Home Blog Page 2438

Pali Baseball Close to Clinching League Title

On the surface, the Palisades High varsity baseball team’s 6-1 victory over Fairfax last Wednesday was just another routine win over an opponent the first-place Dolphins should beat. But when University beat second-place Westchester across town, suddenly Palisades found itself two victories away from clinching its second consecutive Western League championship. Palisades (15-5, 11-1) started the week leading the Comets (16-12, 9-3 in league) by two games with three remaining. The Dolphins’ hosted Hamilton on Tuesday, leaving only games at Venice on Wednesday and Westchester tomorrow. ‘Uni beating Westchester was huge,’ Pali co-coach Tom Seyler said. ‘It gives us a little breathing room. But we still have to go out and finish this thing off.’ Shortstop Dylan Cohen leads the Dolphins with a .587 batting average, followed by pitcher/first baseman David Bromberg (.527) and third baseman Andy Megee (.439). Bromberg leads the squad in runs batted in (41) and home runs (9). Turhan Folse, Austin Jones and Megee each have five stolen bases.

Leading by Leaps and Bounds

Palisades' senior captain Michelle Mahanian wears a look of determination as she sinks into the sand pit to complete a long jump attempt.
Palisades’ senior captain Michelle Mahanian wears a look of determination as she sinks into the sand pit to complete a long jump attempt.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

From the moment she steps foot on the runway, Michelle Mahanian is a picture of concentration. She visualizes what she wants to do, takes a deep breath, and proceeds to jump towards another record. Setting standards of excellence has become routine for the senior captain of Palisades High’s track and field team. “My teammates like to tease me about being so focused and I guess it’s true,” Mahanian says. “In my head I’m counting off my steps. Every little element has to be so precise and how you prepare mentally is a key factor.” Since becoming a Dolphin, Mahanian has excelled at both cross country and track, scoring points for her team in just about every event possible. But now she specializes in the long jump and triple jump. “I like the triple jump best because it incorporates every aspect of the sport,” the Dolphins’ vivacious leader says. “Speed, endurance, balance, strength, coordination and, most importantly, determination.” Mahanian has medaled in both events every year she has competed, finishing second in the long jump in 10th and 11th grade and winning the league championship in the triple jump as a sophomore. She achieved personal bests in each event in a meet against Venice three weeks ago, with distances of 31 feet, one inch in the triple jump and 14 feet, 10 inches in the long jump. “In four years, she’s never missed a practice,” says Ron Brumel, head coach of Pali’s track and cross country teams. “She never complains. She always has a smile on her face. She sparkles, she shines. She’s a joy to be around.” Brumel first thought Mahanian would develop into a distance runner, but when he saw her affection for field events he gradually phased her into sprint training designed to develop power and speed, attributes found in successful jumpers and hurdlers. “I ran the mile and the 800 meters in ninth grade but I wanted a little more variety,” Mahanian recalls. “So I switched to the 400 meters in 10th grade, the 200 in 11th grade and this year I’ve run the 200 and 100.” Mahanian’s interest in cross country and track began at Paul Revere Middle School, where she participated in the “Run for Fun” after-school program. “I saw the kind of people who got involved in running and I decided I wanted to be friends with them.” One such person is fellow Pali senior Lia Holman, who has been Mahanian’s friend, classmate and teammate since their days at Revere. “Michelle is really fun to be around,” Holman says. “She balances everything in her life so well. She’s a real inspiration to all of us. And it’s fun to cheer each other on during a meet.” As much time as she devotes to track, Mahanian is equally committed to one of her other talents, as a musician. She sings and plays the piano, flute and violin at Palisades. Every Saturday, she performs as the lead flutist and piano soloist for the Southeast Symphony Association in Culver City. Mahanian even composes her own musical scores for “Reflections,” an annual nationwide competition, and she has taken first place in the district every year since 8th grade. She describes her style as a mix of pop and classical “with a touch of Persian because both of my parents are Persian.” Mahanian takes her role as team captain seriously and tries to lead the best way she knows how, by example. “We’ve had some captains in the past who were more dictatorial and I’ve found it’s better to let your actions speak for you.” Perhaps the best example of Mahanian’s leadership is her commitment to a voluntary organization she founded called “Music to Heal.” “I gather up high school musicians around Los Angeles and we go play for patients in convalescent homes to take their minds off of being sick,” says Mahanian, who came up with the idea while working as a patient escort at UCLA Medical Center the summer before her junior year. “We were on ABC news last year and received a $1,000 grant to keep it going.” Despite everything else on her plate, Mahanian also manages to get straight ‘A’s in the classroom, even with a course load that consists of five AP classes’environmental science, calculus, world history, government and English literature. All that and she has yet to turn 18. “Cross country and track follow the same pattern as school and music,” she says. “It’s all about self-discipline and time management. If I decide to do something, I believe in doing it 100 percent.” Mahanian’s grades, extracurricular activities and community service earned her full athletic scholarships to a number of schools, including Cornell and UCLA. She says her friends convinced her to choose UCLA because of her familiarity with the campus and its close proximity to her family in Brentwood, though she has opted to live on campus. But while a bright future awaits, her immediate goal is to win her events at today’s Western League Finals in Culver City and then to medal at the City Championships May 26.

