LOCAL SINGER RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY Vol. 4, No. 6 • January 17, 2018 Uniting the Community with News, Features and Commentary Circulation: 15,000 • $1.00 See Page 22 Woman’s Body Found on Beach surfer discovered a woman’s body floating in the ocean near Porto AMarina and Pacific Coast Highway before 9 a.m. on January 13. The body was about 100 yards out in the water and he pulled it to shore, then called 911. Palisades Patrol responded, along with Los Angeles police, and the L.A. County Coroner arrived at 1 p.m. The woman was described as young and possibly Hispanic. There were no visible signs of trauma. She was wearing black Puma sneakers, dark jeans and a gray t-shirt. The deceased carried no identification. On Nextdoor Palisades, Daniel Pauer had a noon posting: “Just spoke to Officer Miller, who was looking for any information see- ing or hearing suspicious happenings be- tween 2 and 8 a.m. in the area. Woman didn’t appear to be homeless. Include No. 1282, if you have any information.” The News tried to speak to oLAPD de- tectives, but the coroner, who declined to give her name, shouted that there would be A woman’s body was found in the ocean near Porto Marina (north of Sunset) and pulled to the sand. A tent was set up on the beach no press on the beach, even though there to protect the privacy of the deceased, while the coroner conducted a preliminary investigation. were onlookers presen t. Golden Bull to Remain Neighborhood Eatery By SUE PASCOE crew was serving a limited menu, and three manages Cole’s French Dip (the landmark The quick overhaul included scouring Editor bartenders were on hand to keep patrons saloon known for French-dip sandwiches and the kitchen and installing new equipment. happy, especially those who have long sa- classic cocktails in Downtown L.A.). Cole’s In addition, rotted shelving behind the bar he reports of my death are greatly vored the Bull’s old-fashioned cocktails. was Verge’s first venture and was focused on was taken out and the area backlit, provid- exaggerated,” Mark Twain quipped “We’ve been looking at this spot for years,” preserving the restaurant’s vibe, including ing a more open feel. Same bar, only better. Twhen he learned a major newspaper said Pacific Palisades resident Chase Ahders, historic cocktails and the classic sandwich. On this winter night, the beloved fire- had printed his obituary. one of four men who have taken over the “This whole place needed some love,” place was going, providing an intimate, After a visit to the Golden Bull, whose lease on the W. Channel Rd. restaurant. Ahders said about the Golden Bull, which warm setting. January 1 closing was widely feared as the He explained that Don Cranford, the opened in 1949. “We wanted to keep it ‘old For the next three to five weeks, only the death of a popular neighborhood restau- Golden Bull’s owner for more than 40 years, school’ comfortable.” (Continued on Page 9) rant, the News instead describes it in Fats had been approached by several investment Waller’s words: “This joint is jumping, groups who wanted to come in, make ex- this joint is really jumping.” tensive renovations and change the name. The Golden Bull closed January 1, with But Ahders, Palisadians Luke Tabit and a promise to reopen under new ownership Mark Verge, and Santa Monica resident on January 11—and it did. Eddie Silkaitis wanted to keep it basically So the News visited the Santa Monica the same, a neighborhood restaurant. Canyon eatery last week, joining friends The ownership group also has Margo’s and neighbors who were stopping by for and Art’s Table, both on Montana, and Ash-

drinks in the early evening. The kitchen land Hill on Main Street in Santa Monica and






 

  




  

Bartender Daniel Baker keeps the drinks flowing at the Golden Bull. Page 2 Palisades News January 17, 2018 January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 3 Marguleas Donation Helps Village Green By SUE PASCOE She noted that in addition to Marguleas’ Editor donation, grants have been received from the Woman’s Club, the Optimist Club and veryone in Pacific Palisades has met the American Legion. “In the past Rotary friends at the Village Green, let their has been a donor and also the Masons.” Echildren play by the fountain, waited Neither PRIDE, nor the Community Coun - for a Metro or Big Blue bus or just driven cil, have donated to the park. by the little triangular park at Sunset, “As always, Anthony’s check was ex- Swarthmore and Antioch. tremely welcomed and appreciated,” Gold Many praise the City of L.A. for the won- said. “Even t hough Palisadians have been derful upkeep of the carefully landscaped generous in supporting us, I told him it pocket park. would be a lot harder to maintain the Green But those kudos are misdirected, because if it weren’t for him. And that’s the truth.” the private park is maintained and financed Marguleas is not comfortable being by a committee of Pacific Palisades residents. singled out. “It is not just the act of giving About $12,000 is needed annually to cover money, but also of good deeds,” he said. the gardener, the DWP bill, liability insur- “Ever since my four kids were younger ance, lawn care, tree trimming and mainte- (they are now 20, 19 and his twins are 16), nance on the benches, fountain and lights. I remind them ‘to make a difference in the On January 5, realtor Anthony Marguleas, world’ and to help someone.” owner of Amalfi Estates on Monument, A resident since 1992, Marguleas used to gave a check for $5,000 to help defray costs give 100 percent of his commission from two and support the Village Green Committee. home sales to local causes every year. Now The park was originally designed by the Members of the Village Green committee (left to right) Arnie Wishnick, Bob Gold, he gives 10 percent of his net proceeds from Olmsted Brothers in 1923, a year after Pa- Grace Hiney, Sue Haldeman, Marge Gold and Joan Graves (seated) accept a check each sale to a charity of his client’s choice. cific Palisades was founded. from Anthony Marguleas. Photo: Bart Bartholomew In 2012, Marguleas “saved” the Fourth of Beginning in 1857 with the design for their park restored in the heart of town and by the Village Green Committee, which is July parade committee by donating $43,000. Central Park in New York City, Frederick in 1968 contacted the oil company, which managed by a volunteer board of directors. A year later, he asked former Palisadian-Post Law Olmsted, his sons and successor created had a lease through 1972. Hence, the importance of charitable editor Bill Bruns to recommend an other designs for more than 6,000 landscapes Standard Oil did not renew its lease and donations. worthy nonprofit organization in the com- across North America, including many of the fledgling Pacific Palisades Community Joan Graves, a longtime committee mem- munity, but one that could benefit from a the world’s most important parks. Council established a Village Green Com- ber, is the Village Green president this year. smaller donation. The Olmsted Brothers also co-authored, mittee (Robert McMillin, Margaret Wylie, “I believe the Village Green is more im- Bruns suggested the Village Green, and with Harland Bartholomew, a 1930 report Wally Miller, Robert Abernethy and Arvin portant now than ever,” said Graves, whose when Marguleas made his initial donation, for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce “ Pete” Ahrens). A lease was signed giving late husba nd was actor Peter Graves. “We Bruns told the News: “Gathering support entitled “Parks, Playgrounds, and Beaches the Committee an option to buy the land if represent the link between the old and the for our local groups is a huge problem in for the Los Angeles Region,” which encour- funds could be raised. new Palisades and are an example of what this town. We have numerous active retirees aged the preservation of outdoor public a community can do when the citizens work keeping so many organizations going, but space in southern California. he fundraiser kickoff was October 1, together. We would not be able to maintain they need financial support from younger According to historical records, the re- T1972, and in three months $70,000 the Green without financial help and we are professional people. Anthony sets a great port was largely ignored by L.A. City offi- was raised, of which $46,000 was used to so grateful to Anthony for his generosity example.” cials, but eventually became an important purchase the land and remainder was for over the last five years!!” To help the committee build a “rainy urban planning reference. the architect and design. The Green was Volunteers meet once a month to tidy the day” fund, donations can be sent by mail The City eventually leased the Village formally dedicated on August 17, 1973. park. “We had an amazing volunteer, John (Palisades Village Green, P.O. Box 14, Pacific Green property to Standard Oil and the Initially, the Committee planned to give Steadman, who built a new storage shed, so Palisades 90272 or by PayPal or credit card park was converted to a gas station in 1945. the Green to the City, but eventually it was our supplies are now there,” VG Secretary by going to palisadesvillagegreen.org and Palisades residents dreamed of having decided that ownership would be maintained Marge Gold said. click on Contact Us.

This historic photo shows what the island looked like before the Village Green. The Village Green today. Photo: Bart Bartholomew Page 4 Palisades News January 17, 2018 L.A. Residents Paying Santa Monica Taxes etail stores are closing as more and Worse yet, the City of Santa Monica is eat- more people order online, and items ing L.A.’s sales tax lunch as they obviously Rare shipped to homes. According to get L.A.’s share in this bumbling affair.” the Commerce Department, third-quarter On December 5, Councilman Bonin retail e-commerce sales increased four per- promised he would ask his staff to prepare cent to $107 billion, compared with the a motion and determine how widespread same period a year ago. the problem was—for example, are there When an item is shipped to your home people in Del Rey who might have a Culver or if you buy a car, you pay tax according City zip code? He also promised to look to where you live, which is determined by at ways to fix the situation. your zip code. At the Santa Monica Canyon Civic Asso- Santa Monica Canyo n resident George ciation meeting on January 9, Wolfberg an- Wolfberg discovered that even though he nounced that Bonin was prepared to make lives in Los Angeles and should have been a motion to the City Council. However, after paying a 9.5 percent City tax on shipped the meeting, Wolfberg received an email items, he was actually paying 10.5 percent stating that “the motion is still in draft.” Skip-Loader Stolen in Marquez Santa Monica taxes, thanks to his 90402 If you have a question about what taxes teve Hart, who lives in the Marquez owner called the LAPD to file a report, but zip code. you should be paying on retail purchases, area, reported a skip-loader was stolen that the police never came to the site. Wolfberg wrote to Councilman Mike visit the California State Board of Equal- Son his street around 8:30 a.m. on “Anyway, I guess we should all just be Bonin on December 4 and noted: “Our ization website and enter your address to January 4. mindful that this criminal activity is going on house is in a canyon of 900 or so houses find a sales and use tax rate. “A large heavy-duty GM white pickup in our very own neighborhood and wanted that are within the City of L.A., but our post The News fed in Wolfberg’s Los Angeles and heavy-duty black trailer pulled up to to make you aware,” Hart wrote in an email office, since the f lood in 1938, is in Santa address and, sure enough, the only address the construction site,” Hart said, noting that to several people in his neighborhood. Monica. I, along with my neighbors, am in- that came up was in Santa Monica. he actually witnessed the event from his The News believes this is an important creasingly shopping online. So, if you’re one of 900 people who live in kitchen window. “I thought it nothing out message for all neighborhoods: be aware “I recently noticed that I am being charged Los Angeles in the 90402 zip code and order of the ordinary, considering the frequent and be vigilant. the Santa Monica rate instead of the Los An- online or try to buy a car in the Valley, most movement of this equipment.” A 2007 CTL 60 GEHL used skid steer, geles rate. This means two things: 1.) I, and likely you will pay the 10.5 percent sales tax— The owner later told him that the per- like the one pictured, was posted for sale on surely my neighbors, are getting screwed and that tax money will go to Santa Monica. petrators had cut the locks and chains on the Internet ranging in price from by one percent on online purchases and 2.) —SUE PASCOE the fence and simply stolen it. Hart said the $21,000 to $28,000.

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Severely Mentally Ill Homeless: Decrease in Transients t the Santa Monica Canyon Civic with housing once he is well. What to Do? Association meeting on January 9, Clyde was initially brought to the atten- The Pacific Palisades Task Force on Home- APacific Palisades Task Force enforce- tion of the task force because of complaints lessness will host a community meeting at 7 ment chair Sharon Kilbride said that when from Gladstone’s and beach goers. p.m. on Monday, January 29, to discuss the the task force started two years ago, in ad- The number of new transients coming “Severely Mentally Ill Homeless People Who dition to a large number of homeless who to Pacific Palisades, especially those who Refuse Help—What to Do?” at the Palisades were passing through, there were about 57 stop in the Village or near Vons and Glad- Library community room, 861 Alma Real Dr. service-resistant homeless living here per- stones, has gone down over the past few Civil liberty values and laws narrowly manently. Now the number of transient weeks. Interestingly, this coincides with a defining “gravely disabled” have restricted “residents,” has been reduced to about six. change in a bus route. the ability of social services and law enforce- One of t he women, who has been here “The 2-302 Metro Bus that came from ment to involuntarily commit a homeless for more than a decade, has been sleeping Koreatown to Sunset and PCH brought person for psychiatric treatment. overnight near the library front door. She many of our homeless to the area,” Kilbride There is now a discussion about the need uses the handwipes by Ralph’s front door said, noting that the line now ends at Vet- to change ways of approaching this problem to clean her face and hands. When not eran and LeConte, where bus riders must in order to address the numbers of men- looking for cans and bottles, she also some- exit. “Our numbers of homeless folks com- tally ill people living unattended and in fail- times is seen resting inside the library when ing into our city has dropped since this ing health on streets. it is open. change occurred about three weeks ago.” Brittney Weissman, Executive Director of A new sign has been posted that pro- Kilbride said there had been an increase Finally, Timmy was taken by an ambu- the National Alliance on Mental Illness L.A. hibits loitering or sleeping outside the li- in those living in their cars and RVs along lance to UCLA on January 11. He is cur- City Council and Dr. Emily DeFraites of the brary at night. the beach. rently on medical hold. Veterans Health Administration will discuss LAPD Officer John “Rusty” Redican cit - their perspectives with “how to balance an ed the woman, and then a PPTFH social Volunteers Needed for Homeless Count individual’s civil liberties with the care they worker and a nurse spoke to her. The plan need to achieve a level of health that enables is to eventually to try to convince her to Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness board members Kim Clary and them to live safely with themselves and take housing. David Morena wrote in a January 2 email to the News: “It is that time of year others.” Visit: [email protected] Clyde, a service-resistant individual, has again; time for us to count the homeless in Pacific Pali sades. This year the count been living under Gladstone’s for 12 years. will take place on Thursday, January 25, at 5 a.m.” He was being monitored by PPTFH for the Volunteers will meet in Mercer Hall at Pali sades Charter High School to receive Oops! past six months and his health was deterio- t heir field assignments. Visit: theycountwillyou.org. In the January 3 story about Revere’s Town rating. He was placed in the hospital under Questions? Contact [email protected] or call (310) 230-8041 or (310) Crier, Eric Wechsler was identified as an eighth a medical hold on December 21. The out- grade teacher. He teaches seventh grade. 699-0282. reach team plans to follow up with him Page 6 Palisades News January 17, 2018

