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‘Mayor’ and Williams Installed

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Chamber of Commerce president David Williams (the owner of Mogan’s Cafe in the Highlands) attended last Thursday’s Chamber of Commerce installation dinner with his family which included his wife Dominique (left), his mother Karen (right), and his children Eli, 11, Hannah, 9, Sarah, 12, and Nate, 11. Sarah, who has been studying piano for seven years, played Griegýs “Norwegian Dance” during the concert portion of the evening. ý Photo: Daryl Reynolds

When Steve Guttenberg accepted another two-year term as honorary mayor of Pacific Palisades last Thursday night, he made one thing clear: ‘I will not be riding in the Fourth of July parade this year. Nor will I will walking in it. I will be landing in my 747 on Sunset. Okay?’ Guttenberg’s quip at the Chamber of Commerce installation dinner was one of the lighter moments of a mixed evening that included a moment of silence for Ronald Reagan, a children’s piano concert, and a Marilyn Monroe lookalike who introduced Guttenberg from the stage. After receiving congratulations from Viet Tran, the West L.A. aide for Mayor Jim Hahn, Jenny Toder from Assemblywoman Fran Pavley’s office, and Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski’s field deputy Monique Ford (who commended the Highlands resident for his efforts to slow down traffic on Palisades Drive), Guttenberg proceeded to deprecate himself before an audience 200 at the Riviera Country Club. ‘Have you seen what this man has done in the last two years? If failure is the stepping stone to success then we are well on our way!’ Guttenberg then gave 10 reasons why he should not be honorary mayor, starting with ‘I can’t read,’ and ending by admitting that he doesn’t even really know where he is most of the time. He suggested that perhaps Whoopi Goldberg, who lives in the Riviera, might be a better choice, but did declare that he wanted ‘a dedicated parking space in this town. Everyone knows how impossible the parking has become.’ He also let out that he buys his dresses ‘at Elyse Walker’s.’ On a more serious note, Guttenberg said that he never dreamed he would be blessed with such a wonderful life and ‘being in this very room with all you good people. I am a good son, brother, friend and community member and am really happy I have landed in this place.’ His parents, his sister and his niece’all from Long Island’were in the audience. David Williams, the owner of Mogan’s Cafe in the Highlands, ascended to the Chamber presidency in January when then-president Jim Stoltzfus, owner of Mail Boxes, Etc., surprised the community by announcing his move to Arizona with his new bride. Williams, who first served as president in 1998-1999, dedicated his presidency to his friend and mentor, the late Mort Farberow. ‘Mort was in line to serve as our next president,’ Williams explained. ‘But upon his passing I decided that the only way I could give back was to dedicate this year to him. He was my best friend, and as good a friend as you can ever hope to have in business. I thank Mort and I thank you. It is truly a privilege to serve as your president.’ Between musical selections by eight children pianists and a violinist from the Aesthetic Music Center in the Highlands, Palisades Rotary Club president Perry Akins presented the club’s annual Beautification Award to the Palisades Branch Library, in recognition of the opening of the new building in 2003. The award was accepted by Gina Vincent, president of the Friends of the Library. The annual Best New Business Award was presented by architect Rich Wilken to Scott Wagenseller, CEO and founder of Palisades Patrol. Chamber executive director Arnie Wishnick presented the second annual Mort Farberow Businessperson Award to Bob Sharka, founder of the monthly Palisades Film Festival who is also spearheading the Chamber’s new ‘Movies Under the Stars’ series at the Palisades Recreation Center later this summer. Wishnick introduced Sharka as ‘a dreamer,’ and said that besides fulfilling the three basic criteria for the award”the three C’s that Mort held dear: community, Chamber and children”Sharka added a fourth one: ‘Cinema.’ Wishnick noted that besides all that Sharka did for the community, which includes coaching baseball and being a math tutor, ‘he also does have a day job.’ Sharka recounted how Mort ‘had a rough exterior at times. I said hello to him for three or four years and I barely ever got a response. Then one day he said: ‘Hey Bob, can you give me a hand?’ I didn’t think he even knew my name. I was so pleased,’ Sharka said to applause. The Chamber’s 2004-2005 executive committee will include David Williams; president-elect Sandy Eddy; vice-presidents Mazi Aghalarpour, Sandy Derby, Brad Lusk and Roy Robbins; and past president and advisor Roberta Donohue. The directors are Antonia Balfour, Brook Dougherty, Bobbie Farberow, Terri Festa, Phil Kamins, Sam Lagana, Jennifer Lowe, Denise Martinez, Damon Raskin, Laura Tan Raskin and Elyse Walker.

