Palisades-News-June-3-2015-

Vol. 1, No. 15 • June 3, 2015 Uniting the Community with News, Features and Commentary Circulation: 14,500 • $1.00WHOKILLEDTHELMATODD?See Page 23July 4th Concert Headliners AnnouncedBy LAUREL BUSBYStaff WriterHomeless tents are now on Will Rogers Beach.Presorted StandardU.S. PostagePAIDPasadena, CAPermit #422Adam Topol (left) and Tom Freund (right) will headline the Palisades Rocks the Fourth concert at PaliHi on July 4.Although they come from LakeTahoe and New York, respectively,musicians Adam Topol and TomFreund are in many ways Southern Californiaboys at heart.They both love to skateboard. Topol isa surfer, too, while Freund has just startedlearning to ride the waves at age 46—eventaking a lesson from singer/songwriter/surfer Brett Dennen at Gladstone’s recently.They embrace the beach lifestyle. Topollives in Venice, while Freund has lived andhad a studio there for about 15 years.“We as kids in Lake Tahoe would thinkof L.A. as this mythical place,” said Topol,48, who with Freund has formed a new act,the West Side Troubadours. “I have theseromantic visions of a lot of these cool bandsthat came out of these areas—troubadoursspawning all kinds of stuff . . . We can nowproperly claim our little space.”Both of these seasoned musicians, whohave either spearheaded or contributed tomore than 50 CDs over the course of theircareers, are excited to perform at the eighthannual Palisades Rocks the Fourth concert.“I am super psyched” about playing theupcoming concert with Topol, said Freund,who sings, writes songs and plays theupright bass, ukulele, mandolin, guitarand piano.Freund said the “Palisades vibe” allowsPostal Customer**************ECRWSSEDDM*************Photo: Sharon Kilbridefor an intriguing set of songs that are “patriotic,but not corny patriotic, with goodAmerican values” that might be a littleunexpected at times. “You can push [songchoice] in a good way.”In addition to Freund’s musical skills, theWest Side Troubadours will feature Topol(Continued on Page 21)Homeless Tent City GrowsThe number of people camping onWill Rogers State Beach, despite theposted “No Camping” sign, is a concernto the community.On May 14, Santa Monica Canyon residentSharon Kilbride counted 16 tents.When she took a photo, one guy beggedher to photograph him and his bag of pot.“He told me he was happy and homeless,”Kilbride said, noting that she hadheard that Santa Monica and Venice policeare enforcing the no-sleeping-on-the-beachordinance and the homeless are now comingnorth to Will Rogers because the lawis not being enforced here.Santa Monica Canyon resident Judi Jen -sen sent a letter to the Palisades News (page7), saying that she had been accosted andthreatened when she walked her dog alongthe bike path at night. She called the WestL.A. Watch Commander and he told her tocontact Senior Lead Officer Michael Mooreand Councilman Mike Bonin’s office.Norman Kulla, Bonin’s senior lead counsel,was contacted and he said that a meetingwas scheduled for May 28 to address theproblem. “I am hopeful that a solution willbe reached.”Moore was asked if it was true that SantaPhoto: Tom HoferMonica and Venice was more strictly enforcingthe law.In a May 22 e-mail, he responded: “I amnot sure of the activity in SM or Venice. Weare issuing citations for camping on thebeach. We can ask them to leave but wecannot remove their property or wait tosee if they come back.”On Memorial Day, Moore and two otherofficers walked to the different beach encampmentsat 11 a.m. and issued citations.“We cannot force anyone to leave publiclands unless we can establish it as a fire hazard,”Moore said. “But the citations can becomewarrants, which we can use to makean arrest.”He explained that the citations issued onMemorial Day meant the person receivingit has until June 15 to go to court. If theperson fails to appear, a warrant is issued.“If the person goes to court, the citationis resolved (perhaps community service,or pay a fine, or even spend a day in jail),”Moore said. “If the person is arrested, hewill most likely spend the night in jail, go tocourt, plead guilty, and get time served forthe one night in jail.” Moore notes that thisa reasonable deal for some transients, especiallythose who have multiple warrants.

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 3Please, Fix the FlagFourth of July HomeDecorating ContestFind your American flags, pull out thebunting and dream up an originalpatriotic design, because the annualPAPA/Joan Sather Real Estate PatrioticHome Decorating Contest guidelines are set.All homes in Pacific Palisades are eligible.Yes, that means those people who live in theHighlands, Castellammare and the Rivieraand whose neighborhoods produced absolutelyno entries last year—zero, zilch,nada. (Put out a flag, for heaven’s sake.)The steps to enter are simple: 1) decorate,giving it your best patriotic effort; 2)upload a photo of your home to the PacificPalisades Fourth of July Celebration pageon Facebook, or email it to info@palisadeparade.organd professionals will upload itto Facebook for you (remember to includeyour address). The deadline is July 1.Preliminary judging of the submittedphotos will take place on July 2. The topchoices will be viewed personally by a panelof local celebrities on July 3.The top prize is a flag that flew over theU.S. Capitol as well as an opportunity tojudge next year’s contest. The top 10 finalistswill also receive prizes from local businessesand recognition certificates.Visit: palisadesparade.org, joansath -er.com, or email joan@joansather.com.Pacific Palisades resident Stuart Muller sent us a photograph of the Americanflag twisted on a pole that flies above the 881 Alma Real building on May 22.“The picture was taken November 14, 2014, and it [the flag] remains the same,”Mueller wrote. “At the time, I looked for a manager’s office on the directoryand also asked around for someone to talk to, but found neither.”Over Memorial Day, the flag remained unchanged, and the News is wonderingif anyone in the building might alert the owner so that the American flag canfly freely.Photo: Stuart MullerBite Nite Coming SoonThe Pacific Palisades Chamber ofCommerce is excited to announceits first Bite Nite Foodie FestFundraising event from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday,June 13, at the Pacific PalisadesWoman’s Club.The community is invited to enjoyfood samples from local restaurants Gladstones,Tivoli, Casa Nostra Ristorante, ElCholo, Kay N Dave’s Cantina, Matthew’sGarden Café, Dukes Malibu and Vittorio’sRistorante Italiano. The Yogurt Shoppe,Viktor Benes Bakery and All-Pro HealthFoods will also have samples to try.Tierray Vino winery will provide thewine; Party Pizzazz will show off partywares; and there will be jazz music featuringthe Bluecat Voice Studio.Special guest Madame Sylvia Wu willsign her book Madame Wu’s Garden. She isa celebrated restauranteur, author and philanthropist.In 1959, Wu and her husbandopened Madame Wu’s Garden restaurantin Santa Monica and it became well-knownworldwide for its celebrity clientele whoincluded, among others, Cary Grant, MaeWest, George Burns, Charlton Heston,Elizabeth Taylor, Johnny Carson, CarolBurnett, Walter Matthau, Robert Redford,Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg,Governor Pete Wilson, PresidentRonald Reagan and Princess Grace Kelly.Not only will it be a night of tasting, butproceeds will go to the Chamber of Commerceand the Woman’s Club CapitalCampaign. Tickets are $25 per person or$45 for a couple and can be purchased atthe Chamber office at 15330 Antioch St.Call (310) 459-7963.Library Book SaleTo be Held June 6The Friends of the Palisades Branch Librarywill hold a gently used book sale from8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6,in the library parking lot, 861 Alma Real Dr.Thanks to generous donations fromcommunity members, the sale will featurean excellent collection of well-priced books,DVDs and CDs.Sales depend on the continuing supportof volunteers, and the Friends are grateful forthe time and energy these people provide.In case of inclement weather, the sale willbe postponed until the following Saturday.Tunnel Accidents SpurCitizen Kalp into ActionToo often, westbound PCH motoristsslam on their brakes entering theblind curve at the McClure Tunnelbecause of stopped traffic. There are nosigns warning that the freeway is ending,and in late afternoon or early evening, thesetting sun can hinder views as driversexit the tunnel, making it difficult to seestopped cars.After two particularly horrific accidents,Pacific Palisades resident Amy Kalp,who is vice president of the LADP WestBureau Traffic Committee, took action.Last June, a child was killed when two bigrigs and a minivan collided around 12:35p.m. on the westbound 10 Freeway at theMcClure Tunnel, according to the CaliforniaHighway Patrol. Nine people were injured,seven of them passengers in the minivan.“Many people do not realize, especiallynon-locals, that when you come out of theMcClure Tunnel you are no longer on afreeway and the speed limit is now 45 mph,”Kalp said. “If you are not going the speedlimit, and are not familiar with the roadinside the tunnel, your reaction time is reducedor will be inadequate to avoid a trafficcollision with the cars in front of you.”At the June 2014 PCH Task Force meeting,Kalp suggested that Caltrans upgradeand add more signage at the tunnel. “Wecan’t control driver behavior or skill, butwe can try to do our part to prevent accidents,”she said, and Caltrans agreed toconduct an investigation.In August, another fatal crash occurredin the same McClure location at 5:50 a.m.,involving a motorcyclist and an unknownmodeled-sedan type.Later that month, Caltrans told Kalpthey had done the field investigation andwould proceed with a project to upgradethis section of the highway.For the short term, they installed atrailer with a warning message: “StoppedTraffic Ahead.”But as Kalp pointed out last month, “Itneeds to be upgraded because the signdoesn’t reflect the flow on PCH. That wholeintersection needs to be redone.”At the May PCH Task Force meeting,Caltrans announced that it has agreed to a$3- to $4-million project that will includenew lighting for the tunnel, painting and achangeable message sign that will includean advisory speed. When traffic starts tocome to a stop (such as on hot beach weekends),the message sign will reflect realtimeconditions.Additionally, it was suggested that a“Freeway Ending” sign be posted nearer theCloverfield exit, in order to prepare driversfor the lower speed ahead. Caltrans is consideringthe suggestion. Scheduled completionfor the safety upgrades is 2017.—SUE PASCOEWoman’s Club to Honor 90-Year-OldsThe Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club will host its annual luncheon honoringPalisadians 90 years and older on Saturday, June 6, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. at theclubhouse, 901 Haverford.This free celebration will include lunch and entertainment, including a visitby the Santa Monica Oceanaires, a popular barbershop chorus. Longtime residentBill Bruns, an adviser with the Palisades News, will be guest speaker.Call Fay Vahdani at (310) 699-5885 to RSVP.

Page 4 Palisades News June 3, 2015Norm Kulla Leaves City GovernmentPacific Palisades, Brentwood,Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, VeniceCalBRE#01437780By SUE PASCOEEditorNinkey DaltonYour Local Neighborhood AgentThe Agency(424) 400-5921www.TheAgencyRE.comAfter 10 years as a senior counsel, Norm Kulla is resigning July 1.Norman Kulla, who has been servingin Los Angeles city government forthe past 10 years, first as seniorcounsel for Councilman Bill Rosendahl andnow for Mike Bonin, is resigning July 1.“I’m trying to put everything in a path,so that when I leave, the people in the officewill know how to find everything and respond,”said Kulla, who describes his roleas a mediator, trying hard to get differentgroups of people “who really care aboutcertain things to sit down and talk.”Kulla, a former resident of Pacific Pali -sades, has high praise for both of his bosses.“Bill is a phenom who is a blessing for allof us,” Kulla said. “If you believe in God, helives through Bill Rosendahl.”He recalled the first time he met Rosen -dahl—at Tivoli Café here in town, 14months before the 2004 City Council District11 election.“I had met with Flora Krisiloff, who waschair of the Brentwood Community Council,because she was running for Councilperson[against Rosendahl] and wantedmy support. She gave me a stump speech.”Kulla was so irritated by her approach forhis support (he was serving on the PalisadesCommunity Council) that he sought outRosendahl.As Kulla came to the table, Rosendahlwas reading the New York Times and usedsome salty language about an article.“He was showing himself to someone hehad never met before,” said Kulla, a formerattorney. “He was transparent, engaged,there was no hidden agenda and I rememberthinking, ‘This is who we need.’ We bondedand we have been close friends ever since.”After Rosendahl was elected and broughtKulla aboard his team, he placed a sign inhis office that read “No Gifts.” Kulla said itepitomized a man whose driving purposewas to serve the public, until forced to retireearly because of cancer.“There is only one Bill Rosendahl; he’s alife force,” Kulla said. As a councilman, “Heshot from the heart and lived in the moment.He was a big-picture guy who listened.A decision-maker who lived to servethe community.”Kulla also admires Bonin, who succeededRosendahl in 2013. “Mike is a dedicatedpublic servant, who shares Bill’s heart. He’sdisciplined, organized, structured and methodical.I have pride in what he’s doingand in a small way I feel I helped himlaunch his mission.”Why is he leaving?Kulla, 68, explained how people wereasked at a retreat held for Bonin’s staff ifthey felt they would be here in 12 years andto step forward. The question was repeatedwith eight years and then four years.“I never stepped forward, because I sawmy role as one of transition,” Kulla said.“After Mike was elected, I sat down withhim and told him that he should surroundhimself with people who built the teamand were similar to him in age.” Bonin is48 years old.Also, Kulla, who moved from the Highlandsto a beach neighborhood in SantaMonica in 2013, no longer lives in CouncilDistrict 11.“Mike needs someone [as counsel] whoEstablished May 2007Photo: Bart Bartholomewis going to be a link to the community,”said Kulla, who sees his resignation as thestart of another career transition and islooking forward to it, even if his immediatefuture is uncertain.“I’m going to take a trip with each of mykids,” he said. His daughter Julia, 37, is aprogrammer in Durham, North Carolina.His son Hans, 26, who writes and performscomedy, works on the production side ofSaturday Night Live. David, 30, is a leveltwoPGA professional at Westchester GolfCourse and the New Roads golf coach.Massage • Acupuncture • Organic FacialsThank-you, Pacific Palisades,for 8 Wonderful Years! We Love You!— Toni & Stephanie20% OFF Massages & Facials!(Mention this ad. Offer Good Thru June 2015)16704 Bollinger Drive, Pacific Palisades310-454-5855 • OasisPalisades.comJuly 4th Concert Headliners AnnouncedABy LAUREL BUSBYStaff Writerlthough they come from LakeTahoe and New York, respectively,musicians Adam Topol and TomFreund are in many ways Southern Californiaboys at heart.They both love to skateboard. Topol isa surfer, too, while Freund has just startedlearning to ride the waves at age 46—eventaking a lesson from singer/songwriter/surfer Bre t Dennen at Gladstone’s recently.They embrace the beach lifestyle. Topollives in Venice, while Freund has lived andhad a studio there for about 15 years.“We as kids in Lake Tahoe would thinkof L.A. as this mythical place,” said Topol,48, who with Freund has formed a new act,the West Side Troubadours. “I have theseromantic visions of a lot of these cool bandsthat came out of these areas—troubadoursspawning a l kinds of stuff . . We can nowproperly claim our little space.”Both of these seasoned musicians, whohave either spearheaded or contributed tomore than 50 CDs over the course of their Adam Topol (left) and Tom Freund (right) wi l headline the Palisades Rocks the Fourth concert at PaliHi on July 4. Photo: Tom Hofercareers, are excited to perform at the eighth und, who sings, writes songs and plays the for an intriguing set of songs that are “patriotic,but not corny patriotic, with good In addition to Freund’s musical ski ls, thechoice] in a good way.”annual Palisades Rocks the Fourth concert. upright bass, ukulele, mandolin, guitar“I am super psyched” about playing the and piano.American values” that might be a little West Side Troubadours wi l feature Topolupcoming concert with Topol, said Fre-Freund said the “Palisades vibe” a lows unexpected a times. “You can push [song(Continued on Page 21)Homeless Tent City GrowsTWHOKILLEDTHELMATODD?Vol. 1, No. 15 • June 3, 2015 Uniting the Community with News, Features and Commentary Circulation: 14,500 • $1.00 See Page 23he number of people camping on Monica and Venice was more strictly enforcingthe law.Wi l Rogers State Beach, despite theposted “No Camping” sign, is a concernto the community.not sure of the activity in SM or Venice. WeIn a May 22 e-mail, he responded: “I amOn May 14, Santa Monica Canyon residentSharon Kilbride counted 16 tents. beach. We can ask them to leave but weare issuing citations for camping on theWhen she took a photo, one guy begged cannot remove their property or wai toher to photograph him and his bag of pot. see if they come back.”“He told me he was happy and homeless,”Kilbride said, noting that she had officers walked to the di ferent beach en-On Memorial Day, Moore and two otherheard that Santa Monica and Venice police campments at 11 a.m. and issued citations.are enforcing the no-sleeping-on-the-beach “We cannot force anyone to leave publicordinance and the homeless are now comingnorth to Will Rogers because the law ard,” Moore said. “But the citations can be-lands unless we can establish it as a fire haz-is not being enforced here.come warrants, which we can use to makeHomeless tents are now on Wi l Rogers Beach. Photo: Sharon Kilbride Santa Monica Canyon resident Judi Jen - an arrest.”sen sent a le ter to the Palisades News (page He explained that the citations issued on7), saying that she had been accosted and Memorial Day meant the person receivingthreatened when she walked her dog along it has until June 15 to go to court. If thethe bike path at night. She ca led the West person fails to appear, a warrant is issued.L.A. Watch Commander and he told her to “If the person goes to court, the citationcontact Senior Lead O ficer Michael Moore is resolved (perhaps community service,and Councilman Mike Bonin’s o fice. or pay a fine, or even spend a day in jail),”Norman Ku la, Bonin’s senior lead counsel,was contacted and he said that a meet-wi l most likely spend the night in jail, go toMoore said. “If the person is arrested, heing was scheduled for May 28 to address the court, plead guilty, and ge time served forproblem. “I am hopeful that a solution wi l the one night in jail.” Moore notes that thisbe reached.”a reasonable deal for some transients, especialy those who have multiple Moore was asked if it was true that Santawarrants.After receiving his law degree from UCDavis in 1972, Kulla worked as a criminaldefense lawyer and became known as aparole release lawyer. He was the lawyerfor Charles Manson’s first parole request.“I spent a lot of time in prisons,” Kullasaid. “I felt my calling was to represent thedisposed of society.”He and his wife Katherine Mader (Pali-Hi class of ‘65), a Superior Court judge,moved to Santa Monica in 1980. Kulla transitionedfrom criminal defense to tax securitylaw at Tilles, Webb, Kulla and Grant.In 1991, Katherine asked him if he washappy doing that kind of law, and he reluctantlyadmitted he wasn’t. “I do it forthe money.”She convinced him to leave, tellinghim, “You must be inspired, because thatdirects what you do.”The selling of his interest in the law firmcoincided with the verdict on an importantlaw case involving Commercial AcceptanceCorporation. “It was a Ponzi scheme andpension plans were defrauded,” said Kulla,noting that the $40 million to $100 millionlost was totally refunded to clients by thepeople responsible, including payment tothe law firm. “People got their money backand my share allowed me to transition intobecoming a financial analyst,” Kulla said.During the following 10 years, he learnedthe theory of investment, received his CFA(Chartered Financial Analyst), studied behavioralfinance and lectured at different(Continued on Page 5)READ US ON THE WEB!Did you know you can read thecurrent issue of the PalisadesNews (and ALL our previousissues) on our Website? Go towww.PalisadesNews.com.for the link.“The on-line edition of your completenewspaper is one of the most helpfullyaccessible and readable versions Ihave ever seen—from either a largenewspaper or small.” —J.R.www.palisadesnews.com