Heard ANN CLEAVES About Town Second-Hand Smoke I am in the back of my house at my desk, and I smell pot. I walk to the front of my house, go outside, and sure enough I see kids smoking pot on the bluff. It per- meates the entire neighborhood. What can I do? I am breathing in their second- hand smoke! And I’m worried about the fire danger of smoking near the bluffs. Nix the Coffee Pods? I read that it takes 500 years for one cof- fee pod to be broken down. Even though it’s trendy to make one little cup at a time, maybe it’s better environmentally to use the beans or grounds, rather than those little pods. Abandoned Police Cars Abandoned police cars have been placed around town for years; there’s now one on Sunset at Temescal Canyon Road. If the LAPD thinks this will help deter crime, the car’s grime is a dead giveaway that no one is actually sitting inside. Here’s a better idea: more police officers roaming our area. VIEWPOINT Thought to Ponder Hysterically Funny Bonin “My religion is very simple. In your editorial (“Fix the Streets: Money My religion is kindness.” Is There,” January 3) you gave a link for Absorbing the Loss of a Son Dalai Lama the City Council budget hearing. When By BARBARA GOULD my son’s death, I decided not to dwell on the ― I clicked on Street Services, I heard an Special to the Palisades News hard times of the past 14 years. Instead I am impassioned plea from Mitch Englander focusing on the good ones. about spending money on L.A. roads. Just elcome to 2018. It is a time to review Growing up, Russell did a number of things Founded November 5, 2014 I was about to turn it off [Councilman events of the prior year, and I hope to help others. He was a Boy Scout and joined ——————— Mike] Bonin came on—he was so funny, some events can improve in the the 5 percent of Scouts who reached the rank 869 Via de la Paz, Ste. B W Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 it was almost a Saturday Night Live parody. New Year. of Eagle. He served as such a good example (310) 401-7690 (Editor’s Note: The video can be viewed Clearly, one of the biggest problems in 2017 that his two younger brothers had no choice www.PalisadesNews.com ——————— at: lacity.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php? was mass shootings: the carnage in Las Vegas, but to follow suit. Owner view_id=18&clip_id=16882, click on the church killings in Sutherland Springs, He was a member of our temple’s teen Wagenseller Publishing Street Services.) Texas. There were also nine school shootings group. It was not just social, but they would do Publisher that left 15 dead and 18 injured. It’s impossible things such as visiting the senior center and Scott Wagenseller [email protected] American Legion Largesse to understand the reasoning the shooters had. serving meals to the homeless. He also became Editor I was told that the American Legion But why would someone shoot at young a Mason and served as Master of the Lodge. makes almost $2 million annually off its Sue Pascoe children? I don’t know how a parent copes with H is brother-in-law spoke at the funeral and [email protected] CVS and post-office leases. It sure would the loss of a child. But I’m about to find out— talked about how Russell was such a good Graphics Director be nice if they gave some of it back to my 52-year-old son Russell had a massive family man. Family was very important to him. Manfred Hofer the community, since that’s where their heart attack and died in early December. My husband and I emphasized the Digital Media Editor money is coming from. But since your Matt Sanderson As the rabbi said at Russell’s funeral, the importance of family as Russell was growing paper is associated with the Legion, I bet Advertising family is complicated. That was a nice way of up, and I’m glad that he made a priority with you won’t print this. Luke Fair (Editor’s note: The Palisades News is not saying what everyone in the chapel knew. My his family. [email protected] son had been estranged from us for 14 years. There’s an old expression that fits what I’m Grace Hiney associated with American Legion Post 283. [email protected] When he was Legion Commander, Scott The last time I saw my grandsons were when going through. Take a negative and turn it into they were one and three. They are now almost a positive—when given lemons, make lemonade. Advisor Wagenseller launched Post 283 News as a Bill Bruns 16 and 18, and the older one towers over me I will n ow get to have a relationship with newspaper-style newsletter. In November Contributing Writers 2014, he founded the Palisades News as a at 6’ 1”. my grandsons and their mother, Lois. I asked Laura Abruscato, Laurel Busby, separate business venture. The American I don’t know why Russell stopped her how I could keep in touch with Ryan and Libby Motika, Laurie Rosenthal, Legion has been generous over the years, communicating with us. I don’t know what I Bailey. She said “by text” and gave me all their Sarah Stockman did that made him feel as if he could no longer cell numbers. Contributing Photographers making annual donations to every public Wendy Price Anderson, Lesly Hall, school, handing out college scholarships and talk to me. I try to think of what might have Texting isn’t my forte, but I’ve already sent Bart Bartholomew supporting various local organizations. Last caused it, but I have no idea. each one a message, albeit a short one. Both of ——————— A bi-monthly newspaper mailed on the first year, the Legion donated $35,000 to the I tried to get him to talk about it for several the boys have replied, with Ryan asking if we and third Wednesday of each month. 15,000 Fourth of July parade committee.) years, but to no avail. To this day I don’t know can meet for lunch before he goes back to circulation includes zip code 90272 and Sul- livan, Mandeville and Santa Mon ica Can - ——————— the problem, and now I won’t know. I’m sorry school in Colorado. yons. All content printed herein, and in our If you’d like to share something you’ve that he was out of my life, because I loved him As I mourn my son, I have a chance to digital editions, is copyrighted. Online: palisadesnews.com “heard about town,” please email it to and never stopped loving him. embrace my daughter-in-law and my grandsons. Member, California Newspaper [email protected] While trying to figure out how to cope with I have hope for the future. Publishers Association Palisades News January 17, 2018 A forum for open discussion of community issues PagePage 7

EDITORIAL Marijuana: The Feds and the Research n November 2016, voters approved Proposition 64, Raich (2005) that the federal government can prosecute number of teens diagnosed annually with marijuana which made California the most populous state in the marijuana offenses under the Commerce clause. intoxication or testing positive for pot during a drug Ination to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Since it seems the majority of Americans support screen at Children’s Hospital Colorado rose from 146 This initiative allows Californians who are 21 and legalizing marijuana, the U.S. Congress should lead the in 2005 to 639 in 2014. older to possess, transport and buy up to 28.5 grams of charge in decriminalizing pot nationwide. Simple. “The findings run counter to national surveys that marijuana for recreational purposes. It is illegal to smoke The second part of this equation is whether there are have shown no increase in teenage pot use in states marijuana in public and at locations where tobacco use or will be increased problems with the legalization of pot where recreational marijuana is legal,” said lead re- is prohibi ted, including theaters and restaurants. and youth. According to a Wall Street Journal editorial searcher Dr. George Sam Wang. He’s an assistant pro- The approval implemented a five-year, $15-million (“Jeff Sessions’ Mari juana Candor,” January 6-7), fessor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado study by the California Highway Patrol to develop “Colorado has the highest rate of first-time youth Anschutz Medical Campus. standards and protocols for determining when a marijuana marijuana use in the county. Alaska and Oregon ranked The News checked with the National Institute on Drug user is too impaired to safely drive a vehicle. third and seventh after they legalized in 2014.” Abuse (NIDA). The report notes that 38 percent of high The passage of the law also gave the state until January The Journal alleged that “A police report in Oregon school students have used pot; that teen brains are still 1, 2018 to begin issuing sales licenses to retailers. revealed that 70 percent of marijuana sales in 2016 developing and often will not be developed until the Four states—Colorado, Washington, Oregon and occurred on the black market, and up to 900 tons more mid-20s. There is a worry that use during this period may Alask a—had previously legalized recreational pot. cannabis is produced than consumed in the state. harm the teen brain. Negative effects include difficulty But Attorney General Jeff Sessions said on January 4 Mexican cartels have moved into Alaska.” thinking and problem solving, problems with memory, that it was up to Congress to change the classification According to an October 2016 story in the Washington impaired coordination and difficulty maintaining attention. of marijuana as an illegal drug if it didn’t want the Post (“Here’s How Legal Pot Changed Colorado and There is also a rise in women using pot during pregnancy Department of Justice to enforce the law against it. Washington”), teen marijuana use is unchanged. to help counter nausea. Bad idea, according to the NIDA. “It’s not so much the attorney general’s job to decide what The Atlantic’s June 2017 story, “The Surprising Effect “The chemicals in marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol) laws to enforce,” Sessions said. He is now being blasted for of Marijuana Legalization on College Students,” reported may pass through your system to the baby and can neg- not following the Cole memo written by President Obama’s that “A new study in the journal Addiction finds that, atively affect the baby’s development.” (And marijuana Deputy Attorney General James Cole, which allowed after legalization, the use of marijuana among students can be passed to a baby through breast milk.) states to legalize marijuana without federal intervention. at an Oregon college increased relative to that of students Our recommendations: get your U.S. Representatives What does this all mean? Simply, there is a conflict in states where the drug is still illegal. But, in a twist, the and Senators to change the law; and keep pot away from between state and federal law. Federal law trumps state law rise was mainly seen among those students who had also kids and pregnant women. Don’t smoke it icn publi under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, except on core reported drinking heavily recently.” places—no one wants second-hand smoke—and don’t state powers. The Supreme Court ruled in Gonzales v. Yet a May 2017 story in HealthDay reported: “The eat edibles and drive. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Appropriate Use of Social Media Why No Public Hearing? On March 31, 2016, petitions were submitted to City In our society today, there are numerous social or The movie theater in the Caruso project just received Planning objecting to a liquor license at the movie theater. private network platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, a liquor license with no public hearing. Even though the petitions and prior objections are in Pinterest, Nextdoor to name a few. The L.A. Planning Department told me: “The Ci- the file, there was no acknowledgement of the proximity These tools, called social or private media, are used to neopolis is located within the Palisades Commercial to homes or the objections by the neighbors in the disseminate information, encourage people to connect Village and Neighborhood Specific Plan. This plan was Director’s Determination letter. online and share information with others via the Internet. updated as part of a City Planning Commission case, At this point, the only way the public will be able to voice Despairingly, the private network, Nextdoor Palisades, and incorpora ted conditions for the regulation of alco- their opinions is to appeal the Director’s Determination is often not used as it was intended. According to the hol beginning on page 11. letter, which then will be followed by a hearing with the content owners of Nextdoor: “It’s the easiest way for you “Per the Specific Plan, one approval for on-site con- West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission. and your neighbors to talk online and make all of your sumption of alcohol within a theater is permitted. Sec- I certainly think the Community Council should weigh lives better i n the real world.” tion 5 states that at the discretion of City Planning, a in on this issue. It may be that the theater should get a While it should be a source for sharing neighborhood public hearing can be held if controversy is indicated. liquor license, but our community should be involved in news, accidents, police activity or other relevant infor- However, for this particular establishment no contro- that decision without having to demonstrate an undefined mation, Nextdoor is often the platform for bullying, versy came to our attention, and the Director’s Deter- “controversy” where there already clearly is a controversy. pontificating or berating an issue or an individual. minati on letter (for PA 2) was issued on January 9th.” Sandy Eddy Because of this, I read Nextdoor posts sparingly (there Actually, several letters requesting a public hearing is an option to receive all or limited emails under profile on this specific application were, in fact, submitted to Excited about Caruso’s Project settings). Nonetheless, Nextdoor does serve an important the Planning Department BEFORE the issuance of the I am so incredible excited for the coming restaurants in purpose: to inform neighbors. Director’s Determination letter. This should have been the new village. So many of my friends and fellow moms Case in point, during the first storm of 2018 (January qualified as “controversy.” are so looking forward to having a place to walk with our 8-9), numerous neighbors used the platform to inform The letters that were submitted in early January pointed kids, grab a bite to eat, an ice cream, or a cup of coffee fellow residents that they either lost and/or found trash out that the theater is within 20 feet of the condos next and watch our kids enjoy the new park or meander bins. It seems most bins were recovered. door and within 100 feet of single-family homes across through the new village streets. The village will be what Fortunately, we did not endure what our neighbors in the street, which meets the criteria for an appeal with we the community make of it. It is new life! Montecito are still overcoming and will for months to come. the ABC (state liquor control board). Jennifer Anderson-Smith Nonetheless, let this be a positive message that Nextdoor is a powerful tool that should be used for its true intent. Palisades News welcomes all letters, which may be emailed to [email protected]. Please include a name, address Christy Dennis and telephone number so we may reach you. Letters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Palisades News. Palisades News Page 8 Compiled and edited by Bill Bruns January 17, 2018 Kelly Comras Robert Weber elly Comras, an award-winning obert D. Weber has joined the Cen- landscape architect and a member tury City office of Sheppard, Mullin, Kof the State Bar of California, has RRichter & Hampton LLP as a part- become a Fellow of the American Society ner in the firm’s Business Trial practice of Landscape Architects. group. Comras was the first staff landscape ar- Weber, the 2014 Citizen of the Year in chitect for the National Park Service in the Pacific Palisades, joins from DLA Piper. Santa Monica Mountains National Recre- He brings a broad securities litigation ation Area. While there, she developed an practice, representing clients in a diverse intense interest in park design and public array of matters including securities class land use that has continued to influence her actions, shareholder derivative actions, pro- work. She taught park planning and design ceedings initiated by the Securities and Ex- at UCLA, receiving multiple awards for her change Commission and other regulatory project-based courses, and won a national authorities, internal corporate investiga- ASLA award for her landscape design for Kelly Comras tions, arbitrations and other complex com- Robert Weber Franklin Canyon. and lectures on topics relating to mid-cen- mercial litigation. He also regularly advises Since 1986, Comras’s private practice has tury landscape design. Her latest book, the public companies regarding corporate gov- Chicago-Kent College of Law. He and his focused on community-based open space biogra phy Ruth Shellhorn, was published ernance and disclosure issues. wife, Karyn, moved to the Palisades in 2001; design, whereby she brings together stake- by University of Georgia Press. Weber’s practice includes international they have two children, Tamar and Josh. holders to achieve a common goal that re- In addition to serving on the Palisades work with a significant focus on Chinese Weber, a former drummer with the lates to the study or use of land. Design Review Board, Comras is an alter- and other Asian clients involved in U.S. lit- champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps Her projects have included collaboration nate Area Representative on the Commu- igation, internal investigations and SEC en- in the Chicago area, joined the Palisades on a National Endowment for the Arts nity Council. She and her husband, Mike forcement actions. His recent victories in Americanism Parade Association and grant-funded study of historic gardens for Lofchie, a political science professor at securities matters include wins on motions served three times as parade president. the City of Pasadena; the stairways of Cas- UCLA since 1964, have lived in Pacific Pal- to dismiss for AudioEye, Inc., MDB Capital When the Community Council honored tellammare, a study funded by the J. Paul isades for 31 years. Their son, Hudson, 27, Group, New Energy Systems Group and him as Citizen of the Year, it noted his “suc- Getty Trust; and a dune restoration proj- a graduate of UC Davis, is Senior Manager, Miller Energy Resources. cessful efforts to increase the scope and vis- ect at Will Rogers State Beach. Client Operations, for Tray, located in After graduating from the University of ibility” of the parade, the Palisades Rocks Comras also conducts research, publishes Santa Monica. Illinois in 1989, Weber received a J.D. from the Fourth concert and the fireworks show. January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 9

