THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2005 Volume 4, Issue 270 FREE Santa Monica Daily Press A newspaper with issues

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Visit the California State Lottery web site: http://www.calottery.com murder NEWS OF THE WEIRD BY CHUCK SHEPARD BY RYAN HYATT Daily Press Staff Writer Britain’s Church Mission Society, with 200 missionaries around the world, LAX COURTHOUSE — The decided recently that a place that needs one the most is the town of teenager accused of killing anoth- Telford, England (population 150,000), er Santa Monica teen will have his where fewer than one in a hundred fate decided by a jury, it was residents attends an Anglican church. (Said a CMS spokesman, “These days decided on Wednesday. the CMS goes to the hard places and Superior Court Judge James R. takes on the hard cases.") (The Church Dabney felt that prosecutors pro- of England might have a larger prob- lem, according to a July survey by vided adequate evidence for Bangor University researchers: 3 per- Matthew Felix Vargas, 18, to cent of its clergy doubts the existence stand trial for the fatal shooting in of God, which works out to nearly 300 September of 2003. This despite non-believing ministers.) the defense’s contention that TODAY IN HISTORY Fabian Lewkowicz/Daily Press Vargas can’t be placed at the Today is the 265th day of 2005. Second-grader Samantha Santiago raises money for Hurricane Katrina victims in front of her home, the Sea Castle, scene around the time police say There are 100 days left in the year. by selling sand dollars for $1 each. Santiago’s family lived in the Sea Castle when the Northridge Earthquake hit in Jalonnie Carter was gunned down. Autumn arrives at 6:23 p.m. EDT. 1994, forcing them out of the building when it was red-tagged. The family was thankful to receive help from the Red Carter, 19, was shot in the back On Sept. 22, 1776, Nathan Hale was Cross then, and are planning for a payback. with a .22-caliber gun in the 1800 hanged as a spy by the British during block of 20th Street while walking the Revolutionary War. through an alley on Sept. 2, 2003. QUOTE OF THE DAY Police believe the shooting Scammers’ getaway hits the skids occurred at 5:41 p.m. The bullet “One of the great lessons the fall pierced Carter’s heart, and he died of the leaf teaches, is this: Do your a few hours later at a local hospi- work well and then be ready to depart when God shall call.” BY CAROLYN SACKARIASON Aratani. “There is going to be sig- against the dealership in down- tal — the lone homicide in Santa Daily Press Staff Writer TRYON EDWARDS nificant developments next week.” town Los Angeles Superior Court. Monica that year. AMERICAN CLERGYMAN (1809-1894) Aratani declined to give The suit alleges several customers In addition to first-degree mur- INDEX DOWNTOWN LA — After nearly specifics, but did say charges were ripped off by the dealership, der, Vargas also faces five counts three years of investigating an would most likely be filed against located at 1720 Santa Monica of sexual assault for a rape he Horoscopes alleged consumer fraud scam at individuals involved in the alleged Blvd. That suit has been put on allegedly committed on Nov. 21, As you wish, Libra 2 Honda of Santa Monica, prosecu- scam at the Honda of Santa hold until the criminal investiga- 2004, involving a 13-year-old girl. Surf Report tors are expected to file charges as Monica dealership, as well as a tion is complete, Aratani said. Vargas, who was 17 at the time of Water temperature: 64° 3 early as next week. similar scam at another dealership Since the raid, many of those the alleged rape, also faces one Opinion Dozens of investigators with in Norwalk. involved have been fired. The deal- count of fleeing an officer who At what cost peace? 4 the Los Angeles County District On the same day of the raid, a Attorney’s Consumer Protection class-action lawsuit was filed See FRAUD, page 7 See MURDER TRIAL, page 6 Division seized boxes of files at Honda of Santa Monica’s finance LOCAL and sales departments in a surprise raid on Sept. 25, 2002. Local Investigators and prosecutors City on board with VA homeless shelter Saddle sore in Alaska 10-11 have since been sifting through National files, computer records and other BY RYAN HYATT a 387-acre site here into a home- oping the Veteran Administra- Cold cash 12 evidence to build their case. Daily Press Staff Writer less shelter serving between 300 tion’s largely abandoned West Comics “In light of the course we’re and 500 down-and-out veterans. Los Angeles campus into a long- Laugh it up 16 going, it looks like some signifi- BRENTWOOD — Santa Monica The proposal, initiated by term therapeutic supportive hous- Classifieds cant developments will be hap- city officials on Wednesday offi- Santa Monica City Councilman ing facility for American service- Ad space odyssey 17-19 pening with this case,” said cially endorsed a plan to convert Bobby Shriver, calls for re-devel- See VA GROUNDS, page 12 Deputy District Attorney Dana