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 5Kulla(Continued from Page 4)venues around Los Angeles.The family moved to Santa Monica Can -yon in 1986, which is when he met communityactivist George Wolfberg. Shortlyafterwards Kulla joined the Palisades OptimistClub, served as president (2000-01) andrepresented service organizations on the PacificPalisades Community Council (PPCC).After the Kullas moved to the Highlands,PPCC Area Two Representative Barry Kurtzasked Kulla to run for his seat on the Council.Kulla was elected and served in thatposition until he was elected PPCC chairin 2004.Then-Councilwoman Cindy Misci -kowski, determined to get the long-stalledPotrero Canyon Park project back on track,asked Kulla and Wolfberg to help her createa Potrero advisory committee. “She was agood partner for Potrero,” Kulla said, notingthat Miscikowski established a trustaccount to protect construction fundsraised by selling City-owned propertyalong the Potrero rim.Kulla embraced his role as PPCC chair.“I love conflict. I’m blessed because whenthings are tense, I’m okay.”He recalled the time that the fledglingRenaissance Academy was set to take overmajor space in the 881 Alma Real building.“There were 200 people at the meetingand it wasn’t on the agenda,” Kulla said.George Wolfberg presents Norman Kulla with an historic photograph (copy) of the mouthof Santa Monica Canyon at the Annual Meeting of the Santa Monica Canyon CivicAssociation, held May 12 at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. Photo: Sara Jane Boyers“They said they wanted the CommunityCouncil to consider this deal, and so we did.“People were saying horrible things tome, but I didn’t take it personally. It’s importantfor people to express themselvesbecause if they do, they can come back towho they are [which is not the issue]. It becomesan opportunity to change the frameof how people look at things.”Kulla said that he first noticed this as achild during large family weekly gatherings.“When someone was speaking theyweren’t always hearing the person,” he said.“I try to help people hear each other. Theyare so focused on what they want to say,they don’t hear.”SolarPaliHi ContractNegotiationsMediator-facilitated negotiationsbetween Palisades Charter HighSchool’s teachers’ union and theschool management reached a tentativeagreement in mid-May after a sometimescontentious negotiation process.The agreement would provide an 8-percentsalary increase over two years to facultywith 5 percent retroactive to July 1, 2014,according to a statement issued by bothparties. In addition, master’s and doctoralstipends would be increased on July 1, 2015.The bell schedule issue, which involves theadministration’s effort to explore varied optionsto the current class schedule, would behandled by the existing Academic AccountabilityCommittee, Principal Pam Magee said.This committee “will gather and analyzeinformation and research assessing studentneeds and will consider recommendationsbased on those needs,” according to thepress release.Initially, a ratification vote was plannedfor mid-May, but the two parties agreed tomeet with the mediator one more time toaddress further aspects of the agreementbefore a ratification vote will occur.—LAUREL BUSBY(See related story on page 8.)Electricity from the SunLighten Your Electric Bill with Solar!Your own Palisades Solar CompanyFree Quote (310) 459-7062Joyce Brunelle (310) 459-7062Joyce@solarsuntricity.comwww.solarsuntricity.comLicensed, Bonded, InsuredLic #369267, B1, C10, C46

Page 6 Palisades News June 3, 2015HeardAbout TownNo Sparkplugs, No Citizen?How come there hasn’t been a Citizenof the Year announced or even names forthe annual Sparkplug Awards?(Editor’s note: The Pacific PalisadesCommunity Council, which will make theselection, has decided to move the awardsfrom the spring to the fall. The honoring ofPacific Palisades residents for those prestigiousannual awards will be held at thePPCC holiday meeting on December 10,2015. Look for more information aboutnomination guidelines this fall.)Road Danger on PCHOn Pacific Coast Highway, just beforethe gas station and Entrada, the slowlane suddenly is forced into the adjacentlane because the roadway juts out wherethe small underground tunnel is located.There are no markers, no warning signsand there should be. This is an accidentwaiting to happen.Long Light at TemescalThe other morning during rush hourI waited eight minutes for a light tochange. Cars were backed way up intoTemescal Canyon Road. What can wedo about this?(Editor’s note: We asked Caltrans publicinformation officer Patrick Chandlerto check on the timing and let us know thetiming of the lights on Temescal and Chautauquaduring morning and afternoonrush hour.)Check Out the MailboxThey say you shouldn’t leave outgoingmail by your mailbox for the postal carrierbecause there are too many dishonestpeople who might take it. So, I went to themailbox on the corner of Radcliffe andCarthage and dropped a letter in thepostal box, but when I checked to see if ithad gone down, it was still there. I pulledthe letter off the lid and realized someonehad put something sticky in there,so I took the letter to the Post Office. Itold the postal employees about it, but Idon’t think they understood. So, I’mjust warning everyone.Time Waits for No OneI’m glad to see the clock is back on theclock tower building (at Monument andSunset)—and this one actually keeps time!Engine 69 Coming BackAt the Community Council meetingthe Deputy Chief said he’s working tobring Engine 69 back to the Palisades. Itcan’t happen soon enough, and it shouldnever have gone away.———————If you’d like to share something you’ve“heard about town,” please email it tospascoe@palisadesnews.comANN CLEAVESProtect Yourself from ScammersBy LAURA ABRUSCATOStaff WriterAnyone can be a victim of telephonescammers. Not giving out personalinformation to unsolicited callers iskey to preventing these crimes.When I first received a call from someoneclaiming to be from Microsoft tech support, hetold me that error messages had shown therewas a technical problem on my computer. Itsounded reasonable, but I wondered why theywould initiate the call.While the caller was recommending stepsto fix problems on my computer, I begansearching online for Microsoft scams andlearned that callers impersonate Microsofttech staff, then try to download malicioussoftware on your computer, or take control ofyour computer and get bank account andpassword information, or get your credit-cardnumber and charge you fraudulently. I hungup before downloading anything or payingany money.The next time I got a call from “Microsoft,” Iasked for a callback number, and in an onlinesearch found out this phone number wasconnected to the same fake Microsoft scam.The third time they called, I had recentlybeen through the experience of helping anolder relative who was a victim of a phonescam and identity theft. While researching thesubject, I came across AARP’s Fraud WatchNetwork website with information on the conartists who do these scams, how they aretrained, how they try to get people to feelheightened emotions so they can scam them,VIEWPOINTalong with other techniques.This time, I immediately said “Remove mefrom your call list,” and when the personreplied, “Don’t you want to fix your technicalissues?” I said, “I know who you are and I’mnot going to talk to you, so remove me fromyour list.”A detective I talked to in the course ofhelping my relative told me: no governmentagency will ever call you and ask for information;you wouldn’t win any contest/lottery withoutentering; and no lottery/contest you wonwould call and ask you for your information.When alleged family members call, seeming toneed help or say that they are in a predicamentneeding emergency money, check with anotherfamily member first.My relative was scammed into giving outsome personal information and I learned thata con artist can quickly forge checks and makefraudulent debit withdrawals from a victim’saccount. Thankfully, in our case the withdrawalswere eventually refunded.Other current scams take place in person.One involves someone asking people outsidea bank to deposit a check for them, since theydon’t have an account, and after they get theirmoney, the check bounces. Or criminals knockon the door and get the resident into theirbackyard to distract them, claiming to be froma utility company or looking for a lost pet,and then a partner comes in to rob the house.“If anybody comes up to you unsolicited—by phone, e-mail, or at your home—that shouldbe a red flag,” said former Pacific PalisadesSenior Lead Officer Chris Ragsdale. A goodreminder for all of us.Thought to Ponder“Always be a first-rateversion of yourself,instead of a second-rateversion of somebody else.”― Judy Garland (1922-69)Founded November 5, 2014———————15332 Antioch Street #169Pacific Palisades, CA 90272(310) 401-7690www.PalisadesNews.com———————PublisherScott Wagensellerswag@palisadesnews.comEditorSue Pascoespascoe@palisadesnews.comSports EditorTyler Keckeisensports@palisadesnews.comFeaturesLaurie RosenthalLRosenthal@palisadesnews.comGraphics DirectorManfred HoferDigital Content and TechnologyKurt ParkAdvertisingJeff Ridgwayjeffridgway@palisadesnews.comGrace Hineygracehiney@palisadesnews.comJeff Parrjparr@palisadesnews.comAdvisorBill BrunsContributing WritersLaura Abruscato, Laurel Busby,Libby MotikaContributing PhotographersBart Bartholomew, Shelby Pascoe———————A bi-monthly newspaper mailed on thefirst and third Wednesday of each month.14,500 circulation includes zip code 90272and Sullivan, Mandeville and Santa Mon -ica Canyons.All content printed herein,and in our digital editions, is copyrighted.Online:palisadesnews.com

