Palisades-News-March-18-2015

March 18, 2015 Palisades News Page 11
Martin
(Continued from Page 10)
a development that promotes public transit
rather than car ownership.
“We need to modernize for employees
and customers,” he said. “With a more attractive
store, we will sell more cars. But we
also need to support the alternative.
Martin also noted, “There are almost no
lunch places around here. People have to
get in their car and drive to Brentwood or
Westwood just for lunch.”
The Town Center would have amenities
needed for living within walking distance.
Additionally, there are plans to rent office
space to creative companies, whose employees
generally work off-hours.
If the development is approved, construction
could start in 2016 and be completed
in 2018.
In the environmental impact review for
Martin Expo Town Center, which just
closed for public comment, traffic impact
was analyzed. Not surprisingly, many of the
intersections that may be affected already
have failing grades during at least one of the
peak times. (http://cityplanning.lacity.org/
eir/MartinExpoTownCenter/DEIR)
JUMBLE SOLUTION
The Martin family has owned and operated
Martin Cadillac for three generations.
The dealership was founded in Santa Monica
in 1947 by Clarence Daniel (“Dan”)
Martin, Jr. after he returned from World
War II as a naval officer.
While running Martin Cadillac, Dan
served as Undersecretary of Commerce for
Transportation, working as the principal
adviser to Presidents John F. Kennedy and
President Lyndon Johnson on national
transportation policy.
In 1974, Dan relocated his dealership to
West Los Angeles. Nephew Dana took over
as CEO in 1976 and he and his wife Mary
raised their four boys (Dan, Chris, Brian
and Matthew) in Pacific Palisades (and still
live here). They have been active members
of St. Matthew’s Parish for more than 40
years. Dana’s son, Dan, said the impetus
for the Town Center started when General
Motors strongly encouraged all dealers to
participate in an “image enhancement”
program by modernizing facilities and
showrooms.
“Complying with this program required
a significant capital investment,” Martin
said. “That became hard to justify given that
we’re on an oversized property of five acres,
where we only need about three. With the
arrival of the Expo line just 500 feet from
the corner of Martin Cadillac, these two
factors caused us to step back and rethink
the vision for the property and for transportation
in general. We asked, ‘What is the
right thing to do?’”
NEXT ISSUE: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
Send us your comments and suggestions to
spascoe@palisadesnews.com
Get Your Advertising in Place Now!
Contact Jeff, (310) 573-0150 or jeffridgway@palisadesnews.com
or Grace at gracehiney@palisadesnews.com
THANK-YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS!
Please patronize them, and tell them
you saw their ad in the News!
“Wavegirl,” a painting by Pacific Palisades Art Association president Annette Dugdale-Alexakis.
Dugdale-Alexakis Art on
Exhibit at Palisades Library
The paintings currently on the walls
of the community room at the Pali -
sades Branch Library were done by
Annette Dugdale-Alexakis, and are availa -
ble for viewing through March 21.
The 43-year Palisades resident, a selftaught
artist, attended a Pacific Palisades
Art Association (PPAA) meeting, which
has been in this community since 1947, to
learn more about art. “I wanted to better
my technique,” said Dugdale-Alexakis, who
runs a full-time pet-care business.
Five years ago, she became the organizing
force for the Art Association, taking
over from Ellen Travis, Susan Coddington
and Carol Gee, and is currently the president.
In addition to seeking new members
and organizing shows, Dugdale-Alexakis
finds speakers and art demonstrations for
the club’s monthly meetings.
She also co-chairs the annual Village Green
Art Show and Sale with Terri Brom berg
and arranges scholarships for art students
at Palisades High School’s Showcase night.
Annette credits her brother Eric Dugdale,
husband Glenn, and sons James and
Christopher for helping her make the
Pacific Palisades, Brentwood,
Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Venice
CalBRE#01437780
The Agency
(424) 400-5921
www.TheAgencyRE.com
events happen.
The PPAA, which is open to all ages,
meets on the fourth Tuesday of most
months (with the exception of December,
June, July and August) at the Woman’s
Club. Members gather for lectures and
demonstrations on oil painting, sculpting,
watercolor, photography and animation.
Membership is $50, and those interested
do not have to live in Pacific Palisades to
join. Contact: palisadesart@gmail.com.
Blood Drive March 22
Dr. Mike Martini is organizing a community
blood drive, sponsored by Providence
St. John’s Health Center. The event
will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday,
March 22, at Corpus Christi Hall, 890
Toyopa Dr. For an appointment, call (310)
829-8886 or e-mail sherry.arroyo@providence.org.
Donors are reminded to eat a nutritious
meal beforehand, drink plenty of fluids
and bring a photo identification. Donors
will receive a coupon for a pint of Baskin-
Robbins ice cream.
Ninkey Dalton
Your Local Neighborhood Agent