Council Supports Movie Series

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By BILL BRUNS and LAURA WITSENHAUSEN Following 8-3 approval by the Community Council last Thursday evening, Movies Under the Stars is set to debut on Saturday, July 24 at the Palisades Recreation Center, pending receipt of a permit from the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks. The free program, presented by the Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Film, will continue at dusk on the next three Saturdays (July 31, August 7 and 14). An outdoor projector will be set up on the grass playing fields and a half-dozen or so speakers will be strategically placed around the audience in order to minimize any potential impact on neighbors. The organizers hope to run ‘Grease’ on opening night, projected onto an 18-by-24-foot inflatable screen. Beforehand, the American Legion will sell hot dogs, soda and water, and people can also bring their own picnic baskets. Every effort will be made to have everyone begin leaving the park (quietly!) by 10:30 p.m. ‘We are continuing our efforts to keep everyone happy in this family-oriented screening series,’ said Friends of Film’s Bob Sharka. To that end, the committee will be working with sound engineer Bill Blanke, who has worked for 18 years with the Palisades Fourth of July parade committee. Blanke will check that the decibel sound level of a test movie is within the allowable and desired range before the first event. He will also conduct sound tests the night of the first screening. Security will be provided by Palisades Patrol, and Chrysalis Street Works has been contracted to clean the site afterwards. While the Movies Under the Stars committee may initially rent some of its equipment, it still needs tax-deductible donations to help underwrite various costs. Donations can be sent to Friends of Film, c/o the Palisades Chamber of Commerce, 15330 Antioch St., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. At last week’s Community Council meeting, Alma Real resident Valerie Clifford and Hampden Place resident Steve Henning said the film series was ‘a great idea’but in the wrong location.’ They argued that it was unfair to have their homes subjected to unwarranted noise and commotion on a Saturday night. But after an hour of discussion, including a spirited defense of the series by committee spokesman John Wirth, the council approved a motion supporting the pilot program with the proviso that the sponsoring organizations ‘make a continuing good faith effort to evaluate and reevaluate the impact of the programs upon the surrounding community and minimize such impacts, including noise, parking, security, clean-up and traffic management.’

Bring On the Fourth!

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The Runners, the Parade, the Barbecues & the Fireworks

Jackie Leebody hangs Fourth of July decorations on the front porch of her home on Sunset, along the parade route, which has become a tradition for her.
Jackie Leebody hangs Fourth of July decorations on the front porch of her home on Sunset, along the parade route, which has become a tradition for her.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