Palisades NewsJune 3, 2015 A forum for open discussion of community issuesPage 7EDITORIALPalisades Homeless Task Force Deserves SupportPacific Palisades residents are compassionate peopleand many donate money and volunteer time tovarious nonprofits to help those in need.But the increasing number of homeless in the Village,at the park, in local canyons and on the beach, and theaggressive nature of some of these transients, hasresidents concerned.Brian Deming, a member of the new Pacific PalisadesHomeless Task Force, told the Optimist Club at a recentbreakfast, “Everyone seems to have a story about atransient and it seems to be happening more often.”The task force was formed last October after an assault inthe Village by a transient, who was subsequently arrested.The group, along with many Palisadians, participatedfor the first time in the Greater Los Angeles HomelessCount on January 29. From that count, it is believedthat there are between 150 to 180 homeless individualsliving within the Palisades boundaries.According to the Los Angeles Almanac, an estimated82,000 people are homeless nightly in Los Angeles Countyabout half of them African American. Some 14-18 percentare not U.S. citizens, and as many as 20 percent are veterans.A quarter of all the homeless are mentally ill and, surprisingly,16-20 percent of the homeless adults are employed.The Los Angeles Times reported in April that the City spendsmore than $100 million a year coping with homelessness.Deming, a film and television location manager,Video Available:‘Stay Safe on PCH’As a fellow Angeleno, you’re probably aware of thedouble-edged sword when driving on Pacific CoastHighway (PCH). On the one hand, there are the incredibleviews of the Pacific Ocean, and on the other,speeding commuters, inattentive pedestrians, frustratedresidents and growing packs of bicyclists.In 2013 there were 585 collisions between the McClureTunnel and the Ventura county line. In an effort toencourage safe behavior on PCH, the PCH Partners hasproduced a Public Safety Announcement video, entitled“Stay Safe on PCH.” Please post this video to your variousmedia channels and let us know if you have any questions.The video is available on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=eOIXIaEUXtM. We hope you enjoy the video,and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questionsabout our efforts to increase safety on PCH.Drive safe,Hayley BrownSwell Communications Inc.hayley@swellco.usChange Alphabet StreetsTo Bishop StreetsI am thinking about undertaking a Pacific Palisadescivic project to place a proper historic name on the“Alphabet Streets.” Most longtime residents are probablyaware that the streets in that neighborhood are namedinitially got involved with the task force, chaired byMaryam Zar, because of the people living in a vacantspace—the former Bernheimer Gardens on SunsetBoulevard, near Marquez Place.“I thought there were seven people living there butthere were actually 14,” Deming said. “When the policeshowed up they [the police] couldn’t do anything.” Henoted the L.A. Fire Department eventually cleared thearea, based on enforcing the fire prevention code.A 2006 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision statedthat the enforcement of Los Angeles City Code 41.18 (d),which allowed police to arrest people for sleeping on thestreet when there are no available shelter beds, was illegal.“The Eighth Amendment prohibits the City frompunishing involuntary sitting, lying, or sleeping onpublic sidewalks that is an unavoidable consequence ofbeing human and homeless without shelter in the Cityof Los Angeles,” Judge Wardlaw wrote.In April this year, Mike Bonin introduced a motionasking City officials to explore whether the constitutionalmandate could be better met by providing alternativesto sleeping on the sidewalk—such as shared housing,bridge housing and transitional shelters.“As a result of the Jones [2006] settlement, we spendtime, energy and money accommodating a right to sleepon the sidewalk,” Bonin said. “That does a disservice topeople who are homeless, and it does a disservice to ourLETTERS TO THE EDITORafter Methodist bishops (e.g. Albright, Galloway, Hartzell)and other religious leaders.I’ve always felt that the term “The Alphabets” is sort ofderogatory or at least a designation that isn’t consistentwith the image of the Palisades. PLUS—it is dismissiveof the Town’s Methodist founders.There is no legal grounding for the name, it is only aninformal assignment, so changing it is only a matter ofputting a campaign together and making it happen.The proper name for the neighborhood should be the“Bishop Streets.”Some time ago a local real estate office managerrequired that his agents refer to the “Alphabets” as“Village North.” This received positive feedback fromagents and clients alike. However, the manager, EdNash, who lived in Rustic Canyon, relocated to NewYork and his campaign died with him.I do not have a dog in this hunt. My intent is not tocampaign for Methodism but to lift up the image ofthis neighborhood. History counts and to dismiss ourroots means we have lost touch with the past.Lynn BorlandBeach Tent ‘Campers’Present Problem to ResidentsLast night [May 20] at around 10:30 p.m. I called thepolice non-emergency number and was transferred tothe West L.A. Watch Commander I told the operator thatI had been accosted and threatened by very aggressivehomeless people on the beach when I was walking myneighborhoods. We need to spend our time, energy andmoney accommodating the right to sleep in housing.”The Palisades Homeless Task Force formed a BestPractices Committee to see what other communitieswere doing, specifically focusing on efforts in SantaMonica and Venice. The committee decided that thegroup getting the best results was the Ocean ParkCommunity Council (OPCC) in Santa Monica.“There has been a shift from just feeding the homelessto finding permanent housing,” said Doug McCormick,the head of that investigating committee. “We need toget them into a house and then we can bring support tothem. As a community we need to embrace a long-termapproach rather than a quick fix.”We agree with the Homeless Task Force, which believesthat permanent housing is ultimately the best directionto go, but in order to work towards that goal by havingOPCC social workers meet with Palisades transients, thecost will be $125,000 for two social workers to work withthe homeless five days a week for a year. This will enableOPCC to identify the 20 or so most vulnerable transientsand work towards getting them into housing. The strategyis that once a few homeless people successfully transitionto housing, the resistance among others will decrease.The Task Force will meet at the Palisades Librarycommunity room on Wednesday, June 10, from 5:30 to7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Email pacpalihtf@gmail.com.dog on the bike lane between Lifeguard Station 18 andthe jetty where the big lifeguard station is [along WillRogers State Beach].The Watch Commander, who said his name wasCasey, told me that I should contact Michael Moore, andasked if I knew who he is [our senior lead officer]. I saidyes. He also said that I should contact the Councilman’soffice about this problem.I was astounded and asked if they really couldn’t dosomething! He indicated that there wasn’t much theycould do and I asked him to at least send a car there todrive on the bike path and shine some lights on the tentsout on the beach to at least let these aggressive peopleknow they are there. He said he could do that, but hementioned again that I needed to contact Moore andCouncilman Bonin. I reminded him that it is illegal forthese people to be sleeping on the beach between 10p.m. and 6 a.m. He didn’t have anything else to say.Pretty frustrating. Makes me think that I am not safewalking my dog on the bike lane and that is not right. Ilive in Santa Monica Canyon and should have access tothe beach. It is illegal for them to be there. And by theway, if I did walk my dog out to the water’s edge oranywhere on the beach, I would get a ticket; I think it’saround $200.Judi JensenSanta Monica CanyonPalisades News welcomes all letters, which may be mailed tospascoe@palisadesnews.com. Please include a name, addressand telephone number so we may reach you. Letters do notnecessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Palisades News.

Page 8 Palisades News June 3, 2015Student Petition Investigated by PaliHi BoardBy SUE PASCOEEditorPalisades High School Spanish teacherAlexander Shuhgalter stopped thePalisades News editor on thestreet the week of May 18 and said that astudent had started a petition, and morethan 1,200 kids had signed it and it wasgoing before the school’s board of trustees.When asked what the petition was about,Shuhgalter said students were upset withthe administration and were asking theboard not to extend the contract for Dr.Pam Magee, the school’s executive directorand principal.When the editor questioned the validityof the petition, Shuhgalter responded: “Theyare wise and they know what they want.”On May 19, Isabel Kelly, a junior at Pali -Hi, presented her petition to the board oftrustees, signed by 1,213 students, urgingthe board not to give Dr. Magee a threeyearcontract extension.At the meeting, the student was recordedas saying Magee failed to establish a connectionbetween herself and students; didn’tdemonstrate leadership qualities becauseshe didn’t know any of the student names;didn’t provide for student input throughsurveys; said Magee stated it was unnecessaryfor parents and students to have inputon the bell schedule; that student concernsELLEN MCCORMICKJUST LISTEDhad not been heard about such topics asbetter cafeteria food; and concluded: “Weneed a leader who is going to do everythingin his or her power to consider suggestionsfrom teachers and not just the board. Itappears that the principal forgets teachersare the ones who most directly influencethe start of success of students and aremost aware of what students need tomaximize performance.”Magee, who was hired by the PaliHi boardin 2011, manages a budget of $27 millionand oversees more than 2,800 students.The Palisades News received letters fromtwo parents last Friday on deadline, aftera story about the petition appeared on thefront page of the Palisadian-Post. Theseparents stated they felt that a handful ofunnamed teachers at Palisades High areunhappy with the current administrationand were responsible for convincing studentsto start the petition.The News did not have time to investigatethese allegations before going to press.Conflict between administrators andthe teachers union can be common, especiallyover salary and benefit issues andclassroom support.At PaliHi, the current teacher-contractnegotiations have been contentious at times,but may soon be settled. (See story, page 3).The News asked Dr. Magee last Friday,May 29, if the student who started the petitionhad ever contacted her either by e-mailor by appointment. The answer was no.The Board of Trustees has a studentrepresentative, and a faculty member onthe board is elected by students. Additionally,student leadership elected by allgrades is responsible for taking issues tothe administration.Attempts to contact Kelly to ask if shehad gone to any of those three sources withconcerns, were unsuccessful.Board of Trustees Chair Allison HoldorffPolhill released the following statement regardingthe student’s allegations about thebell schedule: “Dr. Magee insisted on meaningfulinput from parents and students—including a formal survey of bothgroups—concerning the bell schedule, andthat the ‘vote’ that Dr. Magee opposed wasa post-negotiation formal vote by eachgroup as a precondition to any change.”Polhill said that regarding the allegationMagee doesn’t know the needs of students,“no examples or particulars are given [bythe student] that would help provide somecontext or substance to the assertion.”One concrete statement said Magee didnot understand about the bad cafeteriafood. The News also tried to reach the studentto ask her if she knew the PaliHi cafeteriaprovider, Sodexo, also supplies collegesacross the nation.At a May 26 private session, the boardvoted unanimously (Magee was not in theroom) to hire a private investigator, NicoleMiller, to investigate the student’s petition.The News asked Polhill about the board’sdecision. Speaking for herself and not forthe board, she said: “There were a numberof allegations in the petition, but most weregeneralizations with no specifics. We careabout students’ views, and need to knowwhat facts are behind the general assertionsin order to weigh properly the petition inthe evaluation process.”Polhill said students were interviewed onFriday, May 29, and on June 1, about theirunderstanding of the petition. The interviewswere voluntary. She said no studentsare being investigated and that no one isquestioning the students’ integrity.The Board of Trustees, which meets thethird Tuesday of every month, will have itsnext meeting at 5 p.m. on June 16 in theschool library. The public is invited.Volunteers NeededFor Fourth of JulyThe next volunteer meeting of PAPA(Palisades Americanism Parade Association)will be held at 6:30 on June 29 at theAmerican Legion, 15247 La Cruz Dr. All areinvited to attend. If you are unable to attendthe meeting, visit: palisadesparade.orgOPENSUNDAY2 to 5 P.M.2529 Patricia Ave, Los Angeles 90064. 5 BD, 5.5 BA | Offered at $3,495,000 | www.2529Patricia.comWith breathtaking golf course views and close to some of the Westside's best amenities, this East Coast Traditional invites you to settle inand enjoy its comfortable elegance.ELLEN 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.

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 9West L.A. Captain Nathan RetiresBy SUE PASCOEEditorCaptain Evangelyn Nathan, the AreaCommanding Officer of the WestLos Angeles Community PoliceDepartment, retired at the end of April.Captain Tina Nieto is her replacement.“A huge thank you to the West Los Angelescommunity and especially to PacificPalisades,” Nathan told the Palisades Newsbefore speaking at the Woman’s Club dinnermeeting in May. “You have been awesome.”After commanding 323 officers and 31civilian personnel, in an area that serves apopulation of more than 257,000 and 65square miles and 748 street miles (the largestmileage of any LAPD department), Nathan’sfirst retirement task seemed calm.“My family has signed me up to takecare of an 11-year-old niece and 9-yearoldnephew,” said Nathan, who is also acertified Master Gardener. “I just finishedredoing the yard with artificial turf, goingwater-wise, and now my brother and sisterwanted me to help them, too.“I still get calls from work: my scheduleis still busy,” said Nathan, the first African-American woman to earn a LAPD commandposition. “I figure in six months itwill slow down.”She was asked if the Wednesday nightmotorcycle noise will ever abate on Sunset.“Not all of the motorcyclists are violatingthe law,” she said. “I feel bad forthose who live on Sunset because thenoise can be deafening.”Nathan said one possible solution mightbe to post signs that are the same as thoseseen when patrons leave a concert area, askingfor compassion for those who live inthe area. The flashing signs could be usedto remind all motorists about noise, includingmotorcyclists.Later at the Woman’s Club podium,Nathan spoke about entering LAPD andthe challenges facing her.She received a bachelor’s degree in businessadministration from Cal State Domin -guez Hills, and frequently ran 10K races.She had just finished one and went by anCaptain Evangelyn Nathan, the Area Commanding Officer of West Los Angeles CommunityPolice Department, who retired at the end of April, was honored at the PacificPalisades Woman’s Club.Photo: Bart BartholomewLAPD recruiting table that was offeringfree water. Nathan took the water, but insteadof trying to recruit her, he said “Youwouldn’t make it out of the academy becauseyou would flunk out.”“Give me that card,” Nathan said, acceptingthe challenge. She explained thatthe attitude in 1981 was “women don’t belonghere.”Nathan said in the late 1800s to be a policeofficer you needed to be a 6’5” male.Gradually the height requirement droppedand by 1981, it was 5’8”, which Nathan made.Nathan said her career was possible becauseof two women, Alice Stebbins Wellsand Franchon Blake.Wells petitioned the mayor, police commissionerand the City Council to becomethe first woman officer. Hired in 1910, shewas assigned to aid women and childrenwho were victims of crime.Wells, who had to make her own uniform,could not supervise men and was notallowed to be promoted past sergeant. Overthe next five or six decades, a few additionalwomen were hired.LAPD Officer Blake, a 5-foot-tall Armymajor, wanted to become a lieutenant. Shetook her complaints to Police Chief Ed Davis,who told her he would put women in patrolcars—when Rams Coach Tommy Prothroput them on the football team’s front line.Finally, Blake filed a lawsuit in 1973, knowingshe would be targeted in the workplace.“And she was,” Nathan said. When thecase was finally resolved in 1980, the LAPDagreed to increase the number of swornwomen officers to 20 percent and the minorityrepresentation to equal the minority representationin the Los Angeles work force.Nathan entered the LAPD academy thefollowing year with 35 women in a class of99. Every week more women dropped out.“It was one of the biggest challenges I everfaced,” Nathan said. “Eventually five of uspartnered together—and whined together.”In order to make it out of the academy, recruitshad to pass the self-defense test, whichmeant having to free yourself from the otherperson, doing whatever it took to get away.Nathan’s partner was Jim McDonald(who was elected as L.A. County’s 32ndsheriff last November). She told him beforethe test, “I love you, but I apologize for whatI’m going to do to you today.”She bit him; she passed. “The other twowomen did something to their partnersthey hadn’t been taught in academy, either,”Nathan said, noting that only fivewomen graduated.Nathan completed her initial probationat 77th Street Patrol Division, followed byassignments to Wilshire patrol, narcoticsand recruitment.She worked the West Los Angeles ViceUnit from 1985-87, 77th Street DetectiveDivision from 1987-89. In 1992 she wasupgraded to Detective II and assigned toInternal Affairs. Two years later she madeDetective III and was assigned to the Officeof the Chief of Police. She was promotedto Lieutenant in 2000 and wasassigned as Watch Commander for thePacific Patrol Division.In 2002, Nathan was assigned as the Officer-in-Chargeof Operations-South BureauHomicide Task Force. A year later, shewas upgraded to Lieutenant II and assignedas the 77th Street Detective Division CommandingOfficer. She was a 2006 inducteeinto the Los Angeles Police Revolver andAthletic Club, Athletic Hall of Fame and inApril 2007 came to the Westside.Nathan told Woman’s Club members:“We have to support each other. If we comewith a complaint, bring a suggestion to gowith it. Make sure you balance our life, seekspirituality and share. Give more than youtake and laugh often and laugh loudly.”She concluded, “Don’t forget we arewomen, we are amazing. In the LAPD, theterminology changed from policeman andthen policewoman to now, police officer.”Gotta love agood comboTrish Bowe CLU, AgentInsurance Lic#: 0606059845 Via De La PazPacific Palisades, CA 90272Bus: 310-454-0349… especially when it saves you money.I can help you save an average e o f $ 600.* Talk to meabout combining your renters and auto insurance today.G et to a better 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, IL

