employees. In 1984, she served as president of the Pacific Palisades branch of the Los Angeles Board of Realtors. During this period, she occasionally found attractive investment properties and began another career in residential property ownership and management. Ultimately, her holdings would include numerous apartments, retail and residential properties in the Palisades and other areas of Los Angeles. When Merton began applying his space photography skills to planetary exploration of the solar system in the late 1960s, he worked with many international colleagues and organizations, and as a result, he and Louise began traveling around the world, often to remote destinations. As a result, they accumulated many new friends who would then visit them in Los Angeles. Louise took great pride in their children and grandchildren. Her daughter Deidra, a probate and trusts attorney in Santa Monica, married Chris Stauff and they have four children, Tamara, Katherine, Corinne and Kirk. Her son Albert, an entrepreneur in the wind-energy industry, lives in Santa Rosa and is married to Sally Jacobs. They have three children, Brendan, Meara and Colin. Her youngest son, Randy, is a real estate lawyer, married to Deborah Schelling, with two daughters, Kimberly and Carolyn. Louise also had two great-grandchildren, Gage Madison Stauff and Kendall Louise Stauff. As a businesswoman Louise was successful through dedication and hard work, a keen ability to recognize the requirements of her clients, good judgment, common sense and an engaging personality. She was bluntly honest and reliable, which earned her many repeat and referral customers. The same traits gained her the admiration of her family and friends. Always mindful of her difficult early years, she was cautious in financial matters, yet generous in the support of her family’particularly in matters of investment, travel and education, which she viewed as among the most admirable of pursuits. Even after the loss of her lifelong companion, Merton, after 56 years of marriage, and while her own health deteriorated, Louise remained dedicated to her work and to the care and support of her family. Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Chapel, 5600 Lindero Canyon Rd., in Westlake Village. Contact: (818) 889-0902.

Jon B. Riffel, 84; Gas Company VP

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Jon B. Riffel, a 37-year resident of Pacific Palisades who was a Southern California Gas Company public relations executive, has died at the age of 84. Riffel, who helped found the Marine Toys For Tots programs, suffered a severe stroke on August 17 and passed away a week later at Santa Monica Hospital. He was the gas company’s vice president of public relations and advertising from 1968 to his retirement in 1986. He held similar positions at Lockheed in Sunnyvale and North American Aviation in Columbus, Ohio. In 1947, he collaborated with his friend Bill Hendricks, a PR man for the Warner Bros. studio, and other Marine Corps reservists around Los Angeles to form the popular Toys For Tots holiday toy drive to benefit underprivileged children. Toys For Tots got its start when Hendricks’ wife, Diane, handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and suggested her husband donate it to an organization that would give it to a needy child for Christmas. Hendricks, however, found that there was no such agency, so with the help of Riffel and other Marines, he started Toys For Tots. They collected 5,000 toys that first year. Warner Bros. celebrities assisted the next year, when the program was expanded nationwide. Riffel served as president of the Public Relations Society of America in 1971 and helped create the Public Relations Student Society of America, which now boasts 250 chapters at colleges and universities throughout the country. He was also a longtime board member of the Museum of Science and Industry in Exposition Park. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Riffel joined the Marine Corps in 1942 after graduating from Hendrix College. He participated in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns in World War II, and was called back to active duty during the Korean War before retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He later had a brief acting career, landing a speaking roles in the movies “Battleground” and “The Monty Stratton Story.” He also had various parts in stage productions. Riffel is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marion; a daughter, Susan Graby (husband Robert) of Bellevue, Washington; sons Bran of Pacific Palisades and Jim (wife Meredith) of El Cajon; grandchildren Jennifer, Jeffrey, Susan, Laura and James; and honorary grandchildren Chris, Shannon and Gail. A private burial was held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. A memorial service will be on September 10 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades, 701 Palisades Dr.

Topanga Art Exhibit To Honor Ann King

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Ann King, a former resident of Pacific Palisades, will be honored with a memorial art exhibition opening September 20 at the Topanga Canyon Gallery on Pine Tree Circle, 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. King died on June 13 after a five-year battle with cancer. An artist and member of the Topanga Canyon Gallery, she was an inspiration to many, including Ron’ Prinz, who credits King and her painting for confidence in her own work. “It’s what keeps me going,” she said. Prinz , other gallery members and friends will exhibit their artwork along with a number of King’s paintings at the show, which runs through October 16. Proceeds from the sale of King’s work will be donated to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, where she was a member and served on the Vestry for two years. The Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chemist Joseph Lin’s Work Is All About Saving Face