Starting at 8:15 a.m., when nearly 3,000 runners take off in the Will Rogers 5/10K races and ending about 9:20 p.m., when the final salvo of fireworks explodes above the high school, Pacific Palisades will once again offer an enviable Fourth of July celebration this Sunday. This issue of the Palisadian-Post contains our traditional 32-page program (and eight-page wrap) previewing the parade, which begins at 2 p.m. following the arrival of Carey Peck’s skydiving team on Sunset at Swarthmore. Also, our sports section provides details about last-minute registration for 5/10K runners as well as the Kids’ Fun Run and the YMCA Youth Triathlon. In addition to other July 4-related stories on page 3, here’s more information: ”Sunset will be closed off to through traffic beginning about 1:30 p.m., at which time drivers can detour easily via Albright (taking Hartzell or Via de la Paz north off Sunset). Free shuttle buses are available adjacent to the parking lots at Palisades High and the Presbyterian Church (located at El Medio just north of Sunset). ”Participants in the PATRIOTIC PUPS brigade are encouraged to call Marilyn Haaker (454-6430) to sign up. Dogs must be comfortable in the company of horses, people and other dogs, and be completely under control. The group will gather beforehand under the trees at Palisades Elementary and will set out early in the parade, close behind the troupe of young baton twirlers known as the Palisades Stars. ”Former Palisades FIRST BABIES OF THE YEAR or their parents are encouraged to contact Tiffany Hu Epstein at 459-3869 to ride in the parade and celebrate the 50th anniversary of this contest. Palisadian Jim Buerge is donating two convertibles (and drivers) from his Buerge Ford dealership in Santa Monica, and seven First Babies have signed up thus far. ”Spectators of all ages are strongly encouraged not to spray Silly String or its equivalent along the parade route. The novelty product spooks dogs, horses and young children, while making a hard-to-remove mess on streets and sidewalks. This year, for the first time, Silly String will not be sold at any local store on Sunday and will not be carried by vendors. ”Under the banner of Kids Helping Kids, Santa Monica High students Denise Rider, Jaryn Kile, Lauren Kucik, Ruby Claire Letenoux and Lindsey Emerson will be selling homemade cookies during the parade. Their booth will be set up on Sunset, between the Mobil station and U.S. Bank. All proceeds will go to Share Our Strength, an organization dedicated to feeding hungry children in the U.S.

Finishing with a Flourish

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Kevin Seto Overcame Personal Issues to Enjoy a Stellar Senior Year at Palisades

Kevin Seto was the offensive star of the Palisades High baseball team this spring, batting .460 and scoring 24 runs.
Kevin Seto was the offensive star of the Palisades High baseball team this spring, batting .460 and scoring 24 runs.
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer

High school was not all golden goals and game-winning home runs for Kevin Seto. He had his share of adversity to overcome on the way to last week’s graduation at Palisades High. Yet when all was said and done he ended up a stronger person and an inspiration to his teammates. “Kevin was a huge difference-maker for us,” said Geoff Schwartz, a teammate on the Dolphins’ varsity baseball team. “No way do we go to the [upper division] playoffs without his hitting. It seemed like whenever we needed a big hit he got it for us.” Seto excelled in sports long before his freshman year at Palisades. He was an All-Star in both AYSO and PPBA, but after playing varsity soccer and JV baseball as a ninth- and 10th-grader his life took a turn for the worse. Seto got burned out from sports and his grades began to drop. He had to leave Pali, was placed in a seven-week wilderness program and later was sent to a boarding school in Massachusetts for adolescents dealing with substance abuse and depression. “The lesson that can be learned from what my son went through is that there is hope for kids who have problems,” said Kevin’s mother, Marla. “Many kids here in the Palisades are in a lot of pain and getting into trouble. We don’t know what the future holds for Kevin but the help that he received in the wilderness program and the boarding school has served him well. We are very proud of the work he’s done and thrilled that his return to Pali has been so successful.” Spending the majority of his junior year on the East Coast was scary at first, but in the end it was just what Seto needed to reverse the pull of peer pressure. “That was the biggest learning experience of my life,” Seto said of his 16 months away from his family’s home in the El Medio bluffs. “I was dealing with some pretty big issues. The most important thing I learned is how to have fun in good ways, not destructive ways.” With the support of his family and friends, Seto re-enrolled at Pali for his senior year and wasted no time making his mark both in the classroom and on the field. Playing center midfield, Seto finished second on the varsity soccer team in scoring with four goals and four assists, led Pali’s late-season charge to the playoffs and earned the “most improved” award from coaches John Lissauer and Dave Williams. “Kevin is a great kid and I’m real proud of him,” said Lissauer, also an economics and government teacher at Pali. “He came back two or three weeks into the fall semester and told me he wanted to play soccer. I said okay but he had to earn his spot on the team. He went 110 percent at every practice and every game, worked his way into the starting lineup and was one of our best players.” When the soccer season ended, Seto jumped right into baseball. Despite not having played an organized game in two years, he impressed his teammates and coaches with his self-confidence and ability–especially when he stepped into the batter’s box. “We honestly didn’t know what to expect out of him,” Pali Coach Kelly Loftus said of Seto. “We liked the fact that he could pitch and he throws left-handed because we didn’t have any lefties on our staff. He was surprisingly good with the glove and we had absolutely no idea he would have the kind of season he did at the plate. That was a pleasant surprise.” Playing mostly in the outfield but helping out in the infield when called upon, Seto made just three errors in 23 games. He led the team in batting average (.460), hits (29), runs scored (24) and doubles (6) and was given a standing ovation by his teammates when named the Offensive Most Valuable Player at Pali’s end-of-the-year awards banquet. A week later, Seto became the only Dolphin player named to the All-City team. Seto gives much of the credit for his success at the plate to his brother Brandon, who was a senior on the last Pali baseball team to reach the City’s upper division playoffs in 1998. “Growing up, I always looked up to my brother. He gave me a lot of advice, like how to shorten my swing and get my hands quicker through the zone.” With a diploma in hand, the future is bright for Seto, who follows in the footsteps of Brandon (a graduate of Emory University who is now in dental school at UCLA) and sister Emily, a standout softball and soccer player at Pali who is now in her fourth year at Tulane. “I’ve been accepted to Redlands University, so I might go there,” Seto said. “But I’ve been in contact with the baseball coach [Rich Hill] at the University of San Diego and I’m hoping I can play down there.” Wherever he chooses to go next, Seto is well-equipped to handle the curve balls life will throw his way. “To see Kevin come back to Pali and graduate with his class is extremely gratifying,” Lissauer said. “That’s the way it should be.”