Page 10 Palisades News June 3, 2015NO ONE SELLSMOREHOMESINSOUTHERNCALIFORNIATHAN COLDWELL ®BANKER123FEATURED PROPERTIES1P ACIFIC PALISADESADESFrench Country w/ ocean & vineyard vws.Ali Rassekhi sekhi (310) 359-5695$13,500,0002PACIFIC PALISADESADES1930’s Classic sic Spanish, 7Br/7.5Ba w/poolHolly Davis (310) 230-7377$12,695,0004563PACIFIC PALISADESADESMid-Century on 1/2 acre Live In/Build NuSaxon | Rubel (310) 420-7896$6,800,0004P ACIFIC PALISADESADESHuntington Palisades. 6bd/7bth.$6,499,000Hollingsworth orth & Leff (310) 230-24835PACIFIC PALISADESADESBeautiful Updated Family Home, 5Br/4BaKurt Hiete(310) 990-8409$4,495,00078967PACIFIC PALISADESADESOpen & beautiful. 5 suites. Pool/spa.Michael Edlen (310) 230-7373P ACIFIC PALISADESADESAberle/Convey (310) 230-2452$3,300,000$2,800,0004+3.5 Pool+Spa Vu www.1201laspulgas.com8PACIFIC PALISADESADESBeautiful remodeled 4+3 w/curb appeal.Leslie A Woodward(310) 387-8020$2,699,999101112910PACIFIC PALISADESADESBeautiful home w/good flrpln & pvt yard.Michael Edlen (310) 230-7373PACIFIC PALISADESADESMichael Edlen (310) 230-7373$2,400,000$2,250,000000Bright & impeccable cable with in/out flow.11PACIFIC PALISADESADESOn private cul-de-sac with vusHolly Davis (310) 230-7377$1,549,0001314151213P ACIFIC PALISADESADESAmazing VIEW location “on the rim”Sharon & John (310) 573-7737PACIFIC PALISADESADES1bd/1ba remodeled condo w/viewsAdam Katz (310) 230-2415$865,000$659,00014PACIFIC PALISADESADES$399,0001300+SqFt Mobile Home Beach Hideaway.C. Damon | A. Damon (310) 230-242715PACIFIC PALISADESADES$15,000/MONTHBeautiful craftsman. Close to Village.Hollingsworth orth & Leff (310) 230-2483PACIFIC 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 NewsJune 3, 2015 Page 11New Realtor Opens Office on ViaBy LAUREL BUSBYStaff WriterRealtor Donna Bohana has alwaysdone things a little bit differently. Asa Baldwin Hills teenager, she optedto head to an English boarding school. Butit wasn’t a typical English boarding school.At Tasis, students spent six weeks inEngland and then six weeks in anothercountry. She visited Ireland, Spain, Franceand Greece, among other places—learninga bit of each native language and experiencingeach nation firsthand.“I didn’t know it at the time, but it laidthe foundation for me to understand workingwith different cultures,” said Bohana,who works with people from around theworld in her real estate agency, Solstice InternationalRealty, which recently openedat 833 Via de la Paz. “When I meet peoplefrom these different countries, I can alwaysfind a connection somewhere.”Her new office, which will have its grandopening on June 21, is also designed toallow her the time and space to connectwith her clients. The space is arranged morelike a living room than a traditional officewith sofas, a coffee table, and a big-screenTV for viewing properties and documents.“I just wanted a new concept—not acorporate office, which never did feel rightfor me,” Bohana said. “I wanted somethingmore comfortable and inviting where wecan sit comfortably and talk about whatyou need.”Bohana, a single mother with a 6-yearolddaughter, Emme, named her companyafter the solstice, because her birthday isMarquez KnollsAssociation AnnualMeeting on June 6The Marquez Knolls Property OwnersAssociation will hold its annual meeting onSaturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. atMarquez Charter Elementary School.There will be a short business meeting withthe election of next year’s board. Sandwiches,desserts and drinks will be served.“How to Create a Drought-Tolerant Yard”is the topic for this year’s program. Rebatesare available to assist in the cost of these doovers.Marquez Knolls resident Laura Mackwill share her experience in transforming herlawn into a vibrant drought-friendly garden.Director of Sustainable Solutions for Tree -People Lisa Cahill will present more specificson the why and how of lawn conversions.LAPD, LAFD and ACS Security will beavailable to answer questions.Donna Bohana, owner of Solstice International Realty.a few days before the summer solstice, andthe winter solstice has always been a fortunatetime of year for her. Her biggest sale, a$10-million home, occurred in December.“For some reason, that time—winter orsummer—seems to be my lucky time ofyear,” said Bohana, who founded the companyin 2007 and has offices in Malibu andPasadena. “I just thought I’m going to namemy company that. It’s a happy time of year.Photo: Bart BartholomewThe word solstice means new beginnings.”Bohana said her own beginning as a realtororiginated with a part-time job inMalibu at the Fred Sands realty company.At the time, she was earning a degree ininternational studies at Pepperdine University,and she was still considering variouscareers.After graduating from Pepperdine in1992, Bohana became an executive assistantto the Malibu Board of Realtors, butshe also decided to earn her realtor’s license.Once she had that in hand, shestarted work at Coldwell Banker, where sheworked for 14 years before branching outon her own. Danielle Thompson joinedher as the broker of record and now runsthe Pasadena office.From the beginning, Bohana decided totake on not only sales, but also propertiesthat weren’t that popular at the time amongMalibu realtors—one-month rentals. Althoughthe short-term rentals had lowcommissions, she found that they oftenturned into sales, even if the sales happenedyears later.“I’ve gotten lucky with the rentals, so Iwork them like I work my sales,” said Bohana,who lives in Malibu close to where itmeets the Palisades.Valerie Joslin, a neighbor, client and alsoBohana’s interior designer, said, “She’llhustle for you. You’ve seen handymen withsigns—no job is too small. Donna will say‘Give it to me.’”And even though Bohana has soldmany high-end properties since her earlydays as a realtor, she still embraces theidea that no job is too small. She also declinesto specialize.“I just never wanted to have a label. SoI just do everything,” Bohana said. “Whatdo you specialize in? Everything.”Castellammare and Miramar EstatesBy MICHAEL EDLENSpecial to the Palisades NewsThe Castellammare subdivision andprestigious Miramar Estates weredeveloped starting in 1925-1926on land that Alfonso Bell had owned. Theoriginal style of architecture was to beMediterranean, with Italian Renaissance asthe initial theme for the street names andstyles, suited to a seaside neighborhoodreminiscent of the Amalfi Coast in Italy.Paseo Miramar and Tramonto are the“backbone” streets of these areas, which arelocated between Santa Ynez Canyon (Pali -sades Drive) and the original Getty Museum,just off Pacific Coast Highway atCoastline Drive.Castellammare means “castle by the sea”and Tramonto means “sunset” or “settingsun.” Some other streets include Porto Marina,“door or entrance to the sea coast,”Monte Grigio, Quadro Vecchio and Revello.Paseo Miramar literally means “walk toa view of the sea.” A few of the streets onthat hill include Resolano, Lucero andVista Pacifica.As in many of the Palisades hillsides areas,both of these neighborhoods have homeownersassociations and deed restrictionsthat include protections of individual views.A substantial part of the price pointmany of these homes sell for is due to thewide variety of types and magnitudes ofviews. Numerous geologically-challengedhillside lots still remain undeveloped andmajor slope failures, many decades ago, haveresulted in road closures in a few locations.Several sections of the Castellammarehill include public stairs that date back tothe 1920s. Many of them are difficult tofind, and some have been abandoned bylack of use or soil movement. The remainingportions enable walking down towardsPacific Coast Highway between homes,and a few get close to accessing the bridgeacross to the beach.There are at least two major hiking trailaccess routes in the area, as well as a publicpark in Los Liones Canyon. The Getty Villaowns a large parcel of land that extendswell beyond the museum grounds.There are about 680 homes in Castellammareand Miramar Estates. Elevenhomes sold in 2014, ranging from $1.1million for a tiny house on a small lot onCastellammare to $9.25 million for a beautifulnew architectural home on a large loton Paseo Miramar. The median averagesale price was $2.26 million which was 8percent higher than 2013’s $2.09 million.As of June 1, there were seven homes onthe market, asking between $2.45 and $10.5million. No homes were in escrow. Threehave sold so far in 2015, from $1.675 millionon Notteargenta to $2.711 million onTramonto.One of the several remaining large buildablesites in the Palisades that is zoned formultiple units is off Tramonto and overlooksPCH and the ocean.A project of 53-luxury townhomes hasbegun construction and may be availableby 2017, with sizes ranging from 2,200 to3,200 square feet.(Michael Edlen has been ranked #52 ofall agents in the country with nearly $2 billionin sales and more than 1,200 transactions.He has tracked Pacific Palisades salessince 1987. Call: (310) 230-7373 or email:michael@michaeledlen.com.)

Page 12 Palisades News June 3, 2015Gibson International…representing the finest homes in the world.www.13620RomanyDrive.com13620 Romany Drive, Pacific Palisades - 5bd/6ba$6,750,000 | Tracey Hennessey 310.622.7425New Price: www.928LasLomasAvenue.com928 Las Lomas, Pacific Palisades - 4bd/4.5ba$3,889,000 | Beverly & Kimberly Gold 310.496.5995www.942Embury.com942 Embury Street, Pacific Palisades - 5bd/5.5ba$3,450,000 | Beverly & Kimberly Gold 310.496.5995Breathtaking Views of the Ocean and Catalina Island!1251 Las Lomas, Pacific Palisades - 4bd/3.5ba$3,250,000 | Matthew O’Keefe 310.429.4552Elegant Traditional on Large Lot1436 Calle del Jonella, Pacific Palisades - 5bd/7ba$3,195,000 | Jacqui Bell 310.266.8520Coming Soon: Open June 6 & 7 from 2-5640 Palisades Drive, Pacific Palisades - 3bd/3ba$1,550,000 | robbie sikora 310.710.5214Just Listed400 S. Barrington Avenue #401, Brentwood - 3bd/4ba$1,425,000 | Elana Fullmer 310.622.7147Rare Three Bedroom in the Heart of Brentwood12000 Goshen Avenue #107, Brentwood - 3bd/3.5ba$989,000 | Pekar/Ellis Real Estate Group 310.496.5955Just Listed: Steps to the Village15340 Albright Street #304, Pacific Palisades - 2bd/2ba$869,000 | Lyon & Orsini 310.496.5998www.621Barrington308.com621 S. Barrington Blvd #308, Brentwood - 2bd/2ba/loft$799,000 | Anne Leeds 310.487.0733Gorgeous Remodel1650 Veteran Avenue #108, Westwood - 2bd/2ba$759,000 | Beverly & Kimberly Gold 310.496.5995Fully Furnished in Prime Location803 N. Alpine Drive, Beverly Hills - 5bd/4ba$50,000/mo - lease | Lynn Lescher 310.622.7487Brentwood | Marina del Rey - Venice | Pacific Palisades | 310.820.0195 | gibsonintl.com®®

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 13Rotary Is All inFor the KidsBy SUE PASCOEEditorThe bidding was fast and furious andthe bluffing top-notch as the secondannual Rotary Texas Hold ‘Em pok -er tournament for charity was held May 9in Janes Hall at the Pacific Palisades PresbyterianChurch.Sixty-five players started with $200 inchips and waited for Lady Luck to givethem two “good” cards in the pocket. TheDealer Dolls then laid out five additionalcards, as players tried for three-of-a-kind,a full house, a straight and a flush. As peoplelost, the seven tables were condenseduntil only the skilled—or maybe lucky—were left at the championship table.Taking first was Merv Dunn ($2,000),who won the tournament final hand witha pair of sevens. Second went to Dave Dealy($1,000), third Carole Raskin ($900), fourthBill Snyder ($700) and fifth Layth Carlson($400). Two organizations, the Palisades-Malibu YMCA and Pacific Palisades RotaryClub Foundation, each received $3,500.Individual players kept their winnings.“From a fellowship and financial standpoint,this is really a good event,” said RotarianPerry Akins. His daughter Natalie,who graduated from Palisades High Schooland now lives and works in Kansas City,played in the tournament.“The kids and the Rotary club are thewinner,” said member Stockton Gaines.Entry fees included drinks and dinner fromVittoro’s Ristorante on Marquez Avenue.Last year’s winner and the person responsiblefor organizing the tournament,Peter Crosby, was out early this year. “Ionly won one hand the entire night, I didn’thave the pocket cards. I watched Mervin one hand where he drew ‘pocket rockets’(a pair of aces).”Crosby admitted he re-bought twice,making his loss for the night $600—but ashe explained, “It all goes to charity and it’sall tax-deductible.” Take that, Las Vegas!Tournament sponsors included MarieTran (Mac & PC computer services), Dr.Damon Raskin, W.I. Simonson MercedesBenz, Brett Bjornson (estate planning services),Cindy and Bill Simon, WestsideRentals, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage(Holly Davis, Anne Russell and FranFlanagan) and an anonymous Rotarian.Last year’s winner Peter Crosby hoped the Dealer Dolls (dealerdolls.com) would bringhim luck. They included (left to right) Summer Evans, Jodi Screpnek and Rya Meyers.Excellence in Real EstatePEPEKAR/ELLISR E A L E S T A T E G R O U PCOLLECTIONSANTIQUES & ACCESSORIESAnnouncing ourAnnual Clock Chance!This Clock would be a UniqueAddition to Any Home.One ticket with every purchase.Drawing on July 11 at 4pmAntique Anniversary Clock, c.1940s310.496.5955 | www.pekarellis.comwww.AntiqueClocksPacificPalisades.com15326 Antioch Street, Pacific Palisades, CA(310) 459-9692

Page 14 Palisades News June 3, 2015Support the Fourth of July Paradewith an ad in the OFFICIAL Parade Program.The Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA) organizes and pays forthe parade, concert and fireworks. Support comes from volunteers, communitydonations and sponsorships. For the first time ever, ALL net advertising revenuefrom the 2015 Parade Program, printed by the Palisades News, will also go backto PAPA. The program will be mailed to more than 13,000 Palisades homes, andthousands more will be distributed on the Fourth of July.Reserve ad space in the Official Parade Program today.(Or make a contribution to PAPA and be recognizedin the Parade Program. Call for details.)Contact:Jeff Ridgway, Parade Program Ads Volunteer(310) 401-7695 • jridgway@palisadesnews.comGrace Hiney(310) 454-7383 • ghiney@palisadesnews.comis the official media sponsor.