Proposed Preferential Parking District Stalled in Process

Last September 27, Los Angeles Department of Transportation engineer Emilie Baradi met with concerned Pacific Palisades residents about the proposed preferential parking district. Seeking feedback from the community, Baradi told the 100-plus residents who attended the public hearing, ‘In the next 30 days we will still be waiting to hear from you.’ Now, it’s been more than six months since that meeting, and Palisades residents are still waiting to hear whether LADOT has recommended the controversial proposal to implement preferential parking district 50. Many of these residents had applied for preferential parking because their on-street parking had diminished as a result of spillover from the Palisades business district. Others worried about the spillover effect of the proposed six-block district onto their own streets. PPD 50 is ‘stalled in our backlog right now,’ Alan Willis, principal transportation engineer with LADOT, told the Palisadian-Post Monday. ‘My total staff consists of one person [and] this committee has been totally decimated.’ He explained that one employee resigned, another is on maternity leave and yet another has been absent because of longterm illness; in addition, there’s a ‘hiring freeze.’ ‘We’re struggling to try to finish up what projects we had before PPD 50,’ said Willis, who has ‘no idea’ when they will have a recommendation. ‘We’re trying to keep everything moving with what limited resources we have.’ Willis chaired the public hearing last September, during which he presented a brief history of how PPD 50 came about (several local residents petitioned for it), an explanation of current parking restrictions (which are generally limited to two hours) and the results of the traffic survey that was done. At that time, the Post reported that LADOT had technically approved the proposed district (after conducting the parking survey and determining that the district meets the City’s program criteria). However, the department needed feedback from the community before approving the establishment of the district. Since the hearing, Willis’s crew has collected additional data from streets adjacent to those included in the original proposed district as well as from the Palisades Recreation Center. The next step is ‘to summarize that information and the public hearing comments,’ Willis said. ‘We take all of that information and distill it into a recommendation.’ If the LADOT does recommend the district, the proposal will be forwarded to the transportation committee for approval. If the transportation committee approves the proposal, it will then go before the L.A. City Council.

Missing Hiker Found Dead in Highlands

The body of a hiker who died when he fell about 200 feet from a steep cliff to a ravine and struck his head, was discovered Monday morning and airlifted from the Santa Ynez area of Topanga State Park. Dallas Mussell, 19, a Woodland Hills resident, had been separated from a group of friends, two men and one women, whom he had started out with, according to police. The group of four parked their car in the Palisades Highlands, near the Santa Ynez trailhead, and set out for a hike around 5 p.m. on Sunday. They were hiking near the Santa Ynez Canyon waterfall gorge, when Mussell separated from the group. The other three went off the authorized trail, according to Supervising Ranger Stephen Bylin, to an area near the waterfall where people put up ropes to help them get up. ‘It’s a rough, rugged area,’ said Bylin. Mussell had separately made his way up to an area of steep cliffs overlooking the canyon. When the other three returned to the car around 8 p.m. and found he was missing, they notified Bel-Air Patrol, who called in the rangers. Park rangers and the County Sheriff’s mountain rescue team conducted a search using ground crews and helicopters. Mussell’s body was found at 9:30 a.m. Monday. ‘It appeared that he died immediately,’ said Captain Bill Ernst of Station 23, who was on call during the search. The death is being investigated as an accident, said Detective Ron Phillips of LAPD. ‘Part of the problem is that they separated, which is a common mistake people make when they hike,’ said Ranger Bylin. ‘People have to remember, they need to be prepared when they go into a natural area.’