He explained that the former staff was is supposed to be replaced by Banc of Cali- invited to interview to stay at the Golden fornia, remains empty. Golden Bull Bull. But some had worked there for dec - The former UDO Realty storefront be- (Con tinued from Page 1) ades and saw this as way to retire. Others, tween Garden Café and Seven Arrows is bar area of the Golden Bull will be open, as because there will be no need for dining- empty, and the space above Wells Fargo the dining room is the next area to be “fixed.” room waiters for at least another month, de- Bank is empty. The façade, booths and lighting will be re- cided they didn’t want to be without work. Juicy Ladies wrote in an April 1, 2016 freshed and upgraded, and the idea is to Ahders noted that kitchen workers had been Facebook post: “Pacific Palisades here we carry the same intimate, cozy feel of the hired back, including a busboy and a cook. come!!!” Located at Castellammare Drive bar into the dining room. The plan is that the Golden Bull will re- and Sunset, the space would offer a smoothie Currently, the booths by the bar are main a neighborhood restaurant where “we and juice bar. Last month, the owners post - available and there’s a limited menu, in- know you and you know us,” Ahders said. ed that they were looking for juicers, cash - cluding burgers, pasta, steak and salads. “It will be fun. This will be the kind of place iers and cooks for their Woodland Hills “We have the early-bird special,” Ahders where we want to hang out.” and Pacific Palisades locations. said, explaining that every item on the The new general manager will be Michael When Keller Williams opened an office menu is half-price from 5 to 6:30 p.m. “This Christopher. at 845 Via de la Paz last June, plans for an gives people who are concerned about RESTAURANT UPDATES: adjacent coffee shop/café, Estate Coffee, prices an option.” Sam’s by the Beach, 108 West Channel were announced. It has yet to open. Ahders, who has four children, predicts Rd., is closed and has been purchased by The sign in the Roast window. that a second group of people will come in The h.wood Group. This group manages Roast, 548 Palisades Dr., posted a sign between 7 and 9 p.m.—those in their 30s the adjacent SHORE bar, which is owned Dog Park Plans in its window that it would be closed in and 40s with kids. by Mark Verge. The h.wood owners, John January for vacation, and would reopen He said there will be a kid’s menu, and Terzian and Brian Toll, also have Delilah, Are Underway with a new menu in February. different foods will be tested to see what The Peppermint Club, Poppy and Bootsy The Pacific Palisades Dog Park stays. “If the kids want pancakes all the time, Bellows in West Hollywood. BUSINESS UPDATES: working group will hold a meeting at there will be pancakes on the menu.” Kay ‘n’ Dave’s, at Sunset and Antioch, Altour Travel, 15309 Antioch St., moved 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7, in After the families leave, he thinks the Gold- which was closed by a kitchen fire in October from the historic Business Block in early No- the small gym at the Palisades Recre- en Bull will attract a third group of people, 2016, has still not reopened. The eatery has vember, and the large space remains vacant. ation Center, 851 Alma Real Dr. the “go by” crowd, meaning that it is place for received a full-liquor license and the interior Palisades Hi-Tech, 970 Monument St., The public is invited to learn more neighbors to “go by” before heading home. has been repaired, remodeled and painted. closed in January. (The large storefront across about the proposed dog park sites lo- The owners plan to cater to the neighbor- Tivoli Café, 15306 Suns et Blvd., closed from Hi-Tech has been empty for years.) cated on the east side of Temescal hood with the Golden Bull’s menu. “We’ll on November 26. At the time, owner Sohail The storefront at 871 Via de la Paz, oc- Canyon Road, north of PCH. Mem- have specials just to try things out,” Ahders Fatoorechi said he planned to be closed into cupied by Beckwith Insurance for many bers of the Dog Park group will present said. “In order to have a neighborhood spring as he updates the restaurant in the years, is empty—as is Ted’s bicycle shop, an assessment of sites, share plans, an- hangout, we need to know what the neigh- face of competition posed by Caruso’s Pal- directly behind it. swer questions and address comments. bors want.” isades Village later this year. The former Denton Jeweler store, which

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Ài->ˆ˜Ìœ ˜Ã°œÀ}ÊNʛÜi>ÀiÃ>ˆ˜Ìœ ˜Ã Page 10 Palisades News January 17, 2018 Claudia Harrington Kallmeyer, 60; Author, Mom laudia Harrington Kallmeyer, a re- four currently being illustrated and due altor and children’s book author, to publish this year. Cpassed away on January 2 at her About her books, Claudia told the News: home in Pacific Palisades. She was 60. “While the books aren’t based on my child- Born October 14, 1957 in Chicago, Clau- hood, there are certainly bits and pieces that dia grew up in West Simsbury, Connecticut, found their way in. For instance, Otis is a lot the daughter of Patricia Phoenix Harring- like my childhood dog, and we had some ton and William R. Harrington. family friends whose sheep wandered into She began her writing career in kinder- their house all the time.” garten with a poem called “Scab On Her When she wasn’t writing, Harrington Head.” She discovered her love for chil- was a realtor with Sotheby’s in the Palisades, dren’s books while attending college at selling homes with her business partner Northwestern, when she took an elective Ann ika MacPherson. course on children’s literature. She is survived by her husband Ken and After graduating in 1979 with a B.A. in three children, Tess, Gretchen and Emmett communications and a concentration in (who attends Palisades High School). She theater, Claudia moved to Los Angeles in Claudia Harrington Kallmeyer is also survived by her mother, Patricia. 1981 to pursue acting. “I got a fair amount the Los Angeles chapter. A memorial service was held January 5 at of work, specializing in nurses and preg- Her poem “Coming Unscrewed” was in- Corpus Christi Church. Contributions may Edith Rosenthal nant women, but eventually wanted some- cluded in Philomel’s anthology I Invited A be made to The John Wayne Cancer Insti- thing else,” she said. Dragon To Dinner & Other Poems To Make tute’s Brain Cancer Research Fund at jwcigiv- In a 1983 production of the comedy You Laugh Out Loud (a Children’s Book ing.org and note: “Gift in honor of Claudia Edith Rosenthal, Goodbye My Fancy, Claudia’s fellow actor Council Best Pick). Harrington Kallmeyer for JWCI Brain Can- Ken Kallmeyer took a ski to the face in a slap- Claudia’s twelve My Family picture cer Research” or via check mailed to St. stick routine that went hilariously wrong. book titles celebrating family diversity John’s Health Center Foundation, 2200 Santa 92; Teacher, Mom Claudia took pity on him, bringing him an was launche d in 2015 by Magic Wagon, a Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404. Or dith Paul Rosenthal, 92, died in Pa- ice pack during intermission. They were division of Abdo Publishing. The series a gift may be made to First Book (a literacy cific Palisades on December 23, after married two years later. details different family lifestyles, through charity where every $3 raised donates a book Ea brief illness compounded by a Once she had children of her own, Clau- Claudia’s books My Mom and Dad, My to a child in need). Online: firstbook.org/do- long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. dia’s love of children’s books was rekindled. Two Moms, My Two Dads, My Two Homes, nate (and note “In memory of Claudia Har - One of twelve siblings, whose parents She discovered the Society for Children’s My Grandparents and My Military Mom. rington Kallmeyer) or by check to First Book, were Russian immigrants, Edith was born Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Claudia’s crack-you-up early reader se- Attn: Gift in memory of Claudia Harring- on October 2, 1925, and raised in Balti- served as a volunteer for more than a decade. ries, Hank the Pet Sitter, debuted at the ton Kallmeyer, 1319 F. St. NW, Suite 1000, more. She was number four in the birth She was a Regional Advisor Emeritus for end of 2016 with four titles, with another Washington, DC 20004. (Continued on Page 11) January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 11

