Palisades-News-March-4-2015

Page 2 Palisades News March 4, 2015ANTHONY MARGULEASWWW.AMALFIESTATES.COM1630 AMALFIThank you for allowing us to help more Palisades families thanany other agent & closing $110 million last yearAvailable Properties13535 LUCCA 701 VIA DE LA PAZ7 Bed, 9 bath, 11K sq ft, 18,590 sq ft lot$14,500,000RenderingRendering6 bd, 5.5 bth + guest house, 4,976 sq ft, 20.877 lot 6 Bed, 6.5 bath, 7,000 sq ft$8,150,000$6,200,0002695 OLD TOPANGA547 TAHQUITZ939 20 TH St. #1 Santa MonicaZoned for Horses2 Bed, 2.5 bath, 3,600 sq ft$3,199,0004 Bed, 3.5 bath + office, 3,658 sq ft$2,889,000Front2 Bed, 2.5 bath, Zoned 1,969 sqfor ft Horses$1,950,000The Marguleas Team10% of the net proceedsfrom each sale arefavorite local charity.Attention Buyers Tired of no inventory? We have access to over100 HOMES that are not yet on the market! Call us now for details.Sellers Ask how we can get you top dollar for your home.Contact us now if you are thinking of buying or selling a home.Call Anthony 310.293.9280 Anthony@AmalfiEstates.com CalBRE#01173073

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 3Village GreenYarn Bombed!By LAUREL BUSBYStaff WriterWhen Rosa Parks was fightingfor civil rights in Alabama, shesurely never imagined that oneday she would become a bench in PacificPalisades.And yet, today, she is a Palisades bench,or rather a bench on the Village Green iscolorfully decorated with yarn in her hon -or. Other famous women are also commemoratedthis month in the two-weekcrocheted display in honor of Women’sHistory Month, which also happens to beNational Craft Month.“Sally Ride is a bench,” said MichelleVillemaire, the six-year Palisadian whospearheaded the event. “Jane Goodall is atree. Helen Keller is a tree. Harriet Tubmanis a lamp post.”On her web site, homemademimi.com/yarnbomb, Villemaire offers a map of all ofthe women that she chose to include andtheir specific portion of the yarn display,which like the recent crafty embellishmentat the YMCA Pumpkin Patch is called ayarn bombing—a colorful temporary artworkoften used to enliven a public area.In keeping with the theme, all the pieceswill be removed in mid-March and refashionedinto blankets to be donated to a wom -en’s shelter, said Villemaire, an “Air Forcebrat” born in Massachusetts but who spentmuch of her childhood in Saudi Arabia.“I wanted [the yarn bombing] to be forsomething,” the mother of two said. “It becamea great way to talk with my kids aboutinspirational women and women who hadan impact on us in history. It’s a great thingto include both history and philanthropy.”On the Village Green, one tree, whosetrunk honors Amelia Earhart, is filled withbranches dedicated to female comedians,such as Lucille Ball, Ellen DeGeneres, TinaFey, Amy Poehler and Carol Burnett.Rosa Parks is a favorite historical figureof Villemaire’s oldest daughter, Pearl, 7,who selected some honorees and also crochetedseveral pieces, including the red,white and blue Betsy Ross flagpole.Younger daughter Vivi, 4, was able tohelp a bit by joining her mother, her grandmotherPenchan Villemaire (who learnedto crochet in order to contribute), and Pearlin putting the pieces on the trees, lamppostsand benches on the Green this week. Evensister-in-law Luann Abrahams, who lives inthe Bay Area, joined the effort by mailinga knitted piece for the Earhart tree.One of the women Villemaire chose torecognize, in part for personal reasons, islocal actress and writer Jamie Lee Curtis.Once, as a pregnant mom, Villemairechecked out several of Curtis’ children’sbooks from the library to read to Pearl, whowas two. Just after reading the books, theyhappened to run into Curtis at the Pali sadesfarmers market, and Villemaire introducedPearl to Curtis as the author of the booksthey had just read. Curtis was “very sweet”and welcoming to Pearl.A few months later, after her seconddaughter was born, Villemaire was sleepdeprivedand miserable. She went out to thebeach early one morning with both girlsand saw Curtis out for a morning stroll.The two made eye contact, and CurtisYouth Musical Opens This FridayThe Theatre Palisades Youth cast members perform one of the musical numbers fromDoo-Wop Wed Widing Hood.Photo: Bart BartholomewPalisadian Michelle Villemaire, with help from daughters Pearl, 7, and Vivi, 4, crochetedthe display in the Village Green.Photo: Bart Bartholomewsmiled. Villemaire imagined that maybeCurtis might have been thinking that Villemairelooked like the picture of youngmotherhood, while Villemaire thoughtabout the solitary Curtis. “To take a walkon the beach by yourself. That’s the life.”It was a small moment of epiphany that“these hard times won’t be forever.”Noticing these types of moments andrecording them in a comic way on herhomemademimi.com blog has been anotherone of Villemaire’s recent activities.Both an actress and writer, Villemaire haswritten for the Huffington Post and wasTheatre Palisades Youth’s spring musical,Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood, will open thisFriday at 7:30 p.m. at the Pierson Playhouse,941 Temescal Canyon Rd.Director Dorothy Dillingham Blue, aperennial TPY favorite, will guide 22 talentedyouth in a humorous 1950’s-eramusical version of the fairy tale “Little RedRiding Hood.”Produced by Jody Crabtree and AprilO’Sullivan, with musical director DJ Brady,the story revolves around three characters:Wise Prince Jason, Strong Prince Justin andLoud Prince Frank who all want to winRed Riding Hood’s hand in marriage.The show continues Saturday, March 7and 14 at 5 p.m.; Sunday, March 8 and 15 at2 p.m. and Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are $14 and can be purchased onlineat theatrepalisades.com or at the boxoffice. Call (310) 454-1970.recently hired to write for Babble, Disney’sparenting web site. Her blog focuses onhome do-it-yourself projects.“I want to empower women to take controlof their own garages, their own drills,”said Villemaire, whose husband is TVwriter Jonathan Abrahams. “Don’t wait foryour man to come home. I like the idea ofempowering women and it empowers meat the same time.”PPCC Fire SafetyMeeting TonightThe Pacific Palisades Community Council,in conjunction with the BrentwoodCommunity Council, will host a HillsideFire Safety and Preparedness meeting from7 to 9 p.m. tonight, March 4, at the PaulRevere Auditorium, 1450 Allenford Ave.The public is invited.Speakers include: Katie Martel (CaliforniaFire Safe Council), Beth Burnam (NorthTopanga Canyon Fire Safe Council), JohnNovela (Fire Inspector, Los Angeles Fire Department)and Captain Albert Torres (LosAngeles Park Rangers, Recreation and Parks).Rustic Canyon Bridge ClubThe Rustic Canyon duplicatebridge club meets from 6:15 to 9 p.m.every Wednesday at Rustic CanyonPark. No master points are awarded;instead the game is friendly and residentsare invited to join. Call RussSherman at (310) 454-2989 or e-mailrussmetal@aol.com.

Page 4 Palisades News March 4, 2015Christina Berke Is Revere’s New LibrarianBy LAURA ABRUSCATOStaff WriterAdisplay in Paul Revere MiddleSchool’s library is entitled “Ms.Berke’s Favorite Books from MiddleSchool,” with titles such as A Wrinkle inTime, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone,Strider and Nothing But the Truth.“Books were important to me when Iwas growing up,” recalls Christina Berke,who began working as the school’s librarianin November and who hopes to help studentsfind the books they will love and longremember from their middle-school years.Berke began her career through Teachfor America, teaching English at Ánimo JeffersonMiddle School in South L.A. aftergraduating from UC Berkeley in 2010.“It was the first middle school GreenDot [charter school organization] opened,so I got to brainstorm with other teachersa vision for the school,” says Berke, whohelped build the English curriculum, suchas choosing which novels to teach.The school did not have a library, sothrough trips to thrift stores and donationsBerke built her own classroom library. Shetaught for four years at the school of about500 students while earning her master’sdegree in education at UCLA.She is happy to be working in a librarythat has more than 16,000 books and isNew Paul Revere Middle School librarian Christina Berke.well-used throughout the day. Groups ofstudents, up to 140 at the busiest times,come in during homeroom, nutritionbreak, lunch and before and after schoolto read books or magazines, use the computersor play board games. Teachers alsobring in their classes to pick out books forsilent and independent reading.“The faculty and students have been sowelcoming,” says Berke, a Ventura Countynative whose interest in education wassparked by a beloved third-grade teacher.Photo: Lesly Hall“It’s such a diverse group of students. I feelfortunate to be here.”On the 12 iMacs in the library, which areavailable for homework and research, Berketeaches students how to look up books as wellas online research techniques, such as findingcredible sources. “We teach them to Googlemore efficiently, to be specific in their search,as well as the differences between an academicand personal website,” she says. “Studentstend to click on the first link they see.”When looking for books, many studentsalready know what genre or series they like.With others who need more help findingbooks, Berke asks questions about whatthey do outside of school. She also likes thebook recommendation site goodreads andhas a display of the most popular bookschecked out of the library which includethe Naruto graphic novels, the Al CaponeDoes My Shirts series, If I Stay and The Faultin Our Stars.Berke enjoys working with middleschoolstudents, whom she says are “independent,not set in their ways; there’swiggle room and they still get excitedabout reading. They’re enthusiastic andthey still have a lot of firsts.”She also feels that books can help withthe challenges of this age. “It can be a tryingtime. In books you can find somethingfunny or something you can relate to. Youcan connect with others over books.”Library parent liaison Lori Froelingworks weekly in the library. “Christinahad an enthusiasm that was genuine,” recallsFroeling, who was on the librariansearch committee made up of teachers,parents and administrators who interviewedBerke. “She’s very inquisitive andopen to new ideas.”Berke, who lives in Manhattan Beach,also teaches writing in community college,and hopes to someday write a children’s oryoung adult book.John Closson, Vice President and RegionalManager of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices,congratulates Dan on being the Top ProducingAgent in the Pacific Palisades office for 2014.Call Dan Directly at: 310.230.3757Dan UrbachPalisadian and Realtor since 1992.Info@DanUrbach.com • www.ExclusiveRealtor.com • 881 Alma Real Drive, Suite 100 , Pacific Palisades, CA 90272S PECIALIZING I N PACIFIC PALISADES, MALIBU, SANTA M ONICABRE #01147391

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 5Council(Continued from Page 1)ture was kept out of Pacific Palisades. “Thiswould have been impossible if we were acertified NC,” Cohen said.PPCC Board Member Reza Akef wantedto know why there wasn’t anyone from anNC present at the meeting to give the prosof the issue.“This is just an informational meeting,”Spitz said, pointing out that the City’s representativeSoon had spoken.As the argument intensified, PPCCmembers Amy Kalp pleaded for civility andDonna Vaccarino suggested that a committeebe formed to investigate.“As the chair I am the one who forms acommittee and we are not doing that now,”Spitz said. “This is just a discussion.”PPCC member Kelly Comras said, “Idon’t understand why we’re having thisconversation.”“There are those who wanted to knowmore about NCs,” Spitz said.“Who are the people who are supportingan NC? We should have them come andexplain why they feel they need one,” saidPPCC member Gil Dembo.Soon said: “I’ve heard there is dissatisfactionand lack of respect for the PPCC. Peoplesay that they are not represented, thatthere are people [serving] appointed on thecouncil for years—there is a lack of voice.”PPCC Secretary Jennifer Malaret said sheis working on PPCC bylaws and has repeatedlyasked people to contact her aboutchanges: no one has. (The current PPCCpresident, vice president, secretary and treasurerare first selected by a committee, whichis appointed by the president, and then thatslate is voted on by the PPCC board.)Jay Handel, chair of the West L.A. NC,came late to the meeting (Soon invited him).“It’s an important decision, but you haveto do it on fact, have an open discussion,”Handel said. “It the end, ask, are you reallyrepresenting everyone or would a neighborhoodcouncil be more representative?”PPCC member Rick Mills said, “If wedon’t do our job to represent a broad crosssectionof the community, I don’t have confidencean NC would do any better than weare. Sometimes at meetings we get too defensive.We need to stay in touch with ourconstituent groups.”After the meeting, Handel was contactedand asked about how the West L.A. NCspends its $37,000. “We do 100 percentcommunity outreach,” he said. “We have anup-to-date web site, alerting everyone ofeverything that is going on; we sent outfliers; and we pay for 10 movies in the parkin the summer and 10 concerts.”He said money could go to schools andnonprofits, depending on an NC vote.When asked if the money could fix streets,Handel said, “Yes, but we choose not to;we figure that is the City’s job.”SolarElectricity from the SunSeniors Deja Bowen and Remy Beland perform in the Palisades High Winter Show.Photo: Bart BartholomewNickel and Dimed at PaliHiPalisades High School is presentingNickel and Dimed at 7 p.m. on March5, 6, 7 and 13 and 14 in Mercer Hall.The play is based on Barbara Ehrenreich’s2001 book Nickel and Dimed: On (Not)Getting by in America, which grew out of anarticle for Harper’s magazine. Ehrenreichclandestinely worked for three months ina number of blue collar low-wage jobs tosee if one could survive doing so.PaliHi’s Remy Beland plays Ehrenreichand is supported by a cast of more than 30 ensemble players. Director Nancy Fracchiollasaid, “The play is especially trenchantgiven Obama’s State of the Union in whichhe said, ‘And to everyone in this Congresswho still refuses to raise the minimumwage, I say this: If you truly believe youcould work full-time and support a familyon less than $15,000 a year, go try it. If not,vote to give millions of the hardest-workingpeople in America a raise.’”Tickets are available at the door: $10 student,$15 general, $20 VIP.Lighten Your Electric Bill with Solar!Your own Palisades Solar CompanyFree Quote (310) 459-7062Joyce Brunelle (310) 459-7062Joyce@solarsuntricity.comwww.solarsuntricity.comLicensed, Bonded, Insured 35 yrs in CALic #369267, B1, C10, C46ServicingWestside Communitiesfrom the City to the BeachBRETT DUFFYREAL ESTATEBRETT C. DUFFYBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices881 Alma Real Drive, Suite 100Pacific Palisades, CA 90272(310) 230-3716 / brettduffy@bhhscal.com©2015 An Independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. CalBRE# 01241284

