The sleek mid-century modern design of Andana, a new high-end shoe boutique at 1045 Swarthmore, has been attracting attention from local business owners and residents this past week. The store opened last Thursday in the 800-sq.-ft. space that was formerly part of Emerson-LaMay Cleaners and is next to Tabitha, the new maternity clothing boutique. According to owners Andreea Benuciu and Daniela Vasile (whose first names, combined, inspired the name of the store), people initially have been drawn by the luminous space with its tall ceilings and fire-engine red furniture, including a quilted leather daybed. Then their customers notice the merchandise: handmade shoes by Italian and Spanish designers, leather handbags, wallets, belts, hats and jewelry, displayed on built-in shelving and in a tall glass display case. ‘It looks even better than we imagined,’ Andreea said. ‘It was hard to put a high-end design in this space. We had to have a great, ingenious design to attract customers.’ Because they do not own the exterior of the shop and could not put a sign outside, they came up with an innovative solution: hang a metal sign with the shop’s name in curvy Bauhaus-style lettering, over three tall bar tables and chairs in the front window. Andreea and Daniela will host a Grand Opening party with wine and music on Thursday, November 30, from 4 to 8 p.m., during which they will offer some special deals. The philosophy behind Andana is to provide women with footwear that is sexy and feminine but also comfortable. ‘The shoes are timeless,’ Andreea says. ‘They don’t follow any trends.’ Prices start at $379. Their first customer last Thursday was a local woman who usually has trouble finding comfortable shoes she likes in her size (11). She left the store wearing a pair of red suede pumps with a small heel designed by Chie Mihara. The shoes are designed with cushioned leather insoles that make wearing heels comfortable. About 80 percent of the store is shoes, including designs by Alberto Fermani and Twenty Two, and many of the styles are designed exclusively for the boutique so customers will feel as if they’re buying a collector’s item or piece of art, according to Andreea. Andana also carries handbags by Pia Tonna, jewelry by Double Happiness, Icon wallets and purses imprinted with famous paintings (by Da Vinci and Michelangelo), and unisex leather bracelets by Dillon Rogers, among other accessories. One PiaTonna handbag design that has been particularly popular with customers is a teal incised-leather bag decorated with Murano glass on the tassel. Andreea and Daniela have been friends for years after meeting at a church in the Valley; Andreea lives in Sherman Oaks and Daniela lives in Valencia. Andreea, a native of Romania, moved to the United States eight years ago and has worked in sales in the beauty industry. Daniela, a USC graduate with a degree in biology, works in the restaurant business; her family runs The Garden Spot, a health food restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. Current store hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact: 454-6515.
Calendar for Week of November 16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 David Humphrey hosts the Chamber of Commerce mixer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at his Gallery of Rare Jewels, 863 Swarthmore. The public is invited to enjoy hosted hors d’oeuvres and a drawing for gifts donated by Chamber members. Palisades High graduate Norman Ollestad will discuss his debut novel, ‘Driftwood,’ 7:30 p.m., Village Books on Swarthmore. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Palisades Beautiful meets, 10 a.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Upcoming neighborhood tree planting will be discussed. The public is invited. Contact: www.palisadesbeautiful@earthlink.net. ‘Double Indemnity,’ starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, and Edward G. Robinson, will be screened at 2 p.m. at the Palisades Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Free admission. St. Matthew’s Parish School hosts its annual Christmas Faire, 6 p.m. at the Sprague Center, 1031 Bienveneda Ave. ‘Trail to the Stars,’ an easy hike and a view of the planets, from Mercury to the newly ‘demoted’ dwarf planet, Pluto, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Temescal Gateway Park. Bring a blanket, water, a jacket and a flashlight. Meet in the front parking lot; parking is $5. Theatre Palisades production of ‘Charley’s Aunt,’ 8 p.m., Pierson Playhouse on Haverford. Ticket reservations: 454-1970. This classic comedy runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 17. (See review, page 10.) SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Volunteers are sought for a work party on the Village Green from 9 to 11 a.m. Newcomers, especially, are invited to bring shears and gloves, and watch as the Christmas tree lights are installed by the Fire Department. Contact: Marge Gold at 459-5167. Inexpensive flu shots, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Knolls Pharmacy on Marquez Avenue. First come, first served. Immunizations are $25 for customers age 9 and older. Medicare Part B patients (non-HMO) are invited to participate at no charge. Onsite Wellness Service, Inc. bills Medicare directly. The L.A. Department of Public Works will hold a Backyard Compost Bin Sale at Palisades High’s stadium parking lot, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free composting workshops will be conducted at 10 a.m. and noon. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 The Corpus Christi holiday boutique, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Parish Hall, 890 Toyopa Dr. (See story, page 10.) Ron Webster leads Temescal Canyon Association hikers on a 6- to 7-mile hike to a 1950s missile site and the Canyonback area of Brentwood. Meet at 9 a.m. in the Temescal Gateway parking lot. Fancy Feet Dance Studio benefit, featuring carnival games, a DJ, and three 20-minute performances, 2 to 5 p.m. on the Terrace Level parking lot at 881 Alma Real. Proceeds will help offset the cost of sending 43 young dancers to New York this summer for the Studio’s first dance education study program. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 7:30 p.m., Palisades Presbyterian Church, corner of Sunset and El Medio. Public invited. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Santa Monica Canyon Civic Association meeting, 7:30 p.m., Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. Chautauqua Series, ‘Women and Children in Nature: Creative Expression in Music, Words, and Art’ by actress Jeanie Van Dam, 7:30 p.m. at the dining hall in Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset. (See story, page 11.) Loren Batchman will speak at the Malibu Orchid Society meeting on the ‘Batchman Philosophy on Hybridizing Cymbidiums,’ 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. (See story, page 11.) WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 A free flu shot clinic, 9 a.m. to noon at the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. First come, first served. _______________________________________________________________ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 Auditions for Theatre Palisades Youth production ‘Bubba The Cowboy Prince,’ an original musical directed by Nancy Fracchiolla, based on the popular children’s story by Helen Ketteman, 4 to 6 p.m., and tomorrow, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. (See story, page TK.) Palisades Charter High School’s winter production ‘An Adaptation of 1984: A Place Without Darkness’ opens tonight, 7 p.m. in Mercer Hall, 15777 Bowdoin. Performances will run Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. for the first two weekends in December. Tickets are $10 at the box office. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 The Department of Recreation & Parks will hold its Board of Commissioners meeting, 5:30 p.m. at the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center, 601 Latimer Rd. The public is invited.