Back from the Break

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Curt Toppel Overcame A Career-Threatening Ankle Injury to Play Volleyball in Puerto Rico

Just over a year ago Curt Toppel was on top of the volleyball world. He was one of the top college players in the country and had been selected to join the United States National Team to fulfill his dream of playing in the Olympics. That all changed one fateful day last May. The native Palisadian was playing a pick-up basketball game in the Stanford University gym during graduation week when he leaped in the air to dunk the ball, got undercut and came crashing down sideways. The damage to ligaments, soft tissue and bones resembled a list of the body’s anatomical parts more than an accident report. In fact, he was in danger of losing his foot. Fortunately, one of Stanford’s top surgeons witnessed the incident and attended to him until the ambulance arrived. At As a consequence of the dislocation, the major nerve and blood circulation to the foot was cut off. Suddenly, the future for one of the Palisades’ most accomplished young athletes was in limbo. With his requirement towards his major finished and nothing else to do, Curt stayed at Stanford for summer school and took a few ‘fun’ classes’among them acting, public speaking and piano. Fit with a cast, though severely handicapped on crutches, Toppel remained at Stanford after graduation and took summer school classes. When it came time to start rehabilitation, he approached his exercises with the same zeal he had always displayed on the court. For a month he worked through pain and agony with the unwavering goal to revitalize his volleyball career and return to the National Team. In October, National Team coach Doug Beal invited Toppel to continue his rehab at the OTC’s world class facility in Colorado Springs and subsequently train with the team. Toppel’s persistence finally paid off when he traveled with the team to Japan for a one-week tournament. Having lost out on the opportunity to play in Europe and Japan in the fall and winter seasons, Toppel continued to regain strength and was invited to play in a professional league in Puerto Rico’an invitation he accepted. Less than a year after suffering a career-threatening injury, by far the biggest obstacle of his young life, Toppel was back on the court playing the sport he loves’and playing it at a high level. Toppel played in Puerto Rico’s Superior League, the country’s volleyball equivalent to the NBA. He played in the league’s annual All-Star game and was named most valuable player after leading his team of ‘foreigners’ to a four-game victory over the ‘locals.’ Toppel honed his game in the Pacific Palisades Volleyball Club and later on the Los Angeles Athletic Club team, was an All-CIF middle blocker at Loyola High and was voted Freshman of the Year in the Mountain-Pacific Sports Federation in 2000 on his way to becoming a three-time All-American. With a degree in Human Biology from Stanford in hand, Toppel is well on his way to his ultimate goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon, focusing on sports medicine. For now, though, Toppel will continue to pursue his first love’volleyball’by playing in America and overseas. Healthy again, he returns to Colorado this week eager to reach the pinnacle of his sport once more.