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As T. Joseph Lin tells it, he studied chemical engineering simply because his mother told him to do so. “I was a good Chinese boy,” says Lin, a soft-spoken man who, with his wife Cathy and three sons, has lived in the Palisades since 1974. “I listened to my mother. My father started one of the oldest cosmetic companies in Taiwan, and studying chemical engineering made sense.” Lin grew up in Taiwan and came to the U.S. where he graduated from UC Berkeley in 1957 with a degree in chemical engineering. He then went on to receive a M.S. degree from the University of Washington in 1959. “When I finished school,” Lin says, “I realized that I still really did not know anything about cosmetics and decided that I had better look for a job in a cosmetic company to learn the trade.” Finding a job, however, was not easy. After many rejections, Lin was offered a job at Beauty Counselors Inc., a small company in Detroit where he worked on aerosols and manufacturing problems. Still yearning to learn more, Lin attended night school at Wayne State University, where he received his Ph.D. in chemical engineering. He soon joined Rohm and Hass in Philadelphia but in 1965 was lured to Max Factor by a headhunter, as a principal research chemist. “My dream was to work for a big company, and I was very excited about moving to Hollywood,” Lin says. But four years later, Lin’s mother asked him to return to Taiwan to help the family business, Shen Hsiang Tang, where he designed a new factory, set up a research and development department and trained the staff. He also created two cosmetic brands’VIP and Cellina’that are still popular in Taiwan today. Eventually, Lin felt he was losing his edge, and in order to keep up-to-date with scientific developments, decided to attend an International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) congress, where he met some Japanese scientists, who asked him to consult with them. And, once more, his life took an unexpected turn. “When I was a boy, Taiwan was a colony of Japan and I knew how to speak Japanese,” says Lin, who is also fluent in Mandarin as well as the Taiwanese dialect. “So I brushed up on the language and was soon lecturing in Japan.” In 1974, Lin returned to California and became an independent consultant for clients worldwide including Avon, Estee Lauder, Gillette, Neutrogena and Johnson & Johnson to name a few. For years he wrote a popular column, “Notes from the Orient,” for “Cosmetics & Toiletries” magazine. In August, he was honored by a Japanese cosmetic trade magazine, “Fragrance Journal,” for his work as its columnist for the past 30 years. Although Lin continues to be an independent consultant, he has his own company, Shangri-La, Inc., where he is working with his sons Richard and Edward to develop skin-care products and innovations considered to be unique. Presently they have two products, under a brand called Octane, available: a green tea shampoo/body wash gel with mint and a re-energizing gel with ginseng boost. Needless to say, Lin has a lot to say about cosmetics and the industry today. “There is only so much you can do with cosmetics,” Lin begins. “Nowadays cosmetic companies have a lot of competition, like Botox, plastic surgery and laser. My view is that not just one thing will fulfill all the needs of the consumer. We need all these things. It’s a myth to think, for instance, that natural ingredients are better than synthetic. Synthetic ingredients are still necessary. They’re really indistinguishable from natural. “The desire to be beautiful is so strong. It’s part of our DNA. Companies want to get a high price for products. They have expensive jars. A French name. A big movie star as a spokesman. But they are getting smarter’and they really want to make good products. Women are willing to pay and the cosmetic companies are struggling to deliver. Essentially, the customer is really buying hope in a jar.” And scientists are always working to discover something better. For instance, for a while, they thought that Vitamin E would be a key ingredient to save the face. “Everybody was putting Vitamin E in cosmetics because we know the aging process of the skin is oxidation,” Lin explains. “So we thought that using antioxidants and, in this case, Vitamin E, was a good thing. And now we hear that it was bad for the heart. And then it all changed. “We’re continually learning. That shows that our understanding is not perfect yet. We still have a lot to learn about this thing we call nature.” It seems Lin’s mother was right about what Lin should study. Today, after 35 years in the business, Lin is recognized as an expert on cosmetic formulations and manufacturing. And he’s been able to give back to his native Taiwan, where he is on the board of the Taiwanese United Fund, a nonprofit cultural organization that raises money for young Taiwanese artists. “I enjoy my work,” Lin concludes. “I go to different countries, meet new people, discover new technologies. Newer functions are being discovered and I hope they’re real. I’m getting old myself, and am interested too!”