Tahitian Terrace Residents Fight Conversion Attempt
Azul Pacifico Inc., which owns Tahitian Terrace along the coast in Pacific Palisades, has been issued a temporary restraining order to halt conversion of the 55-and-older mobile home park to an all-age park. The hearing date has been set for December 28. Attorney L. Sue Loftin, representing the Tahitian Terrace Residents Association, filed the motion on October 30 to prevent the conversion, arguing that residents want to maintain the park’s present character. The timing is crucial because according to federal fair-housing standards, once more than 20 percent of a park’s residents are under 55, the park automatically becomes an all-age park. Located above Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Temescal Canyon Road, Tahitian Terrace has 156 spaces. Desmond McDonald, president of Azul Pacifico, told the Palisadian-Post that HUD housing guidelines permit age discrimination in mobile home parks as long as 80 percent of the occupants are 55 and older. But once the younger population goes over 20 percent, then the park owner is required by law to make rental units available to everyone and is not allowed to discriminate according to age. The mobile park was built in 1960 by McDonald’s grandfather, Robert E. Westenhaver, and his uncle, Robert Tebbe, and has remained under family control. McDonald, a Brentwood resident, took over management of the park in 1998. ‘It’s a beautiful place to live,’ he noted. ‘Our location is a primary reason people want to come here.’ According to McDonald, it’s not unusual that when someone wants to lease a unit at Tahitian Terrace and is not yet 55, he or she will put an older relative on the lease and then move in instead. Although McDonald calls those tenants ‘switch-a-roos,’ he also admitted: ‘We don’t go knocking on people’s doors and ask them who’s living there.’ Another problem arises if a man is 60 and his wife is 50 and then the older resident dies. ‘There are some variables that are unenforceable by us, unless we evict, and I’m not going to evict someone I want in the community,’ McDonald said. One mobile residency ordinance states that a resident can’t have a guest for more than 20 consecutive days. Yet again, McDonald has no way of enforcing the code. He said he also lacks a viable recourse for when a grandchild comes to live with the grandparents. McDonald has taken a census of Tahitian Terrace and estimates that the under-55 population ranges from more than 20 percent to under 30 percent. He thus argues that under federal guidelines, he can’t discriminate based on age. In July, adhering to state mobile home residency laws, McDonald alerted residents that he was changing the nature of the park. By law he is allowed to do that, as long as he gives the residents six months’ notice. ‘Many residents are concerned that by changing the park, they’ll lose their rent control, which is untrue,’ McDonald said. He also thinks many seniors object because they don’t want children in the park. According to Robin Holland, president of the Tahitian Terrace Residents Association, residents don’t want the change for several reasons. ‘We bought, believing that it was going to be a seniors park,’ Holland said. Also, many residents feel that Tahitian Terrace is not conducive to children. ‘The park is located on a steep hill and the road into the park has two blind corners. There’s no place for children to play except on the street and the hillside, which is a slide area.’ Residents are also concerned that the density in the park will change. They have figured there are 1.5 persons per space; with an all-age park the density could increase to three people per space, which would affect the already limited parking. McDonald is aware that many residents are also worried that he might try to convert Tahitian Terrace into resident ownership, a process that is currently under way at neighboring Palisades Bowl. ‘Given the cons, for the time being, we’re not going down that road,’ he said.
Boy Scout Suit Dismissed; Appeal Planned
A lawsuit filed by the parents of a 13-year-old autistic former Boy Scout against local Scout Troop 223 and the Western Los Angeles County Council of Boy Scouts of America was dismissed by a federal district court in late October. In their lawsuit, Pacific Palisades residents Jane Dubovy and Mike Reilly argued that Troop 223 and the Council violated state and federal disability laws, mainly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), after Scout leaders excluded their son, Casey Reilly, from scouting activities and from advancing in rank. Reilly’s specific form of autism, known as Asperger’s Syndrome, entails impaired communication skills, repetitive patterns of thought and behavior, and weak motor skills. The central debate in court was whether the ADA could be applied to a private organization like the Scouts. The ADA became law in 1990 and prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability. But the immunity of private clubs and organizations from that law has been a frequent source of debate nationwide. The Dubovy-Reilly suit cited a 2001 case mandating that the Professional Golfers’ Association follow the ADA. If the ADA could be applied to a private organization like the PGA, they argued, then it should also apply to the Scouts. The judge, S. James Otero, ruled that because the Boy Scouts of America excludes homosexuals and atheists it is not an ‘open’ organization and therefore does not have to follow the ADA. The only requirement for joining the PGA, Otero concluded, was being a ‘good golfer.’ ‘Boy Scout Troop 223 is not a private organization,’ said Dubovy. ‘It’s open to all boys in the community. They start applying to the Tiger Cubs at seven to eight-years-old. Being a boy in a certain geographic area is the only real requirement, not one’s sexuality or religious beliefs.’ Otero also rebuffed another argument from the plaintiffs when he ruled that the Boy Scouts do not cease to be a private membership club merely because they operate campsites for their own private use. ‘We were pleased with the judge’s decision,’ said Ross Harrop, executive of the Western Los Angeles County Council. ‘It is the way it should have been dismissed.’ Dubovy and her husband plan to appeal the ruling in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. Their lawyer, Barak Lurie, said the judge ‘misapplied’ ADA law and ‘went beyond what he is authorized to do.’ That appeal is expected to be filed sometime this month. In August 2005, Scout leaders told Casey’s parents that he could only attend a weeklong, Scout rite of passage at Catalina’s Emerald Bay if his father came to supervise him. Casey’s father was an assistant Scoutmaster and frequently attended the Troop’s outings, and his brother is an Eagle Scout. But his father’s health prevented him from attending that summer’s event and his brother was not allowed to attend the event and supervise Casey. In Casey’s four years of Scouting, his disability had presented difficulties for the troop. He is physically weaker than his peers and often needs assistance on long hikes. Also troubling for troop leaders was Casey’s frequent use of foul language and his propensity to become hyperactive, which they insisted only Casey’s father could control. ‘We didn’t do anything wrong,’ said Troop 223 Scoutmaster Mike Lanning in a press release. ‘It is standard practice in scouting to ask a parent to accompany a Scout with disabilities whose behavior appears to endanger himself and others. With the help of their parents, our troop has worked successfully with many Scouts with various disabilities. Most have attained the rank of Eagle.’ Lanning has run Troop 223 in the Palisades for more than five decades, and the Troop has produced more Eagle Scouts than any other troop nationwide. As volunteers, Troop leaders receive no specific training to deal with special-needs children. And Casey’s parents said that lack of preparation created an inhospitable environment for their son and other students with special needs. When Casey used profanity or other Scouts with disabilities would not follow orders, Scout leaders would respond by yelling or threatening punishment, said Mike Reilly. Despite the case’s dismissal, there are signs that the suit might have already changed Boy Scouts’ special-needs training. ‘This experience is a reminder to provide additional training for our leaders and parents,’ said Harrop, who oversees 27,000 Scouts within L.A. County. An advisory committee will review the current practices toward special-needs students and recommend ways to better serve those Scouts, Harrop told the Palisadian-Post.