Page 6 Palisades News March 4, 2015HeardAbout TownANN CLEAVESBravos for the SymphonyThe all-Beethoven Palisades Symphonyconcert was absolutely wonderful; thesoloist Yolanda Klappert amazing. She gota standing ovation that lasted and lasted.Who knew we had someone so talentedin our midst? She works in the Lutheranchurch office.Breakfast DilemmaMayberry has closed and Maison Giraudand Matthew’s are closed on Mondaymornings. It you want to meetsome one for breakfast in Pacific Palisadeson this day, your choices are reallylimited.Emergency ResponseDelayed on SunsetA flatbed truck failed to negotiate theturn from the Palisades Drive onto Sunset,dumping a load of construction debrisonto the roadway, over the Lake Shrinefence and then overturning onto the driv -er’s side [February 17]. With the help ofwonderful bystanders, the driver waspulled from the smoking cab as othersused fire extinguishers. Many bystanderscleared all the debris from the roadway.18th Hole Tee-Off JerksI went to the Northern Trust TournamentOpen on Saturday, and just as someplayers were going to tee off on Hole 18,some jerks in the house above startedshouting from the balcony, and then onewoman tried to squeal an opera song.They may live in an exclusive area, butthat doesn’t give them the right to shoutat world-class golfers.Potrero Park Dog WalkersIt makes me so angry every time I walkpast the land where Potrero Park is beingbuilt and see rim residents and othersinside, walking their dogs. I thought thiscanyon was supposed to be off-limits toeveryone until the park opens.No Paper AgainI live in the Alphabet Streets and onceagain I didn’t get your paper on Wednesday.To whom do I complain?(Editor’s note: The Palisades Newscomes out on the first and third Wednesdayof the month, after being delivered tothe post office on Monday. It is up to thecarriers when they deliver it, since it is notfirst class. We suggest speaking to yourcarrier. The entire issue is posted on ourwebsite: Palisadesnews.com.)———————If you’d like to share something you’ve“heard about town,” please email it tospascoe@palisadesnews.comStepping Into a Father’s RoleBy JONATHON SHILERIcame from Brentwood, a neighborhoodwhere worries were nonexistent. All familieshad both parents and money was not aconcern. A sense of security was always presentand I was never worried when a family issuewould arise because I always assumed that itwould resolve itself. All of this was taken one day.It was a gloomy morning when my daddrove us to school. My sister and I were busyplaying a game on his PDA [personal digitalassistant]. He had just returned after a longbusiness trip and although he was going to leaveagain we were only concerned with the newgadget. His constant absences had weakenedour relationship, but we accepted them since wealways assumed he would come back. Littledid I know that at ten years old this would bethe last I saw my father.When my parents divorced, the world I wasfamiliar with ceased to exist. Now our soleprovider, my mother worked even longerhours to make ends meet. I was always the lastone to get picked up from daycare. We keptmoving into smaller and smaller places so wecould keep a roof over our heads. My sistercried constantly and asked where our fatherwas. And I was caught in the middle, forced togive up my childhood to help my mother.Prior to the divorce, life was different.Everyone was happy and my dad and I didmany things together. My father was a serviceengineer who worked on both the hardware andthe software of computer systems, so he easilytaught me how to use our home computer. Healso explained the basics of the home theaterVIEWPOINTsystem when I asked, describing how threedifferent lights from the projector made up asingle image on the screen. My dad introducedme to a plethora of gadgets, and I treasure thosefew experiences we shared because he openedthe door to my fascination with technologicalinnovations.After my father left, I wanted to fill the voidhis absence had created and make my familyhappy again. Cooking for, cleaning up afterand mentoring my sister became a big part ofmy new world. I realized I needed to be moreserious about my education in order to ensuremyself a better future.I’m now a senior in high school and I knowwhat I want and am determined to get it.With the support and love of my family, I haveregained a happy spirit despite the divorce. Iam self-motivated and know I can tackle anyseemingly insurmountable obstacle thatstands in my way.My childhood ended when my father leftbut I now realize he left me with more than abroken heart. He introduced me to technology,made it accessible and sparked my desire tounderstand how things worked. His absencebrought out my courage and ability to be abetter brother and son. And my pain hastaught me one more important thing: tonever abandon my children during the mostimportant years of their lives.(Editor’s note: Jonathon Shiler, a senior atPalisades High School, was awarded a PosseScholarship, which provides a four-year fulltuition scholarship at Northwestern University.Shiler thinks his father may live in Israel.)Thought to Ponder“The essential intentionis the real sin. A manwho cannot chooseceases to be a man.”― Anthony Burgess,author of A ClockworkOrange (1917-93)Founded November 5, 2014———————15332 Antioch Street #169Pacific Palisades, CA 90272(310) 401-7690www.PalisadesNews.com———————PublisherScott Wagensellerswag@palisadesnews.comEditorSue Pascoespascoe@palisadesnews.comGraphics DirectorManfred HoferDigital Content and TechnologyKurt ParkAdvertisingJeff Ridgwayjeffridgway@palisadesnews.comGrace Hineygracehiney@palisadesnews.comAdvisorBill BrunsContributing WritersLaura Abruscato, Laurel Busby,Danielle Gillespie, Libby MotikaContributing PhotographersWendy Price Anderson,Bart Bartholomew, Shelby Pascoe———————A bi-monthly newspaper mailed onthe first and third Wednesday of eachmonth. 14,500 circulation includeszip code 90272 and Sullivan, Mandevilleand Santa Monica Canyons.Online: palisadesnews.comAll content printed herein, and in ourdigital editions, is copyrighted.

Page 8 Palisades News March 4, 2015Rabbi Meets with Design BoardAt the Pacific Palisades Design ReviewBoard meeting on February 25 in theChamber office, Rabbi Zushi Cunin metwith board members to discuss the wall thatsurrounds the Chabad Jewish Center onSunset Boulevard at Los Liones Drive. Residentsin the neighborhood have been upsetwith the size of the wall and its placement.When asked why the Chabad did not askthe DRB for specific plan guidelines beforethe wall was built, Cunin explained that theproject was funded by the Department ofHomeland Security and time-mandated.“We did everything we could in our understandingof City guidelines,” he said.DRB President Barbara Kohn explainedthat all design-related projects in theDRB’s purview, including walls, signageand landscaping, need to be vetted. “Ifthat would have happened, we could haveall been on the same page from the beginning,”Kohn said.Cunin agreed to work with the board inthe future. “We will come here and discussit [landscaping and signs] with you. We willhave a partnership with you.”The Chabad is waiting for the City to finishmoving utility boxes and perform curbwork, so that a sidewalk can be installedand landscaping planted.At the meeting, Palisades News queriedthe DRB about the newly installed parkingkiosk in the Bank of America parking lot,which some residents find unattractive. InOctober, representatives of TOPA (the lot’sowner) met informally with the DRB,which made suggestions that were not incorporatedin the kiosk.The board was questioned about ananonymous comment in the Palisadian-Post’s Two Cents column that questionedthe board’s taste: “If they cannot do a goodAllied Artists Host Plein-Air Paint-OutA plein-air paint-out will be held from9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, atPoint Dume Headlands, 7200 WestwardBeach Rd. in Malibu. A voluntary critiquewill be held at 12:30 p.m. near the restrooms.All levels of artists are welcome.Masses of brilliant yellow giant coreopsisshould be in full bloom this time of year.From PCH, drive west past Kanan Road toWestward Beach Road. Turn left onto WestwardBeach Road and proceed to furthestparking area closest to Point Dume. Thereis a parking fee.Bring your own art supplies, water, lunch,sunscreen and repellent, hat and walkingshoes. Meet in the parking lot. Rain cancelsthe paint-out.Contact Bruce Trentham, (818) 397-1576or bmtrentham@charter.net, or Annie Hoffman,(310) 339-8396 or annieart2@me.com.job with a small kiosk,” somebody asked,“how can we trust them with any project?”Kohn responded, “The matter of thekiosk has complex elements of which thePost is unaware because their reporter sorarely attends DRB meetings. Efforts to addressthe issue are ongoing.”Site of DWP SubstationLocation QuestionedThe Palisades News received a HeardAbout Town inquiry about the proposedDWP electrical substation. “Someone toldme that Councilman Mike Bonin promisedmembers of the Castellammare Mesa HomeOwners Association at their annual meetingthat the substation would not be builtanyway near Los Liones State Park or FireStation 23.”The News contacted Bonin’s senior advisorNorman Kulla about the statement.“That is a hearing-what-you-want-to-hearevaluation of a response that Mike gave,”Kulla said. “The councilman made nopromises. What he said is that we don’t haveenough parks, and that he understood StateParks to have given DWP a firm no toDWP’s request to the site adjacent to FireStation 23. Mike, like everyone else, is waitingon DWP to propose where they intendto locate DS 104.”Decorating ContestSponsored by SatherIt is not too early to start thinking abouthome decorating—for the annual Fourthof July Patriotic Home Decorating Contest.This will be the fourth year that Palisadianrealtor Joan Sather will sponsor the contest.All Palisades homes are eligible. To enter,residents must upload a photo of theirdecorated home to the “Pacific PalisadesFourth of July Celebration” page on facebookor e-mail the photo to info@pali -sades parade.org, and it will be uploadedto the facebook page.The winner receives a flag flown overthe U.S. Capitol, gift certificates, a story inthe Palisades News and participation injudging the 2016 contest.Arthritis FoundationOffers Exercise ClassesThe Arthritis Foundation is offering afree, low-impact physical-activity programWednesdays and Fridays from 12:30to 1:30 p.m. from March 18 through April24 at the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club,901 Haverford.Exercise will keep joints flexible andmuscles strong, promote better sleep andincrease energy. The routines include gentlerange-of-motion exercises. Call DannyVasquez, (818) 984-1380 Ext. 108.ELLEN MCCORMICKFEATURED LISTINGSOPENSUNDAY1 to 4 P.M.JUST SOLD16156 Alcima Ave., 4 BR, 3 BAOffered at $1,975,000 | www. 16156Alcima.com15914 Temecula St., 5 BR, 4 BAOffered at $3,295,000ELLEN MCCORMICKDistinguished representation of theWestside since 1984.ellenmccormick.com(310) 230-3707 | ellen@ellenmccormick.comCalBRE# 00872518©2015 An Independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC.