isades. She is survived by six of her siblings, Rosenthal countless nieces and nephews, her son Music Guild to Feature (Continued from Page 10) Michael and his wife Marleen of Marin order; as a child, because she was so nur- County, her daughter Betsy and husband turing, she took on the role of caring for her David Rosenthal of Pacific Palisades and grandchildren Adam, Sara and Joel. Chatham Baroque younger brothers and sisters. Her childhood is recounted in the book Edith was laid to rest on December 27, t. Matthew’s Music Guild will pres- Looking For Me in this great big family by 2017, at Skylawn Cemetery in San Mateo ent Chatham Baroque, one of the her daughter Betsy. next to her beloved Leon. Donations in her country’s premier baroque instru- memory can be made to Alzheimer’s Great - S Despite her father’s objections and lack mental ensembles, at 8 p.m. on Friday, of money, Edith went to college, the only er Los Angeles or Fisher Center for Alzheim - January 19, at St. Matthew’s Church, 1031 girl in her family to do so. er’s Research Foundation, New York, NY. Bienveneda Ave. After graduating from Towson State Teach - The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called Chath - er’s College, she became an elementary Andy Rawn am Baroque “one of Pittsburgh’s greatest school teacher in Baltimore. Edith and her treasures.” husband Leon and their two young children To Sing at The group will present “Awake Sweet moved to Los Angeles for Leon’s job. Love: Songs and Suites of Olde England,” There she earned her California teaching Theatre Palisades and features a core instrumental trio plus credential and worked as a substitute teacher National tour soloist Andy Rawn Pascale Beudin (soprano), Cynthia Black in the Culver City school district. An active will perform “Valentines of Many (baroque violin), David Morris (bass viol) volunteer, Edith served as PTA president in Lands” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February and David Walker (theorbo and baroque her children’s elementary school. 3, at Theatre Palisades, 941 Temescal guitar). After two more cross-country moves, Canyon Rd. Admission is $29 and ad- Along with songs and instrumental Edith eventually landed in the San Fran- vance reservations are required (310) works by Johnson and Purcell, Chatham cisco area where she and Leon lived for the 459-2326. Baroque will offer a pair of “Royal Consort next forty years. Kind and considerate, she Sets” by William Lawes, arias from Purcell’s Chatham Baroque members Scott Pauley, Rawn, a basso, will sing classic love Patricia Halverson and Andrew Fouts. always welcomed family and friends from songs, including “I Could Have Danced stage works The Virtuous Wife and The across the country to stay in her home and All Night,” “Torna a Surriento,” “With Fairy Queen and traditional “airs” includ- The ensemble has recorded seven CDs treated all who visited like royalty. a Song in My Heart” and “Edelweiss.” ing the beloved “Greensleeves.” on the Dorian label and three independ- Edith enjoyed telling jokes, playing games, Also appearing with the Pacific The core ensemble of Andrew Fouts ent CDs on the Chatham Baroque label, many of which she organized, including Palisades resident will be a UCLA (violin), Patricia Halverson (viola da the latest of which is No Holds Barred. mahjong, pan and doubles tennis, and was student trombonist. gamba), and Scott Pauley (theorbo) cu- The concert is underwritten by the also known to pull an occasional prank. A concert gift drawing of an Apple rate the finest of guest artists to perform Edwin W. Pauley Foundation. A devoted wife of sixty years to Leon, iPhone X will be held following inter- with them throughout the season, allow- Admission is $35 and there are season who predeceased her, Edith spent the last mission. ing for repertoire ranging from well- passes. Visit: MusicGuildOnline.org or four years of her life at Atria Park Pacific Pal- known masterpieces to obscure gems. call (310) 573-7422. Page 12 Palisades News January 17, 2018 Drugstore Café Provided a Hangout By BOB VICKREY Special to the Palisades News hen I first walked into the Pali - sades Drugstore Café almost Wforty years ago, I thought I had stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting. Jeff Kool, the longtime owner of the Pal- isades Bookshelf, had told me one of the best lunches in town was right down the street at the local drugstore. As I entered the back door and passed the pharmacy counter, I made my way towa rd the unmistakable buzz of lively conversation emanating from the busy lunch crowd seated around two adjoining horseshoe-shaped counters. One of the customers at the counter moved down one seat to accommodate me, and I quickly recognized her as my new next- door neighbor, Phyllis Genovese, who owned the Palisades Letter Shop. She introduced me to bicycle repair-shop owner Ted Mackie and several other f riends sitting nearby. A petite silver-haired waitress was taking an order from several diners who were seated in vintage vinyl booths located along the adjacent wall. In subsequent visits, I fi- nally met the waitress, “Zona,” who initially Patrons at the Drugstore Café in this 1975 photo included Betty Stearns, Bob Huff, Phyllis Genovese (far left), Ross Jordan, Rose Huff, displayed a rather crusty personality, so I Howard Kerner, Ted Mackie (white shirt), John Rapley, Don Galias and James White, DDS. In the back standing are co-owner/pharmacist began my quest to soften her up. It worked. Ronald Barnes and Joey Barnes; at right are kitchen staffers Lorenzo Ordaz, Carmen Diaz and Miguel Diaz. Photo courtesy Jay and Judy Steuerwald Over the next decade, I was successful in market and began to phase out food service. well-kept secret that had a loyal following owners did a great job of recreating their making her smile—exactly twice. The Steuerwalds bought the store in 1973, among local residents. The food was consis- oval-shaped café counters and continued to During those first weeks living in Pacific which bordered Sunset, Swarthmore and tently good and was easy on your pocketbook. offer the same great atmosphere, but many Palisades, I met several people at the cafe Antioch Boulevard in the large space now Miguel Diaz, the cafe’s popular chef, and of us will always vividly remember the with whom lasting friendships were even- occupied by Starbucks, Subway, and Petit his wife Carmen, could quickly whip up a original store that had once swept us back tually formed, including the co-owners of Ami, the children’s clothing store. Ron Barnes tasty Spanish omelet that kept me coming to yet another time and place. the business, Judy and Jay Steuerwald. would later join the business as partner. Both back time after time. And their Mexican When I interviewed the Steuerwalds re- Palisades Drug Company was already a Jay and Ron were pharmacists who guided dishes were some of the most popular items cently, Jay talked about their difficult decision village fixture in the Business Block building the day-to-day operations of the store, served during the lunch hour—especially in 1996, when they decided to close the store. that had first opened in 1924, and now re- which also featured a beauty counter, as Miguel’s enchiladas. Burgers, fries, and “I can’t begin to tell you about the sadness flected a fading symbol of a bygone era. Most well as magazine and candy racks. milkshakes were also best-sellers—just that set in when we began packing and clean- drugstore food counters around the country Back then, Mort’s Delicatessen was widely like the old Rockwell period paintings had ing out the store after 23 years in business. had closed by that time, as large national acknowledged as the most popular rest aurant once depi cted. We realized it was truly the end of an era.” chain stores gained a strong foothold in the in town, but the drugstore café was a rather One of my friends liked the “Low-Calo- And if you’re wondering where some of rie Plate” that featured a simple ground- those people are now: Bookseller Jeff Kool beef patty, with cottage cheese and lime and former drugstore business partner Ron Jell-O. He always enjoyed watching the re- Barnes are both now deceased, as is Ted action of nearby diners when he also or- Mackie. But Miguel is now happily retired dered a large chocolate milkshake to ac- after working at Gelson’s market in Century company his weight-watching meal. City, and his wife Carmen still works at our The café was a perfect gathering place that local Gelson’s deli counter. Phyllis Genovese offered a warm, friendly atmosphere where still lives in town and recently turned 103. business meetings were often conducted. A The Steuerwalds are also retired and enjoy local contractor once said he negotiated and a full life of travel and time spent with their signed more contracts at the café than any grandchildren. They can be spotted nowa- other place in town. One thing was certain: days in the mornings sitting with friends at you were always assured of running into their sidewalk patio table at the Palisades several friends each time you ate there. Garden Café. When the Business Block building Bob Vickrey is a longtime Palisadian and changed ownership in 1983, the store moved regular contributor to the News. He also writes across Sunset Boulevard to the building for the Houston Chronicle and the Waco Jay and Judy Steuerwald now occupied by Goorus Yoga Studio. The Tribune-Herald. AMAZING MUSIC STORE.COM FREE : Stroke Support Group %& %&" &%$& "$ #&
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     &$ " %& %&& Affiliated with Saint Johns, UCLA Santa Monica and Jewish Home for the Aging Palisades News January 17, 2018 Page 13 Palisades BID Details 2018 Budget By SUE PASCOE erties north and south of Sunset, plus the Editor Village Green, the DWP building and Pali- sades Elementary. he Pacific Palisades Business Im- Fifty-five property owners pay assess- provement District (BID) board ments, which are different from traditional Theld its monthly meeting on De- taxes because the money may only be used cember 6 at the Methodist Church and fo- for projects that specifically benefit the cused on fiscal projections for 2018. properties in the BID, and cannot be di- The total estimated revenue and expen- verted into the City’s general fund. ditures for the coming year will be almost Sale spoke at City Hall against street $180,000. Thanks to a 2 percent assessment vending, and the BID has asked for an opt- hike voted by the board, businesses will out policy. “There were other people there supply $143,381 and there is a $35,676 sur- who also wanted an opt-in, opt-out op- plus carryover from 2017. tion,” she said. There was a general feeling The assessments are based on three cri- that street vending is un fair to those who teria: frontage of building—34 percent; pay taxes on buildings and their businesses. square footage of building—33 percent; At the latest BID meeting, somebody and lot size—33 percent. asked, “If there is a vendor in front of your In its initial year (2016), the budget was business and then someone slips or falls, who done by the city and was $142,000. The In December, the Palisades BID hosted a luncheon for first responders, Chrysalis and is responsible?” Nobody knew the answer. 2017 budget was $197,608. members of the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness at Piccolo Ritrovo on Sunset. Additionally, reflecting a problem across The “Clean and Beautiful” budget is plies two workers twice a week to clean side- as the recent holiday luncheon that honored the city, local businesses are having issues $108,800 (in 2016 it was $92,000 and in walks and gutters and empty trash. first responders) and BID branding projects. with the garbage-hauling monopolies con- 2017 $123,128). The sidewalks in the busi- The Chamber has been raising about Under “Management/Slow Pay/City tracted by the City. Sale was asked to send ness district were power-washed twice this $30,000 a year in donations (mostly from Fees” $54,100 is budgeted (up from 2016’s a letter to Councilman Mike Bonin’s office past year and trees were trimmed. The 2018 residents plus a $7,500 contribution from $30,000, but down from 2017’s $64,585). and the City, asking them to request that plans include installing lights in trees be- realtor Michael Edlen) to hire one Chrysalis This includes Director Laurie Sale’s salary, garbage companies have a cap put on what cause according to the BID annual report, worker, but would like BID to take over legal costs, accounting costs and city fees. they can charge, and to guarantee a fair per- “a well-lit and well landscaped district sup- that responsibility. Currently there is not There have been unsuccessful attempts centage for raises in hauling rates. ports an increase in commerce and pro- enough in the budget to do that. to collect the full assessment amount from New board members are sought. Pros - vides a special benefit to each individually “Communication/Marketing” is bud- LAUSD. Palisades Elementary occupies a pective candidates can e-mail Sale: laurie@ assessed parcel in the district.” geted at $16,158 (in 2016 it was $20,000 and large portion of the BID and in 2017 was palisadesbid.org. The BID board, which has a zero toler- in 2017 it was $9,895). The money is used assessed at $13,916, but only paid $5,516. The next meeting will be held at 8:30 ance for graffiti, pays to remove all graffiti for a quarterly newsletter, maintaining the The BID boundaries include all the busi- a.m. on February 7 at the United Methodist in the business district. BID website, for social media, local news ness property along Sun set from Carey to Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Visit: palisades- Money also goes to Chrysalis, which sup- coverage, hosting community events (such Temescal Canyon, and the business prop- bid.org. Pre-Listing Home Inspection Can Benefit Seller By MICHAEL EDLEN less than a buyer might imagine when they in good faith to come back to the seller with mit e inspection, scoping of the sewer line Special to the Palisades News discover them during their inspections. a list of requested repairs or to ask for a credit (and clearing it out if necessary), a chimney 2. Buyers may exaggerate things they do to take care of things that they had already inspection and possibly a visit by drainage any sellers take the position that not understand, and over-react by either known about before writing their offer. It also and roofing experts. they are selling their house “as- cancelling the escrow or by asking an un- conveys a sense of transparency and integrity If signs of possible mold are noted, most Mis,” and do not plan to do any reasonably large credit from the seller. If the at the beginning, which in turn can help build buyers would also have an environmental work or repairs, especially because we are seller finds that some of the issues discov- trust and ensure a smoother transaction. inspection done. Such added inspections still in a “seller’s market.” ered through his pre-inspection are more Flaws and defects that are not made ap- will commonly be done by buyers during Sellers hope that buyers won’t find any complicated or costly to fix than they would parent to buyers before they have inspections escrow, and sellers may end up receiving re- surprises during the purchase process, but prefer to do, the seller may obtain cost esti- done are seen as far more significant that quests based on the findings and reports. plan on rejecting any buyer requests for mates from contractors or repair people those disclosed beforehand, even if the seller The combined inspection costs of per- work or credits if problems are found by and pass those along to any would-be buyer makes it known that he won’t fix them. haps $1,000 to $1,500 may well be a worth- buyer’s inspections. in advance, thus proactively de-escalating In selling more than 1,300 homes in a wide while investment in many cases because the There are many potential drawbacks to potential problems. range of prices and condition, it has been my pre-inspection can help sell a home sooner this approach in the sale of one’s home, and 3. Of course, most buyers will have their experience that sellers almost always come out and at a price closer to the listed price. At the not infrequently the seller regrets what can own professional inspection done, whether ahead by having had pre-inspections done. least, the seller is better informed, has control occur during the escrow period. a seller has already had one or not. However, The cost for a basic general inspection over issues that are found, and sets a tone Here are some of the benefits of having if the seller provides prospective buyers a today may be $750-$1,200—depending on that most buyers appreciate from the outset. a pre-listing home inspection. copy of a pre-inspection report, including the size of the home, whether it includes Michael Edlen has achieved one of the high- 1. A seller may decide to do some repairs notations of any recommended work that pool equipment and how detailed the in- est sale-to-list-price ratios and lowest escrow or make various changes suggested by the they had already performed, and possibly spector and his report may be. fallout rates for more than 20 years, based pre-inspection before their agent puts the cost estimates for other items, it can accom- Some people go so far as to have supple- largely on a system of careful pre-marketing listing on the market. Many issues are inex- plish a few benefits. mental inspections done, much as many preparations and inspections. Call: (310) pensive to take care of, and would cost much For instance, the buyer will not be able buyers would do. These could include a ter- 230-7373 or [email protected]. Page 14 Palisades News January 17, 2018 Bill Branch, 93; Community Stalwart ill Branch was born on September 24, Post 283 Commander (2004-05), District 24 community. “I think a person should think 1924, in LaGrange, Kentucky, to Hur- Commander (2007-08) and commander of about that.” Bley “HB” Branch and Ruth Jewell. the L.A. County Council (Districts 17, 18, In addition to Nancy, his survivors in- He died on December 31, just shy of wel- 19, 20, 23 and 24) in 2009. clude children Amy (husband Max Ellzey), coming 2018, but holding on to celebrate his In 2015, Branch was named Area 6 Vice AnneMarie (husband Brian Winic), Lynn, 58th wedding anniversary with wife Nancy. Commander, which oversaw 63 Posts. He Lise and Bill (wife Lisa); and grandchildren Bill joined the Navy in 1943. After two also installed an emergency ham radio sta- Catherine, Charlton, William, Bradford, Joy, years in ordnance school, he worked as an tion in the Legion 283 building for times Faith, Grace, Breanne, Bailey and Benjamin. aviation ordnance man on Guam, Saipan of cr isis. A funeral service was held at on January and Tinian, the home field of Enola Gay, the In addition, Bill was an active member of 12 at the Methodist Church on Via de la plane that carried the atomic bomb to Japan. the Riviera Masonic Lodge, and shepherd - Paz. A reception followed at the church. When the war ended, Bill married a child- ed the Palisades Library’s cornerstone cere- Interment took place at a family grave site hood sweetheart and used the GI Bill to earn mony. He also oversaw a cornerstone event in Westlake Village. a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering for the renovated barn at Will Rogers State In lieu of flowers, please donate to the from the University of Louisville. (The cou- Historic Park. He was master of the local American Legion, the Community United ple had three children, Lynn, Lise and Bill.) lodge in 1997-98, and was lodge secretary Methodist Church or Friends of Palisades Later, he earned a master’s degree from from 1999 until his passing. News. New Mexico State, while working at the A member of the Community United White Sands Proving Grounds. When his Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades, Bill NOTICE TO READERS first marriage ended in 1951, Bill began Bill Branch had been financial secretary since 2008, The Palisades News welcomes sub- working for Douglas Aircraft in Santa Mon- Douglas employees. and was a member of the church’s board missions of obituary notices for Pali- ica, where he met his wife Nancy. Bill and Nancy moved to Pacific Pali sades of trustees. sadians, past and present. Notices The couple married on New Year’s Eve in in 1964 and had two daughters, Amy and He told the News in an interview that must be 400 words or less. A photo 1959. In an earlier interview, Bill quipped AnneMarie, who graduated from Palisades the best thing about retirement was spend- may be sent for possible inclusion. “My wife claimed it was for tax purposes, High School. ing time with his 10 grandchildren. He and There is no charge for the notice, nor I claim it was for sheer love.” Branch retired from Douglas in 1990, and Nancy took them on trips that included the photo. For questions, or to sub- While at Douglas, Branch helped combat served as treasurer and concessions man- England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. mit, please e-mail editor@palisades - the Soviet Union’s ballistic-missile threat by ager of the Will Rogers State Park Cooper- “As an old granddad, you’d like to do news.com. The desired deadline for working on the development of the Nike se- ative Association and mediator for the Los something with the grandkids that they re- submissions is Thursday before the ries of anti-aircraft and anti-missile missiles. Angeles City Attorney. member you by,” he said. intended publication date (the first He eventually became field station manager He also became an active member of Bill also felt that retirement was a give- and third Wednesday of the month). in New Mexico, overseeing more than 300 American Legion Post 283, where he was back period, not only to family, but also the January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 15 Elaine Martini, 91; Involved Parent, Citizen uth Elaine Martini (née Krueger) tablish the Corpus Christi School library Msgr. Richard Martini, and a 50th wed- was born August 1, 1926, in Keokuk, and volunteered in numerous capacities, ding anniversary trip to Mount Rushmore RIowa, and raised in St. Louis, Mis- including being a Eucharistic minister. and Yellowstone. souri, by her parents Ruth and Dr. Waldo- She was a very supportive and loving Elaine is survived by her loving husband of mar Krueger. The 63-year Palisadian passed mother, throwing creative birthday parties, 68 years, Dr. Michael Martini, and children: away on January 5 at St. John’s Health Cen- attending recitals and spending hours at Barbara Martini Laubacher (husband Tom) ter in Santa Monica. ballfields and Scout meetings. of Oxnard; Eileen Martini McCranie of New- Elaine attended Little Flower Grammar Elaine made lifelong friends through her bury Park; Msgr. Richard Martini of Carpin- School, and earned scholarships to Ursuline love of bowling, tennis and bridge, and was ter ia; James Martini (Michele) of Reseda; Academy and Webster College. She grad- active in the Palisades Woman’s Club. She Joseph Martini (Jennie) of Mill Valley; 15 uated magna cum laude with a bachelor ’s enjoyed playing board games with her family grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and degree in mathematics. and was incredibly skilled and lucky at Yahtzee. her brother, Richard Krueger of Houston. Elaine’s brother, Richard, invited Dr. Mi - She participated in a weekly writers group, She was preceded in death by her daugh- chael Martini, who was a young medical stu- crafting an insightful and humorous mem- ter Kathleen, granddaughter Jennifer Shawn dent, for a home-cooked meal in St. Louis. oir for h er family to enjoy. Merlo, and son-in-law Timothy McCranie. Even though Elaine had a date that evening When her children were older, Elaine A rosary was recited on January 12 at with another gentleman, she must have no- worked for the Los Angeles County Medical Corpus Christi Church. The funeral Mass ticed Michael and shortly afterwards invited Association, as a referral coordinator. Later, was held Saturday, January 13 at Corpus him to a party. An enduring romance ensued. she volunteered at the J. Paul Getty Villa in Christi, followed by a reception in the Parish After graduation, Elaine worked at the Elaine Martini Pacific Palisades. She was an 18-year mem- Hall. Graveside services were held at Holy phone company for a year before marrying a third daughter, Eileen was born, and in ber of the American Legion Auxiliary. Cross Cemetery in Culver City. Dr. Martini on June 11, 1949. The couple 1954, the family moved to Pacific Palisades, After Mike retired from his pediatric In lieu of flowers, donations may be made moved to Los Angeles and had two daugh- where Mike began his pediatric practice. practice in 1995, she and he enjoyed play- to the Martini Family and Friends Fund at ters, Kathleen and Barbara. Thereafter, the family grew to include three ing tennis and bridge, visiting with friends St. John’s Seminary, 5012 Seminary Road, When Mike was called to active duty sons, Richard, James and Joseph. and family, and traveling. Camarillo, CA 93012 or Stjohnsem.edu/ during the Korean War, Elaine lived with Elaine was an active member of the Cor- Two special trips were a pilgrimage to ways-to-give/) or to a charitable cause of her parents in St. Louis. After he returned, pus Christi Catholic parish. She helped es- Rome, Egypt and Israel led by their son, one’s choice. Saliann Kelly Siwulec, 61; Art Educator aliann (Sal) Kelly Siwulec lived a beau- giving with Claire, her parents, siblings, into everything she did—building sets for tiful, loving and creative life. She was nieces and nephews in Morristown. Claire’s dance studio, teaching art “classes” Sborn in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 6, After growing up in Michigan, Sal grad- and art parties to neighbors and to her many 1956, where her dad was stationed in the uated from the University of Arizona with nieces and nephews, and teaching work- Navy. She passed away on Thursday, De- a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She then shops at Three Pines Studio in Cross Village, cember 14, 2017, in Morristown, New Jer- moved to California where she met and Michigan. Her entire garage is overflowing sey, from complications related to a long married her beloved husband, Dan. They with her many art projects and su pplies. battle with sinus cancer. were blessed with one daughter, Claire, who Sal was a loving mother, spouse, daugh- Sal’s brilliant smile was contagious. She was was the light of Sal’s life. ter, sister and friend. She is survived by Dan, an amazing person whose kindness, opti- Sal, Dan and Claire lived in Pacific Pali - Claire and her parents, Ann Kelly of Birm- mism and humor touched everyone she met. sades during the school year and in Good ingham, Michigan, and Tom Kelly of At- Sal, who had resided for more than 17 Hart, Michigan, during the summer months. lanta, Georgia. She is also survived by her years in Pacific Palisades with her husband Sal was a gifted arts educator and for siblings and their spouses, Clay and Elaine and daughter, chose to live each day to the more than a decade every student who at- Kelly of Birmingham; Beth and Ralph fullest and faced her illness with extraordi- tended Palisades Charter Elementary School Richardson of Mission Hills, Kansas; Gor- nary strength and courage. experienced art residencies with Sal, who don and Karen Kelly of Fort Worth, Texas; In November, she was on the East Coast taught Art Cadre. and Molly and Mike Servais of Morristown; to see her daughter Claire’s dance perform- Sal also worked for the nonprofit, Art her adored nieces and nephews, Kelly, Katy, ance at George Washington University in Trek, which brings art education to under- Connor, Eliza, Elliot, Anna, Sam, Ryan and Washington, D.C., and to celebrate Thanks- served classrooms. Sal’s creativity extended Maggie; and many friends. Saliann Kelly Siwulec A service celebrating Sal’s life was held at the service; the family wished to celebrate the Community United Methodist Church Sal’s life with vibrant colors that she loved. of Pacific Palisades on Saturday, January 13, In lieu of flowers, donations may be with a reception immediately following. made to Art Trek, visit: arttrek.org/sals- Attendees were asked to not wear black to memorial-fund. Middle School Essay Contest For the first time in the club’s history, the Pacific Palisades Optimist Club is announcing a middle school essay contest in conjunction with its high school essay contest. Sixth through eighth grade students from Corpus Christi, Calvary Christian, Paul Revere, Village School, Seven Arrows and St. Matthew’s are invited to write a 700-800-word essay on the topic “Can Society Fun ction without Respect?” There will be one first place award of $100. Essays are due on January 31. Contact Dan Ackerman at [email protected] for specific rules or visit: optimist.org/member/scholarships3.cfm. Palisades News Page 16 January 17, 2018 PaliHi’s Wrestling Reputation Grows Photos by BART BARTHOLOMEW ny Santiago (St. John Bosco). Galef lost 5-3, but Santiago went onto the championship lthough Palisades High School start - match where he took second. “I knew it was ed its wrestling program in 2011— going to be a tough tournament, and I’d have Awithout mats and no practice to wrestle someone like him,” Galef said. space—in December, five Dolphin wrestlers Jake Carpenter lost 6-2 to Peter Enos from were invited to the Doc Buchanan Invita- Francis Howell, Missouri, who took fourth tional held at Clovis High near Fresno on overall. Chapman, at 160 pounds, lost 2-0 January 5 and 6. to Gustavo Mello of Calvary Chapel (Santa This might be one of the toughest in- Ana). Velado lost to the third-seeded Connor vitational tournaments in the nation. The Bourne from Faith Lutheran, Nevada. Bourne opening brackets have 64 wrestlers at each went on to sixth place in the tournament. weight class, and all have to earn the right Al-Saudi, at 195, made it to the quarter- Hamza Al-Saudi dominates his opponent. to be at this tournament. finals, before losing to the second seeded The Doc B tournament had 21 teams Antonio Andre of Gilroy. from out of state, including those from Dolphins Win League Match New Jersey, Utah, Nevada, Illinois, Missouri, The Dolphins held their first league Colorado, Oregon and Washington. match on January 10 at home against West Additionally, 26 California schools that Adams, Fremont, Brightstar and Dorsey. are ranked in the top 50 in the state, includ- They won 84 to 24. Coach Juliano said ing the top five Buchanan, Gilroy, Selma, “We’re heads and tails above the rest of the Oakdale and St. John Bo sco, competed. league, I kind of expected this result.” Bergen won (253.5), Buchanan was sec- He took some of his top wrestlers to the ond (199.5), Selma third (148), Gilroy fourth Battle for the Belt in Temecula this last (132.5) and Clovis fifth (113). Seven of the 14 weekend, but only Al-Saudi placed. He took weight-class winners were from out of state. fourth after losing to Nick Villarreal from PaliHi Coach Aldo Juliano said they re- Gilroy in a 7-5 decision. ceived an invitation from the Clovis coach Juliano said that they will be tested in after the good showing the team had at the regionals on February 10, when they go up 36th Annual Newbury Park Invitational, against Valley powerhouses Birmingham which featured 252 wrestlers from Califor- and San Fernando. nia and Nevada. City Championships will be held Febru- Palisades High School’s Hamzah Al-Saudi ary 16-17 at the Roybal Learning Center. Lilly Topputo looks for ways to pin her opponent. (220 pounds) and Jake Carpenter (152 Girls CIF Championships will be held in pounds) took first in their weight classes and 170 pounds Savanah Newell pinned her 152 pounds Jake Carpenter pinned his Visalia February 23-24 and the Boys CIF Al-Saudi received an MVP award. Aaron opponent. opponent. Championships will be held in Bakersfield Galef finished third; Chance Chapman, 160 pounds Chance Chapman won by a pin. March 2-3. Joseph Velado and Immanuel Newell (Maho) PaliHi Boys’ Results: 170 pounds Luke Hansen won by a pin. placed fifth in their respective weight classes. Girls’ Results: 106 pounds Max Much won by forfeit. 182 pounds Joseph Velado pinned his op- At Doc B, Galef a junior, wrestled at the 130 pounds Lilly Topputo won by a pin. 120 pounds Pars Pourmoula 9-3 loss. ponent. 138-weight class. His first opponent was Son - 150 pounds Ashley Osorio was pinned. 126 pounds Kyle Santelices pinned his 195 pounds Emilio Alvir won by a pin. opponent. 220 pounds Hamzah Al-Saudi pinned his 132 pounds Jonathon Querro won by a pin. opponent. 138 pounds Aaron Galef pinned his op- 285 pounds Immanuel Newell won by a pin. ponent. In an 160-pound exhibition match, 145 pounds Eric Guerro won by a pin. Edwin Duarte pinned his opponent.