A Healing Mentality to Cure the Bay

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Palisadian and Heal the Bay board member Lisa Boyle splashes in the ocean at Will Rogers beach with her children Jake, 7, and Lili, 9.
Palisadian and Heal the Bay board member Lisa Boyle splashes in the ocean at Will Rogers beach with her children Jake, 7, and Lili, 9.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Last Saturday was a beach day. By 9 a.m., families were carting their coolers and beach chairs across the hot sand to secure a spot by the ocean. Surfers paddling on boards towards the horizon had probably already caught a wave or two. Everyone was soaking up the so-called last days of summer. Another group was gathering in the early morning heat, about five miles inland from the Malibu coastline, at Malibu Creek State Park. They were Heal the Bay volunteers, eager to help restore the Malibu Creek watershed by removing annual grasses and hemlock from a patch of open space where the invasive plants are spreading fast. ‘It’s a battle of the wills,’ says Mark Abramson, manager of Heal the Bay’s Stream Team, a citizen monitoring program that collects data to help determine the environmental health of the watershed. Like many of the battles Heal the Bay has fought in its 20-year history, the Stream Team’s project requires not only the tools but the determination and collaborative spirit of a passionate group of people’dedicated to making Santa Monica Bay and Southern California coastal waters healthy for people and marine life. ‘The core values of the organization are founded in credibility and volunteer involvement,’ says Mark Gold, executive director, who started volunteering with Heal the Bay in 1986 and was hired as staff scientist two years later. ‘We’re as true today as we were in the beginning.’ The nonprofit environmental organization began in 1985 with a handful of people who rallied against the City of Los Angeles for dumping raw sewage into Santa Monica Bay. Founded by Dorothy Green, Heal the Bay mobilized the public and took legal action to help ensure the City’s compliance with the Clean Water Act and improve sewage treatment at Hyperion Sewage Treatment Plant. Thanks to those initial successful efforts, Heal the Bay proved that it could help solve the problems threatening our beaches and coastal waters. And with that mission, it has grown into an organization of more than 10,000 members. ‘If you look at the core strength of the membership and organization, it’s really Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades,’ says Gold, a Santa Monica resident. ‘Who doesn’t live here because of Santa Monica Bay?’ Palisadian Lisa Boyle is a good example. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, she studied environmental law at Tulane, where she met her husband, David, who grew up in the Palisades. The couple has raised their two young children here, and Lisa says, ‘I don’t want to tell them, ‘Look at the water, it’s pretty but it’s toxic.’ Hope is important when you’re a parent.’ In 1999, Gold hired Boyle to be Heal the Bay’s director of law and policy. She joined the team at a crucial time, when the organization was debating whether to get involved in a case against the proposed Ahmanson Ranch ‘mini city’ development, the impacts of which threatened the Malibu Creek watershed. Until then, the organization had been focused on protecting the beaches, and its decision to act against the Ahmanson development marked its ‘first move upstream,’ according to Boyle, who helped organize the first public hearing on the case. The Ahmanson property was eventually purchased by the state for parkland in 2004. Palisadian enviromental lawyer Jan Chatten-Brown represented Heal the Bay, and the Natural Resources Defense Council and scientists spoke on endangered resources. ‘It was well attended,’ says Boyle, who stopped working as a staff attorney for Heal the Bay after a year to devote more time to her family. But she has remained directly involved as a board member and volunteer, co-chairing the annual Bring Back the Beach fundraising dinner, which this year raised more than $770,000 in net revenue. ‘It was definitely the most successful it’s ever been,’ Boyle says of the event, which also celebrated the group’s 20th anniversary. ‘Sometimes the soul of an organization is totally lost in the fundraisers because they become overshadowed by the stars there. But the heart and soul came through with Dorothy Green up on stage talking about its humble beginnings. And the celebrities involved are really environmentalists and they care.’ Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus (‘Seinfeld’), a Palisades resident, parent and Heal the Bay board member, was actively involved in promoting Proposition O, the $500-million bond measure passed last November 2. Prop O aims to control pollution by advancing storm drain systems and creating community parks that also act as filters for urban storm water runoff. Whereas sewage discharge was the original culprit polluting the Bay, the larger problem now is runoff, which Boyle says is ‘a lot harder to control than sewage.’ Studies have found that flowing storm drains contaminated with fecal bacteria can be a significant source of pollution to the Bay. Furthermore, Gold explains that local residents need to be aware of and better understand their irrigation systems, which are ‘leading to a lot of nuisance runoff. ‘There’s no way that the amount of water coming out of these drains should be as high as it is,’ he says. ‘People don’t think about over-irrigating, but it’s a huge problem.’ He explains that runoff picks up pollutants as it flows towards the ocean, and though a number of diversion systems have been created along the beach, ‘there’s too much water for the pumps to work properly.’ Figuring out what area the extra runoff is coming from is a priority, according to Gold, who adds, ‘If we reduce the amount of water getting into the system in the summer, our beaches are going to be a lot cleaner.’ Heal the Bay’s immediate goals involve not only improving beach water quality but also making sure the City and County ensure that they’re protective of public health. ‘Next year, starting July 31, there will be a legal requirement for no more poor water quality at Santa Monica beaches,’ Gold says. He’s referring to TMDLs, or Total Maximum Daily Loads, which are ‘site-specific water quality standards to protect aquatic life and human health.’ In other words, new water-quality rules will require that, for example, Santa Monica Bay reduce the bacteria levels that pollute its waters. Other areas, such as Malibu Creek, Ballona Creek and the Los Angeles River, will also have to meet certain pollution limits depending on the excessive nutrients that contaminate the waters. ‘TMDLs is the most complicated yet effective and controversial aspect of the Clean Water Act,’ Gold says. Heal the Bay acts as an advocate and watchdog by looking at the City of L.A.’s and the L.A. County Health Department’s data and monitoring the new water quality standards. The City has until July 31 to comply, according to L.A’s Regional Water Quality Control Board. To provide beachgoers with water-quality information, Heal the Bay posts a weekly Beach Report Card on its Web site (www.healthebay.org). This report grades local beaches on an A-F scale based on daily and weekly water-quality monitoring data collected by various County and City public agencies throughout Southern California. Over the years, the organization has expanded the report to include more than 460 beach locations statewide. Gold says that Heal the Bay plans to be more active in the inland community in the coming years, spreading its message in favor of behavioral change. ‘We’re taking on a pilot program in the City of Compton,’ he says of the group’s goal to clean up Compton Creek through advocacy, education and cleanup activities. ‘Our thought in doing this was to lead by example; if we can clean up a resource so incredibly blighted, then everything can be cleaned up and restored.’ The organization’s education programs are also focusing on Title 1 schools, so that students in disadvantaged neighborhoods can learn about their natural resources and how their behaviors affect the Bay. Currently, 57 percent of the students who attend programs at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium are Title 1 kids, according to Randi Parent, who’s the community outreach coordinator there. Since Heal the Bay assumed operation of the Aquarium more than two years ago, Parent says it ‘has grown as a field trip venue and community resource.’ Home to close to 100 species, the Aquarium has expanded its hours to be open at least a portion of every day except Monday, and the curriculum has been rewritten and revamped, according to Parent. Some of the most popular programs include the microbiologists class designed for 3- to 5-year-olds, in which they learn about the different animals at the Aquarium, and private, educational birthday parties. ‘We book two to three months in advance,’ Parent says, adding that part of the appeal of the Aquarium is its intimate setting. ‘It’s definitely a family destination, but there are plenty of adults who come in [alone] and are just as interested in what’s going on in the Bay.’ This year, Palisades resident Vicki Wawerchak became the new Aquarium director. Another Palisadian, Tara Crow, has been working at the Aquarium for six years and is currently the public programs coordinator. ‘We [at Heal the Bay] all try and support each other’s programs,’ says Crow, who joined the volunteers at last Saturday’s creek restoration. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from USC. Heal the Bay’s largest volunteer event of the year, Coastal Cleanup Day, will be held September 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, when more than 10,000 volunteers are expected to come together at 55 different locations in L.A. County to clean up the beaches and waterways. At last year’s event, volunteers picked up more than 80,000 pounds of trash and recyclables. ‘The number-one judge of any group is where you are in achieving your mission,’ Gold says. ‘Heal the Bay has definitely had a significant role in improving Santa Monica Bay.’ A father of three, he adds, ‘It’s pretty cool being in a job that, when asked what I do for a living, my kids love saying, ‘My Dad heals the bay.”