Two PCH Safety Projects Await Permits, Funding
Two projects to increase traffic safety within Pacific Palisades’ stretch of Pacific Coast Highway await permit approval and funding. Little change is expected within the next three years. One of the projects would change the flow of traffic exiting Gladstone’s Restaurant at PCH and Sunset; the other aims to restore the shoulder to PCH at the Bel-Air Bay Club. Barry Kurtz, a longtime civil engineer with L.A. County and a Palisades resident, envisioned both projects as necessary to reducing accidents on the dangerous, overcrowded highway. He currently works for L.A. County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors, and he has aggressively pushed for the changes, often coordinating meetings with the multiple government bodies which share jurisdiction. For Kurtz, improving safety at Sunset and PCH became personal after witnessing the aftermath of a fatal motorcycle accident several years ago. The driver of an SUV made an illegal left turn out of the Gladstone’s parking lot and violently collided with a southbound motorcyclist. Since then, Kurtz has fought to modify the signal and the flow of traffic there. Currently, visitors enter the parking lot at Gladstone’s at the PCH-Sunset intersection but must leave from the lot’s southern exit. There is no signal at that exit and vehicles must turn right. Instead of driving south and making a legal u-turn at the entrance to Malibu Village, many drivers intending to go north simply make an illegal u-turn from the Gladstone’s exit, and dangerous collisions have resulted. Representatives of Gladstone’s and the County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors met last year and agreed to modify the signal to allow motorists to both enter and exit Gladstone’s at Sunset, said Kurtz, who discussed his plans at last Thursday’s Community Council meeting. Gladstone’s agreed to pay the original estimated cost of $33,000. That cost covers only changes to the signal, and does not include the costs of changing the organization of the parking lot or other structural costs. The County, which has ultimate jurisdiction over the change, has not yet received an application for permits for the project. It is not known when the final plans will be completed. Following a landslide in 1983, Department of Transportation or Caltrans was forced to cut into the shoulder of PCH at the Bel-Air Bay Club, leaving little room for the safe passage of bicyclists and pedestrians. To create a wider shoulder requires building on the edges of the Club’s property. DOT Spokesperson Dave White said that the Club has cooperated with the department’s engineers. Unlike the Gladstone’s signal modification, Caltrans has actively taken on the project, which could mean a faster timeline. Yet engineers with the department don’t expect construction to begin before mid-2008. This project is currently estimated at less than $1 million, but if the costs exceed that figure further delays could be expected. Relocating underground utility lines might add large costs to the project, said Son Dao, a Caltrans transportation engineer.
Sandy Ricker, sailor, horsewoman
Longtime Pacific Palisades resident Sandy Ricker passed away on November 10 after a long illness. She and her husband Tom had lived here since 1970. Sandy worked at UCLA as a medical technologist for 22 years, retiring seven years ago. She had many interests that kept her busy. After she and Tom started sailing in the 1960s, they bought their first sailboat, graduated to bigger boats and finally owned the one of their dreams. They loved the ocean and all the creatures in it. The Rickers spent many vacations in Laguna, enjoying the art, the Pageant of the Masters, and the waves. Sandy also loved horses and rode her own horse for years. She inherited a racehorse and was busy breeding her. She spent time helping handicapped children learn to ride at the Equestrian Center. Sandy, who loved all animals, always had at least one Doberman and one parrot in the house at all times. She was also closely connected to her church, Corpus Christi, and was a big participant in all the ministries. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brother Don Tinnerman (wife Jan), nieces and nephews, and many friends. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. today at Corpus Christi. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations be sent to either the ASPCA or the World Wildlife Fund.