Council Urges ‘Bandit Barriers’ at Local Banks

Until recently, most Pacific Palisades residents didn’t know what ‘bandit barriers’ were. But after suffering four robberies in the span of two months, the Palisades community is speaking up and requesting heightened security at its banks. On April 29, Community Council vice-chairman Kurt Toppel sent a letter on behalf of the council to Bank of America corporate offices, asking that they ‘consider additional security measures such as the installation of ‘bandit barriers’ as a signal to our community that Bank of America cares and does what it can to enhance the well-being of customers and citizens at large.’ Bandit barriers are the bulletproof glass barriers on teller windows. The Palisades Bank of America branch on Sunset was robbed twice in March. One of these incidents involved a suspect who attached what he claimed was an explosive device to a female teller, and collected money from several tellers before fleeing the scene. The council decided to address bank safety following an LAPD Senior Lead Officer Summit in Brentwood in early April. Five council members and other concerned citizens attended this summit and were given updates on crime statistics, then asked to identify key problem areas. Toppel led the bank robbery action committee, which consisted of Senior Lead Officer Chris Ragsdale and 11 Palisades residents. Ragsdale told them that even though the Palisades had already suffered four commercial robberies this year, its overall crime was down 10 percent this year, after a 20-percent decline in 2004. Ragsdale said that the LAPD has suggested that Palisades banks install ‘bandit barriers’ to prevent further robberies, but that ‘some banks are resistant because the community is not receptive…it makes the bank look bad or appear more dangerous.’ The Community Council discussed this issue at its April 28 meeting and voted to bring the community’s concerns to Bank of America, as a start. ‘Based on substantial background information, the key conclusion of our group was that security in banks should be increased in order to deter would-be criminals and to reduce crime,’ Toppel wrote in his letter. ”Bandit Barriers’ were considered by LAPD to be the most effective devices.’ A copy of the letter was also sent to Ashley Gatlin, the new branch manager at the Bank of America. Tom Applebee of B of A’s corporate security office told the Palisadian-Post this week, ‘We have an armed security officer in front of the [Palisades] banking center now and we have also converted the rear door into an emergency exit only, which means that people cannot enter through that door; they can only exit that door during cases of emergency such as fire or earthquake. ‘That’s probably the extent that we’re going to go to at this particular time for security measures, not to say that a ‘bandit barrier’ is not a possibility down the road, but it’s just not on the table right at the moment.’ Applebee added that he had not seen a copy of Toppel’s letter. Meanwhile, the Palisades branch of Citibank on Sunset is planning to install ‘bandit barriers,’ according to manager Patrick Mautner. He said last Thursday that the bank was recently measured for bulletproof glass barriers, though he was not certain when they would be installed. ‘Several customers have made comments in favor of them,’ Mautner said. He added that the branch was first measured for ‘bandit barriers’ last year, following ‘a couple of incidents [of crime]’ at the bank. However, the bank opted not to install the barriers at that time. Following a ‘demand note’ robbery April 4, the Palisades Citibank reconsidered. The incident, in which an armed suspect approached a teller and demanded money, came just 10 days after the second Bank of America robbery and five days after an armed robbery at Mort’s Deli.

YMCA Hires New Director

Carol Pfannkuche, the new executive director of the Palisades-Malibu YMCA.
Carol Pfannkuche, the new executive director of the Palisades-Malibu YMCA.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Long before she accepted the position as executive director of the Palisades-Malibu YMCA, Palisadian Carol Pfannkuche knew all about its importance to the community. After all, her two daughters, Molly (13) and Katie (10), have participated in several Y programs’much as Carol did herself during her childhood in Torrance. So her new job seemed like a natural fit. ‘Growing up, the local YMCA was the center of community life for me,’ Pfannkuche said. ‘Now, my goal is to see this Y grow to be that same thing for kids in the Palisades.’ An active volunteer in the community and at Palisades Presbyterian Church, Pfannkuche previously worked in public relations for the Motion Picture and Television Fund in Woodland Hills and believes her marketing skills will serve her well at the YMCA. ‘So far, I’ve learned that I have a lot to learn,’ she said this week, her second on the job. ‘But I believe building relationships is the first step. I’ve really made an effort to get to know our members. I love hearing their stories.’ YMCA Board Chairman Duke Ostendorf said of the hiring process, ‘We had about 15 people apply and from there we narrowed it down to five pretty quickly. We only interviewed the top three candidates and in my mind the choice was easy. Carol’s background makes her more than qualified, and she really understands how communities work together towards a common goal.’ Carol and her husband Tony bought a house in the Hollywood Hills when they were married but quickly discovered that that particular environment was not conducive to having kids. ‘There were no sidewalks, no schools nearby, there was no neighborhood feel to it at all,’ she said. ‘But we had friends who lived here [on Bienveneda] that we’d visit often on weekends. And the more time we spent here, the more obvious it became to us that this was the place we wanted to raise a family.’ Pfannkuche’s top priority is to increase membership at the Y by better publicizing its programs. ‘So many people are unaware of all we have to offer and the impact we have on the community. I’m really excited about our upcoming summer camps. They’re going to be better than ever.’ The first donation the Y received under Pfannkuche’s watch came Monday morning in the form of a $3,500 check presented by Marjorie Graham, Project Chair of the Palisades Junior Women’s Club, for maintenance of the Temescal Canyon pool and Y camps.

CLASSIFIED ADS FROM THE MAY 12, 2005 ISSUE OF THE PALISADIAN-POST

HOMES FOR SALE 1

MAGNIFICENT 180′ VIEWS. Palos Verdes to Malibu. 2 bed+2 lge baths. 1,824 sq ft. Triple & 1/2 mfg. home in Tahitian Terrace. No age limit “family park,” as of May 05. Exceptional schools! Largest space in park, huge deck, pond w/ 10′ waterfall, 25′ palms. New carpet, freshly painted, vaulted ceilings, lge walk-ins. 2 car carport + extra pkg space. Must See! $615,000. Owner. Call (972) 771-4657 SAVE BIG MONEY buying a home! Remington700.Com or recorded message: (800) 842-5316, ext. 709 PAC PAL. STUNNING ocean, mtn views. This stunning 1,200 sq. foot 2 BD, 2 BA remodeled manuf home in Tahitian Terrace offers the beach seeking buyer a quiet, private oasis across from Will Rogers State Beach. Rent control. Pets ok. $469K. SC Realty, Franklin, (818) 346-6601. Lic.# 01039561 MAGICAL PARADISE in a GATED country estate nestled on expansive lush wooded grounds overlooking Rustic Canyon! The private compound includes an upscale 4 bed, 3 bath, remodeled ranch-style home, high-beamed ceilings, gourmet kitchen, separate 2-story guesthouse, fruit trees, waterfall, extensive decks, pool, spa and more. Offered at $4,549,000. Not listed in the MLS. For appt., call agent, (310) 459-0765