CLASSIFIED ADS FROM THE SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 ISSUE OF THE PALISADIAN-POST

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

NEW CUSTOM HOME in Pac Palisades. No expense spared! 4 bedroom+6 baths. Walk to Village, beach & schools. Mtn views. Offered at $3.15 million. Call (310) 482-2444 www. swarthmorehouse.com. ROMANTIC HIDEAWAY. 3 BEDROOMS+2 baths. Library, office, private gardens, professional recording studio in garage, large lot. Jewel box! Walk to the bluffs. $1,795,000. Call (310) 459-3738 BEAUTIFUL TUSCAN HOME in Ridgeview Gated Community. 6,900 sq ft living on 43,000 sq ft lot. Lush gardens, ocean and canyon views from most rooms. Hwd floors. Pool, spa, private retreat. 6 bedrooms, 7 baths, 8 fireplaces Huge potential. Must see to appreciate. $6,700,000. Call Ness Krief, agent, (310) 430-0667

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

VIEW OF QUEEN’S NECKLACE. 4 bedroom, 2 bath, family room. Remodeled kitchen, new carpet. 1 year lease. $5,750/mo. Call Dave, (310) 497-2403 HIGHLANDS HOME on GATED street. 4 bedroom+ 3.5 bath. Large family room opens to kitchen. Use of Summit Club, mountain & ocean vus. 1 year lease. $7,250/mo. Agent, (310) 230-2480 SHORT-TERM RENTAL. 3 months maximum. 2 bedroom home near Palisades High School. $2,750/mo. Call (310) 455-1501 MARQUEZ KNOLLS. 4 BED+3.5 BA. Dining and family rooms, breakfast bar, office, pool, 2-car garage. Gardener & poolman included. $4,750/mo. Call (310) 454-0067 NEW PALISADES 3 BEDROOMS+3 baths plus den built in 2004. Granite kitchen, stainless appliances, hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces. Limestone master bath with spa tub. Walk to village, wheelchair accessible. Available in Nov. $7,500/mo. Cynthia, agent, (310) 472-5396

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

CARMEL in THE PALISADES. 2 bedroom, beautiful lot. Walk to village. $3,495/mo. Agent. Call Nancy, (310) 230-7305 LOVELY SENIOR BUILDING in Pac Palisades. Furn or unfurn. Clean and bright. 1 bed+1 bath. View of lake. Close to everywhere. $1,600/mo. Broker. (310) 456-8770 CHARMING SWISS COTTAGE. Single. 1 bath. Spectacular ocean and mtn views. Private entrance, garden & deck. Hardwood floors. Leaded glass windows. Fireplace. Walk to beach. Wildlife habitat. Washer/dryer. Storage. $3,000/mo. (310) 459-5647

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

LARGE ROOMS in SPACIOUS ocean view home from $1,400/mo. Club privileges, pool, tennis, etc. Call (800) 638-4354.