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ARIES (March 21-April 19) LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) ★★★★★ Finally, with the Autumnal ★★★★★ The Sun moves into your sign Specializing in Leasing Equinox, you breathe a sigh of relief. Wait until today, lightening up your mood. You hear news the afternoon before expressing your opinions, from a distance. Don’t accept information at face which, for the most part, you have kept to your- value. It is important to check out facts. Use the & Selling Office & self. Others still could be reactive. Tonight: Hang computer or make calls. Tonight: As you wish. at a favorite spot. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Industrial Buildings TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★ You will need to lie back for a little ★★★ Use the morning for anything you find very important. Others will be more respon- longer. Besides, without your direction or push, sive at this time. By the afternoon, work and per- you could be delighted by an associate and her haps an expenditure take a higher priority. Walk offer. Trust will build if you let this person reveal your talk, and others will respect you. Tonight: herself. Tonight: Have a long-overdue chat. Gather your bills. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) SPECIALIZING IN LEASING & SELLING OFFICE GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ★★★★★ Starting this afternoon, you & INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS ★★★★★ In the afternoon, the Moon open up to a more social period in which you Christina S. Porter meet new people and broaden your horizons. As 310-806-6104 [email protected] slides into your sign. Yes, you will be feeling your Vice President Wheaties, and why not? Your creativity emerges. a result, you can make a dream a reality in the Where you plug this energy in is your call. next month. Others seek you out. Tonight: Decide Romance could flourish, if you want it to. Tonight: first whom you want to be with. What you want. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) CANCER (June 21-July 22) ★★★★ Examine what you want from ★★★ Family and domestic matters take associates and co-workers. If you are not in a on an even higher priority in the next few weeks, working situation, examine your daily life. What starting today. You might need to distance your- do you need to spice it up or make it more to your self or pull back some. Sometimes all you do is liking? You will want to be in the limelight. run around. Stop. Think. Reflect. Tonight: Into Tonight: Run errands on the way home. your private world. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) ★★★★★ Spontaneity works and takes ★★★★ By midday, you feel as if some of you down a new path, if you are open. In fact, in the recent weight and burdens might be lifting. the next few weeks, you might want to explore Encourage others to join in on a project. Your words seem to work like magic; just express your options. Nothing is written in stone. Let your yourself. Use that famous Leo charm. Tonight: imagination flow. Tonight: Be with the person you Try a new jazz spot. have the most fun with.