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

VIEW OF QUEEN’S NECKLACE. 4 bedroom, 2 bath, family room. Remodeled kitchen, new carpet. 1 year lease. Available April 1st. $5,950/mo. Call Patsy, (818) 703-7241. FABULOUS COUNTRY TRADITIONAL near bluffs. 2 bed, 1 bath, large. Big sunny office, hardwood floors, formal dining room, huge living room. Redone kitchen. 2-car garage. Private backyard. Perfect. Principals only. Available. $4,700/mo. (310) 571-1368

FURNISHED APARTMENTS 2b

GREAT 4 IN-LAWS. Sr citizen summer lease. Bright, sparking, clean with new furniture. 1 bed, 1 bath condo. Available June thru Oct ’05. $1,600/mo, incl utils. Broker. (310) 456-8700

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

PALISADES ON THE BLUFFS. 2 bd, 2 ba w/ unobstructed ocean views! Lush gardens, large yard, heated pool. $3,500/mo., utils included. No cats/dogs. 1 year lease. Call for details: (310) 454-1042 CARMEL in THE PALISADES. 2 bedroom, beautiful lot. Walk to village. $3,495/mo. Agent. Call Nancy, (310) 230-7305 PAC PAL CASTELLAMMARE. Charming, European Old-World style, 1926 guest cottage with tile roof. SMALL, ideal for one. Lovely location, totally separate building, private entrance and tended, large walled garden. Eighteen built-in drawers, hardwood flr., fresh paint, W/D, new dishwasher. 2 blocks from ocean/view. $2,500/mo. (310) 454-5656 CHARMING PACIFIC PALISADES. 1 bed, 1 bath apt in 6-unit building. Hardwood floors, tile, blinds, laundry & parking. Pets possible. $1,550/mo. Call (760) 318-8345 SUNSET IN THE VILLAGE. Spacious 1 BD, 1 BA penthouse. Newly renovated. Large rooftop patio, walk-in closet. Gated parking, security bldg., laundry. $2,400/mo. 1 year lease. (310) 454-6074 PALISADES 2 BED, 1 BATH. Upper unit, 2 parking spaces, laundry, Available now. 16280 Sunset Blvd. $1,800/mo. 1 year lease. Call (310) 459-6420 CONDO NEAR BEACH. 1 bedrm, 1 bath. Bright, new carpet, paint. Must be over 62 years old. $1,200/mo. Utilities included. (310) 454-0846 HIGHLANDS GUESTHOUSE. 2 bed, bath & den. Patio, BBQ, storage, view. Bright & clean. Extras. Must see! $1,600/mo., utils included. Cable TV/Internet. (310) 454-9337

ROOMS FOR RENT 3

FURNISHED ROOM & BATH, bright and cheery. Walk to village. Rent negotiable, in exchange for lite duties. References required. Call (310) 454-2931

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 PROFESSIONAL FAMILY LOOKING for upscale long-term (2 or more years) lease or lease/option rental in Pac Palisades/Malibu. Need min. 3 bed, 2.5 baths. Move-in July or August. Please contact Rick or Janice Rosner, (203) 544-8991. Email rgr@the riverbankgroup.com

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

CORNER OFFICE AVAIL on Via de la Paz. Sublet, month-to-month. No traffic, quiet, clean and very bright. 20 x 12. Avail now. $600/mo. Call (310) 454-0685

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

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 MyMacGuy.NET. “Taking You To The Next Mac Level.” (Local resident for 16 years). Solutions/Tutoring (310) 459-7544 IS YOUR INFORMATION SECURE? Mitigate risk. Improve performance. Provide your system with optimal protection to achieve optimum efficiency. Call ISYIS: Specializing in the detection, removal, & prevention of viruses & spyware. ISYIS installs robust, automated & self-updating antiviral, worm protection & spyware detection, including effective firewalls, pop-up blockers, spam filters & parental controls. Tutoring available in MS Office, Acrobat, Explorer, Firefox, AOL, CD/DVD burning, data backup, VoIP, iPods/iTunes, PC/MAC. Senior/Student discounts. Secure Peace of Mind. Call ISYIS, (310) 455-6805

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

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

NANNY/HOUSEKEEPER/DOULA. Available F/T Mon.-Fri. Experience w/ newborns & toddlers. Doula cert. CA driver’s license. Refs avail. Alida, (323) 965-8093 or (310) 384-6324 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 a full-time, part-time, L/I or L/O help, we can help you. Call Sunshine Nannies at (310) 614-5065 or (310) 801-8309 EXPERIENCED NANNY SEEKING f/t live-in position. Has car and driver’s license. Speaks fluent English. Call Alexandra, (310) 422-8358 F/T BABYSITTER or HOUSEKEEPER, live-in. Has over 2 years experience and own transportation. Please call Vanessa or Morena, (323) 692-0827