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 15Reeves to Discuss His WWII Book, InfamyBy LIBBY MOTIKAStaff WriterThe story of the Japanese Americaninternment during World War II iscynically extraordinary in three differentways: the expedient mobilization ofJapanese Americans within 48 hours of thebombing of Pearl Harbor; the U.S. government’sabrupt abrogation of the civil rightsof American citizens, and finally, the stoicacceptance of the evacuees.In Infamy: The Shocking Story of theJapanese American Internment in WorldWar II, best-selling author and journalistRichard Reeves outlines the story, from thegovernment’s conviction that JapaneseAmericans presented a security threat, tothe hostility towards Japanese Americanswhile incarcerated and finally to the aftermathand reflections on what is the bestand worst of America.Reeves, a former resident of Pacific Pali -sades who now lives in Westwood, will talkabout the book and sign copies at the Pali -sades Branch Library on Thursday, June18 at 6:30 p.m. His talk is sponsored by theFriends of the Library.Most Americans have heard about theinternment camps; some have visited Man -zanar, the most widely known of 10 campswhere more than 120,000 Japanese Americanswere incarcerated during the war.But in Infamy we come to understand thecomplicity of so many “honorable” Americansin sequestering the Japanese Americans.The surprise attack on Pearl Harborfueled a belief that Japanese Americanswere allied with the enemy and assisting ina clandestine invasion. Hysteria swept theWest Coast.“The good people, the ‘Great Americans’were behind it,” Reeves says. “Walter Lippmann,Edward R. Murrow, Dr. Seuss, EarlWarren and Roosevelt. This stuff wasn’tthat unusual in those days. Roosevelt wascomfortable with the casual racial mythsthat had emerged in the U.S. in the 1920s.He speculated that the reason Japanesewere ‘devious and treacherous’ was theshape of their skulls—less developed skulls,‘two thousand years behind Caucasians.’”Lippmann, the most respected columnistin Washington, D.C., wrote an incendiarycolumn in the Washington Post inFebruary 1942 that was carried in 250 othernewspapers warning that the Pacific Coastwas in danger of an attack from within andwithout, despite no signs of sabotage.Lippmann’s column persuaded all membersof Congress from the West Coast towrite to President Roosevelt recommending“immediate evacuation of all persons ofJapanese lineage and all others, aliens andcitizens alike, whose presence shall bedeemed dangerous or inimical to the defenseof the United States from all strategic areas.”Theodor Seuss Geisel’s cartoon in a NewYork newspaper showed multitudes ofRichard Reeves’ book recounts the Japanese American internment in World War II.bucktoothed, squint-eyed Japanese linedup across the entire West Coast to be givenpacks of dynamite at a stand called “HonorableFifth Column.” The caption read:“Waiting for the signal from home.”Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066authorizing evacuations as a matter of“military necessity.”First, assembly centers were establishedto house more than 100,000 Japanese onthe West Coast and Arizona while the WarRelocation Authority built permanentconcentration camps east of the SierraNevada and Cascade mountains.In California’s largest cities, posters instructedwhere and when Japanese aliensand Japanese Americans were expected toarrive and be carried away by buses andtrains to the holding centers.Farmers, fisherman and shop ownerslost their property, often forced to give itaway free.“It was greed, hysteria and racism thatfueled the roundup,” Reeves says. “We werein much more danger from the Germans.But if we had done the same thing to theGermans and Italians, it would have been50 million people rather than 120,000 andobviously you couldn’t run the country. APhoto: Patricia Williamsthird of the country would be in concentrationcamps.”The Japanese were ideal prisoners,Reeves concludes. Their practice of gaman,a teaching of Zen Buddhism that means“enduring the seemingly unbearable withpatience and dignity,” accounted for theirstoic endurance and pliant obedience aswell as their tremendous resourcefulness.At Manzanar, a barren, inhospitable slabof desert at the base of the Sierra Nevada,with freezing winter temperatures andscorching summers, the evacuees made thearea bloom with over 36 different vegetables,rice paddies and even fisheries.In telling the story of this reprehensiblechapter in American history, Reeves reliedon memoirs and oral histories of peoplein the camps, which gives a face to thosewho endured the humiliation.The Uchida family of Berkeley had ninedays to move. They were transported toan assembly center on the central coast,before settling in their permanent relocationcamp on a high and windy plateau insouthwest Utah.An educated family, the Uchidas wereshocked by the barbed wire perimeter, thepowdery dust that blanketed the barrackcity they would call home, and the absenceof any privacy as 8,000 residents packed themile-square camp.Reeves read government papers, lettersand accounts of meetings between Rooseveltand everyone else involved in theevacuation, and finally military records forthe all-Nisei 442nd Regimental CombatTeam, which was the most decorated unitin Army history.We learn of the valiant courage of BenKuroki, who enlisted in the United StatesArmy Air Corps, overcame overt hostilityand racism from the other enlistees, andeventually flew 58 bombing missions overGerman, Italy and Japan.When the war ended, life for the incarceratedJapanese Americans was foreverchanged. Few were able to return to theirprewar lives. Many of the older evacuees,the Issei, had to start over, more than threequartersof them without money or property.Thousands of their children madenew lives in other parts of the country.“Nobody paid any attention to them inIndianapolis and other Midwest cities, becausethere hadn’t been Japanese there before,”Reeves says. “And they felt safe. Nobodytalked about what had happened to themfrom 1942 to 1945. Parents and grandparentswere ashamed to talk about the camps,and the young ones learned not to ask.”Reeves, the author of a number of acclaimedbooks about America, its bestmoments (the Berlin Airlift) and darkest(Richard Nixon), views the shamefultreat ment of the Japanese Americans withcaution. “This is my conclusion,” he says.“We are perfectly capable of doing it again.We always say, never again, but it did happenhere.“I wrote the book because we would dothe same things to Muslims tomorrow. It’sour history. People who came here werealways mistreated, whether it was the Irishor Polish, because they weren’t like us, untilthey were us.”

Palisades NewsPage 16 June 3, 2015Above: AP photography student Melissa Ramos started taking photos as a seventh grader at Columbus Middle School. The Crenshaw resident has studied two years with RickSteil and plans to attend Santa Monica College this fall. Right: This was senior Xena Ahalfeilat’s first photography class. She snapped the photo of her mom and dad on theSanta Monica Pedestrian Bridge. She is going to San Francisco State for business and marketing, but would like to continue taking photography classes.Looking Through a Different EYEPalisades High School student photography was ondisplay last month in the Palisades Branch Librarycommunity room. Teacher Rick Steil chose fromthe works of more than 160 students in his beginning,advanced and AP photography classes. The photos on theSpotlight page are representative of that top-notch work.Since Steil started teaching at PaliHi, seven years ago,the classes have grown by more than 60 students. Theformer professional fashion photographer said, “I’vebeen told its one of the hardest classes to get into at Pali.”This summer Steil will host a week-long photographycamp with morning or afternoon sessions on thePalisades High campus. Enrollment will be limited to10 in each session, and a student must be in seventhgrade or older (adults are welcome) to enroll.Steil will teach digital photography basics, includingcomposition, shutter speed/aperture/ISO, Photoshop andinkjet printing. Call: (310) 428-1160 or rsteil@palihigh.org.Left: Nicole Gozini, a junior, took this photo of her grandmother for beginning photo. She has been invited to join AP photography next year. Right: Jasper Shorr, a senior, plansto attend the University of Colorado at Boulder. He is undecided about his major. This was the first photography class he took.

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 17Top left: Luis Velasquez took beginning photo thisyear as a junior and has been asked to be in Steil’sAP class next year. He would like to be a professionalphotographer when he finishes school.Top right: Matthew Gorlick, a Pacific Palisadesresident, will attend the University of Oregon inbusiness administration this fall. He took beginningphoto as a junior and is currently a student in theAP photography class.Left: Sam Schoemann, a senior AP photographystudent, plans to attend American University andmajor in political science. He started photographyas a Paul Revere seventh grader and has studiedphoto three years at PaliHi.Atria Offers ProgramsFor Palisades SeniorsAtria Senior Living, at 15441 Sunset (acrossfrom Gelson’s) offers its programs free to Palisadesresidents. Seniors do not have to live atthe facility to take advantage of the programs,but please RSVP to (310) 573-9545.On Thursday, June 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. concertpianist Alexander Borghese will perform as partof the celebration of Atria’s one-year anniversary.A dinner will feature gourmet fare and winepairing. Valet parking will be provided.The following Thursday, June 11, at 11:30a.m., there will be lunch on the rooftop patio,followed by karaoke.On June 18, at 3:30 p.m. Frank Sinatra impersonatorJimmy Brewster will sing. Appetizerswill be served.Chancel Choir, StringOrchestra to PerformThe Pacific Palisades Presbyterian ChurchFriends of Music will present a concert, “MyInner Reflections,” at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June14, at the church, 15821 Sunset Blvd. Free admission(freewill offering).The program includes the world premiereof “Beati Qui Ad Cenam Agni Vocati Sunt,”“Trisagon” by Arvo Pärt, “Psalm 86” by GustavHolst and “Magnificat RV610” by Antonio Vivaldi.Guest organist is David Wheatley, concertmasteris Alex Russell and conductor isJaco Wong. Visit: palipres.org.

Page 18 Palisades News June 3, 2015Greenfeld’s Novel Reimagines the PalisadesBy LAUREL BUSBYStaff WriterImagine offshore oil rigs along the Pali -sades coast, packs of coyotes attackingpeople in the local mountains and acrumbling Sunset Boulevard closed betweenPCH and the 405.Imagine a country so affected by greedthat debtors’ prisons have arisen, and anyonewith a bad credit rating is sent there.Families of unimprisoned “subprimes”are on the run and forced to live in hiding.The Internet is over, and the Dallas Cowboysstadium has been overtaken by achurch pushing the idea that environmentalists,progressives and anyone elsewho isn’t promoting a free-market agendais against God’s will.In this re-imagined, near-future PacificPalisades and United States, local authorKarl Taro Greenfeld’s satirical novel TheSubprimes comes to life. He describes thesetting as “capitalism gone amuck” with “noOSHA, no federal tax, no FDA, no governmentregulation, aggressive super-muscularcapitalism, horrible dystopia, and superwealthyelite.”The idea for the book stemmed fromthinking about a contemporary version ofJohn Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath—an“economic and political story . . . of contemporarylife in the Palisades and what’s it like ProudlyServing thePalisades forOver 35Years!Karl Greenfeldto hold onto economic and social positionin this world that’s trying to pull you down,”said Greenfeld, who will read from his newnovel on June 4 at 7:30 p.m. at SkylightBooks, 181 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles.Followus onFacebook!Photo: Courtesy of Sports Illustrated Broker Associate Fine Home Specialist 30+ Years ExperienceGreenfeld, who grew up in the Palisadesand now lives and works in the town, basedone character on some of his life experiences,except like the broader culture of thenovel, this character is in some ways a versionof himself gone amok. Where Greenfeldis a respected journalist who headedTime’s Asia bureau for many years and alsoworked for Sports Illustrated and BloombergBusinessweek, his alter ego in the book,Richie Schwab, has also written for thesepublications, but his research is so shoddythat he relies on lawsuits to retain his jobs.Publications in The Subprimes don’t wantto fire journalists who are co-defendantswith them in a libel lawsuit.Another similarity stems from Greenfeld’steen years at Palisades High School,where he tended to use marijuana at lunchand thus had a hard time succeeding inafternoon classes.“At Sarah Lawrence College, I arrived nottotally literate—I didn’t know what a completesentence was. One summer I had toteach myself how to parse a sentence,” saidGreenfeld, who graduated from PaliHi in1983 and set himself the goal of being awriter. Both of his parents, Josh Greenfeldand Fumiko Kometani, are successful writers.“I was very slow developing . . . Myteenage years—I had to survive them.”At the beginning of The Subprimes, middle-agedRichie Schwab is still in the phaseof getting high that Greenfeld gave up asa young man. There are other parallels betweenthe two that allow Greenfeld to usehis life experience to bring Schwab to life(Continued on Page 19)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. #385995PALISADES SCREEN & GLASSFamily Owned & Operated since 1973GLASS✓ Custom Mirror Installations✓ Glass Table Tops ✓ Sliding Mirror Doors✓ Framed & Frameless Shower Doors✓ New Window Installation✓ We Repair All Types of Broken WindowsSCREENS✓ Window Screens ✓ Security Screen Doors✓ Sliding & Swinging Screen DoorsCall Us For A Free Estimate16628 Marquez Ave., P.P. • www.palisadesscreenandglass.com(310) 459-3596 (Emergency Service) (310) 454-3416KATYKREITLER

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 19Greenfeld(Continued from Page 18)and also create a parallel version of the Pali -sades that is both humorous, bizarre andyet, still connected to current reality bothin the Palisades and in society at large.For example, Greenfeld is raising twodaughters, Esmee and Lola, with his wifeSilka, and has an office in the Palisades.Schwab has a similar office, but is divorcedwhile trying to raise two kids—a daughterand a son. The latter is running into allkinds of trouble in the re-imagined PaulRevere Charter Middle School—called theSubway Fresh Take Paul Revere CharterMiddle School in the novel—where bringinga switchblade comb to school is considereda weapons offense.“For residents of the Palisades, it might befun to look at one possible future of the Palisades,”said Greenfeld, who has written sixother books, including the novel Triburbia.The current community is changing, henoted. “A small house comes down and abig house goes up . . . A lot of these peoplemoving in—their idea of community is notthe same as what the long-term residentsthink of as community.”Greenfeld remembers that one of hishigh school friends had a father who wasan auto mechanic. Residents with blue-collarjobs were common. “That is gone forever.That demographic shift is real. Thatchange is happening.”Discovery Shop Celebrates 50th AnniversaryThe Discovery Shop will celebrate its50th anniversary with a gold ribbonceremony at 11:30 a.m. on Friday,June 12, at the store, located at 920 WilshireBlvd., Santa Monica.Anniversary festivities will include mysterysavings for the customers and a goldenticket drawing that will be held every hourwith the chance to win up to $50 in DiscoveryDollars. Speakers will include PacificPalisades Chamber of Commerce CEOArnie Wishnick and Palisadian SandraEddy, a 15-year volunteer at the shop.Customers returning on Saturday, June13, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and onSunday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.,will save 50 percent off all purchases.More than 40 volunteers help run theThe World Goes ‘Round OpensThe World Goes ‘Round, a revue of songs from musical-theater collaboratorsJohn Kander and Fred Ebb, will open on Friday, June 12 at 8 p.m. at thePierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd.Vocalists Renee Travelli, Iphy Presley, Ann Grennan, Jared Tkocz and StevenBrogan sing songs from Cabaret to Chicago in this interwoven night of passionate,up-tempo musical theater, presented by Theatre Palisades.Kander and Ebb received critical acclaim and a Tony award for best musical forCabaret. Another of their musicals, Chicago, became the longest-running revivalin Broadway history and the film subsequently won six Oscars, including theaward for Best Picture. Other Broadway hits included Woman of the Year (1981),Kiss of the Spider Woman (1992) and (posthumously for Ebb) Curtains (2006).Their song “New York, New York” become a signature hit for Frank Sinatra andthe pair’s songs were associated with actresses Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera.Director/choreographer Victoria Miller, musical director Joshua Eli Kranz andproducers Pat Perkins and Shirley Churgin promise that this will be a highlyentertaining evening.The show runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. throughJuly 19. Tickets are $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and students.Call (310) 454-1970 or visit: theatrepalisades.org.Santa Monica shop, including Pacific Pali -sades residents Sylvia Boyd, Elaine McEwan,Maureen Gardner, Pat Waldhanz, SusanBlake and Marie-Anne Balthard Helgeson.“Over the years, Palisadians have beengenerous donors and loyal shoppers at theSanta Monica store,” Eddy said.Since 1965, funds raised by the DiscoveryShop of the American Cancer Society, Inc.,have helped save lives by preventing cancer,or detecting it early (when it’s most treatable);helping people get well with comprehensiveinformation and support; findingcures through groundbreaking discovery;and public policy.Through donations, volunteers and shop -pers, the Discovery Shop has raised morethan $308 million over the past 50 years.The American Cancer Society is the larg -est voluntary health organization in thecountry. Its efforts have contributed to a20-percent decline in cancer death rates inthe U.S. since 1991, and a 50-percent dropin smoking rates.The Cancer Society is finding cures asthe nation’s largest private, not-for-profitinvestor in cancer research and continuesto fight for access to quality health care,lifesaving screenings and clean air. Visitcancer.org.Call: (310) 458-4490 or e-mail DiscoveryShop manager Tonya Wagner:tonya.wagner@cancer.org.Vivian’s BoutiqueWhere Every Day is a Sale!Mon-Fri, 11am - 6pm • Sat 11am - 5pmSkater Skirts $15Quality Leggings $16 (solids + prints)Cotton Tanks $8 (all colors)Amazing Dresses under $50Yoga Pants (cotton) $20Tie-Dyed Skirts under $40New Arrivals Daily!875 Via de la Paz 310.573.1326facebook.com/viviansboutiqueNEW LISTING631 PalmeraAvenue3Bedroom • 2BathOffered at$1,749,000BRETT 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 20 Palisades News June 3, 2015Murder Saga in the PalisadesBy SUE PASCOEEditorIt was a cool, cloudy May night in the town nestledbetween the Santa Monica Mountains and the PacificOcean. Suddenly, the topic turned to murder.At the Pacific Palisades Historical Society’s recentannual meeting, almost 100 people filed into PiersonPlayhouse to hear the debauchery surrounding ThelmaTodd’s 1935 murder and the notorious serial killingsby former Palisadian Louise Peete.Utilizing historical photos, movie clips and radiobroadcasts, emcees Randy Young and Roger McGrathpresented an informative and entertaining evening.Palisadian Thelma Todd was one of the biggestHollywood stars of the late 1920s and early ‘30s, yet herdeath remains a mystery 80 years later.The 30-year-old actress, nicknamed “Hot Toddy,” wasknown for her comedy roles and had appeared in about 120films, including the Marx Brothers films Monkey Businessand Horse Feathers. She co-starred with Buster Keaton andJimmy Durante in Speak Easily, and was working on a Laureland Hardy film, The Bohemian Girl, at the time of her death.Todd, famous director Roland West and his wife, JewelCarmen, lived in Castellammare, above the building theyoperated: Thelma Todd’s Sidewalk Café on the lowerlevel, and a private club, the Joyas Café, on the secondfloor at Porto Marino Way and Pacific Coast Highway.The 1927 building, which until recently was ownedby Paulist Productions, is largely unchanged; RaymondChandler, who also lived in the Palisades, later describedthe café in his book, Farewell My Lovely.“Thelma loved fast cars and fast men,” Young said,noting that the characters surrounding Todd’s deathwere “straight out of central casting.”She had been married to Pat DiCicco for a short time,but had divorced him. It was unspoken but acknowledgedthat he beat her. (Later, DiCicco married 17-year-oldGloria Vanderbilt, who also accused him of abuse.)After her marriage ended, Todd had an affair with RolandWest, who was still married to actress Jewel Carmen.On the night of her death, Todd, dressed in a mauveAMAZING MUSIC STORE.COMALL AGES, ALL STYLES!Group & Private Lessons • Instrument Rentals & Sales Thelma Todd was one of the top stars in Hollywood whenshe was allegedly murdered in Pacific Palisades in 1935.Photo: Photo: Courtesy of Pacific Palisades Historical Societyand silver evening gown, mink coat and wearing a smallfortune in jewelry, attended a party hosted by Stan andIda Lupino at the Trocadero. West, who did not attendthe party, told Todd she had to be home by 2 a.m.At the party, Todd fought with her ex DiCicco, butlater a chauffeur drove her to her apartment, arrivingaround 3:45 a.m. He left her by the door.The next morning, December 16, 1935, Todd wasfound dead by her maid in the car inside the garageowned by Jewel Carmen and West, which was a blockfrom the restaurant. According to Young, Todd wasinitially found on the passenger side slumped over tothe driver side, but by the time the police arrived, shehad been moved into the driver’s seat.Jack Sauer, who operated a gas station in PacificPalisades, and who worked on Todd’s cars, was calledby West to come to the hillside garage. Young, a localhistorian, recalls Sauer later telling him, “How did sheget a gash on her face?”Another Palisadian at the scene, Ysidro Reyes, thought itwas odd that the police called the funeral home before thecoroner. Reyes also saw Todd and said, “She was hit hard.”One report said Todd had suffered a broken nose,broken ribs and bruises, which would seem to rule outsuicide. At an inquest held two days later, the surgeontestified that there were no marks of violence, butrecommended a further investigation.Subsequently, a grand jury closed the case, determiningthat it was carbon monoxide poisoning thathad killed her.At one point Lucky Luciano, a mutual friend of Benjamin(Bugsy) Siegel, was named as a suspect in themurder because he had supposedly asked Todd to turnthe upstairs into a gambling joint, and she had refused.Young said that all of the testimony before the grandjury was straightforward, except that of West. “He didn’tanswer the questions he was asked,” Young said.According to Young, Todd had a key to her apartment,but speculated that West locked the inside dead bolt,which meant Todd couldn’t get in. An examination ofher shoes and the doors seemed to suggest that she hadkicked the door, trying to get in.“He could have easily knocked her out and put herin the car,” Young said, noting that maybe the car wasstarted up to keep her warm, but had unintended consequenceswhen she died of carbon monoxide.One thing is certain all these years later: no one hasever been found responsible for Todd’s death.Peete, a Palisades resident, was executed in April1947, making her one of only four women to die in theCalifornia gas chamber. Peete’s life was also examined inepisode six, season five (2011-2012) of Deadly Women,“To Love and to Murder.” Over her lifetime, she was ontrial for the death of two men and a woman. Four“suicides” were linked to her, as well as robbery.MICHÉLEBlow Dry Bar + Beauty SupplyBlow Drys $40+1030 Swarthmore Avenue • (310) 454-8022Actual Client