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 9SPEAKERS CORNERNahai Will Speak OnThe Luminous HeartBest-selling author and University ofSouthern California creative writingprofessor Gina B. Nahai will speakabout her new book, The Luminous Heartof Jonah S., at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday,March 19, at the Palisades Branch Librarycommunity room. The free event is sponsoredby the Friends of the Library.Nahai, author of Cry of the Peacock,Moonlight on the Avenue of Faith, Sunday’sSilence and Caspian Rain, will discuss hernew novel, set in Tehran and Los Angeles.It is the story of an immigrant familycaught in a murder mystery and a multigenerationalfeud. The book is a dramatic,insightful, and humorous exploration ofIranian Jewish culture and history.Nahai’s novels have been translated into18 languages and have been selected as“One of the Best Books of the Year” by theLos Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune.Nahai’s writings have appeared in the LosAngeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, the SanFrancisco Chronicle, Los Angeles magazineand the Huffington Post. She writes amonthly column for The Jewish Journal ofGreater Los Angeles and has twice been afinalist for an L.A. Press Club award.Call: (310) 459-2754 or visit friendsofpalilibrary.org.Optimist ClubSeeks GrantApplicantsPacific Palisades Optimist Club, whosemotto is “Friends of Youth” and whosegoal is “Bring Out the Best in Kids,” willonce again make annual grants to youthorganizations based in Pacific Palisades orthose that provide services that benefityouth in this community.Grants may be used for funding of a specificevent, for equipment, a facility or service,and must be spent this year. Grants arenot given to organizations that request continuingfinancial support. The applicationmust be received no later than March 31.Award decisions will be made withintwo months, and grant recipients will benotified and, if possible, receive theirawards at the weekly Tuesday breakfastmeeting of the Palisades Optimists.Interested organizations, schools andclubs may send queries to grant committeechairman Bill Skinner (ibeeel@aol.com)or call (310) 459-8286 to receive an applicationand grant guidelines.Applications are also available at theChamber of Commerce at 15330 AntiochStreet. They may be returned to the Chamberor mailed to Grants Committee Chairman,Optimist Club of Pacific Palisades,P.O. Box 211, Pacific Palisades 90272.Pali ElementaryAuction Is OpenTo All ResidentsPacific Palisades Elementary is openingits online auction to local residentsfor the first time in the school’s history.From March 6 through the 16th, residentsmay visit paligala.com and bid onrestaurants, travel, children’s classesand camps. Opportunities include:seven nights in a luxurious private villaat the Amanpuri Phuket, Thailand; twotickets for Taylor Swift’s August concertat Staples Center; VIP Behind-the-Scenes Experience for two to the NFL onFox; and a limited edition lithograph, “ASky Full of Stars,” signed by Coldplay.There’s also a “Buy It Now” option,allowing one to avoid bidding wars.Raffle tickets are available for threeprizes: 1. One-of-a-kind 61-carat Tour -maline necklace, designed by localjeweler Jaimie Geller ($10,500); 2.Four-night stay at the Grand Waileain Maui ($2,800); and 3. A Bromptonfolding bike ($1,700), designed andmanufactured in London.All proceeds from the auction supporthiring teachers to reduce classsizes, purchase books and provide accessto computers, music and physicaleducation.AG Adriano GoldshmiedWhite + WarrenRebecca TaylorNationParkerJoieAutumn CashmereCosabellaCynthia VincentNationBOCA1024 Swarthmore Ave | Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 | (310) 459-7259Michael C. Solum, PrincipalInsurance and Financial Services Agent881 Alma Real Dr., Suite T-10Pacific Palisades, CA 90272(310) 454-0805msolum@farmersagent.comPaliInsurance.comLicense #OG51003BOCAAG JeansCitizens of HumanityClarks FootwearSwiss Army VictorinoxRobert GrahamWill LeathergoodsRodd & GunnRaffi ItaliaPeter Millar1020 Swarthmore Ave | Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 | (310) 454-3891

Page 10 Palisades News March 4, 2015Sonia Batra Offers College AdviceBy SUE PASCOEEditorDr. R. Sonia Batra, a 1991 PalisadesHigh graduate, Harvard graduateand Rhodes Scholar, was the inauguralspeaker for the newly formedRoads to Your Future Club at PaliHi.“Work hard and go for it,” she told thenearly 100 students assembled in GilbertHall during lunchtime on February 3.“What you do in this short window of yourlife plays out for your future. It will have animpact on every opportunity, and has adirect impact on your life.“These opportunities come before you’reready for them,” Batra said.While at Pali, “I was on the AcaDec teamwith Mama G [famed teacher Rose Gil -bert]. We won City and took second instate,” Batra said. “We wanted to go to Nationalsso badly because Mama G told us ifwe made it, she’d take us to Hawaii.”The multi-talented Batra played pianoin a.m. orchestra with Joel Lish and flute inthe marching band—both a continuationof her musical career at Paul Revere underOne enthusiastic PaliHi student took aselfie with the doctor.Stewart Rupp.She also was the 1991 valedictorian. Astudent asked her GPA. “I think it was a 4.0,but that was before they were weighted,”Batra said.One student wanted to know if there wassome subject that was hard for her. “Golf.I was not good with it and it was a P.E. requirement.”Another student asked her leastfavorite class. “Life skills and health. I satthere thinking this was a complete wasteof my time.”After PaliHi, Batra attended HarvardUniversity, where she was elected to PhiBeta Kappa. “When I went to Harvard I wasin a class with students who had gone tosome of the most elite private schools inthe country, but I felt prepared because ofthe great teachers I had here.”“What you need for your future is obtainablehere,” Batra said. “It is a questionof dedication, passion and utilizing theplatform to go for it. Where you go to collegedoes make a difference.”Graduating after only three years at Harvardwith a dual degree in history and biochemistry,she was nominated to be aRhodes Scholar and received one of only 32scholarship given annually in the UnitedStates. Academic excellence, personal energy,ambition and ability to work with othersand to achieve goals are necessary requirementsin order to earn a scholarship to Oxford,with tuition, transportation costs anda stipend provided for one to three years.“My parents are immigrants from Indiaand they were not pleased I was applying,”Batra said. “They are doctors and thoughtI should start working.”Batra graduated from Oxford in 1996with a master’s degree in genetics and thenentered Harvard Medical School, where shealso earned a master’s degree in public healthin 2000. Her internship, residency and chiefresidency in dermatology was at Stanford.“I decided on dermatology because ofthe continuum—you treat men and wom -en and all ages. My oldest patient is 107years old and I treat newborns,” Batra said.“There are few fields left in medicine thatDr. R. Sonia Batraare multi-generational.” She also told studentsshe likes performing surgery.After Stanford, Batra became head ofdermatology at the City of Hope NationalMedical Center in Duarte in 2005. Since shegrew up near Kenter Canyon School, sheand her husband Sameer Malhotra, a urologist,bought a home about a mile fromwhere Batra grew up.In 2007, she went into private practiceand now has a staff of 12 at her office inSanta Monica. “I like running the show,”Batra told students. “Some of my patientswere my former high school teachers.” Sheis also a clinical assistant professor of dermatologyat USC Keck School of Medicine.A student asked Batra if there was anythingshe would change if she looked back.“I wish there were some things I hadn’tgiven up so early,” she said. “At Oxford, Iplayed soccer; I wish I had held onto that alittle more tightly. But then there’s not timeto do everything.”The couple have two children: Tara, 7,and Shaun, 5, who attend Kenter Canyon,their mother’s old school.Freshman class president Amir Ebtehadj,who with the help of the Pacific PalisadesOptimist Club, has brought this highly successfulRevere Middle School speaker programto PaliHi, said: “It was important tobring the program here because it is a greatresource to hear successful stories, meet theprofessionals, and most importantly tohave students gain crucial facts and tipsabout college and ultimately the real world.After today’s presentation, I can say that theprogram is off to great start.”The March speaker is architect Rich Wil -ken, also a Palisades High School alumnus.BOOST YOUR SCOREBecome a Better StudentStrengthen Weak AreasAcquire Test Taking SkillsLove Learning!TUTORING (K-12) • TEST PREP • READING • HOMESCHOOL881 ALMA REAL #115PACIFIC PALISADES310/454.3731GrozaLearningCenter.comELEMENTARYREADING& MATHERBPREPCOMMONCOREASSESSMENTS

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 11PCH Update: Incline Closure NearsBy SUE PASCOEEditorDelays will continue through Juneon Pacific Coast Highway betweenChautauqua and the AnnenbergBeach House.At the quarterly PCH Taskforce meetingFebruary 18, Coastal Interceptor ReliefSewer (CIRS) Project Manager Andy Floresannounced that work on this portion ofthe road, which was slated to be finished inApril, has been pushed back again.“The tunneling has been completed andthe 48-inch sewer pipe has been installed,”Flores said. The $10-million clean-waterproject included installing a new sewerline that will take rainwater runoff fromPacific Palisades to the Hyperion TreatmentCenter.“We found out there was 9-inches of asphalton top of beach sand,” Flores said.“There is a gas line and sewer line buriedunder it, so we are going to have to take outthe asphalt by hand, bring in base, compactit and then put down new asphalt.”Flores quipped, “It’s just like surgery;you don’t always know what you have untilyou open it up.” He estimates that with thenew street construction, the earliest thisstretch will be completed will be late June.Meanwhile, the California Incline constructionproject that will replace the 1930sbridge that serves as the roadway from PCHto Santa Monica, is still on schedule, withclosure set for early April.Motorists on southbound PCH wishingto access Santa Monica will be directed toMoomat Ahiko and Lincoln Boulevard exits.Residents of Santa Monica Canyon areworried about increased traffic, if peopledecide to cut through to enter Santa Monica,avoiding that stretch of PCH.The City of Santa Monica will put outdynamic message signs for the duration ofthe project (three on Highway 101, four inPacific Palisades and one in Santa Monica)to alert motorists of the closure and besttraffic routes.Santa Monica will pay for a traffic officerGet Plugged In.Overwhelmed by technology? Want to learn moreabout your computer and your electronics?Do you want a new home theater system?I have all the Solutions!Ramis Sadrieh, MBAThe California Incline served memorably as a location in Stanley Kramer’s classic carchase comedy, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963).Photo: creditat Canyon Elementary School for morningand afternoon school opening and dismissalduring the Incline closure.Adding to traffic woes for San FernandoValley commuters is a planned undergroundutility project at the intersection ofOld Topanga Boulevard and Topanga Boul -evard that will involve six months of trench -ing. The entire project will take 18 months,with lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Monday through Friday. It is estimated thatmore than 19,000 cars use the road daily.Caltrans is scheduled to replace the blink -ing traffic light at the Palisades Bowl crosswalk,just north of Temescal Canyon Roadin 2016, with a more permanent and visiblefixture, which will require cars to stop.Estates Director & Westside Specialist Since 19881000 Fiske St.Listed at $3,695,000Parade ThemeSought forFourth of JulyEver since American Legion Post 283 revivedthe Pacific Palisades Fourth of Julyparade in 1961, a theme has helped definethe parade. This year is no different, andPAPA (Palisades Americanism Parade Association)is asking your help to pen a clever,witty, poignant or memorable theme.Last year’s winner was Kim Traenkle’sentry, “Star-Spangled Palisades.”Submit your best idea(s) to info@pali -sadesparade.org, by Friday, April 10. If yourtheme is selected, in addition to braggingrights, you can also ride in the parade aboarda fire engine (with selected family members)and Palisades News will feature you in a story.Community YogaAt Woman’s ClubCertified yoga instructor Alison Bur -meister, co-owner of The Yogurt Shoppe,teaches community yoga classes (all levels)Mondays at 9:45-11 a.m. at the Woman’sClub, 901 Haverford. Beginners are welcome.The class is donation based ($15 suggested).Participants should bring a mat,water, towel and a smile. Visit: alisonburmeister.com.SOLD IN 2014717 Toyopa Dr.Listed at $3,750,000Former Mr. Palisades ‘93 • Best New Business, 2005Chamber President 2009-10 • PAPA President 2011 & 2012Proud to Be Serving the Palisades Community!Technologyfor You! ®Solutions from Us!Dependable, Quality Service • In Home or OfficeConsulting • Sales • Installation • Maintenance(310) 597-5984www.technologyforyou.comComputer Hardware/Software Installation, Repair & TrainingSetup Wireless/Wired Networks and Home-Theater SystemsAuthorized Dealer of and Computers and ElectronicsConfigure Smartphones, iPods, and other Gadgets866 Muskingum Ave.Listed at $5,850,000FOR DYNAMIC REPRESENTATION,CALL JOAN!www.joansather.com • joan@joansather.com310.740.0302CalBRE #00575771