CLASSIFIED ADS FROM THE NOVEMBER 9, 2006 ISSUE OF THE PALISADIAN-POST
HOMES FOR SALE 1
LAS VEGAS HOMES, CONDOS. Interested in a 2nd home or relocation? Listings emailed free. Call Rob or Janet. Realty One Group. (702) 882-1454. www.RobSellsVegas.com 180′ OCEAN VIEW. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, Mfg home offers the beach-seeking buyer a private oasis across from the beach at sought-after Tahitian Terrace. 1,440 sq. ft. Rent control, pets ok. $450K. SC Realty, Franklin, (818) 577-7116HOMES WANTED 1b
WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a
PRIVATE GARDEN STUDIO guesthouse. $1,600/mo. Laundry, kitchenette, large closets, utils, Wifi paid. References and credit checked. Flex lease. No pets. (310) 874-3233 SANTA MONICA CANYON HOUSE. 1 block from beach, 3 bdrm, 3 ba, balcony w vu of cyn, approx 2,600 sq. ft., fireplaces, patio, 2 car garage, w/d, fridge stv, d/w. Quiet st., Palisades Sch Dst. $3,750/mo. Utils incl’d. 1 yr lse. (310) 990-3372 SPACIOUS HOUSE MAR VISTA, 3 bdrm, 2 ba, living room with fireplace, family room, large closets, dbl gar, backyard, gardener. Lease $2,850/mo. (310) 454-5893UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c
CHARMING 1,200 SQ. FT. UPPER APT in Mediterranean triplex near bluffs. 3 bdrm, 1 ba, tiles, wood floors, plantation shutters, frplc, ceiling fans, garden. 1 year lease. $3,500/mo. Available 11/15. N/S, no pets. (310) 804-3142 SPACIOUS APARTMENT. 3+2 UPPER unit. QUIET bldg. Garage, laundry, new carpets, bright. Lots of storage space. $2,600/mo. 1 year lease. No pets/smoking. (310) 498-0149 CHARMING QUIET RESIDENTIAL 1 bdrm, 1 ba, studio, new paint, new carpet. $1,400/mo. Call Sean, (310) 454-0288, cell (310) 487-8039ROOMS FOR RENT 3
ROOMMATE NEEDED. 2 bdrm apartment in Westwood area. Female/student. $600/mo.+1/2 util. (310) 625-6494WANTED TO RENT 3b
HOUSE WANTED TO RENT during the holidays. Family coming from out of town. Dec 27th-Jan 4th. If you are away for the holidays & would like to rent your house or apartment in the Palisades please call Daniel, (310) 562-1615VACATION RENTALS 3e
ENJOY CALIFORNIA DESERT RANCHO MIRAGE. 3,000 sq. ft. home, $5,000/mo. 3 bdrm, 3 ba, Wi-fi, Springs Club, pool, spa, gym, many golf courses available. 3 minutes from cineplex and restaurants, 2 minutes to Eisenhower Hospital. Contact (212) 583-1796 or unoneill@aol.com LUXURY PARIS APT. $2,500/2 wks, Jan.-Feb.-Mar. 2007, 2,000 sq. ft. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, elevator, parquet floors, Wi-fi, all util incl., 2 blks from Luxembourg Gdns. Walk to movies, cafes etc. Contact (212) 583-1796 or unoneill@aol.comCONDOS/TOWNHOMES FOR RENT 3f
PACIFIC PALISADES FOR LEASE. Stunning totally remodeled townhome, granite kit, 2+2 1/2 + den, mtn view, hdwd flrs, high ceilings, pool, tennis, 2car pvt garage. $3,400/mo. (310) 260-7764BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 5
ATTENTION AFFLUENT PROFESSIONALS: HASSLE-FREE BUSINESS with proven track record. Not everyone will qualify. (570) 971-7527 – www.SeekFinancialFreedom.com FIND YOUR COMFORT ZONE? Control your lifestyle? Financial Freedom is ?? Chrisiemarie, (800) 470-5781PERSONALS 6b
SEMPER FI. HAPPY BIRTHDAY & BLESSINGS always to all US Marines, family and friends. 11/10/06. Ray E. Nasser, US Marine, Purple Heart. 16321 PCH #63, Pacific Palisades. (310) 454-7432BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b
QUICKBOOKS FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS. Set-up, Data Entry, Reporting, Tax Preparation. Over 10 Years of Experience. Palisades Resident. Doris: (310) 913-2753COMPUTER SERVICES 7c
COMPUTER SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT -HOME & BUSINESS – 20 Years Microsoft Experience -HELPING WITH: Windows XP – Windows Media Center FRANKEL CONSULTING 310.454.3886 MARIE’S MAC & PC OUTCALL. I CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE WITH: Consultation on best hard/software for your needs – Setting up & configuring your system & applications – Teaching you how to use your Mac or PC – Upgrades: Mac OS & Windows – Internet: DSL, Wireless, E-mail, Remote Access – Key Applications: MS Office, Filemaker, Quicken – Contact Managers, Networking, File Sharing, Data backup – Palm, Visor, Digital Camera, Scanner, CD Burning – FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL – BEST RATES – (310) 262-5652 YOUR OWN TECH GURU – Set-up, Tutoring, Repair, Internet. End Run-around. Pop-up Expert! Satisfying Clients since 1992. If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! COMPUTER WORKS! Alan Perla, (310) 455-2000 THE DETECHTIVESTM – PROFESSIONAL ON-SITE MAC SPECIALISTS. PATIENT, FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE. WE COVER ALL THINGS MAC: Consulting – Installation – Training and Repair for Beginners to Advanced Users – Data recovery – Networks – Wireless Internet & more – (310) 838-2254 – William Moorefield – www.thedetechtives.com ADONIS COMPUTERS. Around-the-clock computer sales & service. We handle viruses, pop-ups, Internet, tutoring, repairs & upgrades. 25% off your first visit. (866) 423-6647GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 7f
PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? a moving sale? a yard sale? a rummage sale? an estate sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. – BARBARA DAWSON – Garage Sale Specialist – (310) 454-0359 – bmdawson@verizon.net – Furniture – Antiques – Collectibles – Junque – Reliable professionals Local ReferencesORGANIZING SERVICES 7h
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE, ORGANIZATION & BOOKKEEPING. Superior services provided with discretion & understanding Palisadian resident. Local references. Call Sarah, (310) 573-9263NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a
VIP NANNY AGENCY. “Providing very important people with the very best nanny.” (818) 907-1017, (310) 614-3646 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. Sunshine Nannies, (310) 614-5065, (310) 801-8309 OUR NANNY IS CURRENTLY SEARCHING for a new job because our children are now grown. She has 20+ yrs of nanny experience. We are sure she will be a great help to any family as she was to ours for 9 years. If interested, please call Edys at (213) 291-4890. References available upon request. BABYSITTING/HOUSEKEEPER Wed./Sat./Sun. afternoon or evenings. 14 years experience, references. Call (323) 241-8423 & leave message or (323) 460-6473HOUSEKEEPERS 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 HOUSEKEEPERS AVAILABLE M-F. Own transportation, 10 years experience. Great references. Call Marlene or Dinora, (323) 758-8964 EXCELLENT HOUSEKEEPER. Great with kids & cleaning. Prefer live in. Perfect references. (310) 689-8015 HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER available M-F and Sunday. Very good references. Many years experience. Please call Maria & leave message. (818) 669-1950 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday & Friday every other week. Excellent references, trustworthy. Please call Laura, (213) 977-1029 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri. Own transportation, CDL, good references. Call Teresa, (310) 202-7275ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a