Jake Carpenter got his opponent in a “spadle” move, resulting in a pin. Chance Chapman works for a pin. January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 17 PaliHi Soccer Girls Play Tough y scheduling challenging non-league ing El Camino 2-1.) games, PaliHi girls soccer coach “Ava [Kerkorian, a sophomore mid-field - BChristian Chambers hopes to have er] was good and Jordan [Darrow, a junior his team prepared for the City Section forward] worked hard,” Chambers said. playoffs in February. “Frankie [Van Norden, a junior defender] The Dolphins, who are virtually unbeat - went up and down the sidelines.” en in Western League action year after year, One of Pali’s top strikers from last year, roared past Westchester, 3-0, and LACES, Daniela Flores, is playing Academy, which 7-0, as league play got underway last week. means she’s not allowed to play high school. Fortunately, Palisades was able to play “I think all the ‘stronger’ teams have lost Culver City in late November, winning 3- players this year because of the Academy 0, before tying Santa Monica, 0-0, two issue,” Chambers said, “which means it closes days later. the gap between the top teams and the next The Dolphins didn’t face another oppo- level of teams.” (U.S. Soccer has a Girls De- nent until the first week of January, when velopment Academy for top players and they lost to Valencia 2-1 and Harvard-West- bans them from playing high school ball.) lake, 5-0. The Dolphins had two top-notch goalies “These games were our first since No- last year, Katie Wilkes and Kat Nuckols, who vember 30,” Chambers told the News after are both playing for their college teams, UC the H-W loss. “Between the fires, finals week San Diego and Bates, respectively. Their suc- and the winter break, we haven’t been able cessor is senior Rachel Phillips, who played to prepare for this week’s games.” on the girls varsity basketball team last year, The speed of play in the Harvard-West- PaliHi prepares to defend against an El Camino corner kick. Photo: Kim Holland instead of the soccer team. lake match was fast and intense. “I thought cer. I believe that playing against teams like erally must face Valley teams like El Camino Nine of the 21 players on the roster are we had some good spells in the game, but HW is a fantastic learning experience for or Granada Hills in the final round or two. seniors. they are a very good side with five or six in- the girls. The speed of play and athleticism (Last year they lost in the semi-finals to Pali plays at home today (January 17) dividuals that are way better than anything of HW was way above what we’re used to Granada Hills in triple overtime. Granada against league-rival Venice, and travels to we’ve come across in the past few years,” but hopefully the girls will take something went on to win the championship, defeat- Fairfax on Friday. Chambers said. positive away from the game.” “The main aim for me was to get minutes On January 6, Pali played El Camino Real for as many players as possible and expose to a 0-0 tie, which was significant. When the them to the highest level of high school soc- Dolphins enter the City playoffs, they gen-