Renaissance Academy Charter Athletes Cannot Play at PaliHi

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Student athletes who enroll at Renaissance Academy Charter School, a new high school scheduled to open in the Palisades this fall, will not be eligible to participate in athletics at Palisades Charter High, according to Barbara Fiege, Director of Athletics for the CIF Los Angeles City Section. ‘Under state CIF rules, students at another school would not have automatic eligibility at Palisades High, or any other City school, unless that school agreed to let that happen,’ Fiege said. ‘To our knowledge, nothing has been filed by Palisades that would permit students from outside schools to play sports there.’ In order for students from other schools to be able to participate in athletics at PaliHi, a multi-campus waiver would need to be completed and submitted for review by the school applying for eligibility, according to Fiege. ‘At least for the first year, we’ll participate in the CIF Southern Section, in one of the smaller divisions,’ said Paul McGlothlin, Renaissance Academy principal. ‘We’ll have our own sports program and intramurals. But we’re collaborating with Palisades High and I’m hopeful that we can work something out with them in the fututre.’

So Long, Brother Ray

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By BARRY BLITZER Palisadian-Post columnist

We’ll miss you, Ray Charles. Ask B. B. King, Willie Nelson, The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Wynton Marsalis and the thousands of other devoted fans, black and white, who paid homage to you last Friday at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown L.A. ”When it came to jazz, R&B, country and pop, you were the main man for 73 awesome years. Talk about a string of hits, like ‘Georgia On My Mind,’ ‘Hit The Road, Jack,’ ‘What’d I Say?’ And who but Ray could turn the traditional ‘America The Beautiful’ into an unforgettable, soul-stirring blend of gospel and blues? ”Born in Georgia during the Depression, then raised in the black ghettos of Florida, he described his childhood poverty thusly: ‘Compared to other blacks, we were at the bottom of the barrel looking up at everyone else. Nothin’ below us except the ground.’ ”Afflicted with glaucoma since the age of 5, totally blind by 7, Ray found his luck finally changing for the better when he was sent to a state school for deaf and blind and where he first took up the piano, eventually overcoming his loss of sight by learning to read and compose music using Braille notes. ”Orphaned at 15, he hit the road playing and singing in bands that would gladly appear in tobacco barns or juke joints for the price of a meal. His nomadic life finally improved when he moved to Seattle and hooked up with the then teenaged Quincy Jones, a budding musical prodigy who became Ray’s long-time collaborator and friend. ”As Brother Ray would later admit about himself, he was a tough leader, a hard-to- please perfectionist who toured the world over, some 50 weeks per year. (He apparently took time off to marry five times and father 12 children.) Ray loved winning, whether it be by the number of hit recordings on the charts or by beating the pants off his perplexed opponents at both chess and cards. B. B. King claims that he often cheated at the latter by stacking the Braille deck. Trouble was it was hard to catch him in the dark. ”My daughter Amy had just turned 24 when my wife Elsie and I surprised her by taking her to see Ray Charles in person. It was a balmy afternoon concert at a scruffy park in Pasadena. His back-up band consisted of several well-known studio musicians, one of whom hit a clinker on the opening number, ‘The Right Time,’ which caused Ray’s trademark smile to fade to a visible grimace. He subsequently hit the right note on the piano, then resumed smiling and bobbing his head from side to side in time to the vocal’a born showman if there ever was one. ”All too soon the concert was over. Ray, still smiling and bobbing to the thunderous applause and shouts for an encore, looked bushed as he was escorted off stage by an aide, while a P.A. announcer boomed: ‘Let’s hear it for the one, the only, the legendary Ray Charles!’ That says it all. ”Bye, Bye, Ray.