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 P/T HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE. Can work Thursday and Fridays. I have a car, insurance and references. Can also do errands. Call Delmy, (323) 363-9492 P/T HOUSEKEEPER AVAIL. Mon., Tues., Wed., and Fri. Has own transportation. Experienced, references, good English and is pleasant. Please call Carol, (323) 299-1797 MY WONDERFUL HOUSEKEEPER is available on Tuesdays. Best housecleaner ever!! Completely reliable, professional, efficient, very thorough, hard-working & pleasant. Sweet w/ children. Own car, never missed a day or been late. Please call Tracy, (818) 704-7627, or Lorena, (213) 365-6445. EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER AVAIL. Own car, speaks perfect English. Responsible and reliable. I have good references. Please call Rose, (310) 779-8643 SEEKING P/T HOUSEKEEPER 2 days, Wednesday and Friday. Must be organized, reliable, efficient and pleasant. Must speak English well and have car available for errands. Call Nicole, (310) 573-0350

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

WOMAN NEEDED to HELP a partially handicapped lady with her daily exercises & housework, 5 days per week for a FAMILY of TWO. Prefer you to live-in. Must be able to drive OUR car. No children or pets. Malibu area. Salary is open. Call (310) 457-3393 HOME & CARE MANAGEMENT, hospital sitter, homemaker, companion, CNA, baby nurse. Live-in/live-out. Nursing care, drive to doctors, prepare meals, housekeeping. Bonded & Insured. Call now for special rate. (800) 987-7077 COMPASSIONATE & RESPONSIBLE LICENSED nurse. Extensive experience includes rehab, geriatric, hospice, psyche and post-surg. care, as well as high-profile clients who require confidentiality. Refs available. Call (323) 691-4707 or (323) 734-2520

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 ERIC LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE. We’ll make your garden dreams come true. Over 15 yrs local experience. References. Call Eric at (310) 396-8218 BUDGET SPRINKLERS & LANDSCAPING – INSTALLATIONS – REPAIRS – UPGRADING & SOD – YARD CLEAN-UPS – FREE ESTIMATES/CASH DISCOUNTS. Lic. #768354 – (310) 398- 8512

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE 12a

MOBILE MANICURING SERVICE. For the best manicures and pedicures. Call Cyndi, (310) 213-7223

MASSAGE THERAPY 12b

AWARD-WINNING MASSAGE by Natalie. www. massagebynatalie.faithweb.com. Ask about free massage offer. Call (310) 993-8899

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. Large/small jobs. Craig, (310) 459-9000 LOCAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT firm w/ references will handle all rental & maintenance for your home or apartment. Competitive rates. Fees available upon request. (310) 230-9479 or (760) 318-8345

HOUSESITTING 14b

HOUSESITTING. Palisades resident, experienced, reliable, good with pets. References available upon request. Call Brian, (310) 433-7117

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

BE HAPPY TO COME HOME! Trusted house/pet care in & around Palisades since 1986. Educated responsible. (310) 454-8081 K-90272 MOBILE PET SERVICES. Grooming, customized to your pet’s lifestyle. Vehicle equipped w/warm water. Additional services: Pet sitting. Dog walking. Training. Transportation. Rebecca, (310) 238-2339 PET HEAVEN – TOTAL PET CARE – Training. Walking. Play groups. Does your dog need manners? Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog. POODLES TO BREED. Stunning, standard males. These boys are beautiful and of supberb AKC lineage. Contact (310) 576-3265

MISCELLANEOUS 14i

DO you NEED a RIDE? Friendly, safe and reliable, with local references. Call Catherine, (310) 927-7212

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 FITNESS FOR WOMEN. ZIMMERMAN FITNESS FOR WOMEN specializes in weight loss and body shaping. Our private studio near the village offers professional & individual services, using the finest equipment and products. This specific one-on-one training is safe, natural, efficient and exclusively for women. Appointment only. Local references. Call us for a free consultation: (310) 573-9000. www.zfit.com

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

SWIM LESSONS. Children. Mommy & Me. Adults. Over 14 years experience. Red-Cross certified. Private & semi-private lessons at your home. Call Brian, (310) 505-9231

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: Student essays/homework/ reports/research papers (all subjects). Focus on detail, structure, technique, style, vocabulary, analysis. Improves skills, confidence, grades, scores. Also, college/private school application essays, counseling, prep. SAT/ISEE essays. Extensive experience, success stories. MA, Johns Hopkins; former LA private-school teacher & Hopkins CTY instructor; writer/consultant. Outstanding Palisades/Malibu references. (310) 528-6437 IN-HOME TUTORING, ALL SUBJECTS, K-12. Certified teachers come directly to your home. SAT, ACT & study skills. Affordable rates. (310) 550-0117 – www.clubztutoring.com SPANISH TUTOR, CERTIFIED teacher. Palisades resident. Over 14 years experience. All levels. Local references. Affordable rates. Marietta, (310) 459-8180