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 you saw their ad in the News! Page 18 Palisades News January 17, 2018 Galef Takes PPBA Tryouts This Weekend Them Down he Pacific Palisades Baseball Associ- small number of players may not be placed.” ation spring baseball season for boys If a child is not placed on a team, registra- s a young boy, Aaron Galef played and girls, ages 7 to 14, is fast ap- tion will be refunded. baseball, basketball and football at T proaching. Registration needs to be com- First practices will be held starting on the Palisades Recreation Center. But A pleted online. For those who are registering Saturday, February 10. The traditional pan- then in middle school at Paul Revere, he after the December 31 deadline, a $25 non- cake breakfast will be March 10 to coincide started wrestling under coach Adam Hunter. refundable late fee will be assessed to the with opening day. Playoffs start on May 12. Why wrestling? “I was 4’10” and weighed basic $400 registration fee (there is a dis- Closing ceremonies and All-Star games are 80 pounds; I knew I wasn’t going to be a count for siblings). Any player registering June 2. starter in the NBA with my size,” said Galef, afterJanua ry 30 will be put on a wait list. Visit: pppba.net or email ppba@earth- now a PaliHi junior. “My parents supported The basic fee covers a uniform, a photo link.net. my decision because they knew if I put in package, trophy, insurance, field mainte- the hard work, I’d do good.” nance, umpire costs and team equipment. And he did. He won the 85-pound weight Aaron Galef Evaluations are Saturday, January 20, for class championship in the middle-school said. “In the evening I look in the mirror and 7- and 8-year-old players (8 a.m. to noon), Park Board league finals against Chaminade, Harvard- ask myself ‘Did I work as hard as I could?’” 9-year-old players (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.) and Westlake and Buckley. At the Doc B tournament in January, he 13- and 14-year-old players (8:30 to 10:30 Galef says wrestling has advantages be- wrestled at 138 pounds and one of his first To Meet a.m.). On Sunday, January 21, evaluations cause it’s a strictly one-on-one combat, and opponents was a ranked athlete (64 athletes will be held for 10-year-old players (8 to 11 the win or the loss rests solely with the in- are in each weight class). The match was a.m.), 11-year-old players (11:30 a.m. to 2 dividual. “It’s not about losing because one tight, and Galef lost 5-3, but his opponent January 17 p.m.), 12-year-old players (2 to 4 p.m.) and person on a team didn’t pull through.” went on to wrestle in the championships. The Park Advisory Board will hold makeups for 7-, 8-, 9-, 13- and 14-year-old Still relatively small (5’5” and close to 140 While dedicated to wrestling, Galef is also its quarterly meeting at 7 p.m. on players (3 p.m.). pounds), Galef usually has two workouts a focused on academics. “I have all As and Bs,” Wednesday, January 17, in the small The PPBA Board tries to place all chil- day. One is on the mat practicing different he said. “The smarter I get in school, the gym at the Palisades Recreation Cen- dren on a team, but “due to safety consid- holds and releases, the second is usually an smarter I get in wrestling.” ter, 851 Alma Real Dr. The public is erations and limitations on the number of aerobic or lifting workout. The night before The son of Palisadians Marni and Michael invited. players able to be placed on each team, a he spoke to the News he had run two miles Galef, Aaron has a fraternal twin, Jordan Topics on the agenda include: 1.) in 15 minutes. “Rain or shine I get a good (6-ft. tall, 170 pounds), who plays water fundraising report; 2.) dog park up- run,” he said. polo and baseball at Pali. His older brother JUMBLE SOLUTION date; 3.) Veterans Garden/bocce court With the sport of wrestling, it’s about the Gabriel, who is at Chapman University, update; 4.) field maintenance work; balance of finding the maximum weight for played quarterback for the Dolphins and and 5.) overall general park comments. the maximum strength. “I eat healthy,” Galef also starred in school musicals

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Did you miss an issue of the News? Don’t worry—You can always LOCAL SINGER RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY See Page 22 $1.00 Circulation: 15,000 • catch up with your favorite local Uniting the Community with News, Features and Commentary Vol. 4, No. 6 • January 17, 2018 Woman’s Body Found on Beach surfer discovered a woman’s body floating in the ocean near Porto AMarina and Pacific Coast Highway before 9 a.m. on January 13. The body was paper online. All our issues ater he and about 100 yards out in the w pulled it to shore, then called 911. Palisades Patrol responded, along with Los Angeles police, and the L.A. County Coroner arrived at 1 p.m. The woman was described as young and possibly Hispanic. There were no visible signs of trauma. She was wearing black are available on our website, Puma sneakers, dark jeans and a gray t-shirt. The deceased carried no identification. On Nextdoor Palisades, Daniel Pauer had a noon posting: “Just spoke to Officer Miller, who was looking for any information see- ing or hearing suspicious happenings be- tween 2 and 8 a.m. in the area. Woman didn’t appear to be homeless. Include No. 1282, if you have any information.” www.PalisadesNews.com. The News tried to speak to oLAPD de- tectives, but the coroner, who declined to give her name, shouted that there would be no press on the beach, even though there resent. were onlookers p

A woman’s body was found in the ocean near Porto Marina (north of Sunset) and pulled to the sand. A tent was set up on the beach Just click on the “Our Newspaper” link to protect the privacy of the deceased, while the coroner conducted a preliminary investigation. The quick overhaul included scouring manages Cole’s French Dip (the landmark the kitchen and installing new equipment. In addition, rotted shelving behind the bar Golden Bullcrew was to serving Remain a limited menu, and three saloonNeighborhood known for French-dip sandwiches and Eatery classic cocktails in Downtown L.A.). Cole’sn was taken out and the area backlit, provid- By SUE PASCOE bartenders were on hand to keep patrons ing a more open feel. Same bar, only better. Editor happy, especially those who have long sa- was Verge’s first venture and was focused o and go to “Current and Past Editions.” this winter night, the beloved fire- preserving the restaurant’s vibe, including On vored the Bull’s old-fashioned cocktails. place was going, providing an intimate, he reports of my death are greatly “We’vebeen looking at this spot for years,”historic cocktails and the classiced some sandwich. love,” “This whole place need warm setting. exaggerated,” Mark Twain quipped said Pacific Palisades resident Chase Ahders, For the next three to five weeks, only the when he learned a major newspaper one of four men who have taken over the Ahders said about the Golden Bull, which (Continued on Page 9) T lease on the W. Channel Rd. restaurant. opened in 1949. “We wanted to keep it ‘old had printed his obituary. school’ comfortable.” After a visit to the Golden Bull, whose He explained that Don Cranford, the January 1 closing was widely feared as the Golden Bull’s owner for more than 40 years, “The on-line edition of your complete death of a popular neighborhood restau- had been approached by several investment instead describes it in Fats rant, the News groups who wanted to come in, make ex- Waller’s words: “This joint is jumping, tensive renovations and change the name. But Ahders, Palisadians Luke Tabit and this joint is really jumping.”nuary 1, with The Golden Bull closed Ja Mark Verge, and Santa Monica resident Eddie Silkaitis wanted to keep it basically newspaper is one of the most helpfully a promise to reopen under new ownership on January 11—and it did. the same, a neighborhood restaurant. So the News visited the Santa Monica The ownership group also has Margo’s Canyon eatery last week, joining friends and Art’s Table, both on Montana, and Ash- and neighbors who were stopping by for land Hill on Main Street in Santa Monica and

drinks in the early evening. The kitchen 
 accessible and readable versions I

 have ever seen—from either a large

 

  


  Bartender Daniel Baker keeps the drinks flowing at the Golden Bull.

  newspaper or small.” —J.R. www.palisadesnews.com January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 19 Achen Named City Athletic Director of the Year aliHi’s John Achen has been named After graduating in 1999, he studied at 2017-18 Athletic Director of the Year Santa Monica College and then completed Pby the CIF L.A. City Section. He will his degree in criminal justice at Cal Luther - be honored at the annual California State an. He worked for a local production com- Athletic Directors Association’s conference pany for a short time, but in 2009, he was in Burlingame in April. pulled in as assistant AD at PaliHi. He also “John has done a tremendous job as served as a PaliHi football coach from 2010 athletic director at Palisades Charter High to 2012. School. His passion and devotion to his School officials soon realized that Achen alma mater re flects positively in the char- would be more valuable in the AD position, acter of the student-athletes and coaches and in March 2011 he was promoted. The at Pali,” said Dick Dornan, the City Section leadership job had been changing on a rou- sports information director. “He truly de- tine basis, but Achen has brought stability. serves this award and his peers recognized In addition to fulfilling his regular du- him through his hard work and dedication.” ties, Achen is also a person that coaches, Dornan noted that there are 10 CIF sec- parents and athletes seek out. He is easy to tions in California and each section recog- talk to and always seems to have time to nizes an Athletic Director of the Year. chat with everyone. “All I do is paperwork,” said Achen, who “I just try to find solutions,” he said. “I’m oversees one of the most successful athletic John Achen is Palisades High School’s Athletic Director. mellow, just a dude from the Palisades.” programs in all of Los Angeles. “The empha- in the AD position less than five years. A and boys varsity/JV basketball and wrestling. Achen is clear about his mission at Pali. sis shouldn’t be on me, it should go to the year later he received the California Coaches Come spring at the stadium field, he must “We’re focused on running an entire ath- coaches and the kids for all of their hard Association SoCal Honoree award. see that games/meets and practices are letic program,” he said. “This school is not work. They should have the recognition.” Achen, who is adamant that all the focus possible for track, girls softball, and boys just about one or two sports.” This school year, PaliHi teams have al- should be on the athletes rather than him, and girls lacrosse. His parents, John and Michelle, live in the ready won City championships in girls ten- is an unsung hero at the school. Achen also makes sure there are officials community. His mom, who graduated from nis and boys water polo, and were run- Even though he downplays his position, at every home athletic event, and post- PaliHi in 1970, works at Palisades Elemen- ners-up in girls volleyball and boys and girls he is key to keeping the program running game buses for the traveling athletes. tary in resources and his sister Amanda cross country. smoothly. During the school year, he sched- Plus, he is in charge of looking at all the (now married to Joe Ford) also works there. Achen is a truly nice guy, so it’s easy to see ules 51 teams (varsity/junior varsity) and eligibility and athletic clearances, either Achen is married to Irina, a senior tech- why this is his third award. In 2014, he re- manages the welfare of 811 athletes. through transfers or grades. nical project manager for a medical com- ceived the Norman MacKenzie Award, given With only two gyms available, he some- Achen, a third-generation Palisadian, pany, and they have a daughter, Sofia. The to an athletic director “rookie” who has been how schedules games and practices for girls played football when he attended PaliHi. family resides in Pacific Palisades. CAN A REVERSE MORTGAGE WORK FOR YOU?  