Page 12 Palisades News March 4, 2015NO ONE SELLSMOREHOMESINSOUTHERNCALIFORNIATHAN COLDWELL ®BANKER123FEATURED PROPERTIES1PACIFIC PALISADEADES $13,500,000French Country w/ ocean & vineyard vws.Ali Rassekhi sekhi (310) 359-56952PACIFIC PALISADEADES $10,900,000www.rivierarichardlandry.comFran Flanagan (310) 801-98054563PACIFIC PALISADEADES $6,499,0006bd/7bth. Lease option @ $30,000/000/monthHollingsworth orth & Leff (310) 230-24834PACIFIC PALISADEADES $4,550,000Guard-gated East Coast Traditional.Michael Edlen (310) 230-73735PACIFIC PALISADEADES $4,495,000Riviera Trad. w/vieviews WWW.730NAPOLI.COMFran Flanagan (310) 801-980578967PACIFIC PALISADEADES $4,495,000Gated privacy + over an acre.Michael Edlen (310) 230-7373PACIFIC PALISADEADES $3,950,000New 4,200+sq ft home on 8,400 sq ft lot.Michael Edlen (310) 230-73738PACIFIC PALISADEADES $3,425,000Over 4,500 sq. ft. just blocks to Vlg.Michael Edlen (310) 230-7373101112910PACIFIC PALISADEADES $2,895,000Opportunity in Pacific View Estates 4+3Nicolas Beauvy (310) 573-7473PACIFIC PALISADEADES$2,150,000000855 Jacon 3+2.5 Spectacular RemodeledLiz Keenan | Lexie Brew (310) 463-632311MALIBU$1,950,0004BD w/Topanga Beach Views in Sunset MesaMarta Samulon (310) 230-244813141512PACIFIC PALISADEADES$1,795,0001st Time On Mkt In 50 Years! Rare Views!M. Hedges / M. Gertzman (310) 475-750013 PACIFIC PALISADES$1,629,5004+3 Highlands home w/cancanyon & mtn views.Sharon & John (310) 573-77371415PACIFIC PALISADEADES$1,595,000Great home 2+1 Move in / develop. Views!Liz Keenan | Lexie Brew (310) 463-6323SANTA A MONICA$1,495,000Two 30’s bungalows in prime SMMichael Edlen (310) 230-7373PACIFIC PALISADES15101 W SUNSET BLVD(310) 454-1111facebook.com/ColdwellBankerPacificPalisadesPALISADES HIGHLANDS1515 P ALISADES DRIVE(310) 459-7511facebook.com/ColdwellBankerPalisadesHighlandsConnect With UsVIEW MORE LISTINGS ATCALIFORNIAMOVES.COM®©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved.Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registeredservice marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage,lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources,and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of thatinformation through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.* Based on information total sales volume from California Real Estate Technology Services, Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS, SANDICOR, Inc. for the period 1/1/2013 through 12/31/2013 in Los Angeles, Orange,Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego,Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Due to MLS reporting methods and allowable reporting policy,this data is only informational and may not be completely accurate.Therefore,Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage does not guarantee the data accuracy. Data maintained by the MLS’s may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Palisades NewsMarch 4, 2015 Page 13DRB Okays Plan for La Cruz BuildingBy SUE PASCOEEditorRendering of the completed building at the site of the former Blue Cross Pet Hospital on La Cruz.Design plans for the two-storybuilding located between the U.S.Post Office and UDO Real Estateon La Cruz were approved by the DesignReview Board (DRB) on February 11. Remodelingis projected to start in May andend in November.“Our ‘For Lease’ sign will go up thisweek,” said Elliot Zorensky, UDO co-presi -dent, who with Randy Nonberg purchasedthe property in May 2014.When finished, the 1950s building willmaintain its 4,025-sq.-ft. space. The lowerfloor will be about 3,000 sq. ft. and the secondfloor about 1,000.“We would love a retail tenant for theground floor and a service tenant for thesecond floor,” Zorensky said. “We will beapproaching the tenants on Swarthmore toget them to relocate permanently. I foreseethere will be a shortage of space for themall to operate in when Caruso vacates themto remodel [in 2016]. Some tenants may beleft standing when the music stops. I thinkthe smart ones will move soon.”TAG (The Albert Group Architects) washired for the project and asked to maintainthe mid-century architectural style. “Ourchoice became obvious when we walkedaround the Village with our architect,”said Zorensky.Although that mid-century look is prev -alent on Swarthmore and several of thosebuildings have been torn down, with othersto follow, Zorensky said the style isprevalent throughout the Palisades.“We picked up the architectural elementsand the materials of this style and usedthem in a bit more contemporary way forour building,” he said. “We love the warmthof brick and it is our major material used,while maintaining the lines of the architecturalstyle, which was critical.”The building at 15239 La Cruz was builtin 1955 and expanded four years later. Thesite always housed a pet hospital.Veterinarian Debbie Oliver purchased thebuilding in 2000 and named it the Blue CrossPet Hospital. Shortly after her purchase, shepainted the building a bright blue. The colorchoice raised the ire of many in town.Although it would have been easier forUDO to construct a new building, and mostlikely less expensive, the current space isgrandfathered into existence, which meansan elevator to the second floor is not required:there are back and front stairs. Anew building would also have requiredmore parking.Although the initial deconstruction wascompleted by October, there have been delays.It took a month to get an appointmentto submit plans to the L.A. City Plannerand an additional 10 weeks before it wasplaced on the Pacific Palisades DRB agenda.At the January 14 DRB meeting, the architecturaldesign won high marks from theseven-member board. Vice-chair DavidHibbert asked if the brick color would be thesame as the rendering. The DRB determinedthat there was a general flaw in the applicationprocess and that a material board(samples of proposed materials) should beincluded as part of the submission process.“I’m more concerned about future projectsthan this one,” Hibbert said. “We shouldsee the materials.”At the February 11 DRB meeting, a materialboard was presented and approved,allowing the building to go forward.“At this time our permit is nearly readyto pull but cannot until Planning signsoff,” Zorensky said last week. “That will bea minimum of another two-and-a-halfmonths, the planner says. Once we have apermit, we can start.”UDO also owns property on La Cruzand Sunset that includes Palisades GardenCafé, Naturella Beauty Center, Ruby Nails,Philips French Cleaners, Wells Fargo Bankand Palisades Patrol.The Other ‘Alphabet Streets’ NeighborhoodContributed by Michael Edlen,Coldwell BankerNot many people know that the ViaBluffs streets were mostly namedfor Christian colleges in the U.S.Similar to the north-of-Sunset “alphabets,”six streets in this area are in alphabeticalsequence: Antioch, Bowdoin, Carthage,DePauw, Earlham and Friends. This hasalways been a highly desirable neighborhoodbecause of its proximity to Villageshops, the park and ocean-view bluffs.The Via Bluffs area (so-called because Viade la Paz and Via de las Olas are two of themain defining streets in the neighborhood)was the second part of what became Tract9300 in 1928. It consists of streets south ofSunset from Temescal Canyon to Swarthmoreand to Portrero Canyon, whereFriends and Earlham terminate.In contrast to the typical rectangulargrid plan used on the narrow streets northof Sunset, this area was designed more artisticallyto benefit from the oceanfrontplateau bordered by canyons and cliffs.Portrero Canyon has been the site ofwhat might be the country’s most expensivemunicipal park project. Decades ago,the runoff from the underground stormdrain that terminated at the upper end ofwhat is now Hampden Place could havebeen extended much farther toward theocean. Unfortunately, uncontained stormwaters eroded more of the canyon sides;and numerous homes were underminedto such a degree that in the 1950s they hadto be demolished. Landslides began puttingadditional homes at risk, and ultimatelythe City of Los Angeles had to dealwith a $75-million class-action lawsuit inthe 1980s.The resulting Portrero Canyon Park DevelopmentProject eventually required fillingthe canyon to a depth ranging from 40to 200 feet, utilizing more than 3 millioncubic yards of dirt. The city had to buy 22of the 35 affected properties along the edge,but has already resold 15 at public auctionto help pay for the enormous costs involvedin the infill and park development.The final Phase Three of the projectmust meet strict conditions for the canyon’sre-vegetation, including native bushes anda riparian zone along a streambed. A pedestrianpath will extend from the south endof the Recreation Center down to PacificCoast Highway. To pay for this, the City ispreparing to sell its final seven lots and expectsto receive more than $9 million. Theselots could actually yield far more, basedon current values for development.The project’s estimated total cost willexceed $30 million, and the park is slatedto be completed by 2017.Below is a comparison of recent marketlows and highs in the Via Bluffs neighborhood.# SOLD MEDIAN $ AVG $ $/SQ FT2014 (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31) 32 $2,817,500 $2,855,500 $8942011 (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31) 20 $1,425,000 $1,698,250 $670% Diff 60% 98% 68% 33%Based on information from the Association of REALTORS®/Multiple Listing Service from 1/1-12/31 in 2011 and 2014 and/or other sources. Display of MLSdata is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not havebeen the Listing and/or Selling Agent. If your Property is currently listed for sale this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing. CalBRE#00902158Michael Edlen is ranked #52 of all agents in the country with over $1.5 billion in sales and more than1,100 transactions. He has tracked Pacific Palisades sales since 1987. If you would like to know what yourhome may be worth today, Michael can be reached at (310) 230-7373 or michael@michaeledlen.com.

Page 14 Palisades News March 4, 2015Vuongs Plead No Contest inPregerson Hit-and-Run CaseOn February 8, Marguerite Vuong,a 28-year postal employee whoworked in Pacific Palisades, plead -ed no contest to a felony hit-and-run. Herhusband Michael pleaded no contest tobeing an accessory.Vuong was driving to work at 3 a.m. lastDecember 27 when she struck PalisadianDavid Pregerson, 23, on Chautauqua Boul -evard. She fled the scene.Pregerson, the son of Dean D. Preger -son, a judge in the U.S. Central District,and Sharon Pregerson, was later found inserious condition by a private security officer.He died four days later.Detectives said David Pregerson was “inthe roadway” at the time of the hit-andrun.Police, who had few clues, sought witnessesto the deadly incident.The only substantial lead police had wasfrom residential security cameras surveillancevideos that showed a 1990s Volvostation wagon on Chautauqua at the approximatetime of the accident.In March 2014, Pregerson’s family andthe Los Angeles City Council each offeredrewards of $50,000 for information leadingto the arrest and conviction of the driver.At the time, the victim’s father called onthe perpetrator to surrender, saying heand his wife were “not looking for blood.”That same month, a postal co-workernoticed that Vuong had stopped drivingher Volvo to work and alerted police, whotracked the car to the couple’s Mar Vistahome.Initially, Michael Vuong claimed he wasthe driver and was charged with vehicularmanslaughter. With further investigation, itbecame apparent that his wife was the driver,and his charge was reduced to accessory.Absent a deal, Superior Court JudgeKathyrn Solarzano will decide the sentenceat a hearing on March 6. Marguerite Vuongfaces a maximum of four years in prisonand her husband three.According to the L.A. Times, AnthonySalerno, Michael Vuong’s attorney, said thedistrict attorney’s office rejected a proposeddeal of a year in jail and probation for MargueriteVuong and probation with no jailtime for her husband.Salerno and David Murphy, MargueriteVuong’s attorney, were told by a representativeof the district attorney’s office that“any offer would have to be approved atthe highest levels in their office.”Salerno said that lawyers were told thata plea deal for the 67-year-old Vuongswould have to include prison time.Margaret Kirby: Wife, Mother,Grandmother, VolunteerMargaret Beryl Larabee Kirby was bornJanuary 5, 1927, in Los Angeles, and fouryears later moved with her parents to ErskineDrive in Pacific Palisades. The familyjoined the Community United MethodistChurch, where they became lifelong members.She passed away on January 15; a remembranceservice was held at the church.As a young girl, Margaret attended Pali -sades Elementary, where her mother wasone of the first PTA presidents. She attendedEmerson Junior High School. Thefamily moved to Virginia when Margaret’sfather, who was in the Reserve Army AirCorps, was called up to serve in World WarII. While in Virginia, Margaret graduatedfrom Arlington High.After the war, the family moved back toPacific Palisades, living first on Hartzell andthen Alcima. Margaret attended PomonaCollege and UC Berkeley. She received hermaster’s degree from the University of Coloradoand was employed by UC Riversideat its Citrus Experimentation Center.Attending dances at the USO at MarchAir Force Base, she met her future husband,Ray Kirby. They married in 1954 at the Pali -sades Methodist Church and two years laterPASSINGSmoved back to a house on Swarthmore.The couple had two children, Ruth (1956)and Ray Edward (1959).Margaret was active in the church,making crafts for the United MethodistWomen’s Bazaar, and finding new merchandisefor the church flea market. Shewas active in the annual CROP Walk,church dinners and cooking meals for thehomeless at Christmas and Easter; helpingwith Thanksgiving dinners in Santa Monica;and making sandwiches each week forthe Ocean Park Community Service.She was also active in the Woman’s Club,PTA and PEO. She read medical textbooksto the blind and tutored local children.Margaret and Ray attended American Legionand Masonic events.In 2008, the couple moved to Marinadel Rey, and in 2010 to a senior living centerin Northridge.Margaret is survived by her husbandRay, their children and grandchildren.Memorial gifts may be made in Margaret’sname to St. Jude Children’s ResearchHospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN38105 or stjude.org.Your Local,Competitively Priced Flooring &Window Treatment Store!WE SUPPLYAND INSTALL:• HARDWOOD• CORK• LAMINATE• VINYL• LINOLEUM• RUBBER GYM FLOORING• TURFINCAS WELL AS:• HARDWOOD REFINISHING SERVICES• CUSTOM AREARUGS• STAIR RUNNERS AND RODS• SHUTTERS,DRAPES AND BLINDS• CARPET CLEANING REFERRALSTO SUIT ALLBUDGETS!874 VIA DE LA PAZ • 310.454.0697 • MON-FRI 9-5PM SAT 10-5PM • PPARKING AVAILABLEAILABLEAT THE REAR OF THE STORE