CAREGIVERS/COMPANIONS Live in/out. Minimum 2 years experience. 3 work related references required. CNA’S/CHH’S welcomed. Bondable. Call (323) 932-8700NURSING CARE 10b
HOME/PRIVATE CARE GIVER. 15 years experience. CNA certified & Home Health Aid certified. Very reliable & dependable. Have own car, CDL. Full time or part time. Preferably at night. Local references available upon request. Elena Gonzales, (310) 993-2664GARDENING, 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 WATERFALLS & POND CONSTRUCTION: Water gardening. Japanese Koi fish. Filtration pond service, repair & maintenance. Free estimates. Cell, (310) 498-5380, (310) 390-1276. www.TheKingKoi.comMOVING & HAULING 11b
HONEST MAN SERVICES. All jobs, big or small. Hauls it all. Homes and businesses. 14 foot van/dollies. 15th year Westside. Delivers to 48 states. (310) 285-8688TREE SERVICE 11d
JOHNSON TREE SERVICE. TREE – SHRUB – STUMP REMOVAL SINCE 1924. St. lic. #685533. (310) 454-8646, BradMASSAGE THERAPY 12b
AWARD WINNING MASSAGE by Natalie. Deep tissue specialist. Call (310) 993-8899. www.massagebynatalie.faithweb.comWINDOW WASHING 13h
EXPERT WINDOW CLEANER, 20 years Westside. Clean and detailed. Free estimates, sills and screens included. Up to two stories only. Brian, (310) 289-5279 HAVING A PARTY? SELLING some real estate, or just want to do some spring cleaning? Get those WINDOWS SHINING by calling No Streak Window Cleaning where we offer fast friendly quality service you can count on! For a free estimate, call Marcus, (323) 632-7207. Lic. #122194-49, bondedHOUSESITTING 14b
YOUR PALISADIAN HOUSESITTER, reliable, experienced, loves animals, lives in the Palisades. References upon request. Call Karen, (310) 570-7297PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g
PET HEAVEN – TOTAL PET CARE. Training. Walking. Playgroups and hikes. 30 years Pali resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog. HAPPY PET – Dog Walking – Park Outings – Socialization. Connie, (310) 230-3829 TRUSTED HOUSE/PET CARE IN PALISADES AREA. Retired teacher with 3 golden retrievers. Walking – Playgroup therapy – References. Call Chris, (310) 454-4768FITNESS INSTRUCTION 15a
HAVE FUN! GET FIT! NORDIC WALKING CLASSES. Certified Nordic walking instructor teaches private/group classes in the Palisades. Weekends. Call for schedule & rates. (310) 266-4651SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d
PIANO INSTRUCTION. Give the life-long gift of music! Very patient, creative teacher. Music degree, USC. Qualified, experienced, local. Lisa Lukas, (310) 454-0859. www.palisadesmusicstudio.com MUSICAL TRAINING IN YOUR HOME. Piano – Voice – Guitar – Drums – Percussion. A system of communication which allows for miraculous & immediate results. Cathleen, (310) 390-1969TUTORS 15e
INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION. EXPERIENCED TUTOR 20+ YEARS. Children & adults, 20+ yrs teaching/tutoring exper. MATH, GRAMMAR, WRITING & STUDY SKILLS. Formerly special ed teacher. Call (310) 313-2530. SCIENCE & MATH TUTOR, All levels (elementary to college). Ph.D., MIT graduate, 30 years experience. Ed Kanegsberg, (310) 459-3614 MS. SCIENCE TUTOR. Ph.D., Experienced, Palisades resident. Tutor All Ages In Your Home. Marie, (310) 888-7145 EXPERIENCED SPANISH TUTOR – All ages – All levels – Local refs – Flexible hrs. Noelle, (310) 273-3593 READING SPECIALIST – Master of Education-Reading and Learning Disabilities – Special Education Teaching Certificate: K-12 – Regular Education Teaching Certificate: K-9 – Elementary Education Teaching experience: 12 yrs – Services provided for special & regular education students of all levels – Academic areas taught include reading (phonics and reading comprehension) writing and spelling – Private tutoring includes accessing the student’s needs, developing an individualized education program and implementation of that program. Palisades resident. Call Brandi, (310) 230-9890 PROFESSIONAL TUTOR. Stanford graduate (BA and MA, Class of 2000). Available for all subjects and test prep (SAT & ISEE). In-home tutoring at great rates. Call Jonathan, (310) 560-9134 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 WRITER/TUTOR/EDITOR/ESL: 25 yrs teaching experience. Extraordinary results with application essays from middle school-college. Grammar becomes logical & beneficial. Higher level critical thinking & reading comprehension become intertwined skills. Fare fees. References: Karen, (310) 230-7856 MATH & SCIENCE TUTOR, Middle school-college level. BS LAUSD credentialed high school teacher. Test Prep. Flexible hours. Available to help NOW! Seth Freeman, (310) 909-3049 ELEMENTARY TUTOR: Palisades Teacher with MA in Education. Available for students K-8 who need help with academics or ISEE test prep. Help your child have a great year. Call Lara, (310) 294-0123 SPANISH TUTOR, CERTIFIED teacher for all levels. Has finest education, qualifications, 17 yrs exper. Palisades resident. Many good references. Amazing system. Affordable rates. Marietta, (310) 459-8180 LOCAL CREDENTIALED HS TEACHER. Experienced tutoring specializing in Algebra and Chemistry. Experienced in helping students with learning differences too! Call Carole at (310) 749-3378 PROFESSIONAL PRIVATE TUTOR (Mathematics, Science, SATs, ACTs) 9+ years experience, UCLA graduate w/ degree in Mathematics. First lesson half off! Janice, (949) 351-5717, www.TheLATutor.com NEED HELP WITH COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ESSAY? Recent graduate & professional writer available. Will help to perfect essay for admissions success. Call (310) 985-1607 or e-mail maxtaves@gmail.com STANFORD-EDUCATED Math & Science Tutor- Four years experience tutoring Physics, Chemistry, Algebra 1&11, Geometry, Trig, Analysis, Calculus, SAT11 1C & 2C, and even robotics. Young(ish) and personable. Engineering degree. In-home convenience. References. Chris, (323) 309-6687CABINET MAKING 16
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.comCONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c
MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 36 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pools, 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.comCONSTRUCTION 16d
CASTLE CONSTRUCTION. New homes, remodeling, additions, fine finish carpentry. Serving the Westside for 20 yrs. Lic. #649995. Call James, (310) 450-6237 ALAN PINE, GENERAL CONTRACTOR. New homes – Remodeling – Additions – Kitchen & bath. Planning/Architectural services – Licensed & Insured. #469435. (800) 800-0744 or (818) 203-8881 PALISADES CONSTRUCTION NOW ACCEPTS VISA, MC & AMEX! Custom remodel – Decks – Floors – Kitchen – Bath – Elec. – Plumbing. Nobody does it better! Lic. #784088. Jason, (310) 980-2463ELECTRICAL 16h