  
  


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In 1952, the initial members of the new Pacific Palisades Rotary Club, organized under the sponsorship of the West Los Angeles Rotary Club, were (seated left to right) Elmer Meyer, secretary-treasurer; Walter C. Haas, president and Dr. N.K. Forster, vice president, Rotarians beautified and maintained the pump station at the base of Temescal Canyon and standing (left to right) are Ralph O. Drummond, Hollis W. Colwell, John Bohannon Road and Pacific Coast Highway. and Robert L. Wilson, directors. Photo courtesy Palisades Rotary Palisades Rotary Celebrates 65th By LAUREL BUSBY feeling a good feeling of accomplishment and bers could have the same work specialty. also has visited clubs while traveling in lo- Staff Writer like you’re contributing to the community.” “The idea is to sit around the table with cales such as Bahrain, Shanghai and Cairo. Perry Akins, a Rotarian for about 37 years, people who are not in your profession,” said “Rotary is always fun from that stand- or 65 years, the Rotary Club of Pacific added, “Some of the members have become Akins, who noted that now two people in one point,” Akins said. “If you’re traveling the Palisades has been working to improve my best friends. Rotary attracts interesting job specialty are allowed. “It makes it more world and want to go someplace where you Fthe local community and the world. people, good people, people who want to interesting than sitting around with people feel at home, go to a Rotary meeting.” From efforts to plant trees in Los Leones give back. For me it’s been very satisfying to who do the same thing as you do every day.” The Palisades club’s meetings follow a and Temescal canyons to the worldwide meet such wonderful people in the Palisades.” Traditionally, members were also re- specific pattern, with time for club business, endeavor to eradicate polio, the club’s men The local club, which is one of over 33,000 quired to attend every weekly meeting, and a 30-minute speaker on an intriguing topic, and wom en have taken on diverse service in more than 200 countries worldwide, if they missed three successive meetings, and time to socialize and eat. Typically, the projects that not only helped others, but started its service mission in February 1952 they were dropped from the club, although club has three one-hour breakfast meetings brought them closer together. with 22 members. At the time, only men the rules are no longer so stringent. For Wil- on Thursdays and one dinner meeting each “Everything that I give I get back tenfold,” could join, although wives could contribute son’s father, who maintained perfect atten- month. Women, who the U.S. Supreme said John Wilson, whose late father, Bob, was as affiliated Rotary Anns. Each member dance for about 40 years, this meant that he Court ruled were allowed to join the clubs a founding member of the club. “It is one of had to be invited by a current member and would visit Rotary clubs in other countries in 1987, are now vibrant members, includ- those types of clubs that you are constantly job diversity was prized, so no two mem- when on vacation with his family. Akins (Continued on Page 21)

Nineteen of the 22 local men to make up the Pacific Palisades Rotary Club were present at the first regular luncheon meeting held Tuesday, February 26, 1952, at the Riviera Country Club. They are (left to right, seated) Robert L. Wilson, Ralph O. Crummond, Dr. N.K. Forster, Walter C. Haas, Elmer Meyer, Hollis W. Colwell and John Bohannon; (standing, left to right) Dr. Leslie Spicer, Barney B. Bailey, Nelson Ross, Reverend B.F. Janes, Barney Cohen, Dr. Roy McComber, Raymond LePere, Carl Sheppard, Hossein A recent project is raising money to build a school library for inner-city youth. Rotarians Farmy, Joe Cleary, Hal Schreiner and C.D. Clearwater. Photo courtesy Palisades Rotary also ensured that each child received a book. January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 21

demic, as opposed to 125 countries in 1988. To accomplish Rotary’s goal, each local Rotary club was assigned a portion of the fundrais- (Continued from Page 20) ing required to tackle the disease, which led ing current president Pamela Kratochvil, to the creation of the Art Affair fundraiser, a lifelong Palisadian introduced to the club which took place for 14 years along Tem - by past president Holly Davis. escal Canyon Road. Additionally, local Ro- Kratochvil, who operates L.A. Golf Acad- tarian Ian Grant went to Ghana in 2000 to emy, joined because “I thought it was a great help administer the polio vaccine to chil- opportunity to meld our business outreach dren under six. to the community with philanthropy. I “We gave roughly a million polio vaccina- wanted to give back to my hometown and tions,” Grant said in a video the club made not only does it help my hometown, but it commemorating its 50th anniversary. “It outreaches to the international community was just a great project and very exciting.” as well. It’s a wide spectrum that is impor- Locally, the club’s efforts have also helped tant to me.” children. Early projects included the found- For its work around the globe, Rotary has ing of Marquez Elementary and Paul Revere six areas of focus: promoting peace, fighting Junior High School. disease, saving mothers and children, sup- Palisades Rotarians were active in upgrad- porting education, growing local economies, ing the playground at the Palisades Recre- The Inaugural Pali Tri, a mini-triathlon that the Rotary Club hosted for two years, and providing clean water, sanitation and ation Center and currently support children’s started and ended at Palisades High on a Sunday morning, October 23, 2011. hygiene. Each year, Palisades Rotarians con- literacy by acquiring books for L.A. inner- Photo courtesy Palisades Rotary tribute by sending a member to participate city schoolchildren. In addition, the club on fundraising, others require further com- events, including an annual demotion party, in an endeavor, such as last year’s clean-water regularly contributes to the Palisades-Mal- mitments ranging from landscaping to when the past president steps down and a initi ative in Merida in Yucatán, Mexico. ibu YMCA and the Boy Scouts, while also political challenges. new one takes over. One club member also Worldwide, the Rotary Club has also been providing scholarships and awards to both For example, upgrading the park’s play- is chosen annually as the Bob Wilson Ro- an essential part of the campaign to eradicate PaliHi and Paul Revere students. ground, Wilson said, “started with the ac- tarian of the Year, and $500 is donated to polio. The effort began in 1988 in partnership The club also supports the Fourth of July tual concept and taking that concept to the a charity of in that member’s name. (The with UNICEF and the World Health Organ- Parade each year and has taken responsibil- City Council, showing up at the various club also honors a Palisades Business Per- ization. The project has been widely success- ity for clearing and maintaining the pump- hearings, and helping the city financially son of the Year.) ful, reducing cases from about 350,000 cases station grounds at Temescal and Sunset. along with a lot of other organizations like “The motto for Rotary is ‘Service Above annually to 37 confirmed cases last year. For fundraising, the local Rotarians now the American Legion and Optimist Club. Self,’ and that’s what we like to do,” Kra- Currently Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan hold Texas Hold’em poker tournaments, We went from the genesis of the idea to tochvil said. “We also have a yearly motto. are the last three countries where polio is en- but while some endeavors depend mostly helping focus people’s wishes and desires ‘Rotary Making a Difference’ is this year’s. on achieving that particular event.” We like to make a difference locally as well In addition, the club has fun internal as internationally.”

Led by Rotarians, Palisadians crowded a Board of Education meeting to plea the founding of Marquez Elementary and Paul Revere Junior High School. Photo courtesy Palisades Rotary The Rotary has held a Texas Hold’Em to raise funds for projects. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

1969 Mandeville Canyon Road In Escrow 5 Bedroom 4.5 Bath Offered at $3,495,000 BRETT C. DUFFY Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 881 Alma Real Drive, Suite 100 Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 BRETT DUFFY (310) 230-3716 REAL ESTATE [email protected] ©2016 An Independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. CalBRE# 01241284 Page 22 Palisades News January 17, 2018 PaliHi’s Alaman Recognized Nationally By LILA SEIDMAN Staff Writer hen Palisades Charter High School senior Roberta Alaman Wentered a national arts compe- tition in one of the most competitive cat- egories—pop singing—she wrote it off as a long shot. Then she got an email. “It’s just this overwhelming sense of hap- piness,” Alaman said of finding out she was named a 2018 YoungArts merit winner, making her one of over 750 teenage artists from across the country to be recognized. Alaman will receive a cash award of up to $10,000, and have opportunities to par- ticipate in YoungArts’ national perform- ance programs, as well as have access to its network of mentors. The aspiring musical theater performer said she’s most excited about the credibility Roberta Alaman starred in PaliHi’s production of Evita. the title will afford her. Weber-scored musical was also the most stepparents have been supportive of her de- “I think it’s going to open a door that I challenging role she’s taken on, describing it cision to pursue a career in the arts. Aldrete didn’t even know was possible before . . . be- as both physically and emotionally taxing. used to work in TV. Alaman’s father, Fed- Roberta Alaman cause I haven’t really had that many chances It also deepened her respect for the craft. erico Alaman, is the general manager for dustry, I just want to be in it.” to perform in venues that weren’t my “[Evita] gave me a really good sense of Fox’s Mexican channels. While Alaman plans to focus first on get- school,” Alaman explained. “It’s going to what musical theater is all about: hard work Several years after discovering her love ting involved with professional musical-the- make me be taken seriously as an artist, and and emotional connection and human na- of singing, Alaman has submitted college ater productions, she is also interested in that’s the most important thing to me.” ture,” Alaman said. “It led me to think that applications exclusively to colleges offering directing, writing, casting and getting in- To enter the competition, Alaman had to musical theater isn’t just frilly and glitzy, and a BFA in musical theater, primarily located volved in film and TV. submit videos of herself singing four songs: without substance, like most people think. on the East Coast. “Any aspect of creating something is real - a ballad, an up-tempo number, and songs It’s much more important than that.” “Performing is everything,” Alaman ly important to me,” she said, “and I want from before and after the ‘90s. She said that Alaman said she’s always sou ght atten- said. “Anything in the entertainment in- to be taken seriously right off the bat.” because it was an entirely electronic process, tion. As a young girl, she’d dress up and sing without any interaction with the judges, pop songs for her grandmother and her it was particularly nerve-wracking. friends. But it wasn’t until she was around While she’s classified as a first soprano be- nine that she really fell in love with singing. cause of her range, Alaman said she’s more She said the awakening was first stirred of “a belter, in terms of what I like to sing.” by a teacher named Ms. Katy, who taught She enjoys loud, power ballads and eschews music at Kenter Canyon Elementary School, demure characters. The number “Defying where Alaman attended. Katy taught the Gravity” from the hit musical Wicked is her class “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics and “go-to,” she said. “Rockin’ Robin” by The Jackson 5—”Pop As a regular PaliHi theater performer songs, cool songs like that, songs that you since her freshman year, Alaman has had wouldn’t think for us to sing,” Alaman said. the opportunity to play some of the out- Armed with a newfound love of music, sized roles she covets. Her favorite so far Alaman joined the choir program at Paul was co-starring as the titular character in Revere Middle School. Her mother, Ana the musical, Evita, which centers on the Aldrete, witnessing her daughter’s passion life of one-time Argentine political leader grow, enrolled Alaman in her first singing Eva Perón. lessons shortly thereafter to hone her skills. According to Alaman, the Andrew Lloyd Alaman said both her parents and her January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 23

Seniors and Safe Driving Meeting Four Politicians to Speak at The Palisades Alliance for Seniors will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 22, at the Palisades Library community room, 861 Alma Real. Democratic Club Gathering Tressa Thompson, Senior Driver Ombudsman at the California Department our elected officials will speak at the of Motor Vehicles, will speak on “Seniors and Safe Driving.” Pacific Palisades Democratic Club’s The DMV’s Senior Driver Ombudsman Program was established to help all annual meeting on Sunday, January drivers maintain their driving ind ependence for as long as they can do so safely. F 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, The program strives to address specific concerns of senior drivers, including 901 Haverford. The public is invited. education and training, and to assist as a liaison to ensure that senior drivers Speakers will include State Senator Ben are treated fairly and consistently when faced with changes in physical, visual Allen, Assemblyman Richard Bloom, L.A. and/or mental abilities. City Councilman Mike Bonin, and L.A. Attendees are invited to stay afterward and socialize. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. Other Palisades Alliance, in conjunction with the Palisades Branch of the Los Angeles politicians may also attend depending on Public Library, offers programs of particular interest to seniors, usually on the prior commitments. second and fourth Monday morning of every month. The programs are open Adam Wolman, the club’s vice president to all, and free of charge. of communications, notes that this meet- ing will be the perfect opportunity to meet and greet politicians who represent us at the city, county and state level. Melissa Grant, after serving as club pres- ident the past six years, will now pass the When torch to Erika Feresten. Admission is free, with donations re- State Senator Ben Allen your quested to help defray costs ($10 suggest - Contacts: palisadesdemclub.ort or face- y ed). Parking is available in the lot and on book.com/palidems, Instagram.com/pali - ttoaster the street. Light refreshments will be served. dems or call (310) 230-2084. tturns Chamber Music Palisades iinto Concert Is January 23 Chamber Music Palisades will hold its a pyro. second program of the season at 8 p.m. on a pyro. Tuesday, January 23, in the sanctuary at St. Matthew’s, 1031 Bienveneda Ave. The concert for guitar, tenor, flute and piano will feature tenor Jon Lee Keenan, WWee’vvee ggoot an agent fofo thr .tah guitartist Kenton Youngstrom and CMP co-founders pianist Delores Stevens and Yo r’u fi llane y o youn owr n andd r aen lfil t ekae o revs W ah. t do you dou S rat? t b g nittey c rag flutist Susan Greenberg. cnarusni f ore s oemom e t aahn g tet yo uyo—us owr S atn e F mrat ® a .teng T genh e t r ten ers Music will include Piazzolla’s “Histoire cnarusni foe j sur a d allot r or twr m roo a m *.htnoe du Tango” for flute and guitar; Tarrega’s “Cap - kiL a gooe n robhgied , S at, e Fat rm i t .erehs ® Susan Greenberg and Delores Stevens CCONTACTON TTAA CT AAN AAGENTNEGN T TTODAY. ODAAYY . riche Arabe” for solo guitar; Bellini’s “Torna, vezzosa Fillide” for tenor, flute and guitar; is a founding member (1979) of the Falla Copland’s “I Bought Me a Cat” for tenor, Guitar Trio and a guitar instructor at Pep- flute and guitar; Ahlert/Young’s “I’m Gonna perdine University, Redlands University Sit Right Down” for tenor, piccolo and and the Colburn School. guitar; Gershwin’s preludes for piano; and Tickets ($30) are available at the door Mower’s “Sonata Latino” for flute and piano. (cash or check). Admission for students Keenan is a featured soloist with the Los with current ID is free. Visit: cmpali - Angeles Master Chorale and Youngstrom sades.org.