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 15George H. Burns, Jr., 88;A Success in Three CareersGeorge Hannegan Burns, Jr., whowas born November 22, 1926 inChicago, Illinois, passed away onFebruary 22 at his home in Pacific Palisades,surrounded by family.His funeral will be held at Corpus ChristiChurch on Friday, March 6 at 3 p.m.Wife Patty called George the “happiestman I ever knew.” She cited his love of family,the belief God loved him, and his work ethicand enjoyment that lasted throughout histhree careers. He always had a smile and anappropriate remark for any occasion, alwaysmaking those around him laugh every day.Born to George and Isabelle Burns, hewas raised in Chicago with his siblingsMary, Jack and Bill. He played football onscholarship at St. Ignatius High School andthen Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Duringhigh school, he was the Illinois stateshot-put champion.During World War II, George was a navalweatherman, which meant he spent twoyears flying off aircraft carriers, searchingfor hurricanes in the South Pacific. Whenthe Korean War began, he once again joinedthe military to serve his country.Trish Bowe CLU, AgentInsurance Lic#: 0606059845 Via De La PazPacific Palisades, CA 90272Bus: 310-454-0349PASSINGSAfter naval service, George returned toChicago, married and became the father offive: George (wife Bernice), Gene, Stephan,Heather (Jim Skeen) and Martin.He moved to Pacific Palisades in 1968,where he met Patty. They were married in1973. The couple had four children: Danny,Wendy (Steve Bull), Tim (Beth) and Suzy(Jeff Pion).During his life, George had three careers.His first was as CEO of a paper company.He then worked as a probate salesman. Atage 70, he embarked on his favorite occupation,working as a tutor, mentor andcoach of football and shot put at PalisadesHigh School. He retired at the age of 80.He and wife Patty sailed on three Windstarcruises, and also enjoyed traveling inthe U.S. and abroad. But his favorite placewas at home or enjoying friends and familyat the Bel-Air Bay Club.A long-standing member of CorpusChristi Church, George’s faith in God wasunshakeable and precious. He was a lectorand for 15 years also played Santa Claus.Patty once asked him if he spoke to Jesus.“Every day,” he replied. “Does he hear you?”Gotta love agood combo… especially when it saves you money.I can help you save an average e of $ 600.* Talk to meabout combining your renters and auto insurance today.®Get to a betteer State. Get State Farmm.CALL ME TODAY.*A Average annual per household savings based on a 2010 0 national survey of new policyyholders who reported savings by switcching to State Farm.State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL1201143State Farm Fire and CasualtyCompany, State Farm General Insurance Company,Bloomington, ILNEXT ISSUE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18Send us your comments and suggestions tospascoe@palisadesnews.comGet Your Advertising in Place Now!Contact Jeff, (310) 573-0150 or jeffridgway@palisadesnews.comor Grace at gracehiney@palisadesnews.comTHANK-YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS!Please patronize them, and tell themyou saw their ad in the News!George H. Burns, Jr.Patty asked. “Do you think I’d spend all ofthis time talking to myself?” he replied.George was a loving grandfather to 16:Kevin, Sheila, Sean Riley, Tessa, Carter,Haley, Justin, Casey, Ryan, Erin, Victoria,Andy, Charlie, Chase, Drew and Griffin.He was predeceased by his brother Bill andson Danny.In lieu of flowers, donations can be madeto Step Up on Second, 1328 Second Street,Santa Monica, CA 90401 or Corpus ChristiEducational Endowment (809 Toyopa Dr.)ProudlyServing thePalisades forOver 35Years!Atria InvitesResidentsTo ConcertsAtria Park of Pacific Palisades, locatedjust west of the Shell Station at15441 Sunset, invites all Palisades residentsto its March concerts.• French singer Natalie will sing at 3p.m. on Tuesday, March 10.• Marion Calhoun, a Las Vegas-styleentertainer, will sing songs madepopular by artists such as Frank Sinatra,Engelbert Humperdinck and TheDrifters at 3 p.m. on March 12.• Frank Sinatra impersonator JimmyBrewster will take the spotlight at 3p.m. on March 19.• Opera singer Francesca, performsat 3 p.m. on Friday, March 20.• Guitarist and singer Joey Aaronperforms at 3 p.m. on March 24.• Pianist and singer Mathew Stonemanwill perform at 10:30 a.m. onThursday, March 26. Afterwards,guests are invited to stay for lunch. ToRSVP for lunch, call (310) 573-9545or visit atria-pacificpalisades.com. Followus onFacebook!HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONAL WORKMANSHIP• Re-piping Specialists • Sewer, All-Drain Cleaning • Earthquake Shut-off Valves• Repair Work • Sprinkler Systems • Installation of Sub Meters & Tankless Water Heaters16626 Marquez Ave. Ray Church, owneremail: PalPlum1@aol.com (310) 454-5548 INCORPORATED — CA Lic. #385995Pacific Palisades, Brentwood,Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, VeniceCalBRE#01437780Ninkey DaltonYour Local Neighborhood AgentThe Agency(424) 400-5921www.TheAgencyRE.com

Page 16 Palisades News March 4, 2015PPBA World Series champs—Pinto Yankees, Mustang Red Socks and Bronco Tigers—surround long-time umpire Dirk Robinson.Photo: Bart BartholomewBatter Up! PPBA PancakeBreakfast Set March 14As the eastern U.S. digs out fromsnow and ice, Pacific Palisades residentsare invited to bring theirstadiums seats, baseball caps and appetitesto the PPBA’s 63rd annual pancake breakfaston Saturday, March 14.This popular tradition, held on the outdoorbasketball courts at the PalisadesRecreation Center from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.,launches the town’s baseball season.Pacific Palisades Baseball Associationpancake breakfast co-chairs Liz Denhamand Rene Rodman are promising tasty pancakes,sizzling sausage, sweet orange slicesand hot coffee, orange juice or milk for only$5 a person. Tickets can be purchased beforehandor on the day of the event.Parents of players do all of the cooking,and one year, Tom Hanks and Jake Steinfeldstood side-by-side, flipping pancakes.By buying a ticket from your favoriteneighborhood player, you can help theboy/girl win a bat from Benton’s, two privatecoaching sessions with Rays coachSteve Gambale, a three-day session at Westsidebaseball camp, a week of baseball campat Pepperdine or at UCLA, or the opportunityto be a bat boy at a Pepperdine orUCLA game.Immediately after the breakfast, opening-dayceremonies will be held. Singingthe National Anthem this year is 10-yearoldCoco Kennedy, a fifth grader at CorpusChristi, who sings with her school choirand has performed at different events.Her brother Ryan is a second year Bronco,playing with the Tigers. Dad Joe hascoached or assistant coached since Ryanstated in PPBA in 2010. Mom Monicahelps run the Bat ‘N’ Grill, a snack boothrun by volunteers to help support thePPBA treasury.After the introduction of the coaches andlocal dignitaries, the first pitch is thrownout by a local celebrity. Those who have hadthis honor in the past include Chris O’Donnell,Adam Sandler, Ray Liotta, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Goldie Hahn, Mary McDonnelland Maria Shriver.In 2011, PPBA Commissioner Bob Bentonsurprised long-time umpire Dirk Rob -inson by asking him to take the mound infront of hundreds of parents and playersand then giving him the ball, telling himhe had been selected to throw out the firstpitch. Robinson said he was “blown away”by the honor.This year’s selection is still shrouded insecrecy. PPBA board member MichelleGurvitch said there are several excitingpossibilities, but the final decision had notyet been made.Games are on Saturday for the eightPinto (7- to 9-year-olds), Mustang (10)and Bronco (11 and 12) teams. Additionalgames for Pintos and Broncos are eitherTuesday or Thursday, and Mustangs play onWednesday. There is one Pony team thisyear (13- and 14-year-olds), which generallyplays Friday evenings against other Westsideteams, such as Santa Monica and West L.A.Of the 24 uniform sponsors this year,Norris Hardware is the oldest, having participatedfor at least 50 years. A thank-youplaque from PPBA hangs on a wall in thestore.There are four new local business sponsors:Palisades News, Ronny’s Market,Spectrum Athletic Club Palisades and thePalisadian-Post.Additional sponsors are: Palisades Patrol,Sons of the American Legion Squadron283, Sue Kohl (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices), Joy Stowell Designs, OptimistClub, Dr. Jacobson, Movies in the Park,Palisades Garden Café, U.S. Bank, StorQuestSelf Storage, Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts,Benton’s Sports Shop, Amalfi Estates, Village76, Sotheby’s International Realty, Kay ‘NDave’s, Barney’s Beanery, Pacific PalisadesMedical Group and The Yogurt Shoppe.SUMMER CAMPS& SCHOOLPROGRAMSSpecial Section—March 18, 2015Place Your Ads NOW in thePalisades News!Full-Color Pages, Full-Color AdsDistribution to the entire 90272 PalisadesCommunity (by US Mail to 13,300 addresses& 1,200 distribution around town)Special Section Pricing—PLUS, additional ads on the Camps Pagein a following issue available (call for details)Make your Ad Reservation Today!Ad Space Reservation Deadline: March 9Camera-ready Ad Artwork Deadline: March 10(ads must be supplied by advertiser)Contact for Information:Jeff at (310) 573-0150jeffridgway@palisadesnews.comGrace at (310) 454-7383gracehiney@palisadesnews.com

Palisades NewsMarch 4, 2015 Page 17PALISADES HIGH WINTER SPORTS ROUNDUPWrestlers Qualify for StateIf a screenwriter were to turn this intoa movie, he wouldn’t have to rely onfiction to portray the drama that theschool’s wrestling team has gone throughsince the sport was first offered at PalisadesHigh in 2011.Physical education teacher RandyAguirre started the program without mats,without practice space and with many kidswho had never wrestled before.Last month, seniors David Rheingold(115 pounds), Brad Boorstein (170 pounds)and Kenny Jones (heavyweight) took first intheir weight classes to qualify for the StateTournament in Bakersfield this weekend—the first Pali wrestlers to achieve this goal.Wrestling is an individual and teamsport, with athletes vying in 14 weightclasses. Palisades was ranked fourth in theCity Section finals and competed againstfifth-ranked Carson, winning 61-15. TheDolphins then upset top-seeded San Fernando,33-28, but lost the championshipmatch to El Camino, 54-18.“We had a few more kids that almost madeit, but we couldn’t get a call. Not one callwent our way,” said Coach Aldo Juliano, whois working with some college coaches tohelp his athletes find a possible scholarship.Juliano started as the assistant coach, butThe PaliHi Girls water polo team took second in City finals.In a repeat of last year’s match-up, the PalisadesDolphins once again finished second,losing to Eagle Rock, 12-9, in the City Sectionfinal at Valley College on February 26.Mardell Ramirez scored five goals, JackieAu had three and Roya Visconti had onefor Pali, which played in the championshipgame for the third time since the programwhen his friend Aguirre was diagnosedwith gliobastoma, a grade IV brain tumor,he stepped up to help.“It was awful, I didn’t plan on that,” Julianosaid. “We fought it tooth and nail, andjust when I thought he was coming around,it [the tumor] came back.”Aquirre died in January and his wrestlersdedicated a tournament in Tustin to him,which made local news. Kenny Jones tolda reporter, “He showed me when you reallywant something you have to work for it.It’s not given to you.”“Aguirre wanted to take a wrestler tostate to state, so there was a lot of emotionwhen our first wrestler won,” Juliano said.“It’s been interesting. It’s been tough. Oneof our promising wrestlers quit in Januarybecause he said he couldn’t do it anymore.”Although the team is heavy on seniors,there are also replacements in every weightcategory. “We’re losing some good guys,but there’s a lot good guys behind them,”Juliano said. “We’re going to be missing ourtwo big guys next year.”Aquirre said to watch for sophomoreMarcelo Maya (160 pounds), who tookfourth in City, and juniors Kevin Rosen(138 pounds) and Samson Dorff (120pounds), who took third.Photo: Bart BartholomewWater Polo Loses in Finalbegan in 2011. The second-seeded Dolphinsreached the finals by defeating Marquez,20-5, and then Birmingham, 12-5.In an earlier interview, first-year coachBrad Silver said part of the challenge for histeam was a lack of competitive matchesduring the regular season. The team was10-0 in league and 18-6 overall.Brad Boorstein took first in his weight class to qualify for the State Tournament.Girls Basketball Advances to FinalsCoach Torino Johnson’s team wasseeded second behind Narbonne in theCity’s Open Division. The Dolphins beatseventh-seeded El Camino Real, 64-40, inthe quarterfinals on February 20, and beatthird-seeded Fairfax, 66-59, last Saturdayin the semifinals.The Dolphins will play for the championshipthis Saturday, March 7, at Cal StateDominguez Hills against Narbonne.PaliHi went 12-0 in Western League play,edging Fairfax, 70-69, in their season finale.BOYS BASKETBALLAlthough seeded number 1 in DivisionGirls Soccer Ousted Early, 1-0Third-ranked Palisades lost to sixth-seededBell in the City Section quarterfinals, 1-0,last Friday at home. With less than a minuteto go, a Bell player nailed a football-stylekick from near the 30-yard line that sailedover the goalie’s hands, just below the bar.The Dolphins had dominated for mostof the game, with two apparent goals notcounting because of off-sides.“Bell had more intensity today. That playermade a fantastic goal to win the game,” saidfirst-year Pali coach Christian Chambers.“It’s a shame the season had to end this way.”The girls were 14-2 overall and 12-0 inleague play. “We had five seniors and greatdepth,” Chambers said. “We’ll come backstronger next year.”1, PaliHi made an early exit in the CitySection playoffs, losing 90-87 in overtimeto ninth-seeded Sylmar, on February 20.Under coach Vejas Anaya, the Dolphinshad finished 6-6 in the tough Western League(competing against the likes of Fairfax andWestchester), and were 15-13 overall.BOYS SOCCERSeeded 9th in Division I, Pali lost toeighth-seeded Birmingham, 2-0 in its openinground match on February 19. Coachedby David Suarez, the Dolphins had goneundefeated in Western League play (10-0-2)and finished the season 10-2-2.Photo: Jennifer Wilkes