PALISADES ELECTRIC, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437. Insured. Professional Service ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local Service Only (Not lic.). Please Call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286FENCES 16j
THE FENCE MAN. 14 years quality workmanship. Wood fences – Decks – Gates – Chainlink & overhang. Lic.#663238, bonded. (818) 706-1996 INDEPENDENT SERVICE CARLOS FENCE: Wood & Picket Fences – Chain Link – Iron & Gates – Deck & Patio Covers. Ask for Carlos, (310) 677-2737 or fax (310) 677-8650. Non-lic.FLOOR CARE 16l
GREG GARBER’S HARDWOOD FLOORS SINCE 1979. Install, refinish. Fully insured. Local references. (310) 230-4597. Lic. #455608 CENTURY HARDWOOD FLOOR. Refinishing, Installation, Repairs. Lic. #813778. www.centurycustomhardwoodfloorinc.com. centuryfloor@sbcglobal.net – (800) 608-6007 – (310) 276-6407 HART HARDWOOD FLOORING. Best pricing. Senior discounts, quality workmanship. Bamboo, maple, oak and laminate. Installation & refinishing. Call for free quote. Lic. #763767. Ron, (310) 308-4988 GOLDEN HARDWOOD FLOORS. Professional installation & refinishing. National Wood Flooring Association member. Lic. #732286 Plenty of local references. (877) 622-2200. www.goldenhardwoodfloors.comHANDYMAN 16n
HANDYMAN – HOOSHMAN. Most known name in the Palisades. Since 1975. Member Chamber of Commerce. Lic. #560299. Call for your free est. Local refs available. Hooshman, (310) 459-8009, 24 Hr. LABOR OF LOVE carpentry, plumbing, tile, plaster, doors, windows, fencing & those special challenges. Work guaranteed. License #B767950. Ken at (310) 455-0803 LOCAL RESIDENT, LOCAL CLIENTELE. Make a list, call me. I specialize in repairing, replacing all those little nuisances. Not licensed; fully insured; always on time. 1 Call, 1 Guy Marty, (310) 459-2692 THE HANDY GUY. Any job, big or small. Over 16 years experience. Lic #B-858574. We’re proud to donate our services to Habitat for Humanity. (310) 216-9034 LOCAL ENGLISH HANDYMAN serving the Palisades 10 years. You can trust me to do the job right. Hourly rates/bids. Not lic. (310) 454-3838 – (310) 367-6383 HANDYMAN – PAINTING – DRYWALL REPAIRS – Water damage repair – Small carpentry work – 17 years EXCELLENT service & experience. FREE ESTIMATES! Call (310) 502-1168. Not lic.HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16o
SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942 (310) 393-5686PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16q
PAUL HORST – Interior & Exterior – PAINTING – 52 YEARS OF SERVICE – Our reputation is your safeguard. License No. 186825 – (310) 454-4630 – Bonded & Insured TILO MARTIN PAINTING. For A Professional Job Call (310) 230-0202. Ref’s. Lic. #715099 SQUIRE PAINTING CO. Interior and Exterior. License #405049. 25 years. Local Service. (310) 454-8266. www.squirepainting.com SPIROS PAINTING, INTERIOR/EXTERIOR. Painting on the Westside since 1980. Lic. #821009. Fax and phone: (310) 826-6097. NO JOB is too small or too big for Spiro the Greek ZARKO PRTINA PAINTING. Interior/Exterior. 35 years in service. License #637882. Call (310) 454-6604PLUMBING 16s
BOTHAM PLUMBING AND HEATING. Lic. #839118. (310) 827-4040 JLK PLUMBING. Re-pipe and sewer specialist & all plumbing repairs. Mention this ad & receive 10% off. Lic. #722414. Call (310) 678-6634 WHITTLE’S PLUMBING. Drain & sewer problems – Garbage disposal & H2O heaters – Copper repiping & gas lines – Fixtures, remodels – Gen. Construction – Free est. Lic. #668743. (310) 429-7187REMODELING 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 COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION. New homes – Kitchen – Bath – Remodeling – Additions. Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large and small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction today, (310) 230-2930HELP WANTED 17
DRIVERS: 150K PER YEAR-TEAMS! Earn more plus GREAT Benefits! Western Regional Solo and Team Runs. Werner Enterprises, (800) 346-2818 x123 LADY WANTED FOR LIVE-IN position. Light housekeeping. Help with handicapped daughter. (310) 457-3393 ESCROW OFFICER & ASSISTANT wanted F/T. Make a positive change now. Call Sharon, (310) 451-5411 Fax resume: (310) 458-1988 PART TIME CHILDCARE helper needed weekday afternoons, CDL & excellent driving record required. rebeccalobl@earthlink.net INCREASE YOUR NET WORTH! Business authority with passion for celebrating life & success. Shares proven wealth strategies, critical company info. www.xlr8wealth.com LOOKING FOR PLEASANT FEMALE CAREGIVER with experience and references to help care for senior male individual, Palisades resident. Live-in. Call Manuel, (562) 644-0919 WANTED COLLEGE STUDENT who drives own car, CDL, homework helper. Fun & friendly. Two times a week. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Please call (310) 573-5041 GENERAL MAINTENANCE POSITION is available NOW! F/T, flexible hours, full benefits. Pay commensurate with experience. Email resumes to PBrown@CalvaryChristian.org or fax (310) 230-9268 WANTED: HYGIENIST. For Thursday only. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (310) 454-3732. Fax: (310) 459-2245 GETTY VILLA MUSEUM STORE ASSOCIATE Malibu, CA. P/T, varied sched (eve, wknds). 2 yrs retail exp., H.S. Diploma. $10.70/hr. Cover letter, resume to jobs@getty.edu ICE ACCESSORIES IN THE BRENTWOOD GARDENS is now hiring sales associates! The perfect candidate can work 4 days a week, which may include many weekends from 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Prior experience in upscale ladies apparel or accessories is a MUST, along with a sparkling, enthusiastic, upbeat attitude. We offer a competitive salary and benefits plus commission. Please email your resume, availability and salary history to: T9460@earthlink.net. BENTONS SPORT SHOP: full- & part time retail sales personnel needed. Positions avail for both mornings &/or afternoons. Exper helpful but not mandatory. Apply in person: 1038 Swarthmore, (310) 459-8451 HOUSEKEEPER WANTED 2 days per week (schedule flexible) for family of 4 in Brentwood Hills. Call Cheryl: (310) 780-8115 SMART & FUN BABYSITTER for our smart 9 year old. Call (310) 454-9160 LOOKING FOR FULL TIME RECEPTIONIST. Tuesday-Saturday. Tuesday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Some customer service skills required. Willing to train. Call Cathy, (310) 713-7685 YMCA TREE LOT. Positions available for labor & sales, Need delivery drivers. Call Jim, (310) 454-5591. Apply at YMCALA.org/PMAUTOS 18b