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. 30 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 ALAN PINE GENERAL Contractors. Remodeling, additions, kitchens, baths. Local resident. California License #469435. Call Alan, (800) 800-0744

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 – 1 (877) 360-6470 Toll-Free. Local References Avail. Lic. #375858

ELECTRICAL 16h

PALISADES ELECTRIC, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437. Insured. Professional Service ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. 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 D.J. HANDYMAN. Fencing, painting, tiling. Just a few of my trades. No job too small. Competitive prices, local service. (Not lic.). (310) 454-3838 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 HANDYMAN, Comprehensive Home Repair – Improve – Build – Install – Repair – Professional Reliable Service – Happiness Guaranteed. (not lic.) – Daniel Howe, cell (310) 877-5577 PETERPAN – Quality Home Repair -Serving Entire Westside. (Not lic.) Ask for Peter, (310) 663-3633

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 – Specializing in Faux Finishes – Stenciling & Plaster Effects – Interior/Exterior – Free Estimate – Lic. #543487. Bill Lundby, MFA in Palisades, (310) 459-7362 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. SQUIRE PAINTING CO. Interior and Exterior. License #405049. 25 years. Local Service. (310) 454-8266. www.squirepainting.com PIERRE HOUSEPAINTING. Interior, exterior, plastering, drywall, tile, wallpapering and handyman work. Excellent work with references. I take pride in my work and I treat your home as if it were my own. (323) 461-2122

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

DRIVERS: GREAT HOME time. Pay and benefits! Regional drivers make up to $55,000/yr. Team drivers make up to $150,000/yr. Werner Enterprises. Ph: (800) 346-2818, ext. 561 PRE-SCHOOL TEACHER needed who loves children, art, music. Team player with experience and 12 ECE units. Begins September, 2005. Fax resume: (310) 454-7203 OFFICE ASSISTANT. Busy chiropractic office needs p/t assistant must be friendly, professional & precise. Start $11/hr. Mon, Wed, 1-7:30 p.m. Fax resume, attn: Crystal, (310) 459-7804 PALI ASSISTANT NEEDED for high-level entertainment executive. Must be detail-oriented, ability to multi-task, handle phones, schedule meetings. Interest in music and/or radio a plus. Fax resume: (310) 454-5046 PALISADES DENTAL OFFICE. Receptionist needed. Dental background with computer experience preferred. Personable & energetic. Benefits. Please fax resume to (310) 230-3623 BRENTWOOD MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST needed. Full-time/part-time. Pediatric office. Please fax resume to (310) 231-0337

AUTOS 18b

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 INCLUDED in PALISADES ESTATE SALE below. 1961 Mark IX Jaguar, restored. FRI, SAT. MAY 13th and 14th. 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. 1350 El Hito Circle 2000 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Series II SD Sport Utility. Silver with grey leather, dual moonroofs, multi CD, loaded. All service records. Like new, 87K miles. $12,500. (310) 459-0372 2000 FORD FOCUS HATCHBACK. Silver exterior. Gray-cloth interior. Manual trans. 20,600 miles. Excellent condition. $5,500. Call (310) 454-2363 or (310) 454-5713

FURNITURE 18C

LARGE BEDROOM FURNITURE. Dark wood, Calif. King w/ 4 poster frame (mattress set incl). 2 nightstand tables, 7 drawer chest & bench. Like new and beautifully kept. A must see! Call (310) 230-3340

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

QUALITY ESTATE SALE! High-end designer furniture, sofas, glassware, rugs, clothing, kids stuff, lamps, books, etc. Hurry! FRI.-SAT., May 13-14, from 8:30 A.M. to 2 P.M. 15000 Corona del Mar, Pacific Palisades. PACIFIC PALISADES ESTATE SALE. Eclectic mixture of furniture and accessories. Antique Chinese Malacca cabinet, carved display cabinet, hanging lantern; traditional dining table, chairs & display cabinet; antique and traditional sofas, chairs & tables; antique bedroom set; antique and traditional lamps, chandeliers and sconces; glassware; silver and china; Italian pottery; original art; garden furniture; vintage and contemporary designer clothing. 1350 El Hito Circle (from Bienveneda) FRI. & SAT., May 13th and 14th, 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. PALISADES GARAGE SALE. 1353 Goucher St. SAT., May 14, 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. Household items, clothes, power tools, arc & gas welders, electrical equipment. Follow signs from Bestor & McKendree. PALISADES BACKYARD SALE. SUN., MAY 15, 8:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. 558 Via de la Paz. Sports, other collectibles, clothes & much more! Curio cabinet, $250.

PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e

KITTIES. I have some beautifully-trained brother & sister kitties, 1 year + young. I will adopt out to good home, either 2 together, or separately. Call to see: (310) 456-9810

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

DISNEY/FLORIDA BEACH vacation. 7 days & 6 nights. Travel is good for 1 year. Paid $600. Must sell for $199. Call (562) 492-0034

WANTED TO BUY 19

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Flute Quartet To Perform In Santa Monica The Los Angeles Flute Quartet will present ‘Rebels and Revolutionaries: Music by the Politically Incorrect’ on Sunday, May 22, 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 958 Lincoln Blvd. in Santa Monica. The program includes the music of Gesualdo, J.S. Bach, Shostakovich, Beethoven, Mozart, Stravinsky, Brubeck and a commissioned piece by Los Angeles composer Paul Reale. Also featured is soprano Maurita Phillips-Thornburgh performing the aria from ‘St. Matthew Passion’ by J. S. Bach. Tickets are $15 and $10. Contact: 649-0690 or www.losangelesflutequartet.com Library Hosts Art Association Group Show The Palisades Branch Library is playing host to a group show of paintings and sculptures created by Palisades Art Association members. A reception and awards ceremony will take place at the library, 861 Alma Real Dr., from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. The show continues through May 27. Contact: 454-3067. Orchid Society Focuses on Plants From Isle of Jersey The Malibu Orchid Society is hosting Georg and Gerlinde Stelzner, who will speak on their trip to the World Orchid Conference in Dijon, France and their trip to the Isle of Jersey, on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. ‘The Kite Runner’ Author To Speak at SMC May 21 Khaled Hosseini, an Afghan-American physician and author of ‘The Kite Runner,’ will speak about his book at the Santa Monica College Pavilion, 1900 Pico Blvd., at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. The novel is an epic tale of fathers and sons, loyalty and betrayal set against a backdrop of Afghanistan’s history over the past 40 years. The bestselling novel has captivated readers across the country and is currently the featured book for Santa Monica Citywide Reads. Born in Kabul, Hosseini was granted political asylum in America as a young man, and his own story is as riveting as the tale he weaves in his debut novel. The event features the author reading and discussing his novel, followed by questions and answers and a book sale and signing. Admission is free. Seating is limited. Contact 458-8600. Topanga Days Fest Set For Memorial Day Weekend Described as a down-home shindig, the 32nd Annual Topanga Days Country Fair and first annual Topanga Days Folk and Bluegrass Contest will take place Memorial Day weekend, May 28, 29 and 30. This traditional fair, benefiting Topanga Community House, features nonstop diverse music, more than 75 unique artisans, activities such as hula hoopers, belly dancers, face painters and more. The musical line-up includes John McEuen (founding member, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Colin Hay (lead singer, Men at Work), Venice the Waybacks and Cecilia Noel & The Wild Clams. Details about the fair are at www.topangadays.com.

Pali Film Fest Spends Time in ‘Purgatory’

By KAREN WILSON Palisadian-Post Intern Emeritus For Cindy Baer and Celeste Davis, it all started as a creative outlet. Family troubles had landed Davis, then 13, in a teen shelter, and Baer, who mentored her as part of the Big Sisters of Los Angeles program, suggested a fun project’crafting a short film about the girl’s struggles. ‘I wanted to give her something exciting in life… a reason to wake up every day,’ Baer says. ‘I believe creative outlets can save lives.’ Eventually, the project grew, culminating in the full-length feature ‘Purgatory House,’ which has screened at independent film fests around the country and, this Saturday, will land locally at the Pacific Palisades Film Festival. Featuring Jim Hanks (younger brother of Oscar-winning Palisadian Tom) and Disney Channel actor Johnny Pacar, ‘Purgatory’was penned entirely by Davis, now 14, who also headlines the film as a teen in crisis. Screening in the Palisades is a coming-home of sorts for the movie, which was filmed largely at Palisades Charter High School during the summer of 2001. ”Currently a resident of North Hollywood, the lively, vivacious Baer, speaking from home the day after her wedding, originally hails from Massachusetts, where at 14 she began acting and modeling. Those pursuits brought her to L.A., where she created Daizy the Clown and Company, a highly regarded children’s entertainment company; she is also a co-founder of the acclaimed Mosaic Theatre Company, with which she acts and directs. In 1997, Baer joined the Big Sisters of L.A., and was paired with young Davis. ‘Growing up I felt very alone, like there was no one there for me,’ she says.”And so when I got older I decided to find a little girl who needed someone, and be the support for her that I never had… Celeste liked to write, and I was an actress, and thus Big Sisters put us together.’ ”After convincing Davis to lengthen her ‘Purgatory’ script, Baer felt that, if produced, the movie could have a huge effect on teenage lives. ‘I felt like Celeste was speaking for a whole generation of kids who felt confused, lost and lonely in the same way she did,’ the director says. ‘Here was something about a teen’s life that was actually written by a teen.’I thought other kids would see this, and feel less alone. Also, I hoped that parents would see this, and have a better idea of what’s going on for teens today.” ”A labor of love, the film was made on a shoestring budget, with its novice writer/actress in the lead role. ‘I really wanted Celeste to be able to tell her own story,’ Baer says. ‘Meanwhile, we shot under the Screen Actors Guild’s limited exhibition agreement for low-budget films, and used Union actors for most of the main roles.’ Those actors included Hanks, Pacar and a gaggle of teenage newcomers. ‘It was really fun working with young actors who had not yet learned many bad habits,’ Baer laughs, adding that ‘most of our Union actors donated their pay back to the movie… and everything that wasn’t donated, I financed myself.’ ”In the end, ‘Purgatory’ was shot in 18 days at 26 locations, many of which were located at PaliHi. Initially, with the production’s start date nearing, Baer and her crew were having trouble finding a suitable school location. Associate producer Tracy Glodery, a PaliHi graduate, suggested her alma mater. ‘They came through for us,’ Baer says of the Pali administration. ‘I can’t imagine having used a different school. The place is just perfect.’ Cameras rolled on-campus in classrooms, bathrooms, stairwells’even the driveway. That footage was supplemented by over 200 visual effects, including, Baer says, blue and green screen composites, which took a year to complete. ‘Every single frame of the movie is digitally manipulated… it’s very exciting what you can do on home computers these days!’ ”Once finished, ‘Purgatory’ was released to independent film festivals across the country, and was recently nominated for a Prism Award, honoring films which accurately portray drug and alcohol use. National media outlets raved, including the Chicago Tribune, which said: ‘Like a passionately scribbled diary entry, this phantasmagoric tale brims with all the heartfelt spiritual bewilderment and deep thoughts that only a teenage girl would, or could, voice.’ Meanwhile, the levelheaded Davis is now a high school senior, and she and her mentor continue their friendship. ”Says Baer, ‘Film festivals are so much fun, and I hope everyone in the Palisades comes down to check out our movie… after screening at events around the country, and seeing how it’s touched people so deeply, I realized that this picture has more potential to heal people than I ever imagined. ‘Purgatory House’ is really about taking responsibility for our own attitudes towards life.’ ‘Purgatory House’ will screen at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 15 at the Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Tickets are $7.