Page 18 Palisades News March 4, 2015Three Awarded Eagle Scout HonorPacific Palisades Troop 23 held anEagle Scout Court of Honor at theBel-Air Bay Club on February 11for Daniel Allen, Mitchell Burdorf andAustin Jones.To receive the Eagle Scout award, thehighest rank in scouting, candidates mustbe active in the troop, demonstrate that helives by the principles of the Scout Oathand Scout Law, present recommendations,earn a minimum of 21 merit badges andcomplete a community-service project thatrequires a minimum of 100 hours.Allen, grandson of Jack and Diane Allen,is a sophomore at Palisades High School,and has earned 41 merit badges, allowinghim to receive the Bronze and Silver Palmsreflecting the number of merit badgesearned beyond the rank of Eagle.He is a graduate of the Boy Scout NationalYouth Leadership Training Courseand the National Advanced Youth LeadershipExperience Course. Allen now servesas an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and instructorat the National Youth LeadershipTraining Course. For his community service,he constructed a six-station personalfitness course for the Palisades-MalibuYMCA at Simon Meadow.Burdorf, the son of Gary and SherryBurdorf, is a sophomore at Harvard-Westlake.He built six large stage platforms forParticipating in the Eagle Scouts Court of Honor were (left to right) Troop 23 ScoutmasterJohn Wilson, Austin Jones, Daniel Allen, Mitch Burdorf and Jack Allen.Kehillat Israel.Austin Jones, the son of Kristin andFinn-Olaf Jones, is a sophomore at BrentwoodHigh School. For his communityservice, he prepared and planted a gardenat Pacific Palisades Lutheran Church.Troop 23, let by retired city attorney JohnWilson, has 23 boys, with plans to add anotherpatrol. The troop goes to EmeraldBay for seven days each summer and hasa monthly campout or hike. Every patrolhas to make a week-long hike in the HighSierras. Campouts are held at destinationssuch as Calico near Barstow, Fiesta Islandin San Diego, Emma Woods State Park inVentura, Lake Cachuma, Rawhide Ranchnear Oceanside and Camp Josepho in PacificPalisades.“The Troop Court of Honor is an especiallybig event for Troop 23,” said Finn-OlafJones. “Although 223 is well-known as the‘Eagle Scout’ factory, small, scrappy 23, runby John Wilson, has resisted all attempts toco-opt its members into the larger organizationsimply because a few Scouts, andtheir parents, still prefer the highly individualisticapproach to Scouting inherent in 23.“I don’t know how much longer Johnwill be running his troop, but the fact that10 percent of his entire troop is getting theelite Eagle Scout honor means he definitelydeserves a lot of kudos for scrapping it outagainst the odds,” Finn-Olaf Jones said.Call (310) 454-5602 for informationabout Troop 23.Rain ReportThe official Los Angeles rain gauge,located at Carol Leacock’s home onBienveneda Avenue, registered .51inches of rain on Oscar night, February22, bringing the season total to6.58 inches of rain.The normal year to date is 11.50inches of rain and last year at this timePacific Palisades had 1.49 inches, beforeending the season with 6.13 inches ofrain. Assistant rainmeister Ted Mackiesaid 2006 to 2007 was the driest yearsince 1942, with only 4.11 inches ofrain reported. The wettest year was1997 to 1998 with 42.60 inches of rain. Broker Associate Fine Home Specialist 30+ Years ExperienceA Top 100 Team NationwideServing the Westside with more than seven decades combined experience.KATYKREITLERby appointment:1111 Las Lomas Avenuein escrow:YOUR PACIFIC PALISADES REALTORS ®PEKAR/ELLIS REAL ESTATE GROUP310.496.5955 directpekarellis.com

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 19Effros: Aging Happens to EveryoneBy SUE PASCOEEditorAging is a lifelong process,” said Palisadian Dr. RitaEffros, who was recently elected president of theGerontological Society of America (GSA). “Eventhings that happen in the womb can affect us decades later.”GSA is the nation’s largest interdisciplinary organizationdevoted to the field of aging; its membershipconsists of more than 5,500 researchers, educators,practitioners and other professionals.Effros, an immunologist at the UCLA School ofMedicine, also teaches an undergraduate course onhuman aging. One of the first tasks the freshman studentsare asked to do is describe “older people.”“You hear words like geezer, old fart, set in theirways: almost everything is negative,” said Effros, whothen asks the students to describe people their ownage: all of the responses are positive. The professorthen asks the students to reflect about their friends,asking if some of them are stubborn or set in theirways, and the conversation starts.“Ageism is sort of built into us as a society,” said Effros,who then has her students look at media portrayals ofdifferent ages. Students find that the young are portrayedpositively, but other ages don’t receive the same treatment.“Media is not all at fault. Many young kids may notknow any old people—except family members. Theythink everyone is like their grandparents.”Effros said that college freshmen are particularlysurprised to find that “older people still enjoy sex.”During the course, students meet different people andlearn first-hand that not all “old” people aren’t the same.Another topic addressed is the country’s changingdemographics, which means that there will be manyjob opportunities for architects, lawyers and doctorswho deal specifically with issues unique to the elderly.As president of the GSA, Effros said that the grouplooks at many facets of aging including medical andpsychology issues as well as national policies. “We sharea goal of enhancing the quality of life as people age.”For example, just as young children are on a vaccinationschedule to prevent diseases, Effros said there is also anational recommendation for immunization of adults.The policy arm of GSA is lobbying for implementationof a vaccination routine for adults—when one goes foran annual checkup, an internist would automaticallyrecommend that it’s time for a shingles or pneumoniavaccination. “We’re also working with pediatricians toadapt practices dealing with education regardingpreventable diseases,” she said.Effros earned her bachelor’s degree in biology fromBECAUSEYOU DESERVE BETTER!PALISADESCOMPOUNDINGLONG LIVE HEALTHSAME MEDICINE:Full Inventory of Prescription Drugs.Complete Selection of over-the-counter items.Expert Compounding Services for you and your pets.Also visit our store in Beverly Hillspharmacy90210.comRita Effros researches aging.Photo: Todd CheneBrandeis University, and her Ph.D. in immunology fromthe University of Pennsylvania under the mentorship ofPeter Doherty, a 1996 Nobel Laureate. Her thesis workwas on immunity to viruses, and now its relationshipto the aging process.She was one of the first investigators to documentsimilarities between age-related immune alterations andthose associated with HIV/AIDS.When a virus enters the body, inflammation resultsas the immune system tries to fight it off through celldivision. Successive rounds of cell division results inshortened telomeres (the regions at the ends ofchromosomes).Effros found that with HIV and also in aging, thereare shortened telomeres in certain immune cells.Although the HIV virus is kept in check and that diseaseis no longer a death sentence, the body continues torespond to the virus, with cell division and resultingshortened telomeres.“The response means that the immune system agesprematurely,” Effros said, noting that even though we maynot have HIV, there are other viruses in our body thatmay be causing a similar situation of extensive cell division.If we have a chronic viral infection (which can belurking in our body, such as the chickenpox virus—thecause of shingles), it means that the body is constantlyPHARMACYLOWER PRICES:We WELCOME Most Insurance Plans, including all MedicarePart D plans & Medi-Cal. We will beat ALL competitors* prices onitems not covered by insurance (including CVS and Pharmaca).(310) 454-4848working to fight that virus, ultimately leading totelomere shortening in certain immune cells.Some long-term studies have shown certain correlationsbetween telomere length and subsequent lifespan, butthis work is still in the research stage. “It’s a kind ofmarker, not a long-term diagnostic test,” Effros said.Emotional stress is another factor that can causeinflammation—and shortened telomeres. “We all havestress,” Effros said. “How do we respond to it? If we’restuck in traffic, do we take deep breaths and deal withit in a positive way? Or do we let it get to us?”She continued, “It has also been firmly shown thatgood nutrition and lifelong exercise have a positive effecton aging. These are some of the only things we havecontrol over.”How much exercise? It depends. Effros said studieshave shown that walking a half-hour a day four to fivetimes a week, is beneficial, tai chi was also shown toreduce stress and possibly enhance immune function.Weight-bearing exercise to strengthen muscles andbones should also be considered.Jeanne Louise Calment died at the age of 122. TheFrench resident ate chocolate every day, but not inexcess. It appears that moderation in weight might alsobe optimal. People who are either obese or too thingenerally do not live as long.“I’m not interested in pushing the age we live to. I’mnot looking for a Fountain of Youth that will allowpeople to survive to age 200,” Effros said. “My goal is toallow people to be healthy and productive to the end oftheir life; to enjoy life without having a period ofchronic disease or being dependent on someone else.”College freshmen are particularlysurprised to find that older peoplestill enjoy sex.Although the topic may be controversial, Effrosurges people to have a conversation with their doctorwell before they are seriously ill. “I don’t want someoneto keep me alive if I’m not responsive or barely there,”she said. “The idea of living longer and incapacitated isnot quality of life for an individual, nor is it my goal.”In 1998, Effros was awarded the UCLA Woman ofScience Prize, and in 2007, she received the KleemeierAward from the Gerontological Society of America.She and her husband Edward, a UCLA mathematicsprofessor, moved from Pennsylvania to Pacific Palisadesin 1979. 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Palisades NewsPage 20 March 4, 2015Gallery 169 Features ‘Poaching Wars’By LIBBY MOTIKAPalisades News ContributorPhotographs by Frank af PetersensTo see a chain of elephants, trunks andtails linked, lumbering across the savannah,centers our imagination onthe untethered wonder of these creatures.We can’t help romanticizing their powerfuldominion, silent intelligence and emotionalcapacity. And yet, we know that this bucolicfiction may be relegated to history.One hundred elephants are killed everyday in sub-Saharan Africa—all for the demandfor ivory trinkets and jewelry. Ivoryhas become a lucrative commodity, controlledby thugs who play a dangerous anddeadly game.Ivory achieved an aesthetic and culturalpinnacle in China as far back as the Qingdynasty (1644-1911). Objects included awide range of figurines: snuff bottles, per-fume boxes, mah-jong sets and, most ironically,intricately carved elephants.Today, thanks to the Convention on InternationalTrade in Endangered Species(CITES), ivory carving is now illegal aroundthe globe. But in sub-Saharan Africa, wheregovernments are weak and corruptionabounds, the illicit ivory trade continuesand has grown into a multibillion-dollarbusiness, pitting highly organized gangsagainst the small number of poorly trainedand ill-equipped wildlife rangers trying tostop them.“Sometimes I say it’s the most depressingexhibition you’ll ever see,” says photographerFrank af Petersens, who despite thegruesome slaughter still retains hope forchange and avows that bringing awarenessto the devastating crisis creates “a lot ofoptimism for change.”His stunning black-and-white images, entitled“The Poaching Wars” are now on viewat Gallery 169 on West Channel Road inSanta Monica Canyon, through March 29.To request a viewing, call (310) 963-3891.Af Petersens’ single-minded focus is onthe escalating elephant- and rhino-poachingcrisis in Africa. “This is a huge story, anabsolute disaster,” he says. Unstinting in hismission, he works pro bono as a photographerfor national parks and conservanciesin Africa in support of the struggle againstorganized poaching.Leaving his home base in Sweden, wherehe lives with his family, he travels three orfour times a year to parts of East Africa (includingKenya) Zimbabwe and SouthAfrica to document the threats not only toelephants and rhinos, but those against thebrave men who are trying to protect them.“I donate thousands of images every yearfor web sites, media contacts, educationand fundraising presentations,” af Petersenssays. “These visual presentations are key toraising awareness.”Af Petersens grew up in East Africa, livingin Somalia until he was 12 years old. His fatherworked for the United Nations, whichled the family to move to a number of countries—Yemen,Libya, Somalia—that todayare devastated by civil wars. The young boyenjoyed a blissful childhood, playing on thebeaches of Somalia and hunting in the bushfor antelope and gazelles. “I wanted to stayin East Africa, but as British colonizationwas ending, with the expectation of turmoil,my family decided it was better for meto go to boarding school in Sweden.”After studying at the Stockholm Schoolof Economics, af Petersens achieved officerrank in the Swedish army, and then workedfor many years as a strategy consultant andinvestment banker.“But, I always wanted to get back toAfrica, so in 2004 I resigned from the investmentbank,” he says. “On some trips I havecontacts in place, especially if I travel in aconflict zone like Eastern Congo. On others,I just go and meet people as I travel. You can(Continued on Page 21)There are only 25,000 rhinos left in all of Africa. That’s a tiny fragment of the numbersthat once roamed the continent.In vicious bush wars throughout sub-Saharan Africa, small numbers of poorly trainedand armed wildlife rangers risk their lives trying to save the last rhinos and the rapidlydeclining elephant herds.