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The family drama, which opened at The- Levine, a New Testament expert and a atre Palisades on January 12, focuses on the self-described Yankee Jewish feminist, will paths that the two brothers have taken. hold three lectures and then serve as a guest Walter (Phil Bartolf) has let nothing get in preacher at St. Matthew’s on February 4. the way of material success, continuing his On Friday, February 2, she will speak education even after his family seemed to from 7 to 9 p.m. at Kehillat Israel on the lose everything in the Great Depression, topic “Of Pearls and Prodigals: Jesus the while Victor (Matthew Rhodes) dropped Jewish Storyteller.” out of school to care for their father and On Saturday, Levine will lecture from 9 still refuses to step out of his rut even to 10:15 a.m. at St. Matthew’s on “The ‘La- though their father is long dead. borers in the Vineyard,’ The ‘Mustard Seed,’ These choices ha ve hurt both brothers and The ‘Leaven’: Uncovering our Poten- in different ways. One has felt ashamed and tial.” After a break, Levine will resum e at guilty, while the other feels mistreated and Matthew Rhodes, Jack Winnick, Philip Bartolf and Terri Parks in a scene from the 10:45 with a second topic: “The ‘Widow resentful. Both have festered in silence, be- Theatre Palisades production of Arthur Miller’s The Price. Photo: Joy Daunis and the Judge’ and the ‘Dishonest Steward’: cause until this day in 1968, the two broth- ers argue. As Victor tells Walter, “You can’t an inspiration for the character of Victor. Parables that Cause Us to Question.” ers hadn’t spoken in years. just walk in here with a splash and wash In the TP production, the story proceeds A Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish But the sale’s negotiation brings out away 28 years.” in real time as the family’s messy life is Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and long-buried feelings and provides an op- The drama, directed by Tony Torrisi, ex- paralleled by the packed attic (designed an affiliated professor at the Centre for the portunity for change. However, Victor, a poses the anguish of the family slowly, with by Sherman Wayne), which like their lives Study of Jewish-Christian Relations, Cam- 28-year police force veteran, would have Victor, beaten down by both life and his needs to be cleaned out. The brothers’ bridge UK, Levine is known for her insights to accept his brother’s overtures, and he is own choices, taking the center stage. The painful struggle is clearly painted by regarding the common roots of Christian- reluctant to recast his brother as a friend story of staying locked in a path of lost Rhodes and Bartolf, while Park’s Esther is ity and Judaism. rather than a villain. As his wife, Esther dreams has some autobiographical roots for caught in the middle. Winnick’s lively She has numerous publications on Chris- (Terri Parks), tells him, “You can’t bear the Miller, who, like Walter, went to college portrayal spices things up with not only tian origins, Jewish/Christian relations, and thought that he’s decent.” where he thrived while his older brother left humor but occasionally pathos. biblical views of gender and sexuality. Approaching 50 years old, Victor says college in his sophomore year to help their Produced by Martha Hunter and Wayne, The talks are free, but reservations should he’s too old to consider school or a new ca- father’s ailing business. A brilliant childhood The Price plays through Feb. 18. Tickets: be made via [email protected] reer, which Esther keeps urging him to do. friend also joined the police force after his $20. Call (310) 454-1970 for more infor- or by phone at (310) 454-1358 x128 for this She notes, “You’re free, and you can’t make father was ruined in the Depression and was mation or to reserve tickets. limited-capacity event. Visit: stmatthews.com. a move.” Sitting in the middle of the brother’s CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING quarrel is not only Esther, but Gregory Sol- omon (Jack Winnick), a crafty and humor- SECURITY NEEDS ous octogenarian with his own painful past ______PIANO LESSONS ______ACCOUNTING who wants Victor to accept a lowball price School security guard: Uniformed unarmed Piano classes for all ages offered by profes- Provide tax preparation, Financial, Book- for the furnishings and other belongings. w/ grt working hrs & xlnt work environment. sional w/ nearly 30 yrs teaching experi- keeping & Payroll Services to Partnerships, The sale price is Victor’s choice as both Retired & off-duty police officers: plainclothes ence. Private & group lessons. Piano theory Corporations, LLC’s and individuals. Esther and Walter make clear, but they both armed & unarmed estate watch, executive & music appreciation classes for siblings/ I. Roman Accounting Services urge Victor not to devalue the goods or protection details, local travel. Concealed friends of similar age. Located in Highlands, (310) 230-8826 himself. He doesn’t have to accept the low carry permit a plus. the studio is outfitted w/ multiple supple- ______www.ilanaroman.com bid. He could get other appraisals or even Retired & off-duty police officers: uniformed ments to enhance one’s own music educa- multiply his proceeds by ten times by ac- armed patrol & supervision in WLA, SM, Mal- tion. Summer camps & in-depth immersion VOLUNTEERS______NEEDED experiences avail. Majority of our graduates cepting a suggestion from his brother. ibu & Thou. Oaks. Uniforms supplied. FT & PT. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED are Ivy League students—we know, we had However, doing so would mean letting Law enforcement pro fessionals: We are a Friends of Palisades Library needs volunteers go of the stories he has told himself all something to do with it! to receive book donations for our book sales. training academy & can help you get your www.palisadesmusiclessons.com these years that are revealed as the broth- guard card & firearm permits. If you would enjoy being in the library for a ______or call (310) 948-9889 Gates Security: (805) 499-6555, (310) few hours once or twice a month on Tues. or Thurs., can lift & move bags or boxes of 454-7741,______email: [email protected] ______REIKI OFFERED Reiki is an ancient form of non-invasive al- books,______please call (310) 962-8313. Thank you! ______YARNBOMBING ternative medicine known as energy heal- Seeking volunteer crocheters for the YARN- ing, used to facilitate deep relaxation which ______HELP WANTED BOMB for National Women’s History Month! may lead to increased healing. Local female CHURCH BUS. ADMIN. Colorful & educational event in March brings practitioner, trained at Mayo Clinic’s Center 25-30 hrs/wk. Oversee all financials, super- the community together by dressing up for Spirituality & Healing, seeks 5 new fe- vise prop. maintenance, bookkpg, account- the heart of our town—The Village Green— male clients. Relax & restore while we set ing, payroll & financial reports. Reqs: Excel, in yarn. Pieces later become blankets for the intention for your highest good. Email basic accounting, Word. Personable w/ women in need. Contact Michelle Villemaire: [email protected] for free 10-min. members & supervises church staff. [email protected]______for more info. phone______consult. & pricing. ______Contact: [email protected] ADVERTISE HERE! CONTACT: [email protected] January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 25 Reveling in the Night Life at Dan Tana’s By BOB VICKREY Laurie’s presence immediately elevated Special to the Palisades News our group’s sometimes less-than-scintillat- ing dinner conversations. When you under- inger Ray Price once sang “The night stand that many of our exchanges have life ain’t no good life, but it’s my life,” begun with lines slightly beneath Algo- Sand it certainly appears that in recent nquin Round Table standards such as “How months our monthly lunch club has adopt - about them Dodgers?,” you’ll appreciate ed his famous motto. why we strive to bring in interesting guests After visiting The Galley in Santa Monica who can help raise the leve l of dialogue. in November, we thought we should con- Some of the waiters in the room appeared tinue to visit famous L.A. restaurants that to have worked there long enough to have only open for business after dark. One spot served Dick and Liz their vodka martinis that has been on our list is Dan Tana’s, the back in the day. As we were handed our venerable West Hollywood Italian cucina menus, Arnie quietly pointed out the gentle- and watering hole. man sitting in the adjacent booth who looked We forged into the cold, windy December very much like singer Neil Sedaka, then con- night despite weather forecasts that had firmed his sighting with our waiter. Later that called for Southern California temperatures evening, Arnie, who is an otherwise rational to plunge below the 70-degree mark. That man, veritably tackled Sedaka on his way to kind of perseverance and dedication to our the men’s room, but the extremely gracious mission has become this group’s trademark. and charming singer appeared undaunted The 54-year-old restaurant is well-known Neil Sedaka stopped by the Palisadians’ table and visited with Laurie Sale. Photo: Barry Stein by such typical interruptions to his evenings. for offering good food and a friendly atmos- Last month’s trip to Dan Tana’s included many publishing parties where authors, We munched on fried calamari as we phere, and has always been known as an our special guest Laurie Sale, a longtime publishers’ representatives, bookstore own- studied our menus. Laurie chose the Caesar unpretentious celebrity hangout. Decades Palisadian and native Angeleno, who once ers, and friends would meet in the summer salad, while Arnie ordered the “Chicken ago, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor owned the nationally renowned Children’s for a day of music, merriment, and cama- parmigiana a la Nikola.” Barry ordered a made this their secret hideaway, and it didn’t Book and Music Center in Santa Monica. raderie. Media reports of higher-than-usual made-to-order dish of linguine al dente, take long for word to spread. Suddenly, you Laurie’s early-childhood teaching back- instances of absences from the workplace aglio e olio (garlic and oil) with anchovies needed a reservation to get a table. ground offered her the experience and op- on Mondays following one of Laurie’s par- and broccoli. Mine was a bit simpler— And all these years later, Dan Tana’s still portunity to open one of the first (and larg- ties were thought to be purely coincidental. ”Scallops, sauté.” We topped it off with features its red-and-white-checkered table- est) independent children’s bookstores in After her store closed in 1991, Laurie held cappuccinos, tasty flan, and a large wedge cloths and hanging bottles of Chianti, just Southern California. She was widely re- various jobs in the education field, then later of tiramisu (accent on u). like it w as in that earlier era. spected in the business, and publishers often worked alongside the late City Councilman As we made our exit, Arnie spotted former When Dan Tana opened his restaurant called upon her for book blurbs and endorse- Bill Rosendahl. That experience helped lead Palisades Honorary Mayor Bob Saget at a in 1964, he closed each night at 11 p.m., and ments. She was regularly quoted in Publish- her into creating a Business Improvement nearby table and soon was engaged in con- was often home in bed by midnight. But all ers Weekly about book sales and trends. District (BID) in the Palisades. A BID is a versation with him and members of his that changed in the 1970s, when the nearby The store hosted many of the most fa- nonprofit organization made up of com- party. We later speculated that during the Troubadour Club began booking big stars mous children’s authors of the time, includ- mercial property owners, and it is designed evening, Arnie had met almost every diner in like Elton John and Van Morrison. The ing Judy Blume, Maurice Sendak, Chris Van to create maintenance programs, marketing, the place, but we took note that he may have concert-goers were looking for a late-night Allsburg, David Macaulay, James Marshall, and other services not provided by the city. missed table #12 in the very back of the room. dining spot after the show ended, and Tana Tommy de Paola, Mr. Rogers, Pete Seeger, Upon our arrival at Dan Tana’s, we en- That night, our group sadly discovered obliged them by keeping his doors open to and many more. countered a mob scene at the front doorway that the “night life” may no longer be “our accommodate the wayward party-ers. Her Palisades home has been the site of and wondered if our 6:30 reservation would life,” since we were all back home safe and be honored. However, Arnie greeted the sound by 10 o’clock. But I had also wit- maitre d’, who immediately pushed past the nessed Neil Sedaka stifle a yawn earlier in crowded entryway and led us to our booth. the evening, and I’m betting that he fully The seasoned host must have undoubtedly understands our senior dilemma. read the press releases for Arnie’s “Night of Bob Vickrey is a longtime Palisadian and Comedy” appearance with Billy Crystal and regular contributor to the News. He also writes Kevin Nealon on January 20, which likely for the Houston Chronicle and the Waco explained our preferential treatment. Tribune-Herald.

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www.joansather.com [email protected] 310.740.0302 CalBRE #00575771 Page 26 Palisades News January 17, 2018 DINING WITH GRACE MOKU • Japanese-Thai Cuisine 524 Palisades Dr., Pacific Palisades • (310) 230-3000

oku, just off Sunset in the to be as yum my as they looked, especially Highlands, was recommended when dipped in the spicy peanut sauce. Mto me. So when a friend called Small sample cups of the Tom Kha Soup and wanted to tell me about her recent ($8) were another winner. One of the most adventures in Spain, I asked her to join intriguing flavors of this fascinating soup is me for Monday dinner at Moku, where I the galangal root called Laos, or Thai ginger. had not dined before. What a treat it Also flavored with key lime and lemongrass, turned out to be! this creamy white-fleshed soup with its co- First of all, it turned out that on Mondays conut base was delicious to the last spoonful. from 4 to 9 p.m. there is a Happy Hour with Two small special house rolls specials (plus wines and beers) being half composed of crispy tuna and avocado on off. That same Happ y Hour feature is also top of deep-fried sushi rice, and served offered Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. with a spicy eel sauce, was our last treat before dessert. But it was the delicious food that made our dinner Our finishing delight was a dish composed of a such a treat. vanilla ice cream ball along with a ball of green tea ice The crispy Brussells sprouts with almonds ($9) made cream served with a crispy fried banana. Delish! an outstanding beginning. This array of seasoned leaves The restaurant offers sushi and sashimi rolls along Pacific Palisades Rain Report of sprouts were delicious and tasty to the last bite. with appetizers, salads and soups, entrees and bento The first measurable rainstorm since last February Next was the Drunken Udon ($13), which are fried boxes as well as a variety of Thai food. There is a large brought 2.10 inches of rain to Pacific Palisades on Japanese noodles fragrant with garlic, chili, bell pepper array of special house rolls and even lunch specials, as January 8-9, according to Carol Leacock, who has and Thai basil leaf. well as a kids’ menu for age 12 and under. the official L.A. County rain gauge at her home on Another delicious Thai dish was the Garlic and Pepper Moku is open noon to 3 p.m. for lunch Tuesday Bienveneda Avenue. The rainfall season is measured Sauce ($13) made with stir-fried garlic, ground pepper through Sunday. Dinner hours are 4 to 9 p.m. on Monday, from July to July in Pacific Palisades. Last year’s total and oyster sauce and served with shrimp (although but the rest of the week they open for dinner at 3 p.m. was 22.93 inches, and the normal is 14.25 inches. diners may have the protein of their choice). The restaurant is most attractive with seating in several The most rain re corded here since 1942, when Each of these singularly excellent dishes were filled areas (there is even an outside patio for sunny weather) Zola and Cliff Clearwater began keeping the records, with flavor. along with a long bar area perfect for single diners. was 42.60 inches in 1997-98. The least amount A quintet of five skewers of Chicken Satay ($12) not Moku is a “find.” recorded was 4.11 inches in 2006-07. only looked compelling on the colorful menu but proved — GRACE HINEY January 17, 2018 Palisades News Page 27 Page 28 Palisades News January 17, 2018