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 21Band(Continued from Page 1)on drums plus a horn player, an electricguitar player and an electric bass player. Theband will play a combination of tunes fromtheir separate musical endeavors and speciallyselected covers.They don’t want to give away the surpriseof the covers they might do, but Freundsaid, “There’s been talk of The Beatles’‘Revolution’ going down. It’s got a niceFourth of July ring to it.”Freund, who has recorded 10 solo CDs,including his most recent recording, TwoMoons, met Topol in 2000 soon after movingto Los Angeles. At that time, Freund,who has been profiled by NPR and playedwith Mandy Moore, Jackson Browne andJosh Kelley among many others, soughtTopol out, because he so admired hisdrumming.“Luckily he was nice,” said Freund, whomost recently played the Claremont FolkFestival. “You never know. We shared a burrito,exchanged CDs, and I think we wereplaying a concert within a week.”Topol, the drummer for Jack Johnsonsince 1999 and the leader of Culver CityDub Collective, also has played drums onJUMBLE SOLUTIONSinger NeededFor Race StartAre you a professional singer orwant to be a professional singer? If so,the Will Rog ers 5/10K race organizersare looking for someone to sing theNational Anthem before the annualrun starts on July 4 at 8 a.m.Please send your name and informationto Bob Benton at bentons@earthlink.net. Additionally, if youknow someone you think is tremendoussinger, please email a name andrelevant information. For the firsttime in the race’s 38-year history, auditionswill be held.tour or in recordings with Joey Santiago ofThe Pixies, Dave Gilmore of Pink Floyd,Mason Jennings and Zee Avi, including gigsat the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre.Like Freund, he was a Berklee College ofMusic student for part of his education,but he also studied in Cuba at the ENA—Escuela Nacional de Arte.In Cuba, “I was so inspired by peoplewho played so beautifully,” said Topol, whocredited the experience with reinvigoratinghis desire to play music. “It was just a thingthey did. There weren’t the commercialtrappings of here . . . You could learn somethingfrom everybody, because the streetswere so interesting and alive.”Musicians Sought forJuly 4 Opening BandThe opening band on the main stage atthe Fourth of July concert/fireworks showwill be “Palisades-centric.”Concert organizer Keith Turner said thatinstead of having just one local band play,the idea is to be inclusive and use Palisadeskids and adults in an all-star-type group.“The band will play four to five songs,”Turner said. “Because there are some gooddrummers and bass players in town, individualdrummers and bass players mayonly play one song or two.”APT FOR RENT1BD/1BA – $2595/MOUnique Upper Aerie w/ small Patio,Amazing Ocean, Mntns, & Sunset Views,& Privacy! Quiet 50s Building with solarheatedSwimming Pool, on-site Laundry,on-site Manager, Parking space, lovelyCommon Area, and close walking distanceto Gelson’s Market. Safe, Convenient,great Ambiance. Pet Friendly.THIRD MONTH FREE OFFER!Call Jeff for details : (310) 573-0150Amazing Music’s Patrick Hildebrand,who plays tenor and baritone uke in theOoks of Hazard and is also a teacher at thestore, has agreed to organize the local talent.Again, this year again, the B stage in theupper parking lot will feature music from3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Turner said the stage isideal for solo and acoustic acts, but that aregular-sized band might also work.If you are interested in playing in theAll Stars or playing on the B stage, pleasecontact Turner at kjt@turnerlawapc.com.Topol has also found Freund inspiring.“First time I heard this guy, it blew me away. . . It was amazing. I had never heard anythinglike it.” He immediately thought of hispal when approached by Keith Turner aboutthe Fourth of July concert in the PalisadesHigh Stadium, prior to the fireworks show.“They wanted an American kind ofmusic,” said Topol, who recorded a soloinstrumental CD, Blue Painted Walls In FarAway Places, last year. “Tom knows a lotabout guys like Woody Guthrie—a lineageTom was connected with. I wanted to seeif he was available.”The two have been friends since their firstmeeting. They are also both pals of threetimeGrammy winner Ben Harper, whorecorded his first CD in 1992 with Freund.Freund also has another friend, AlastarMcKevitt, who first introduced him to PacificPalisades. McKevitt, who grew up in thePalisades, used to spend summers on FireIsland, New York, where he met Freund.Freund also visited McKevitt to spendtime in the Palisades as a kid, and since thenhe has repeatedly hung out in the area.“I’ve been to the Fourth of July parademany times with friends who stake out thelawn and hang out in trees.” His daughterDelilah, 12, has performed in the paradewith the Adderley School.“I’m honored to be playing for the Pali -sades, which is such a special part of theSouthern California experience,” Freundsaid. “It is the California Dreamin’ spot ofSouthern California, and I hope we can givea California Dreamin’ kind of performance.”Tickets to the concert and fireworks areonly $10 for adults and can be reserved byvisiting palisadesparade.com.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

Page 22 Palisades News June 3, 2015Local Author, Pro Soccer Player Team UpPro soccer player Nat Borchers believes Gerry Renert’s book willhelp kids make the right eating choices.Photo: Ethan EricksonRustic Night EventIs This SaturdayRustic Night 2015 will be held starting at6 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Rustic CanyonPark, 601 Latimer ad. Evening attire requiredand the event is for adults only.Dorothy “Dodo” Cheney will be honored.All proceeds will go to the L.A. ParksFoundation and in turn be used to launcha historical renovation of the clubhouse inRustic Canyon. Donations are tax deductibleas allowed by law. If one would like to makea donation and is unable to attend the eventvisit: rusticnight.org and follow the link tothe donation page marking Rustic Canyonas the designated park. Call: (310) 454-5734.ATRIUMHAIR SALON“We Treat You Better!”Free Toy w/ Kid’s CutsGet Your GradHaircuts Today!_______________________________Tuesday-Saturday 9-5 Senior Discount860 Via de la Paz 424.272.9267palisadesnews.comPacific Palisades children’s author Gerry Renerthas teamed with Portland Timbers soccerplayer Nat Borch ers to drive home the messageof physical activity combined with healthy eating.Brave Rooney and the Super-Sized Superheroes, asecond book in the Rooney series, received a “Mom’sChoice” Gold and CEBA award. The author is athree-time Emmy-nominated kids’ TV writer.The book centers on Rooney, the only regularkid in an elementary school of superheroes. Whenhe wants to play soccer with them, he is shunned bythem. But after the superheroes have an eating contestand are bursting out of their costumes, it is Rooneywho helps win the championship soccer game.The book app includes a lot of physical comedythat kids enjoy.“I’m excited Nat has taken a liking to the book appand my underdog character, Rooney,” Renert said.This year, Borchers became part of “Let’sMove—Active Schools,” associated with First LadyMichele Obama’s national “Let’s Move” initiative.The organization’s mission is to work with schoolsto ensure that sixty minutes of physical activity a daybecomes the new norm. Borchers will visit schoolsin his area and introduce the children’s iOS book app,“Brave Rooney and the Super-Sized Superheroes,”which encourages kids to eat a healthier diet.Eating the right diet has always been essential toBorchers during his 13-year career in pro soccer.Now, as the father of a 10-month-old boy, gettingthe health and fitness message out to kids seemseven more important.He began his soccer career at East High Schoolin Pueblo, Colorado. After a successful collegecareer (and a master’s degree in accounting) at theUniversity of Denver, Borchers was signed by theColorado Rap ids, where he anchored the Rapids’defense. Now he’s a defender for the PortlandTimbers and lives in Portland with his wife, Crystal,and son, Lincoln.Renert, who created Toddsworld, an animatedtelevision series, and the Nathan series picturebooks, is married to Liz Stahler. They have lived inPacific Palisades since 1988.A portion of sales from the app, which can befound at the iTunes store, will support the “Let’sMove” initative.Visit: gerryrenert.com.ESTATES DIRECTOR & WESTSIDE SPECIALIST SINCE 1988JOANíS 4TH OF JULY HOMEDECORATING CONTEST IS ON FOR 2015!Prizes! Fame! And Fun Await One Patriotic Palisades Family!Who Is Eligible? Any Home in the Palisades!How to Enter: Go to www.PalisadesParade.org for contest details.Once Decorations are Up, Just Send a Photo of the Front of Your Home.Deadline is July 1, 2015.FOR DYNAMIC REPRESENTATION, CALL JOAN!www.joansather.com • joan@joansather.com310.740.0302CalBRE #00575771Michael C. Solum, PrincipalInsurance and Financial Services Agent881 Alma Real Dr., Suite T-10Pacific Palisades, CA 90272(310) 454-0805msolum@farmersagent.comPaliInsurance.comLicense #OG51003NEXT ISSUE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17Send 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!