1989 CADILLAC EL DORADO super clean, 112K, new alt., new battery, new radiator, new front brakes. $3,000 obo. Ask for Roger, mention ad: (310) 450-5644 1999 MERCEDES BENZ E430 59,000 miles, excellent shape. Original owners moved to India. $16,000 OBO. Call John, (310) 390-5144 1969 CORVETTE STINGRAY, blk/blk, original paint, 350 c.i.d., recent prof. rebuilt, 101K miles, automatic t-tops, fully restored. $35,000 firm. Great driver, no accidents! (310) 454-0685, leave message 2005 BMW G51150 ADVENTURER, BLACK, like new, 3,000 miles, tank bag, cover, always garaged heated, grips, Eng. guard, must sell. $15,000. (310) 454-0685, leave message INTERSTATE TRAILER, 12′ L x 6′ W x 7′ H, enclosed, single axle metallic gray, 2005 rear loading door ramp, side door, lockable, like new, carpeted interior. $5,000. (310) 454-0685, leave message CASH 4 MERCEDES BENZ $ 1980-1995, running or not. Any questions please call (310) 995-5898 1995 MITSUBISHI MONTERO SR fully loaded, excellent condition, sun roof, third row seat. $5,500. (310) 367-5803 2002 CHRSYLER TOWN & COUNTRY VAN LTD. Single owner, loaded, w/ DVD/VHS, chrome wheels, new tires, 44,000 miles w/ 70,000 factory warranty. Excellent family car. Great condition. $11,900 obo. (310) 913-1700FURNITURE 18c
CAL KING CANOPY BED. Iron with green patina. 85″ tall. Lovely design on head and footboard. $300. (310) 454-0069 BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE TURN-OF-CENTURY mahogany dresser (mirrored wood grain design), Walnut glass fronted book case with lower cabinet. 1930s French armoir, 1930s Thonet style single head and footboard. 1900 brass head & footboard (double) with mattress. Tall 1930s oak glass front supply cabinet. California King with navy upholstered base. Two matching white 7′ modern couches. (310) 472-0883 STEINWAY BABY GRAND PIANO & BENCH. Walnut. Louis XV. Mint condition. $50,000. Call (310) 459-3448 COUNTRY FRENCH DINING ROOM SET, $1,800 obo. Seats eight. Beautiful, pecan finish. Eight chairs. Carved legs, excellent quality. Purchased at Glabmans new for $8,000. Karastan rug (8′ x 12′) for $350. (310) 913-1700GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d
GARAGE SALE, 15001 McKendree, (cross street Bestor), Friday, November 10th, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Children’s toys, strollers, plants, stones, super comfortable armchair, computer items & more. BIG GARAGE SALE, Saturday, November 11th, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 16179 Sunset at Las Lomas. Woman’s clothing sizes 4, 6 & 8 & shoes, sizes 7-7 1/2, household items, books, nice stuff. GARAGE SALE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11th. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 676 El Medio Ave. Baby supplies, stereo equipment, clothing accessories, excellent condition.PETS, LIVESTOCK 18e
I HAVE AN ENGLISH BULLDOG for immediate adoption. AKC Registered, Health: 100% ok, de-wormed (+1 year health guarantee), Shot: 1st shots, and vaccinated. Weight: 15-16 lbs, age: 11 weeks, colors: brown/white. Raised in a loving home, not a kennel, housebroken and potty trained. $500 (shipping included anywhere). If interested, (206) 339-5273 (leave message) or please email me asap: missesrowe@yahoo.comWANTED TO BUY 19
WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, ’50s, ’60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 306-7746 – profeti2001@yahoo.comSpikers in Payback Mode
Palisades High Volleyball Ready for Quarterfinal Showdown at Sylmar
Photo by Rich Schmitt, Staff Photographer
Maybe it was the new wrinkles added to the offense. Or maybe it was postseason adrenaline kicking in. Whatever the reason, the Palisades High girls varsity volleyball team is clicking on all cylinders and visiting Cleveland had a front row seat Monday night. “We’re peaking at just the right time,” Assistant Coach Chris Mortimer said. It certainly seems that way. The fifth-seeded Dolphins (14-1) played with startling efficiency, needing only 65 minutes to power past the 12th-seeded Cavaliers 25-15, 25-12, 25-20 and advance to the quarterfinals of the City Section playoffs. Cleveland simply had no answer for the one-two punch of hitters Laura Goldsmith and Alex Lunder, who finished with 12 and nine kills, respectively. Goldsmith ended the match with a service ace down the line. “I’d say they were better than most of the teams in our league,” Lunder said of Cleveland, which managed two brief leads, both early in the third game. “They kept a lot of balls in play.” According to junior libero Rachael Ehrlich, the key to the Dolphins’ success is teamwork. “Earlier in the season we were playing more as individuals,” she said. “Now, we’re playing more as a team. We know our roles much better now.” Ehrlich’s primary role is to provide accurate passing and defense in the back row and she was at the top of her game all night. Ehrlich was a whirling dervish on the court, finishing with 13 digs, five assists and three aces. Her hustle was never more evident than on the final point of the second game when she dove to return a serve inches off the floor, allowing setter Jenna McAllister to feed Jenny Donohue for a well-placed crosscourt kill. Last Thursday, Palisades made short work of 28th-seeded Garfield 25-17, 25-18, 25-16. The Dolphins raced to early leads in each game, allowing Head Coach Matt Shubin to empty his bench. Had Palisades lost its opening match it would have dropped to the City Invitational bracket. “I was a little worried we might overlook Garfield in the first round [last Thursday] but we were in control the whole time and all the girls got a chance to play, which is nice” Shubin said. “And tonight was maybe the cleanest we’ve played the entire season.” If it was difficult “getting up” for severely overmatched opponents in the first two rounds, Palisades was certainly motivated for Wednesday’s quarterfinal match at fourth-seeded Sylmar. After all, the Spartans handed the Dolphins their only loss of the season on September 18. “We’re a better team now than we were then,” Lunder said. “I guess it’s fair that they got the higher seed because they beat us head-to-head, but I definitely think we can beat them if we play like this.” Goldsmith agreed: “We have a different rotation now. Before I was passing most of the time. Now I’m hitting more which is good because I’m a better hitter.” Not only had the Dolphins not hammered out the kinks in their offense the last time they faced Sylmar, they were also without their head coach. Shubin was serving a suspension for missing a mandatory coaches meeting and Mortimer had to take his place. ‘I don’t think the girls will need any added incentive for this one,’ Shubin said with a smile. ‘They haven’t forgotten what happened last time.’ If victorious Wednesday (outcome was unknown at press time), the Dolphins would likely travel to top-seeded and defending City champion San Pedro for a semifinal match next Tuesday night.