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 21Frank af Petersensmove freely in sub-Saharan countries if youspeak English, French and a little Swahili.”While he had always been an amateurphotographer, his African ventures gavehim an opportunity to hone his skills.“A photographer’s life is mostly aboutwaiting around,” af Petersens explains. “Irarely plan photo shots, so that means puttingmyself in a situation where somethingmay be happening. You’re getting up in themiddle of the night, staying out all day. It’simportant to understand cultural patternsand history around the subject in order totake a good picture. If you don’t, it shows.”The grim reality is that wild elephants could be gone from Africa in a few decades. Thatwould be the end of an iconic species.Af Petersens says he creates an imagemuch as if he were drawing or painting.“There is an intelligent part, but the imagesmust also be beautiful in order to provide acounterpoint. Beauty has a fantastic powerto influence. I try to convey the messagethat this would be horrible were we to losethe beauty of these animals.” For the past10 years af Petersens has been building hisalbum, and he sells his large-format photographsas fine art, which helps cover costs.The statistics on the diminishing populationsare grim. There are only 25,000 rhinosleft in all of Africa. In South Africa alone,with 90 percent of Africa’s remaining rhinos,and the best anti-poaching program,1,215 rhinos were killed in 2014, a huge increasefrom the 13 rhinos killed in 2007.The total number of elephants in Africais hard to estimate, but an educated guessis 470,000 to 690,000. Poaching is increasingat unfathomable rates. Demand isdriven by the status aspirations of China’srapidly growing middle class.“An average 25-lb. elephant tusk may beworth more than $30,000 before beingcarved into decorative gift items,” af Petersenssays. “The ivory market in Bangkokis booming. Big hotels sell ivory in their giftshops. In the Philippines, priests encouragethe people to save money so they can buya real ivory crucifix.“Rhino horn is more expensive than cocainein China and Vietnam,” the photographercontinues. “There is a deeply rootedbelief that its medicinal properties as a multivitamin,cancer prevention, are highly effective.”No clinical tests have proven anymedicinal benefits from rhino horn. It’smade of keratin, the same protein as in fingernailsand hair.Poaching has a long history in Africa, afPetersens says. “But, these days, poaching isa highly organized, multibillion-dollar business,controlled by the same gangs that controlnarcotics, arms and human trafficking.”Underequipped and badly paid, therangers face bad odds when going out tothe bush. One is killed every four days.There are actions that we can take, af Petersenssays. “Number one is stop the killingwith better training and better equipment,and involve the local communities so theyfeel a sense of stewardship. Stop the smugglingand stop the demand. Educate schoolkids by bringing them close to elephantsso they’ll become little ambassadors.”For those who wish to see the animals,af Petersens recommends safaris, providedthey are organized in Africa with the revenuebenefitting the local communities.“But, he adds, “clearly not everyone hasmoney to go on safari, and zoos, especiallythe more modern ones, do a great job.”Pulp ’n HideThe Candy AlleyBrentwoodTwo great stores in one location!StationeryLeather Photo AlbumsBlank Page BooksChocolate Bunnies and EggsPlush Bunnies for Easter BasketsChocolate Seder Plates for Passoverfilled with dipped Matzo,Macaroons and MeringuesWe are back in Brentwood310-394-0700pulpandhide@ aol.com at 13028 San Vicente Blvd.310-394-0714candyalley7@ aol.com

Page 22 Palisades News March 4, 2015Baby Seal RescuedNear Bay ClubPalisades Patrol Sergeant Eric Fine respondedto a 10 a.m. call on February 23to assist a Fish and Game official near theBel-Air Bay Club. A baby seal had wanderedup from the ocean and was on PCH.The two officers guided the pup back tothe Bel-Air parking lot towards the ocean.According to Fine, the seal made severaldetours under parked vehicles, but thehealthy baby eventually reached the oceana half hour later.Visit Two Pasadena GardensResidents are invited to join a charteredbus trip to tour two gardensin the Pasadena area on Thursday,March 26.The bus, provided by Council District11, will board at 9:15 a.m. at Los LionesDrive (one block north of Sunset, by FireStation 29). The bus will return to PacificPalisades around 3 p.m. The cost is $8 forPacific Palisades Garden Club membersand $13 for guests.Arlington Garden in Pasadena is a dedicatedpublic garden with olive, sycamoreand orange trees as well as succulents andMediterranean plants with lots of color.The Old Mill in San Marino is nearly twocenturies old and has thick stone walls thatonce enclosed the stone wheels that groundflour for the friars at the nearby San GabrielMission. Outside the mill there is a gardenthat highlights native California trees andplants. Indoors on the top level, the CaliforniaArt Club maintains a gallery wherepaintings are displayed for sale.Following the visit, tour members willstop for lunch at a local restaurant.The trip was initially set up by the nonprofitPalisades Beautiful to benefit seniormembers living here. Members of the PacificPalisades Historical Society are alsoinvited to attend.To reserve a seat, contact Barbara Woldat (310) 476-1318 or e-mail bbwold@roadrunner.com.Jolene Knight Will BeHonored by Las DoradasThe winner of the Jolene L. Knight MemorialScholarship, given in memory ofJolene Knight, will be announced at theLas Doradas Scholarship & CommunityService awards dinner at the RivieraCounty Club on March 6.Knight, who passed away last October,was a member of Las Doradas since 1969and the organization’s president in 1976.She was a long-time supporter of theNeighborhood Youth Association and theLas Doradas Learning Center.Las Doradas was founded in 1962 byeight women, who were “aging” out of thePacific Palisades Junior Women’s Club.They formed a social club with the intentof using their talents to benefit others.Their first recipient to receive financial aidwas the All Nations Neighborhood Center,a 50-year-old facility serving the needs ofthe Mexican-American community indowntown Los Angeles.Since the early 1980s, the NeighborhoodYouth Association has been the recipientof fundraising efforts by Las Doradas. TheNYA is now housed in a permanent facilityon the grounds of Broadway ElementarySchool in Venice.NYA serves 200 low-income, at-risk childrenand youth. In 2013, 100 percent of itsJolene Knighthigh school seniors graduated on time—for the sixth year in a row, and all were collegebound: Cal State and UC universities, as wellas MIT, Mount Holyoke and other schools.Knight and her husband, William, livedin the Palisades from the 1960s through the1980s. She worked part-time at the Palisadian-Postfrom 1996 through 2012. At herfuneral service, her son Kevin, grandsonJames, sister Penny Pellow and brotherFred Drexel asked that in lieu of flowers,donations be made to Las Doradas, P.O.Box 582, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 23Spring Is JustAround the CornerThe early blooming wildflowers in the Santa Monica Mountains are still reapingthe rewards of the January rains. Photographs of the California poppies weretaken in Malibu Creek State Park on February 20. Late March, April and Maywildflowers will still need much rain to be as prolific.Photo: James KenneyOrchids of Ecuador TalkTo Be Held March 10The Malibu Orchid Society will hostIvan Portilla, vice president of Ecuagenera,one of the largest orchid exportersin the Western Hemisphere, at 7p.m. on Tuesday, March 10 at the PacificPalisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford.Residents are invited to attend this free talk.Located in the small town of Gualaceo,near Cuenca in southern Ecuador, Ecuageneraproduces and exports thousands oforchids annually. Portilla’s presentation willcover some of the more unusual orchidspecies found in that country, and will givean overview of his company’s work in researchand conservation.Father Angel Andreetta, an Italian-bornpriest who arrived to set up a mission inEcuador, founded Ecuagenera in the 1950s.He became fascinated with the diversity oforchids and as a hobby began researchingand collecting the plants.His young assistant, Mario Portilla, andPortilla’s brothers recognized the businesspotential and eventually launched their orchidbusiness with Andreetta as an advisor.By 1993, Ecuagenera became the firstEcuadorian company to obtain legal permissionto export orchids. Today, Ivan andhis brother Pepe run the nursery, locatedon three sites with sprawling greenhousesand two large tracts of jungle.The orchid family is believed to be theworld’s largest family of flowering plants,with nearly 26,000 species and 900 genera.Since the introduction of tropical species intocultivation in the 19th century, orchid growershave produced more than 100,000 hybrids.Ecuador is considered among theworld’s most orchid-rich countries with4,200 species, many of which are endangered.Visit: www.malibuorchidsociety.orgGrow Native NurseryHosts Plant WorkshopThe Grow Native Nursery will host anative plant workshop, “Traditional Usesof California Native Plants,” from 10 to11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. Thefree workshop will teach about the traditionaluses of several native species thatcan be grown at home. Participants mustRSVP to (424) 234-0481.The nursery, located on the West L.A. VAcampus, offers opportunities for veteransin the sustainable horticulture industryand is open Wednesday through Sunday,10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Visit rsabg.org/gnn-westwood.ALARMSInteractive alarms are now standard and keep you incontrol. We install and maintain integrated alarmsystems to protect your home and family. Our localstate-of-the-art, 24-hour Central Monitoring Stationis staffed with professional operators ready to assistyou at home and in the community.PATROL / RESPONSEOur academy-trained patrol officers ensure yoursafety and security at home and in the community.Highly trained and quick response, we are the mosteffective patrol service in town.CAMERASPalisades Patrol installs cameras that deliver exceptionalimage quality, capturing more details and clearerimages versus competitive options. We monitor andrespond to camera monitoring.PPO 14191ACO 6002C10 899092PALISADES PATROL15332 Antioch Street, #117 • Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 • Fax: (310) 459-7773310.454.7741Gates Security Systems – Malibu Patrol – Conejo Valley Patrol – Brentwood PatrolWWW.GATESSECURITY.COM