RENTALS TO SHARE 3a

FABULOUS FURNISHED OFFICE to share at PCH & Sunset. Ocean views. 2 private offices (holds 2-3 people). Conference room, reception & common areas. Call (310) 230-6866

WANTED TO RENT 3b

GARAGE STORAGE SPACE wanted in the Palisades for a car. The owner lives on Chautauqua & drives it twice per month. Please call (818) 557-0135

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

PRIVATE OFFICE SPACE. Getaway with private bathroom & shower in Brentwood condo, located 1 block from Wilshire. Avail for use morning till 8 P.M. (13′ X 14′). Immediate occupancy. $950/mo. lease. Please call (818) 645-8632 or (818) 917-8598 PALISADES HIGHLANDS PLAZA. Prime spaces for lease. #532, 1,240 sf retail & #540, 1,950 sf retail/ office. Avail immediately. Call Greg at PAR Commercial, (310) 395-2663, ext. 103, or info at www.parcommercial.com

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

SERIOUS ENTREPRENEURS. Learn to make your annual income a monthly income. Be your own boss. Home base. Have time freedom. (800) 230-6073. www.youdeserveprosperity.com

LOST & FOUND 6a

LOST: ASSISTANCE DOG. Pit bull, approx 7/27/05, around north Santa Monica (Montana-Calif St.). Female, no collar, 2.5 years old. Her ears and tail not cropped. “Abby” has AVID micro-chip. If seen or knows about, please call Mary, (310) 422-5453

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

BOOKKEEPER. Need help with getting your books in order? Help is near! Call Joannie, (310) 486-1055

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

COMPUTER SUPPORT – Home – Business – Desktop & Network Support – Low Rates – One Or One Hundred PCs, We Can Help. WWW.FRANKELCONSULTING.COM. Providing Solutions for 18 Years – (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

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 – Furniture – Antiques – Collectibles – Junque – Reliable professionals Local References

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

Never seem to be enough time or enough you? Call I NEED ANOTHER ME! We offer temporary project coordinating & assistance, both business & personal, relocation management, jobs big & small, too numerous to say here. When asked, “What all do you do?” I say, “What is it you need done?” Call for a free consultation: (310) 459-0418 ERRAND GIRL & PERSONAL SHOPPER. Available Monday through Friday, 9 A.M.-5 P.M. After hours by appointment. Call Ms. Dennis, (310) 339-1749

MISCELLANEOUS 7j

MESSENGER SERVICE/AIR COURIERS. Santa Monica Express, Inc. Since 1984. Guaranteed On-Time! Trucking & Freight Forwarding. Air Courier Door-to-Door Anywhere in the USA. Direct, Non-Stop Service Anywhere in CA. Same-Day Court Filings. Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured. 24 hours/day, 7 days per week. (310) 458-6000. www.SMEXPRESS.com. PALISADIAN OWNED & MANAGED

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

PROFESSIONAL BABY NURSE is available for night shifts, to help families with newborns. Contact Ms. Dennis, (310) 226-7097 GREAT PRE-SCREENED Nannies available. Let us help you with your nanny search. We are a dedicated, professional agency and we will find the right match for you. Whether you are looking for full-time or p/time, L/I or L/O help, we can help you. Call Sunshine Nannies at (310) 614-5065 or (310) 801-8309

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 EXPERIENCED HOUSE & APT Cleaner. I have good references and experience. Please call Victoria, (310) 836-4682 P/T HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE. I am moving to Santa Barbara and my housekeeper is staying local. She is an immaculate, professional, honest, loyal, mature woman who takes pride in her work. Please no snobs. Has other Palisades clients. Please call me for details. (310) 230-7863 DO you NEED HELP with everyday chores? I can walk dogs, cook, after-school housesitter, weekends. Over 20 years experience. I have refs. Call Ruth, (310) 429-2459 or (818) 757-3976 CAPABLE, MATURE, BROTHER and/or sister can: cook (nutritious), groceries, drive, tutor, computers, do laundry, repairs, coordinate other services. Bilingual. (310) 218-6653 or (310) 459-2066 HOUSE-CLEANING AVAILABLE during the week. Good references and experience. Please call Marlene, (213) 926-5709 EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER AVAIL. Mondays and Fridays every week and Tuesdays, every other week. Has own transportation and references. Call Blanca, (323) 463-1330

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

CAREGIVERS/COMPANIONS: Live-in or out, minimum 2 years experience and 3 work-related references required. Driving preferred. CNA’s/CHHA’s welcome. Bondable. (323) 692-3692

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 GARCIA GARDENING SERVICES. Landscaping, maintenance, planting, sprinkler systems and clean-ups. Call Efren, (818) 881-8523, or cell, (310) 733-7414

BRUSHCLEARING 11a

GREAT GRAZING GOATS!! (310) 573-0124

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

WINDOW WASHING 13h

NO STREAK WINDOW cleaning service. Fast and friendly. Quality service you can count on. Free estimates. Lic. #122194-49. 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 sealers. Craig, (310) 459-9000 REFRIDG-A-CARE. Pull out vacuum dust from behind & under refrigerator. Runs more efficiently, cooler, less energy consumption. Less wear & tear on your refrigeration cooling system. Owen Cruickshank, (310) 459-5485

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.

FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a

NORDIC WALKING. Nordic Walking burns up to 46% more calories than regular walking and is excellent for weight loss. Perfect for all ages. Makes a great gift and get the 1st instructional DVD in the U.S. for only $29.50! Personal Training walking classes and Nordic walking poles avail. Check at www.nordicwalkingonline.com or call (310) 573-9000

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

CHILD’S PIANO TREASURE House in Santa Monica. Since 1980! Piano, harpsichord lessons. Beginners or advanced. Call (310) 453-1064. Children, adults. Your place or my studio.

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 SPANISH TUTOR. All grade levels, conversational & all ages. Local refs, flexible hours. Please call Noelle at (310) 273-3593 CLEARLY MATH TUTORING. Specializing in Math! Elementary thru college level. Test Prep, Algebra, Trig, Geom, Calculus. Fun, caring, creative, individualized tutoring. Math anxiety. Call Jamie, (310) 459-4722 THE WRITING COACH: Summertime Application Prep Intensives for next year’s graduating high school/middle school students. Private school application essays. College application essays. SAT/ISEE ESSAYS. 5 individual sessions (flexible scheduling/ your home). Extensive experience, success stories, acceptances. MA, Johns Hopkins; former LA private school teacher and Hopkins CTY instructor; writer/ consultant. Outstanding Palisades/Malibu references. (310) 528-6437 SCIENCE & MATH-Get A Head Start! B.S. Biochemistry, SUNY Stony Brook, M.A. Columbia University, Teacher’s College. Certified New York (Westchester) public school teacher, now teaching in LA! Prefer students 7th grade to college. I live in Brentwood, but prefer to tutor at your home. Practice tests available! SAT II subject test coaching! Academic progress monitoring & notebook organization! Alex Van Name, (310) 442-1093 (hm) or (914) 837-0569 (cell) 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 assessing the student’s needs, developing an individualized education program and implementation of that program. Pacific Palisades resident. (310) 230-9890 LA TUTORING. Private tutors specializing in all subjects and all grade levels, AP assessments, SAT, college placement. We come to you. Contact for a free consultation: (310) 663-2441 or go to www.latutoring.com CHEMISTRY & MATH GURU. Recent college graduate with tons of energy and enthusiasm. He will help students conquer fears to excel. Call Edward, (310) 991-3783 STANFORD-EDUCATED TUTOR. Physics and Calculus (incl. AP), Precalc, Geometry, Algebra, SAT (all sections). Engineering degree. Experience making abstract concepts tangible. Young (-ish) and personable. In-home convenience. References. Chris, (323) 309-6687

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 DAN’S MASONRY & REPAIR. Brick, block, stone and concrete. In area for 30 yrs. Big or small-We do it all. (Not lic.). Call Danny, (310) 261-0536

CONSTRUCTION 16d

PARADISE CONSTRUCTION Building Contractor – All Trades – Lic. #808600. Call (310) 383-1659 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 HOWESWORKS, General Contractor. Improve – Build – Install – Repair. Professional Reliable Service. Happiness Guaranteed. Lic. #858904. Daniel Howe, (310) 877-5577 ALAN PINE GENERAL CONTRACTORS. Additions, remodels, plans. Local. Lic. #469435. (310) 457-5655

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. All Phases and General Repairs. 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 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 WILSON HARDWOOD FLOORS. Complete installation, refinish and re-coat. Fully insured. License #380380. Ask for Kevin Wilson, (310) 478-7988

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 PETERPAN – Quality Home Repair -Serving Entire Westside. (Not lic.) Ask for Peter, (310) 663-3633 THE HANDY GUY. Any job, big or small. Over 15 years experience. Free estimates. Lic. #B-858574. Call (310) 216-9034

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 – 51 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 MASTERPIECE PAINTING & DECOR – Stenciling/Faux/Plaster effects – License #543487 MFA ’84 – Bill Lundby, (310) 459-7362 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

PLUMBING 16s

ROBERT RAMOS, Plumbing Contractor – Copper repipes – Remodels – New Construction – Service & Repair – Water Heaters – Licensed – Bonded – Insured – St. lic. #605556 – Cell, (310) 704-5353 BOTHAM PLUMBING AND HEATING. Lic. #839118. (310) 827-4040