Students in National Arts Contest

Three Palisadians were among the 16 students, out of 65,000 initial entries from California, whose work in the arts was sent to the PTA National Reflections contest. Students entered the PTA’s Reflections in four categories’literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts’in four grade divisions, primary (preschool-grade 2), intermediate (grades 3-5), middle/junior (grades 6-8) and senior (grades 9-12). Sixteen exceptional California students not only received Awards of Excellence on the state level, but were sent on to the National Reflections program for judging in May. The three Palisadians are Zoe Arrastia-Prince, a third grader from Palisades Elementary; Taylor Savage, an eighth grader at Paul Revere Middle School; and Lucy Schwartz, a freshman at Palisades Charter High School. Their work was inspired by the 2004-2005 theme, ‘A Different Kind of Hero.’ All three were honored at the State PTA Convention in Sacramento on April 30. Zoe’s work, entitled ‘Breeze,’ won in the intermediate division, visual arts section. She took pictures of trees from New Zealand and the Palisades and cut them, then put them back together to form a collage tree. Zoe has participated every year in Reflections. Not only did she receive the award of excellence, which is the highest rating possible, but she was surprised when principal Tami Weiser announced to the entire student body during assembly that her work had been judged as one of the best on the state level and was being forwarded onto national judging. ”Taking the award of excellence in the middle/junior level in musical composition was Taylor Savage. He wrote a four-minute orchestral composition: a semi-patriotic piece titled ‘Eagle.’ He feels that an eagle would be a ‘Different Kind of Hero’ because it represents noble values. When he started to compose he was looking for instrumentation that would begin quietly and then get louder and more soaring and heroic. Taylor started playing the piano when he was 5 years old and took up the trumpet when he was 9. Currently, he’s in the Advanced Band at Paul Revere. Orchestra and band teachers Lara Jacques and Kristina Gee were so enthusiastic about Taylor’s entry that they had the school’s symphony orchestra rehearse and perform it, so it could be recorded for the National PTA Convention. ‘I wished to express and write my own music, not just play that of other composers,’ said Taylor, who added that when he sat down, he simply started writing and the piece came together. ”When Lucy Schwartz was in fourth grade at Palisades Elementary, her musical composition won the national Reflections contest. As a ninth grader at Palisades High School, she once again finds herself in the position where that might be possible. Lucy’s song ‘On Our Way’ was inspired by the characters in the movie ‘Chocolat.’ The wandering spirits and gypsies are searching and creating new beginnings, which embody human longing. It seemed to Lucy as if they were a ‘Different Kind of Hero.’ Lucy started piano lessons when she was 5 or 6, and credits her music teacher Kia Colton for teaching her to improvise on the piano. At a recital two years ago several of Kia’s students played the songs with lyrics they had written, and Lucy was so inspired that she went home and wrote her first song with lyrics. She hopes to pursue the arts after high school, either in music or theater. ”This isn’t the first time that students from the Palisades were recognized on a national level. In 2003, Sean Friar from Palisades High School was recognized as one of the top four in the nation for his musical composition ‘Signs of Courage: Departing Home.’