Tennis Opens City Playoffs
The City Section girls tennis playoffs began Monday and Palisades High’s team was nowhere to be found. That’s because the top-seeded Dolphins had a first-round bye and did not have to play until Wednesday’s quarterfinal round (results unavailable at press time) in the 12-team championship bracket. ‘We’ll see how the draw plays out,’ Pali Head Coach Bud Kling said. ‘We have a couple of players sick right now so we may not be at full strength for our first match.’ Palisades (15-2), the defending City champion, hosted No. 8-seeded Sylmar, which beat ninth-seeded Cleveland 5-2 in the first round. If the Dolphins were victorious yesterday, they will meet the winner of No. 4-seeded Marshall and No. 5 Granada Hills next Monday in the semifinals at 1 p.m. at Balboa Tennis Center in Encino. The finals are next Friday at 1 p.m.
Pali Football Lets Victory Slip Away
Late Mistakes and Dubious Playcalling Contribute to 27-21 Loss at Westchester
Coaches often use the phrase “hindsight is always 20-20” to explain away mistakes made during games. Not even that seems an adequate excuse, however, for what occurred at the end of last Friday night’s varsity football game at Westchester. When it was over, everyone on the Palisades sideline was still trying to figure out what had just happened. The scoreboard read Westchester 27, Visitors 21. “We’re all very upset,” Head Coach Leo Castro said. “Some of the kids are pointing fingers and that’s what I’m disappointed with most. That’s not what I teach our players to do.” Clinging to a 21-19 lead with just over two minutes to go, Palisades had a first down at its own 17-yard line, needing a first down to run out the clock. Westchester had one timeout left. “Robert [Gillett] and I were pleading in the huddle to let us run it,” Palisades High senior tailback Dajuan Cofield said. “I was sure we could pick up the first down and the game would be over.” Instead, backup quarterback Michael Latt (replacing starter Raymond Elie, who had dislocated his left index finger while breaking up a pass on the prior defensive series) was instructed to take a knee three times, after which kicker Joe Berman punted from his own end zone, giving Westchester the ball back at the Dolphins’ 37-yard line with 24 seconds left. “It’s easy to second-guess now and say we should’ve run the ball but our thinking was that Michael [Latt] hadn’t taken any snaps and we didn’t want to risk a turnover,” Castro said. “I also don’t think the officials spotted the ball correctly after the punt. It should have been 10 yards further up field.” To its credit, Westchester (3-6, 1-3) took advantage of the Dolphins’ clock mismanagement and scored when quarterback Isaiah Barton scrambled out of the pocket and heaved a pass to receiver Khallid Muhammad, who caught the ball in the end zone. “Normally, Raymond [Elie] would have been the safety in that situation but he was hurt. The kid [Darren Morrow] we had in his place is a senior, too. It wasn’t just his fault. The whole defense fell asleep.” What happened next was even more embarrassing for the Dolphins. Westchester was flagged for two excessive celebration penalties after the touchdown and had to attempt the two-point conversion try from Pali’s 33-yard line. Barton swept left on a quarterback keeper and scampered all the way into the end zone. While it had no effect on the outcome of the game, the play exposed Palisades’ inability to defend a basic run the Comets had used repeatedly throughout the second half–including six plays in a row during a 72-yard scoring drive earlier in the fourth quarter. The outcome overshadowed a fine performance by Cofield (73 yards and two touchdowns in 14 carries) and Elie (nine of 13 for 128 yards and one touchdown), who is hoping to be back under center in time for the playoffs. Three weeks ago, Palisades came within two inches of spoiling Hamilton’s homecoming. This time, the Dolphins came within two seconds of ruining Westchester’s homecoming. Both games exemplify why in football every yard and every second count. Friday’s loss, however, was harder to swallow because of how suddenly the resilient Comets snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. “It was crazy the way it ended, but I’m not pointing any fingers,” Cofield said. “We win as a team and we lose as a team. That game is history and we just have to move on.” The Dolphins have had little time to dwell on last Friday’s loss. They travel to first-place Venice (7-2, 4-0) tonight for their league finale. “We’re 0-4 on the road so far, so we’d like to change that,” Cofield said. “With our starting quarterback out, Robert [Gillett] and I are going to get the bulk of the carries. Everyone needs to step up if we’re going to win this game.” Defensively, Pali’s gameplan will be to slow down Gondos running back Curtis McNeal, who has rushed for 1,773 yards and has scored 33 touchdowns this season. Venice crushed University, 55-24, last Friday. Pali beat University, 15-14, on October 13. “I know Curtis well,” Cofield said of his backfield counterpart. “He’s a great back. I actually beat him in the 100 meters last year in track. I ran 11.2 and he ran 11.3. So far, he’s put up big numbers for them.” Castro fears the loss to Westchester might cost his team a home game in the first round of the Invitational playoffs. “We would have to be seeded in the top eight for us to get a home game,” he said. “That could still happen but this loss definitely hurts our chances.” Friday’s frosh/soph game kicks off at 4 p.m., followed by the varsity at 7 at Venice High.