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

R.E. INVESTMENT Partner sought for arch developments. Custom residences, proj by proj., local & dev. of vacation homes. Princ only. (No brokers, lenders, etc.) $1.0 MM, 2 yrs. Active participation, financial qualifying docs req’d. Great R.o.I. (25%+). Call (310) 454-0685, lv msg RETAIL SALES, PT/FT (incl. Sat). Montana Ave. upscale women’s specialty store seeks confident, motivated and energetic sales professional w/ an ability to develop a clientele. Previous exp preferred but not req. We train. Fax or email resume to Weathervaneii@aol.com or fax (310) 393-2077 Sales: MC/VISA REPS. Wkly Pay/Mo. Residuals/Highest Commissions. Woodland Hills, CA. Call Edward, (818) 992-4894 LOCAL DRY-CLEANERS looking for counterperson. No experience OK. We’ll train you. Part or full-time available. Please call (310) 454-7244 P/T ART TEACHER NEEDED for grades TK-2 for Fall, 2005. Salary $12K. Fax resume (310) 230-9268 or e-mail LGlick@CalvaryChristian.org. LIVE-OUT NANNY/housekeeper wanted. Mon. through Fri., 1:00-8:00 p.m. Must drive, be great with kids & speak English. Must have experience, local references. Call (310) 387-7722 P/T’F/T FILE CLERK for busy law office. Hours are flexible. E-mail resume to: acasillas@njanedubovy.com F/T RECEPTIONIST NEEDED for medical construction co. located in the Palisades. Duties to include answering phones, general filing and faxing, mail run and some data entry. Basic computer skills helpful. Please fax resume with salary history to (310) 573-1686 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED for Santa Monica solo family practice. All front and back office duties for full-time position. Fax resume and salary requirements to (310) 593-4316 P/T in-home OFFICE PERSONAL ASST needed. MAC, Quicken, filing reports. Mature, organized, reliable. Work long-term. References. 1 or 2 days/week. Please call (310) 459-7215

SITUATIONS WANTED 17a

PERSONAL ASSISTANT/NOTARY Public avail. Let me help you run your life more smoothly. I’m proficient in bookkeeping, clerical duties, event coordination, mailing/research. Honest, reliable, discrete, local. Excellent refs. Patti, (310) 720-8004

AUTOS 18b

1969 CORVETTE C-3 COUPE. 350 C.i.d. 480+ HP new, fully-rebuilt, by Phil Cocuzza ($15K). New interior, new suspension, tires, rims, sweet. Loaded, great car. Blk/blk, orig. paint, total 39K miles. $35K Firm. Call (310) 454-0685 SUZUKI HAYABUSA 2003 Motorcycle. Like NEW. Garage kept. Only 1,283 miles. $5,000 obo. E-mail me at: mhilr509@aol.com CASH FOR YOUR CARS. Foreign or domestic. Running or not. We come to you. We handle all paperwork. Friendly, professional buyer. Please call (310) 995-5898 2005 LEXUS ES330. Green, 530 miles. Brand new condition. $31K (incl. tax). OR assume lease, $380 x 48 months+$300. (310) 454-7380 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. 100K miles. New brakes, new tires, new battery. $5,000 obo. Call (310) 457-3393

FURNITURE 18c

MINT CONDITION. Double-Pedestal dining table, VENECIA by Stanley with 8 chairs, including 2 armchairs. $4,200 obo. Call (310) 871-7916 CONTEMPORARY TECHLINE COMPUTER desk. 65″ w x 30″ d. White, with separate shelf & drawer units. Purchased at Functions in Santa Monica. Mint condition. $750. Can e-mail photo. (310) 459-2482

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

PALI ESTATE SALE! Knick-knacks/memorabilia/-year ’50s, ’60s LR/BR furn/furnishings/tables/chairs/dressers/waterbeds/ mirrors/lamps/antique barrel bar/Acme full-size Pool table/Bazooka arcade game/wash-dryer/2 fridg/Fab Kitch stuff/patio furn, benches/TV/CD/VCR/tools/ cookbooks/linens/plants. Great art. 1149 Amalfi (N. of Sunset) FRI-SAT. Sept 2-3; 8-4 p.m. PALISADES GARAGE SALE. Fantastic women’s clothes, shoes, jewelry, furniture and much more! SAT. 9/3, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and SUN. 9/4, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; 1101 Hartzell Street. MOVING SALE. SEPTEMBER 3-4, 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. ALL QUALITY, no junk. Furniture, home office equipment, women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, linens, CD’s, pet supplies and cosmetics. 529 Swarthmore.

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

5-MONTH OLD BUNNY with cage. Needs good home. Call (310) 850-5499 or (310) 319-9296

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

Portable G.E. Air CONDITIONER. New, still in box. SONY PLAYSTATION 1 and 2. Never used. For more information, call (310) 454-7018 2 rust-colored leather RECLINER CHAIRS – New ladies BIKE, 7500 Trek – Beige Fendi bag – String of graduated PEARLS. Call for info, (310) 454-5817

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

Major Projects Spur Revere’s 50th Year

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Paul Revere principal Art Copper, left, and L.A. School Board president Marlene Canter, oversee students in the renovated school library, one of two major projects underway at the middle school.
Paul Revere principal Art Copper, left, and L.A. School Board president Marlene Canter, oversee students in the renovated school library, one of two major projects underway at the middle school.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