Gregg Orenstein and Baoshi Liu Exchange Vows in China

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Gregg Orenstein, son of Susan Orenstein and the late Dr. Martin Orenstein of Pacific Palisades, and Baoshi Liu, daughter of Shushan and Shuqin Liu of Harbin, China, exchanged vows in China on February 17. The couple met over a year ago on the Internet. Baoshi, an elementary school English teacher in Harbin, was looking for someone to help her with her English. Gregg, a kung fu enthusiast, was looking for someone to help him with his Chinese. After countless hours communicating over the Internet, and two trips to China for Gregg, the couple was married in Harbin in February. Gregg has returned to the U.S., and as soon as she obtains her visa, Baoshi will join him in the Palisades, where they plan to make their home.

Allison Bruns, Michael Mininsky Plan for a Spring 2005 Wedding

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Michael Mininsky and Palisadian native Allison Bruns are happy to announce their engagement. The couple became engaged in front of the famous Plaza Hotel across from Central Park in New York City on April 24. Mike and Allison met almost five years ago through mutual friends in Santa Monica. ”Bruns, daughter of Bill and Pam Bruns of Pacific Palisades, grew up in the Palisades, where she attended Palisades Elementary, Paul Revere Middle School and Palisades High. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Oregon and her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. She currently works as a counselor at South Bay Child Guidance Clinic in Torrance. ”Mininsky, son of Stewart and Colleen Mininsky of Long Beach, New York, grew up on Long Island. He graduated from Tulane University and moved to Santa Monica in 1997. He currently works for Maniac Filmworks and Music. ”The couple, who reside in Santa Monica, plan to marry in April 2005 at the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

The Preacher’s Wife Talks

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Josephine White Lightner Todd will soon once again become Charlotte Duncan’s big sister when the Todd family moves back to a town of 18,000 in Tennessee and into the bosom of her family. ”But for Jo Todd, the move is emotional as she leaves a town that she has grown to love. ‘I will miss good friends,’ says Todd, who cried with joy when John reversed his plans to leave the Palisades 10 years ago and transfer to another parish in Delaware. ”When she moved to Southern California in 1983 as a single mom, she had never been west of the Mississippi. After she left home for college, first at Agnes Scott in Decatur and then Vanderbilt, she got a job that took her to Atlanta and eventually to Los Angeles. ‘I didn’t know what the trees were and when people said ‘That’s an oak,’ [not accustomed to the scrubby small-leafed coastal version] I said, ‘That’s not an oak!” ”Todd still retains the soft tones, but lively vocabulary of her native Tennessee and she’s familiar with Presbyterian clergymen; her uncle and her great grandfather were both ministers. ‘Being married to a clergyman, I understand the hours and calls in the night, it’s part of the job. But John is a regular guy. If he had held himself in some high and mighty position, we wouldn’t have been married.’ ”Until last year, Jo worked, most recently as an analyst in the financial reporting department at Rand. She also served as treasurer for Paul Revere’s booster organization, PRIDE, where she oversaw a $200,000 budget. ‘It turned out to be a lot bigger than I realized.’ The Todd’s 13-year-old son Michael attended Marquez Elementary and Paul Revere. ”’I knew that some churches expected the pastor’s wife to doooo something,’ says Jo, who also is the mother to 29-year-old Katy. ‘This church has been fantastic in respecting me as a person. I don’t feel as if I’ve been treated as pastor’s wife. This year at the annual mother-daughter tea, they honored me. That was really sweet. I picked up the good stuff of being the pastor’s wife.’ ”Despite working outside the home, Jo has been very much a part of the church community. She has been in and out of the choir, depending on her work and John’s work schedule. ‘One of us has to be home,’ she says. ”She also joins John greeting parishioners after the Sunday service. ‘It helps keep it a family time, a social time instead of a time for counseling.’ Jo is gregarious, funny with an agreeable easygoing nature. She says the hardest adjustment she had to make was not having say in John’s work. ‘I can’t make suggestions. Once, I remember suggesting Hymn 500, ‘God Is Working His Purpose Out.’ It talks about the people throwing their nets in the Sea of Galilee, and they all die. Nobody liked that song, so that was the end of my suggestions.’

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