Page 24 Palisades News March 4, 2015PhilharmonicScholarships forYoung MusiciansThe Westside Committee of the Los AngelesPhilharmonic annually awards scholarshipsvarying from $100 to $500 to musicstudents in grades 6 through 12.Students must have studied at least threeyears on the instrument they play, performa piece of classical music of three to fiveminutes, have a written recommendationfrom their teacher, live in Pacific Palisades,Santa Monica, Brentwood, Malibu orTopanga and be available to perform at aCommittee meeting during the year.All auditions will be in the afternoon oneither March 30 or 31, starting with theyoungest students. The exact time and locationwill be announced. Students mustbring their own accompanist.Students trying for the Philharmonicawards and also the Palisades Symphonymust fill out different applications for thedifferent awards, but need only auditiononce. The deadline for received applicationsis March 23.Call (310) 454-8040 for an application.Mysterious BookClub to MeetThe Palisades Branch Library, 861 AlmaReal, hosts a monthly Mysterious BookClub. This month’s selection is Last WinterWe Parted by Fuminora Nakamura and thediscussion will take place 6:30, Tuesday,March 17 in the Library’s CommunityRoom. Newcomers are welcome.Reminiscent of the work of OsamuDazai and Patricia Highsmith, Nakamura’slatest novel is a dark and twisting houseof mirrors that philosophically exploresthe violence of aesthetics and the horrorsof identity.ATRIUMHAIR SALONIs Here to Serve YouMen • Women • KidsFree Toy w/ Kid’s CutsWalk-Ins Welcome • Senior Discount_______________________________Voted “Best Haircut”Tues-Sat 9-5– LA Magazine..860 Via de la Paz 424.272.9267Performance by Violist WoolweaverTo Highlight Chamber ConcertThe Westside concert series, ChamberMusic Palisades (CMP), will presentthe third concert of its 18th seasonon Tuesday, March 17.Acclaimed Boston violist Scott Woolweaverwill join a roster of outstandingchamber musicians in concert at 8 p.m. atSt. Matthew’s Church, 1031 BienvenedaAve. He will perform Brahms Sonata forViola and Piano and the world premiereof a piano quartet, “Aerial Perspectives,” byaward-winning composer Stephen Cohn.Joining Woolweaver onstage will beprize-winning American cellist Sarah Rommeland CMP Co-Artistic Directors flutistSusan Greenberg and pianist Delores Stev -ens. Live commentary on the works willbe delivered by Alan Chapman, KUSC’spopular on-air host, who has been entertainingCMP audiences at every concertsince the series’ inception in 1997.Following his graduation with honorsfrom the University of Michigan Schoolof Music, Woolweaver moved to Bostonto study with German violist and teacherWalter Trampler.Woolweaver founded the Boston ComposersString Quartet, which won a silvermedal in a string quartet competition inOsaka, Japan; he was also a foundingAPT FOR RENT1BD/1BA – $2300/MOUpper with Privacy, Treetop & Sunset Views!Quiet 50s Building with solar-heated SwimmingPool, on-site Laundry, on-site Manager,Parking space, lovely Common Area, andclose walking distance to Gelson’s Market &the Village. Safe, Convenient, great Ambiance,great Neighbors. Pet Friendly.THIRD MONTH FREE OFFER!Credit Check Required. Available March 20Call Jeff for details : (310) 573-0150Massage • Acupuncture • Organic FacialsSt.Patrick’s Day Special15% OFF MASSAGESGive a Gift Certificate — Irish or not!Holistic Treatment for:• Neck, Back & Body Pain • Stress Relief• Sciatica • Oncology Massage16704 Bollinger Drive, Pacific Palisades310-454-5855 • OasisPalisades.comScott Woolweavermember of the Vaener String Trio, whichwas grand prize winner at the JosephFischoff Chamber Music Competition.Recently Woolweaver toured severalyears with the San Francisco-based IvesQuartet and, for nearly a quarter of a century,was a member of the New EnglandPiano Quartet.Cellist Rommel came to internationalattention last year when she won top prizein the George Enescu International CelloCompetition in Romania. In 2013, shejoined the Antipodes String Trio for itsconcert tour of New Zealand; this year sheis joining Marlboro Music.Composer Cohn is internationally recognizedfor his music for the concert stageand scores for feature films and television.He has received an Emmy Award for“Outstanding Achievement in Music” andrecordings of his music have been releasedby six major labels.Chamber Music Palisades was foundedby longtime residents of the Palisades. Inaddition to bringing the familiar classicrepertoire to the Westside, CMP has commissionedand premiered more than 15new works, primarily by local and regionalmusicians.For tickets or a season brochure call (310)463-4388 or visit www.cmpalisades.org.Tickets ($30) will be available at the door;students with ID are admitted free.JUMBLE SOLUTIONAMAZING MUSIC STORE.COMALL AGES, ALL STYLES!Group & Private Lessons • Instrument Rentals & Sales

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 2545th AnnualYoung ArtistCompetitionPalisades Symphony is seeking students,in grades 1 through 12, who are able to performa movement of a concerto with orchestra,to audition for monetary awardsand the opportunity to play with the Pali -sades Symphony in concert on June 14.The concerto performed must be fromthe standard repertoire, memorized andwith orchestration readily available.There are three categories, and formerwinners may not apply with the same instrumentin the same grade level. In grades1 through 6, first place will win $100; grades7 through 9, $200; grades 10 through 12,$200. The Alfred Newman Memorial Schol -arship for $1,000 and the Chamber MusicPalisades Award for $500 will also be awarded.Auditions will be held on the afternoonof March 31 in Mercer Hall at PalisadesHigh School.Applicants should write their name,address, phone number, age, school andgrade, a brief biographical sketch that includesmusical training and teacher andsend that information to Palisades Symphony,P.O. Box 214, Pacific Palisades. A$10 application fee must be included. Thedeadline is March 23. Call (310) 454-8040.TivoliCaféPALISADESSt. Matthew’s Music Guild presentsBritten’s Double Concerto for Violinand Viola, with violinist Jin-Shan Daiand violist Dana Hansen at 8 p.m. on Friday,March 13, at St. Matthew’s Church,1031 Bienveneda Ave.Dai and Hansen are members of the LosAngeles Philharmonic’s string section.The program also includes the “Lyric forStrings” by George Walker and Schubert’sSymphony No. 2 in D major.A native of China, Dai studied at theCentral Conservatory of Music in Beijingbefore moving to the U.S. at the age of 17.He received top prizes in the 2000 EmersonInternational Chamber Music Competitionand the 2000 Van Rooy NationalViolin Competition. Dai was a member ofthe Toronto Symphony from 2004 to2010, when he joined the Los AngelesPhilharmonic.Hansen, a Massachusetts native, graduatedfrom Harvard University with a degreein modern European history before attendingthe Juilliard School, where she receivedher master’s degree in 2003. She was amember of the Saint Louis SymphonyOrchestra before joining the Los AngelesServing the Palisades since 1989All NaturalHormone-FreeChicken, Meats& Seafood!We’ve made majorchanges to Tivoli.We’ve hired new chefs, upgraded all ourequipment and, with the help of ourcreative chefs, improved our menu items.So come on in and experiencethe new Tivoli for yourself.FAST, PROMPT DELIVERY • TAKE-OUT, CATERINGHours: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.NEW BREAKFAST & BRUNCH ITEMS310.459.768515306 Sunset Boulevard, Pacific PalisadesPhilharmonic Players ToPerform at St. Matthew’sJin-Shan DaiPhoto: Craig Mathew/Mathew ImagingPhilharmonic in 2004.Britten composed his Double Concertoat the age of 18 and the work is in the Romanticvein with modernist overtones andincludes rocking ostinatos, mildly dissonantharmonies and a vocal approach toinstrumental writing.George Walker composed his “Lyric forStrings” in 1946 while he was as student atthe Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.The first performance was given bythe student orchestra at Curtis, followed byits public premiere by the National GalleryOrchestra in Washington, D.C.Schubert’s Symphony No. 2 in D wascomposed while he was a teenager. Itsopening movement is based on Beethoven’sincidental music for the “Creatures of Pro -metheus.” The symphony is in the usualfour movements and the only orchestral setof variations forms the second movement.A rustic minuet and rollicking finale follow.Tickets are $35 and available at the dooror online through the Music Guild’s website: www.MusicGuildOnline.org.Call (310) 573-7422.Normal Aging VersusDementia Talk March 13Palisades Branch Library and Pacific Palisades Wiseconnet will present “WhatIs Normal Aging vs. Dementia” at 2 p.m., Friday, March 13, in the librarycommunity room. The informative discussion will be led by Catherine Jonas, acertified geriatric care manager and director of the Adult Day Service Center atWISE and Healthy Aging. The event is free, but an RSVP is required (310) 829-5699.310.230.7377hollydavis@coldwellbanker.comwww.hollydavis.comBRE #00646387Dana HansenPhoto: Craig Mathew/Mathew ImagingHOLLYDAVISPREVIEWS ESTATES DIRECTORWhether you are buying or selling a home,condominium or income property, I will producethe results you are looking for and have theright to expect.

Page 26 Palisades News March 4, 2015DINING WITH GRACEMASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB18412 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu • (310) 454-4357Mastro’s Ocean Club (formerlythe Chart House)overlooks the ocean and hasa busy vibe reflecting the restaurant’sreputation for good food at a heartyprice. The setting with its seaside view,low and soft candle lighting, and inhousemusic prepares you for the best.Furthermore, the service is first-rateand your server is more than willingto detail the various menu items.Once we had placed our order, abasket of bread arrived; as you wouldexpect, these were exceptionalbreads, especially the pretzel rollwith a little pat of butter.There are about 20 appetizer andsushi selections, priced from $15 forfried calamari to $17 for a veggie roll to $29 for a lobsterroll and $35 for chilled Alaskan king crab legs. OneOcean Club crab cake ($18) was my choice, while my sonordered the ahi tuna tartare ($19). Each appetizer wasdelicious with its wrapped lemon and various seasonings.We then shared an heirloom tomato and burrata cheesesalad ($20). Beautifully served on a plate painted with amixture of vinegar and olive oil, centered with succulentcreamy burrata cheese and a few slices of ripe heirloomtomatoes—it was a prefect preview to our entrees.Sautéed sea scallops ($39) had caught my eye, whilemy son ordered the 12-oz. bone-infilet of beef ($57). I sampled hissteak which was beautifully cooked,as ordered, and tender and delicious.Equally so were my large sea scallopsserved with wedges of fragrantgarlic bread.These succulent scallops were alarge enough portion that I did notneed any sides of vegetables. Mainentrees are served without any vegetablesides, which are listed andbilled separately. My son ordered thetwice-baked potato ($14), whichcame with sour cream, butter andchives, and the sautéed broccoli ($7).Other side dishes include lobstermashed potatoes ($35), gorgonzolamacaroni and cheese ($14), sautéed mushrooms, sautéedsugar snap peas, creamed corn or spinach, and more. Mostvegetables were $14 for a full order or $7 for a half order.Seafood entrees vary in price: twin baked lobster tailsare $68 and Chilean sea bass and Hawaiian big eye tunaare $49. A broiled live Maine lobster is $35 per lb. Steaksand chops also come in various sizes: the 6-oz. petit filetis $41 and the 18-oz. bone-in filet is $64. A 24-oz. herbroastedchicken is $35 and a 22-oz. rack of lamb is $49.The dessert menu also offers Port, cognac, Armagnacand dessert wines. Desserts vary in price from $9 for icecream to $10 or $11 for Key Lime pie and pecan pie à lamode, to $16 for the restaurant’s signature warm buttercake. The latter was excellent, as was the Key Lime Pie;both came with a little bowl of freshly whipped cream.Mastro’s serves dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday throughThursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to2:30 p.m. The menu varies from steel-cut oatmeal andfresh fruit ($14) to a Maine lobster omelet ($34) to aBelgian waffle ($18) to a tuna burger ($22). Brunchcocktails are available.And of course, do not forget the ocean view, which isspectacular at any hour of the day or evening. (Locatedjust before Topanga Canyon Blvd.) Valet parking is $9.Come and Join the Funat ourSt. Patrick’s DayPartyTuesday, March 17Corned Beef and Cabbage$17.95Irish Coffee $3Irish Music170 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica Canyon310.230.0402GOLDENBULL.US

March 4, 2015 Palisades News Page 27Betty-Jo Tilley presentsHiking Trails, Mountain Views & Village . . .All from a Condo to Call Home16000 Sunset Blvd. #302 • Offered at $1,150,0002 bedrooms w/ den (or another well placed bedroom) & 2 baths,penthouse level, exquisite kitchen & baths, corner of AlmarIf you were to sell your property, wouldn’t you want it marketed like this?OutstandingRepresentationsince 198716655 Akron St. • SOLD • Offered at $3,995,000LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALISTTop 1% of Agents NationwideCalBRE #1001357Call Betty-Jo at310.429.9833bettyjo@bettyjotilley.comwww.BettyJoTilley.com

Page 28 Palisades News March 4, 2015MichaelEdlen.comOver 1,200 homes sold and $1.5 BILLION in home salesTIMELESS TRADITIONAL5NEW BLUFFS HOME5EAST COAST GATED ESTATE4Offered at $3,425,0004.5Offered at $3,950,0005.5Offered at $4,550,0004.5You pick the 501(c)(3)charity, we donate10% of net commission in your nameA Team of licensed agents withmore than 90 yearsof combined real estate experienceCalBRE#00902158310.230.7373©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate te LLC. All l Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate te LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. EachColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell l Banker® ® and the Coldwell l Banker Logo, , Coldwell l Banker Previews International® ® and theColdwell l Banker Previews International Logo, , are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size orother information concerning ning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify theaccuracy of that t information n through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. If your property is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. tion.