By RACHEL FIRESTONE Special to the Palisadian-Post In keeping with the L.A. Unified School District’s ongoing quest for community-supported renovation of local public schools, Marquez Elementary, Palisades Elementary, Canyon School, Kenter Canyon Elementary and Brentwood Science Magnet are all undergoing major transformations. From libraries and computer labs to playgrounds and playing fields, parents, administration, community members and the L.A. Board of Education are focusing on improving the resources and opportunities available to students. P.R.I.D.E., the parent booster club at Paul Revere Charter Middle School, is making sure its 2,200 students are not left behind in this movement to build strong minds and strong bodies. The volunteer group hopes to complete two of the school’s groundbreaking projects’the renovation of the existing library and the building of an innovative agility course’by year’s end. “The budget for these upgrades is $308,000, of which over $200,000 has been raised from parents, school organizations, Palisades service clubs and several businesses,” said T. Scott MacGillivray, a Brentwood resident and architect who has had two children at Revere and is coordinating the projects. MacGillivray noted that Revere has not had any significant upgrades since it was built 50 years ago. “By hooking up the library with modern technology and building a training camp-style agility course, school officials and parents are determined to make Revere a first-class facility on par with the community it belongs to,” he said. Principal Art Copper and Board of Education President Marlene Canter, whose district includes the Palisades Complex schools, believe this Revere renaissance will provide students with new opportunities and will serve to spark other schools to follow suit. “Take ownership and help mold it to make the school a success,” Canter said. Having stated that a proper education is a civil right for every child, she sees parent interaction and community involvement as “change agents” in the system. “It is about pride and ownership,” Canter continued. “It is crucial to have parents become part of the school’s climate and to encourage them that their value is not just as a volunteer in the classroom or to just come when their child gets into trouble, but to become part of the fabric of the school.” Copper, who is beginning his third year as principal, agreed. “You don’t own the school unless you participate in making it a success.” Revere supporters are doing just that. The new library, budgeted at about $220,000, will not only house thousands of new books, it will be buzzing with students using the new audio library and laptop computers. The previously under-utilized facility will soon be a place students can visit, research, write, do schoolwork and recreational reading or pursue independent studies. With 12 new computer terminals at two circular tables, the library will serve as a resource for both students and teachers alike. Additionally, P.R.I.D.E. is seeking funding for a library aide to keep the library open longer hours and help navigate students through the new resources. Integration of computer technology into the core curriculums for elementary, middle and high school students is essential in keeping students up to speed. To ensure that its students excel academically throughout these crucial years, P.R.I.D.E. is emphasizing the acquisition of new laptop computers for the library. With a laptop, every chair becomes a computer station when you want it to and then a study chair when the laptop is returned to the recharging unit behind the librarian’s desk. Another advantage is that laptops operate on wireless technology, which saves thousands of dollars in hardwire costs. The future has arrived and it is cheaper and faster. Revere’s state-of-the-art audio lab, a new feat for LAUSD, will allow students with varying learning styles to acquire knowledge in new ways. Students with learning disabilities, attention problems or visual processing challenges will have the tools necessary to keep up with other students and further narrow the achievement gap. “As a school with an emphasis on math, science and technology, it is imperative that we prepare our students for the ever-advancing world of technological innovations,” Copper said. “With the addition of an audio lab and the flexibility that laptop computers provide, we’re taking a giant step forward in giving our students immediate access to the tools they need to be competitive.” The new agility course, designed to supplement Revere’s rigorous physical education curriculum, will feature various apparatus that challenge and develop students’ agility, fitness, upper- and lower-body muscles, competitiveness and the confidence of meeting the challenge and bettering one’s personal time. Located on the athletic playground, the course will be equipped with a 153-ft. by 27-ft. rubber mat saftey surface and will include balance beams, crawl-under bars, a cargo climbing fence, hurdle walls, a 4-ft.-high vault wall, inline loop climbers, interlocking tires, and a 6-ft.-high vault wall. “The PE staff requested this course as their top priority,” MacGillivray said. “If fundraising goes well in the next month I hope to be ordering the agility course by October 1. I am currently bidding out the work. Equipment and installation will come from Steelcraft, Inc. of Pasadena.” MacGillivray added: “We will be mailing a flyer to all of our Palisades and Brentwood neighbors in two weeks, asking for donations to help make this happen. We really want the community to be proud of Paul Revere and help us bring the facility up to the standard of our great elementary schools.” Public schools used to be community hubs and it is the vision of Revere supporters and the L.A. school board to see every public school become the center of the Palisades community again. Currently, the campus is used for night basketball, non-school affiliated performances, soccer games and more. The agility course will add a novel community resource. To support these projects, send a check made out to P.R.I.D.E. c/o of Paul Revere Middle School, 1450 Allenford Ave., Los Angeles, CA. 90049 or contact MacGillivray by phone (479-1974) or e-mail: TSMAIA@aol.com. (Editor’s note: Rachel Firestone graduated from Palisades High in 2002 and is now a senior at Boston University majoring in public relations. Upon graduating next spring, she hopes to move back to Los Angeles and work in the nonprofit sector on behalf of public schools.)

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