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 23Big Band Dance Fundraiser WillBenefit Parade, PaliHi on June 27The Palisades Americanism ParadeAssociation is hosting a Big Bandconcert and swing dance at 7 p.m. onSaturday, June 27 in Mercer Hall at Pali sadesHigh School. The cost is $10 and proceedswill go towards the Fourth of July paradecosts and to the music program at PaliHi.Gary Greene, Esq. and His Big Band ofBarristers will play all of the big band favorites,including “In the Mood,” “MoonlightSerenade,” “Stompin’ at the Savoy,”“Blue Moon,” and “New York, New York.”The band, consisting of L.A. lawyers,some of whom played with Tommy Dorsey,Count Basie and Glenn Miller, rehearses atArthur Gilbert’s Palisades home.Gilbert, presiding justice on the CaliforniaCourts of Appeal, is also a jazz pianistwho wrote the libretto for themusical Separations.Trumpeter Gary Urwin is a practicing attorneywho specializes in commercial litigation.He has won a Frank Sinatra MusicalPerformance Award for arranging andalso conducts the 18-piece Gary UrwinJazz Orchestra.Robert Hirschman, principal of RobertHirschman & Associates (real estate andbusiness litigation), plays upright bass. Hehas also played trombone with Ray Conniff,Roger Daltrey of The Who and DickEsmond’s Sound of 17 Big Band.On drums is Jerry Levine, a partner inthe L.A. office of Holland & Knight, a firmthat concentrates on on- and off-reservationresort, casino, real estate and economicdevelopment projects and financing involvingIndian tribal governments.Bill Hochberg, guitar, mixes law andmusic at his entertainment practice inSanta Monica, where he represents MissionImpossible composer Lalo Schifrin and musicians,songwriters and producers involvedwith Guns N’ Roses, Rascal Flatts, CheapTrick and Motley Crue.Bandleader Gary S. Greene has been anattorney for more than 37 years. He was recognizedby the legal community with the2010 Person of the Year Award as “A Manwith a Briefcase and a Baton—the OnlyLawyer From Whom Judges Take Direction.”Greene has conducted for many leadingperformers, including Debby Boone, PatBoone, Richard Chamberlain, Carol Channing,Robert Goulet, Florence Henderson,Carol Lawrence, Stefanie Powers, DebbieGet 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, MBAGary Greene, Esq. and His Big Band of Barristers will play at Palisades High School.Reynolds, Mickey Rooney, Dick Van Dykeand Michael York.On Saturday, June 13, at 8 p.m., the BigBand Barristers will perform their sixth annualWalt Disney Hall concert. The programwill include the band, the choir “LegalVoices” and the L.A. Lawyers Philharmonic,as they perform “Rhapsody in Blue” anda “Salute to Broadway Musicals.”Visit: LALawyersPhil.org.Historical Society Luncheon June 18The Pacific Palisades Historical Societywill hold a luncheon and installation ofofficers at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18,at the Aldersgate Retreat Center, 925 Hav -erford Ave. The public is invited.The program will also feature a talk aboutthe “Indians of the Palisades.” To reservea seat, send a tax-deductible 2015-16 membershipcheck (individual is $20, family is$30, business is $50, patrons are $75 anda life membership is $500) and a separateluncheon reservation check for $15 toPPHS at P.O. Box 1299, Pacific Palisades.The check must be received by June 15.Seating is limited. Email: board@pacific -palisadeshistory.org.Former 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 Gadgets310.230.7377hollydavis@coldwellbanker.comwww.hollydavis.comBRE #00646387HOLLYDAVISPREVIEWS 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 24 Palisades News June 3, 2015PaliHi Music ProgramWins Top AccoladesBy LAUREL BUSBYStaff WriterPhotos by Mark GalassoOver the past eight years, PalisadesCharter High School’s band programhas become something tocelebrate.From a 17-student marching band whenband director Arwen Hernandez took overin February 2008, the program has swelled toan 84-student band in the upcoming schoolyear, and this school year, the marchers finishedfirst in division 3A of the SouthernCalifornia School Band and Orchestra Association.In addition, the school now offers acolor guard, a women’s chorus, a drum line,a wind ensemble and a concert band—allof which have placed well in competitions.Hernandez is the driving force behindthis success, but for her the most essentialaspect of the music department is that itprovides a welcoming place for experiencedplayers as well as kids who have neverplayed an instrument.“I want to give them a place to call homewithin the high school,” said Hernandez,who grew up playing French horn in theYucaipa High School marching band. “Theyspend a lot of time here. They’re very closeto each other. They know each other’s parents.They’re really a family. It’s very importantto foster that sense of family here.”Next year, she will have a staff of 10, includingballet instructor Kimberly Croninfrom Fancy Feet Dance Studio. Cronin’s assistancewas one facet of the band’s triumphin the 3A division finals, where it performedpieces from the ballet Billy the Kid.“She has been a delightful addition to theband,” said Hernandez, who plans to takethe marching band to the national competitionin Dayton, Ohio, for the first timenext year to perform Leonard Bernstein’sMass. “You could really see the differencein the way they moved this year.”Other facets of the program have alsoshowed strongly this year. The color guardArwen Hernandezplaced second in its division. The concertband and wind ensemble both received thehighest ranking—superior—for both performanceand sight reading at May’s regionalfestival of the Southern CaliforniaSchool Band and Orchestra Association. InApril, the drum line finished ninth placeout of 56 entrants at the Southern CaliforniaPercussion Alliance.For the drum-line performance, “We hadlots of wind players learning percussion forthe first time with a very challenging show,”said Hernandez, who marched in her highschool’s drum and bugle corps and laterworked on stage in London’s West End inthe original cast of Blast!—a drum corpsstage show. “They did a great job—a believable,deep job for such a young group.”PaliHi’s percussion director, JeremyMiller, wrote the show based on a DylanThomas poem featuring the beast, madmanand angel, while visual instructor anddesigner Sean McDermott did the piece’svisual design. The kids portrayed the piecenot only with music and movement, butalso on their faces since drum-line performances,featuring a small troupe aboutone-quarter the size of a marching band,Members of the color guard include (left to right) Mikkah Del Prado, Angie Gonzalez,Allison Wyant and Shenoa Butler.Five PaliHi drum-line members (top to bottom): Trebor Meseroll, Ray Pineda, TomomiUruma, John Doland and Sarah Bonder.typically occur indoors and more intimatethan marching band shows.A judge’s commentary said, “They weren’tacting; they were performing.” Hernandezadded, “It wasn’t high school kids are supposedto be smiling now. They really werefeeling what they were trying to portray.”Many of the students are extremelydedicated to the band program, which hastaken more than 100 field trips over theschool year. Forty-two students arrive aboutan hour before first period starts to participatein the wind ensemble. Most of theseplayers also take band in 6th period, and aportion also join drum line during 7th period.The wind ensemble is by audition only,but the other portions of the program areopen to any interested students.“The participants in marching band areextremely enthusiastic,” said Hernandez,adding that the more seasoned playersmentor the new players. “They spend a lotof time with us to hone their abilities.Everyone in band performs in every show.We have no bench.”The band and color guard will performin the Fourth of July parade and at theevening concert.UCLA Memory Training OfferedVacation BibleSchool Will BeHeld June 15-19The Palisades Lutheran Church will holdVacation Bible School from 9 a.m. to noon,from June 15-19 at the church, 15905 SunsetBlvd. Classes are available for preschoolstudents through sixth grade. The sessionis open for all residents; one does not haveto be a member to attend. Please registerat plc.cc or call (310) 459-2358.AUCLA Memory Training Class foradults 50 and older will be offeredfrom 5 to 6:30 p.m., every Wednesdayin June, at the Pacific Palisades Wom -an’s Club.Developed by the faculty at UCLA, theclass provides practical strategies and exercisesto help one understand his/her ownlearning style; develop new methods to retainand recall information; and improveone’s ability to put names with faces and recalllists without writing everything down.Trivia and “brain games” exercise shortmemory,but this class will offer exercises toimprove long-term memory. The class is offeredthrough a grant from the L.A. Departmentof Aging and is sponsored by the JewishFamily Service of L.A. Call: (310) 454-9012.

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 25PaliHi’s Johnson to Assist in National TrialsPalisades High School girls basketballcoach Torino Johnson was selectedas one of four high schoolcoaches from across the nation to assist inthe 2015 USA Basketball Woman’s U16National Team Trials at Colorado SpringsMay 21-25.More than 158 basketball players foughtfor a spot on a team that will play in theFIBA Americas U16 Championship fromJune 24-28 in Puebla, Mexico where theUSA will vie for a fourth-consecutive U16gold medal, along with a berth into the2016 FIBA U17 World Championship.The selection was made by the USA BasketballWomen’s Development NationalTeam Committee. The lead clinician isWashington University head women’s basketballcoach Nancy Fahey. In addition toJohnson, the other three high school coach -es chosen were Kelly Carruthers (JamesBowie High School, Texas), Angie Hembree(Norcross High School, Georgia) andKelly Sopak (Miramonte High School).“The four court coaches will be invaluablein making sure that all of these playersget some individual instruction throughoutthe trials,” USA Basketball Women’sNational Team Director Carol Callanwrote in a May 18 press release.Johnson has been Palihi’s coach for eightyears and has a 154-104 record. In an earlierinterview with the Palisades News, Johnsonsaid, “I never schedule bad teams—thereare no cream puff games.” The Dolphinslost (99-73) in the opening round of theState playoffs to Mater Dei, the numberoneranked team in the nation. Johnsonhas twice been named the Los AngelesCoach of the year.In a statement released by USA Basketball,Johnson a graduate of Manual ArtsHigh School and USC (2005) said, “Becominga USA basketball coach is the realizationof a dream I had after being in spiredby skill, effort, and camaraderie of theDream Team. To see such fierce competitorscome together for our country gaveme a different perspective of the meaningof basketball.“Today, I remain inspired to mentoryoung adults to not only teach them basketballskills, but to also help them understandthe ways in which basketball can helpthem become productive adults,” Johnsonsaid. “I am excited to have the opportunityto learn from my peers, while also coachingyoung athletes to represent America.I am humbled by this duty that has beenbestowed upon me and look forward tocontributing towards the improvement ofthese student athletes.”Palisades High School girls basketball coach Torino Johnson was chosen as one of fourhigh school coaches to assist in the U16 National Team Trials. Photo: Bart BartholomewJUST REDUCED!GRACIOUSHIGHLANDS ESTATE16678 Via la CostaPacific PalisadesSited on an approx one half acre lot withinthe exclusive guard gated Enclave, this5bd/7.5ba Mediterranean estate boasts exceptional180 degree ocn & mtn vus. Thestunning master suite enjoys ocn vus, privbalc, his & hers baths & 2 walk-in closets. 3car garage. Membership in Summit Club.www.EnclaveEstate.comOFFERED AT $6,250,000UNOBSTRUCTEDOCEAN VIEWS!17712 Revello DrivePacific PalisadesCommanding panoramic Palos Verdes toPoint Dume ocean views from this romantic4 bedroom + 3 bath two-story Castellammarebeach home. Enormous windows on eachlevel provide great light & vus. Unique opportunityproviding 2 separate lots with acombined lot size of approx. 7,420 SF.www.17712Revel.o.comOFFERED AT $2,585,000BUILD YOUR DREAMHOME HERE1410 El Bosque CourtPacific PalisadesOver 1/3 of an acre (per assessor) on a quietcul-de-sac in the Palisades Highlands. Plansfor 5 bedroom and 5 ½ bathroom Mediterraneanin 5,631 SF with subterranean level,pool & spa. Membership in the PalisadesHills Recreation Center with pool and tenniscourts.OFFERED AT $1,850,000Dan UrbachPalisadian and Realtorsince 1992.BRE #01147391Call Dan Directly at: 310.230.3757Info@DanUrbach.com • www.ExclusiveRealtor.com881 Alma Real Drive, Suite 100, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272S PECIALIZING I N PACIFIC PALISADES, MALIBU, SANTA M ONICA

Palisades NewsPage 26 June 3, 2015Boys Volleyball Wins a ThrillerBy TYLER KECKEISENSports EditorThe end of the school year at PalisadesHigh School saw teams dominating in severalsports. Winning City championships forthe school were the boys and girls swimteams, boys volleyball, tennis and golf. Placingsecond were girls and boys lacrosse.Although the track team did not take aCity title, there were individual standouts,who qualified for the State meet in Fresno.Making it to the first round of playoffswere the baseball and softball teams.Seeking its first Division 1 City titlesince 2010, PaliHi did not make iteasy for head coach Carlos Gray inthe finals against Carson on May 23After the Dolphins won the first twogames, 25-21 and 25-21, Carson rallied towin the next two, 25-21 and 25-17 andseemed to have the necessary momentumgoing into the decisive fifth game.But Pali responded and never gave upthe lead. Shane Stoklos, who was votedCity Player of the Year, put his team up10-6 with a kill from the left side. A fewplays later, Jason Wittbrodt’s kill set upmatch point, and the junior followed withanother kill to close out the match, 15-12.“I’m excited and proud how hard thisteam fought as they have so much heart,”Gray said afterwards. “This was our goal.There were times I didn’t think we weregoing to get there after we lost gamesthree and four. But we fought back andresponded in the last game.”He added, “We had to make sure we gotGolfers Win City TitlePaliHi captured its third consecutive Citytitle and 14th overall at the Wilson GolfCourse in Griffith Park last week. The fivetop Dolphins shot a combined 397 to tieEl Camino Real, and then prevailed on thesixth-golfer tiebreaker: Ethan Rautbort’s86. This was the first such tiebreaker inCity finals history.Jason Simon led Pali with a 78. Ray Yangan early lead [in game five]. Once we didthat, everyone took a deep breath and everyonerelaxed and played side-out volleyball.”The Dolphins appeared headed for athree-game sweep after controlling eachof the first two games. But, as GrayPALIHI SPORTS ROUNDUPand Will Holbrow each shot 79, Max Hagarshot an 80 and Grant Ebner had an 81.The Dolphins advanced to the SouthernCalifornia Regionals at BrooksideGolf Club in Pasadena on May 28 and finishedeighth (out of 10 schools) with ascore of 427. Yang led the way with a 77.Torrey Pines won the team championshipwith a 362.Another City Title for Boys TennisPalisades captured its seventh straight City championship in May, crushingGranada High, 26 to 3-1/2, for its 33rd title overall.The Dolphins swept the individual finals a week later. Junior Ben Goldbergdefeated his teammate, Jake Sands, 7-6 (5) 6-4 for the singles championship.Pali’s duo of Barron Chavez and Diego Huttepain defeated Brian Bonilla andDaniel Lin of Granada Hills, 6-3, 6-1 in the doubles final.Seeded No. 4, the Dolphins moved on to the CIF Southern Regional playoffs,but were upset by No. 13 Arcadia, 4-3, at home on May 26.Jake Sands, Lucas Bellamy and RJ Sands won their individual matches, butGoldberg lost, 6-2, 6-2, to Arcadia’s top player, and Arcadia swept the threedoubles matches against Chavez-Huttepain, Bailey Joseph-Jack Harrington andArvin Hedayaty-Alex Strohmeier, all in two sets.The PaliHi boys varsity volleyball team celebrates winning the City title at Carson.pointed out, “Carson’s defense is alwaysgood. They started to execute and showeda lot of heart.”Pali advanced to the first round of theState playoffs last Tuesday, but lost 25-12,25-22, 25-13 to host Huntington Beach.Swimmers Reach State MeetPalisades High swim teams are accustomedto winning city meets bya large margin. In the City finalstwo weeks ago, the boys won their thirdconsecutive championship by 343 points,while the girls captured their sixth title ina row by 314 points.Yet as expected, that dominance didn’ttranslate at the inaugural CIF State championshipsin Fresno on May 22-23. ThePali boys finished 76th overall with onlyfour points, and the girls were shut out.“The State meet was an eye-openingexperience for all of us,” said Nance, whonoted “there were 11 All-Americans in the100 butterfly alone. That part was crazy.[But] we were gratified to be there andnow have our sights set on somethinghigher. We aim to get more kids to thatmeet and more kids to finals.“The ability to continue on this yearafter City was incredible,” Coach MaggieNance said, and she was happy with theway her 19 swimmers competed, and howPhoto: Tyler Keckeisenmuch they had achieved this season.Sophomore Kian Brouwer, who wonthe City title in the boys 200 freestyle, wasthe only PaliHi swimmer to score pointsin Fresno. He finished 13th in the sameevent, swimming 1:40.44, compared tothe winning time of 1:31.08. Brouwer alsofinished 18th in the 100 butterfly andcompeted in the 200 medley relay (22nd)and 400 freestyle relay (24th).Freshman Roy Yoo showed real promiseby finishing 23rd in the 50 freestyle,26th in the 100 freestyle and 29th in the200 individual medley, while also competingin the 200 freestyle relay (31st) and the400 freestyle relay (24th).On the girls side, Leah Timmermanfinished 22nd in the 200 individual medley,26th in the 100 breaststroke, andswam on the 200 medley relay (34th) and400 freestyle relay (27th) teams. MardellRamirez was 26th in the 100 freestyle and29th in the 100 backstroke, while alsocompeting in the 200 medley relay (34th).

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 27Track-and-Field:City FinalsSenior distance runner Marissa Wil -liams was the individual star of theday at the City Section finals on May28 at Cerritos College. The Palisades Highgirls team finished third (48) and the PaliHiboys placed 12th, with Carson capturingboth titles.Williams, who’s headed for Cal Berkeley,broke her own City records in both the 1600(4:47.88) and 3200 (10:28.30)—the fourthstraight year she has won both events. Thisprompted veteran L.A. Times prep sportswriter Eric Sondheimer to call her “the greatestgirls distance runner in City Section history.”In addition to Williams running in theState championships at Buchanan HighSchool in Fresno on June 5-6, senior MarcellusCole qualified after placing secondin the shot put with a toss of 45 feet.PaliHi will also send the girls 4 x 400relay team of Kendal Lake, Erica Agege, JessicaAgege and Nicole Figueroa, who won ina time of 4:00.12, and the boys 4 x 400 teamof Ranard Beckman, Doug McGee, KaelynnLamothe and Mahkai Husband. Theboys finished third in 3:24.55, but broke theschool record (3:29.38) set in 2012.In addition to her relay leg, freshmanJessica Agege finished second in the 400(59.31) and fourth in the 200 (25.90). Lakefinished sixth (26.10)1 and Erika Agegewas seventh (26.39).PPO 14191ACO 6002C10 899092ALARMSInteractive 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.Senior distance runner Marissa Williams.Photo: Craig WestonSophomore Nicole Figueroa finishedfourth in the 800 (2:23.89) and seniorsElizabeth Goodman and Hannah DeSilvafinished seventh (2:27.10) and ninth(2:30.03) respectively.Senior Natalie Marsh, sophomore ShannonLee and junior Emma Ulfvengrenplaced sixth, ninth and 15th in the 3200.Junior Whitney Yost tied for ninth in thehigh jump with a jump of 4 foot, 8 inches.In the boys 3200, senior Shane Brouwerfinished sixth (9:41.65) and freshman teammateBen Hamer finished 11th (9:56.47).PALISADES PATROL15332 Antioch Street, #117 • Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 • Fax: (310) 459-7773310.454.7741Gates Security Systems – Malibu Patrol – Conejo Valley Patrol – Brentwood PatrolWWW.GATESSECURITY.COMSteve Kerr TakesWarriors to FinalsHead coach Steve Kerr and his GoldenState Warriors will host the Cleveland Cavalierstomorrow night, June 4, as the NBAFinals get underway.Forty years ago, when the Warriors wontheir last NBA title, Steve Kerr was a 9-yearoldstar in basketball and baseball at thePalisades Recreation Center. He playedboth sports at Palisades High, then focusedon basketball at the University of Arizonaand had a 15-year career as a shootingguard in the NBA, winning five championshiprings.Last spring, Kerr rejected a coachingoffer from the New York Knicks and optedfor Golden State; the Knicks ended the seasonwith the league’s second-worst record,while the Warriors had the best. This givesthem home-court advantage (they are 46-3at home this year) against LeBron JamesledCleveland.Baseball: Out in First RoundThe Dolphins lost to second-seededChatsworth, 7-2, in the opening round of theCity Division I baseball playoffs on May 20.Pali jumped to a 2-0 lead in the top halfof the second inning. Jed Moscot led offwith a walk, Cameron Schiffer followedwith a single, and Brendan Ward reachedfirst on a bunt to load the bases. Joe FasanoBell 14th at IndyPacific Palisades resident Town -send Bell finished 14th at the Indianapolis500 on Sunday, May24. Juan Pablo Montoya, won the race.Bell started 23 in the 33-car fielddriving a car sponsored by the Dreyer& Reinbold-Kingdom racing team.This was Bell’s ninth Indy 500, and hisbest finish was fourth in 2009.Last year he was running second withonly 25 laps remaining in the 200-laprace. He ended up 25th after his car’sleft-rear suspension broke with only10 laps remaining.Bell, who is also Pacific Palisades’honorary sheriff, races in the TudorUnited SportsCar Championship Seriesand is an IndyCar analyst on televisionfor NBC Sports Network. Nextmonth, Bell plans to drive in the 24Hours of Le Mans endurance race.—SUE PASCOEhit into a double play, scoring Moscot fromthird, and Remi Meteigner singled up themiddle to score Schiffer.However, Chatsworth quickly respondedwith five runs in the bottom half of the inning,and Pali never recovered. HarrisonHart, Charlie Carr and Roben Sieling eachpitched in the loss.★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★PARTY PIZZAZZ ★★★★★★ The Best ★★★★4th of July Parties★★ Begin Here ★★★★ and Now! ★★★★ ★★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Page 28 Palisades News June 3, 2015Will Rogers 5K Course RevisedThe 38th Annual Palisades-Will Rog ers5/10K Race will start at 8:15 a.m. onJuly 4 at the Palisades Recreation Center,with two changes in the 5K race course.To make it a true 5K, 427 feet have beenadded and the route altered to eliminate thecongestion that occurs at the Sunset Boulevardand Drummond Street intersectionwith 10K runners.The start and finish lines, and milesplits for miles 1, 2, and 3, will be in thesame locations as prior years.Veterans of the race will notice that theseparation of 5K and 10K runners nowoccurs on northbound Toyopa (5K keepingleft, 10K right), just prior to makingthe right turn onto Drummond.Once at Sunset, 5K runners will turnleft, while 10K runners turn right and continuetheir normal route to Will RogersState Historic Park and back.At Carey Street, 5K runners will turnleft and proceed to Toyopa, where they willagain turn left and run to a U-turn pointon Toyopa, just before reaching DrummondSt., and returning on the oppositeside of Toyopa to the finish line.Red traffic cones will be placed to maintainthe separation of the 5K and 10K races.“If you’ve been looking to set a personalrecord at a true 5K distance,” said race coorganizerLynn Borland, “sign up now asthis could be your year.”Registration for the Will Rogers 5/10K andKids Fun Run is now open. There are twoways to register: online (palisades10k.org)or via an app (Palisades 10K).Early entry fees are $50 for the 5/10Krace and $25 for the Kids Fun Run. Theonline and app registration deadline ismidnight, Monday, June 29.Visit: palisades10k.com.The OomPaPa BandSeeks New MembersPlayers of all instruments and all ages(also flag bearers) are needed to join thelocal OomPaPa Band as it prepares for theupcoming Fourth of July parade.Practices are every Saturday beginningJune 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of PampasRicas and Ocampo Drive. Join cochairsPhyllis Schlessinger and MargotMorrison in growing this communitybasedband. Contact: Morrison (310) 459-3516 or email margmet@earthlink.net.PaliHi AlumniPicnic SlatedFor June 13Another Palisades High School megaalumnipicnic will be held starting atnoon on Saturday, June 13. Highlights includea classic car show, an alumni artshow and screenings of Temescal CanyonBefore Pali Hi and Don Burgess’ documentarySkateboarding’s First Wave.Pacific Palisades Art Association presidentAnnette Dugdale-Alexakis is chairingthe art show. Set-up time is 11 a.m.Those interested in participating shouldcontact her at annette90272@gmail.comor call (310) 459-8370.Hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and beverageswill be available for those who do notwant to pack a picnic basket. Bring abeach chair and listen to music from thepast six decades. Alumni are urged to contactclassmates about the event. EmailGWAT975@aol.com.Park Badminton Seeks New PlayersPeople who like to play badminton can join a group that plays in the largegym at the Palisades Recreation Center on Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. tonoon. Rackets are provided. The cost is $10 a month, payable to the Rec Center.This is a non-competitive group that likes to play and also get some exercise.

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 29VIEWPOINTA Long Relationship Loses Its MagicBy BOB VICKREYSpecial to the Palisades NewsIt’s official. As of last week, In-N-OutBurger and I have called it quits. Aftermore than 35 years, we have decided togo our separate ways.The split did not happen overnight. Wehave been seeing less and less of one anotherin recent years and have connected only acouple of times in recent months. I cannotfully explain how we ultimately lost themagic in our long meaningful relationship.But how do you go about breaking upwith a veritable Southern California institution?Adults spend endless hours talkingabout their last meal at In-N-Out. It’s sucha popular place that kids want its burgersto be served at their birthday parties. I canalready tell that this is going to be a difficultseparation. How do I explain to my friendsthat we’re through?I’ll never forget the first time I laid eyeson the beauty that was—and is—an In-N-Out “Double-Double”—double meat,double cheese, accompanied by a fresh sliceof garden tomato and crispy lettuce—allneatly wrapped in carefully folded waxpaper, alongside those crispy, dry and saltyFrench fries. How could I not have fallen inlove? Throw in a perfectly blended strawberryshake and suddenly you found yourselfa virtual slave to its magnetic appeal.In those first years together, I was constantlyhunting for new locations as I traveledthe Southland. The Woodland Hillsstore was one of my favorites with thecanopy-covered tables in the parking lot.The Westwood location had long lines, butI didn’t care. The tantalizing thought ofthat mysterious secret sauce used on theirburgers lured me toward the nearest freewayoff-ramp without the help of a GPS.We had enjoyed plenty of good times,but I’ll always remember one particularevening at the Sepulveda Boulevard restaurantnear LAX, as we watched the planesland at dusk against the backdrop of aspectacular crimson sunset just beyondrunway L5-11. The taste of life—and thatburger—had never been sweeter.However, our time spent together in recentyears has lost much of its thrill and excitement.On my last trip there, the soggytomato and the limp slice of lettuce on myDouble-Double just stared up at me fromthe tray and appeared cold and lifeless.The thrill was gone, and I saw no other alternativebut to surrender my In-N-Outgift card—despite still owning an unusedcredit balance of $9.76.Our decline may have initially begun ona warm sunny day last year in Westwoodwhen I was mistakenly served another customer’sorder. To my utter horror, the burgerI was handed was wrapped in a slice of lettuceinstead of a freshly baked wheat bun.That cruel act perpetrated against the sacredinstitution of the classic hamburger struckme as downright un-American and wrong.Thankfully, months later, the nightmarescaused by that experience have prettymuch subsided, but things were never thesame between us again.I’m quite sure that friends will try to fixme up with someone new—Tommy’sHamburgers, the Apple Pan, Five GuysBurgers & Fries, or maybe some new noveltyon the block like Umami Burger. ButI’m simply going to need some time to healand reflect on the good times we had together.As Jivin’ Jean once sang, “Breakingup is hard to do.”As I reflect on our memorable nightwatching the planes land at LAX, I’ll fondlyremember the last scene from the movieThe author’s ex.Casablanca, as Rick and Ilsa stood on thatfoggy airport runway saying their goodbyes.I can just imagine borrowing a portionof Rick’s dramatic lines: “If that planeleaves the ground and you’re not on it,you’ll always regret it—maybe not todayand maybe not tomorrow—but soon, andfor the rest of your life. But just remember,we’ll always have Sepulveda Boulevard.”(Editor’s note: Pacific Palisades residentBob Vickrey’s columns appear in severalSouthwestern newspapers, including theHouston Chronicle. He is a member of theBoard of Contributors for the Waco Tribune-Heraldand is a regular contributor tothe Boryana Books web site.)Library OffersSummer ActivitiesReading FunThe Palisades Library’s SummerReading Fun program starts June 8 andruns through August 1. The programis for school-age children (incomingkindergarten through fifth graders andthe youngers (newborn through preschool).Both self-readers and read-tomeare welcome. Teen summer readingkickoff is 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9,and those in grades 6 through 12 areinvited to make vegetarian sushi rollswith Acooba Scott. Sign up at the informationdesk at the library, 861 AlmaReal. Call: (310) 459-2754.Opera-Kadabra Kick-OffTo launch the reading program,singing magician Patrick Bell willenter tain at the library at 4 p.m. onJune 8. The event is for children ages3 and older.Pajama StorytimeMonday June 15 and 29 at 7 p.m. ispajama storytime. Parents and teddybears are welcome.Story-Craft TimeHear a story and then design a craftat 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 18 and 25.(Suggested for ages 3 and older.)

Page 30 Palisades News June 3, 2015DINING WITH GRACEENZO & ANGELA11701 Wilshire Blvd. (at Barrington), West L.A. • (310) 477-3880It is always a treat when youreturn to a restaurant a year laterand find the food just as compellingas it was on your last visit.Enzo and Angela Battarra havebeen treating Westsiders to excellentItalian cuisine for several years.Although the upstairs restaurantalways had a pleasing Italian vibe,the walls are now totally coveredwith lively photographs of dining inItaly: it seems to transports dinersto Sicily as if we were there withthem. Soft lively background music,a water fountain and a few simpleflowers in a jar on each white-cladtable set the scene.Best of all, while you study themenu and order your wine, they bring you bread with adelicious dipping sauce of olive oil and tomatoes fragrantwith garlic. The sauce is so delicious you have to restrainyourself before you even order.The menu is extensive with a number of appetizers,salads and soups, a quartet of risottos, a trio of fishdishes, along with chicken, veal and beef entrees. Notto be ignored, of course, are more than a dozen pastas.But now, there is also a Menu Fisso Dinner (fourcourses) priced at $29 per person. My friend and I foundthis hard to resist. He ordered the lentil soup, beautifullyserved in the center of a large deepbowl (ensuring that it was hot).Freshly made, this soup was excellent.I ordered the simple mixed saladof assorted greens with mushrooms,tomatoes, cucumber and decorativeswirls of carrot mixed in a finevinegary dressing.Pasta was the next course.Spaghetti Bolognese was oneselection; mine was the linguinemussels in a red sauce, and the thirdoption was penne eggplant andmozzarella. My mussels weredelicious and just the right portion:five or six mussels on the linguinewith a superb red sauce. Equallydelicious was the spaghetti Bolognesewhich my friend enjoyed to the last bite.Then came the entrees; his was the baked lamb chopsconsisting of two superb chops with roasted potatoesand French green beans. Accompanying the dish was asplendid little mint sauce for the chops flavored with abit of green onion and balsamic vinegar.Equally delicious was my filet mignon in a mushroomand Cabernet sauce. This scrumptiously flavored steakwas accompanied by a little baked risotto topped witha slice of tomato and zucchini. The other entrees wepassed up were seared ahi tuna with an orange saucewith capers, and a chicken breast in a Port wine sauce.Dessert was either a slice of Angela’s delicious homemadelemon cake or a scrumptious, rich chocolate cake.Overall, a good deal for $29 per person for the excellentquality of the food and delightful service.Enzo and Angela have been cooking together for threedecades and it is reflected in their passion for flavor. Atlunchtime they offer the same large variety of pastas alongwith panini, sandwiches, soups and salads, meats and fish.Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.to 2:30 p.m., while dinner service is Monday throughSaturday from 5 to 9:30 (10 p.m. on Saturday). In theevening there is valet parking.— GRACE HINEYLA'S TOP TEN BESTWEEKDAY BREAKFAST SPOTS1032 SWARTHMORE AVE • PACIFIC PALISADES, CA • (310) 459 7561

June 3, 2015 Palisades News Page 31Betty-Jo Tilley Real EstateJUSTSOLDContact Betty-Jo if you want:Highest price . . . Best terms . . . Straightforward real estate advice!SOLD631 Las Lomas • Offered at $1,395,000SOLDSOLD14951 Camarosa Offered at $4,799,00016655 Akron Offered at $3,995,000If you were to sell your property, wouldn’t you want it marketed like this?SOLDSOLD815 Alma Real Offered at $2,484,000SOLD874 Fiske Offered at $1,695,0001766 Michael Ln Offered at $1,595,000Outstanding Representation since 198716000 Sunset #302 Offered at $1,150,000LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST310.429.9833bettyjo@bettyjotilley.comwww.bettyjotilley.comTop 1% of Agents NationwideCalBRE #1001357

Page 32 Palisades News June 3, 2015MichaelEdlen.comOver 1,200 homes sold and $1.5 BILLION in home salesEL MEDIO BLUFFS4CUSTOM CONTEMPORARY42015 REDONE TRADITIONAL5Offered at $3,600,000 4.5Offered at $2,995,000 4Offered at $3,300,0005.5PRIME ALPHABETS4BLUFFS MEDITERRANEAN4CALIFORNIA LIVING3Offered at $2,795,0003Offered at $2,400,0004.5Offered at $2,250,0003You pick the charity, we donate 10% ofnet commission in your nameA Team of licensed agents withmore than 90 yearsof combined real estate experienceCalBRE#00902158310.230.7373©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. EachColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® ® and the Coldwell l Banker Logo, , Coldwell l Banker Previews International® na® and theColdwell l Banker Previews International Logo, , are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate te 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 n and with appropriate professionals. If your property is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. tion.