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) ★★★ Pressure builds for you to do what ★★★ Your concerns revolve around your you have been talking about. Take the first step. home, financing and a partnership. Some might Others will be unusually supportive. A financial be looking at new homes, while others might matter will be resolved to your liking. Know when want to invest in their present abode. Don’t hesi- to say “enough.” Tonight: Burn the candle at both tate. Go for what you want. Tonight: Happy at ends. home. Sunset Grill Santa Monica Daily Press A CONTINENTAL CAFE AUDIT PENDING FOOD TO GO • DELIVERY • DINE IN Published Monday through Saturday Phone: (310) 458-PRESS (7737) ¥ Fax: (310) 576-9913 A Great Spot for Lunch 1427 Third Street Promenade, Ste. #202 ¥ Santa Monica, CA 90401 ¥ www.smdp.com YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CAFE FOR 15 YEARS PUBLISHER ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE NIGHT EDITOR Ross Furukawa ...... [email protected] Michael Tittinger . . [email protected] Come try our salmon burgers, fresh roasted Rob Schwenker . . . [email protected] EDITOR CLASSIFIEDS SALES MANAGER turkey, curried chicken salad, rice pudding, ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Carolyn Sackariason . . . [email protected] Annie Kotok ...... [email protected] home made vegitarian lasagna. Stewart O’Dell ...... [email protected] STAFF WRITER CIRCULATION Ryan Hyatt ...... [email protected] TRAFFIC MANAGER Keith Wyatt “THE SUNSET GRILL EVOKES MEMORIES OF CHARMING SANTA MONICA PARENTING CIRCULATION Connie Sommerville . . [email protected] PARISIAN CAFES” — ENTERTAINMENT TODAY Nina Furukawa ...... [email protected] Glenn Bolan ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER PRODUCTION MANAGER BREAKFAST ■ LUNCH ■ DINNER SPECIAL PROJECTS Robbie P. Piubeni ...... [email protected] Alejandro Cesar Cantarero II ...... [email protected] Dave Danforth ...... [email protected] ■ Open from 7:30am - 9pm Closed Sundays & Holidays STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER NIGHT EDITOR MASCOT 1701 Ocean Park Blvd. in Santa Monica ■ 310-450-7546 Fabian Lewkowicz Lori Luechtefeld ...... [email protected] Maya Furukawa ...... [email protected] Santa Monica Daily Press ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Page 3 LOCAL COMMUNITY BRIEFS SURF REPORT Take in some sun By Daily Press staff On Thursday, around mid-morning, we’re expect- Today the The National Solar Tour is stopping by Santa Monica on Oct. 1 to teach residents ing our next southern hemi swell to fill in. how to trim their energy bills by harnessing the power of the sun. water Is: Solar powered and energy efficient buildings across the United States and in Calculations point to surf running chest- to shoul- local communities will open their doors for public tours that day. der-high at most south- facing breaks, bigger by For more information, call (310) 399-5997, or go to www.ases.org. Friday. Also on Thursday, we are expecting some Afternoon of jazz to benefit school, hurricane victims swell from Hurricane Max, which should produce By Daily Press staff sets in the chest- to head-high range. 64° Write us at [email protected] The Westside Waldorf School (WWS) is partnering with the Jazz Bakery and and tell us what the surf is doing today at your local break. KJAZZ, 88.1FM to present a Sunday afternoon and evening with multi-platinum recording artist, Freddie Ravel and his seven-piece, Latin-Jazz band. The event will LOW TIDES HIGH TIDES be held at the Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave. in Culver City, Oct. 2. Morning Height Evening Height Morning Height Evening Height With the theme “celebrating community and promoting peace,” activities will start at 4:30 p.m. with light fare dining, wine, dessert and a silent auction followed MONDAY 4:25 0.2 4:56 0.2 10:37 6.1 11:04 5.3 by the concert at 6 p.m. Ravel will premiere a song in a new genre called “Flip TUESDAY 4:56 0.9 5:46 0.2 11:10 6.2 11:57 4.6 WEDNESDAY 5:26 1.6 6:43 0.4 11:45 6.0 N/A N/A Hop,” a compelling, multi-cultural mix of Latin Jazz, Flamenco and Hip Hop. THURSDAY 1:01 3.9 12:22 5.7 5:55 3.0 7:51 0.7 Waldorf education is designed to cultivate highly motivated, creative, indepen- FRIDAY 2:39 3.4 1:08 5.3 6:21 2.9 9:20 0.9 dent thinkers and is directed at building confidence and social responsibility. The driving force for the artistic collaboration with Ravel is raising funds to support the The Surf Report is sponsored by: WWS Tuition Assistance Program, which is based on a commitment to make Waldorf education accessible to all families who value it, regardless of financial cir- cumstances. Ravel mirrors that approach to learning in his music. His work with Waldorf aligns with his mission of “raising human potential through the metaphor of music.” Universal Music Group touts Ravel as “… one of the most outstanding keyboard players, composers and producers …” having “recorded and performed with Earth Wind & Fire, Phil Collins, Quincy Jones, Madonna, All Jarreau, the Boston Pops SURF CENTER santa monica and Prince.” The silent auction will feature original Picasso, Dali and Chagall lithographs from the Andrew Weiss Gallery of Beverly Hills and celebrity guests, including bbCoreCore SurfSurf//LifestyleLifestyle ShopShop bb film and television star Ed O’Neill, Isaiah Washington, comedian A.J. Jamal and Yolanda King who profiles Ravel in her new book, “Open My Eyes, Open My 1451 THIRD STREET PROMENADE Soul!” Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. The concert price includes IN SANTA MONICA ¥ 310.656.CURL complimentary dinner and the art auction. Part of the proceeds also will benefit the New Orleans Waldorf Relief Fund. Call the Jazz Bakery at (310) 271-9039 for more information. Pacific Park celebrates end of the year with charity By Daily Press staff Sponsored by... Employees of Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier recently came together to The City Council has approved a new bus-only lane help others at their annual year-end employee celebration and raised $1,500 from a along Lincoln Boulevard that officials say will help ease EST. 1934 silent auction to benefit the American Red Cross of Santa Monica Hurricane Katrina congestion during peak traffic times of the day. relief campaign. Business owners along Lincoln, however, say the sub- The Galley An end-of-summer tradition, more than 250 Pacific Park employees celebrated sequent loss of street parking will hurt their business- by donating monies raised through the silent auction while bidding on more than 50 es. items ranging from digital cameras and cellular phones to local restaurant gift cer- So this week, Q-Line wants to know, “Do you Rediscover The Galley’s genuine tificates and gift baskets. The employees raised approximately $750 while Pacific service while experiencing our new Park staff matched the amount for a total of $1,500. support the creation of the new bus lane as an attempt to ease traffic congestion despite the loss weekend brunch served on our “The idea to donate the funds from this year’s silent auction to the American Red Cross of Santa Monica was embraced by the team from the moment it was suggest- of some street parking for local businesses? Why beautiful outdoor patio. ed,” said Jeff Klocke, director of marketing at Pacific Park. “This was an opportu- or why not?” Serving Brunch from 11AM-4PM nity for them to make a difference.” Call (310) 285-8106 before Friday at 5 p.m. and Full Bar-Best Bloody Mary’s in Santa Monica Lloyd Morgan, 48, security supervisor at Pacific Park, who was the highest bid- we’ll print your responses in the weekend edition. (310) 452-1934 der on a Sony Cybershot Digital Camera at $205 (a $400 retail value), said: “In the Please try to limit your comments to a minute or less. process I was able to help out people affected by the disaster in New Orleans.” It might help to think first about the wording of your 2442 Main Street • Santa Monica response.

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GUEST COMMENTARY BY ELAN JOURNO GUEST COMMENTARY BY BENNET G. KELLEY Abetting North Korea’s Wonderland’s walls nuclear ambition about to give way The draft agreement to end the The pattern is clear: The North threat- Founding Father John Adams once arms and wars are self-funded by the nuclear standoff with North Korea is ens us, we respond with negotiations, explained that “(f)acts are stubborn occupied country’s resources; and already being celebrated as a triumph gifts and concessions, and it reemerges things and whatever may be our wishes where dangers can be ignored and for “diplomacy.” President Bush has with even greater belligerence. ... they cannot alter the state of facts and declared unexpected when they happen. cautiously lauded the new deal as “a Without economic aid, technical evidence.” That was so 18th century, For the Bush administration, step forward in making this world a assistance and protracted negotiations things are different in the Bush era. Wonderland is a safe place since by dis- more secure place.” Under the agree- affording it time, it is unlikely that the This was in full display these past puting inconvenient facts it is able to ment, North Korea will receive econom- North — continually on the brink of weeks as the administration sought to shift the debate away from the conse- ic aid, free electricity, and guarantees economic collapse — could have sur- shirk responsibility for its lack of pre- quences of its policies. Ironically, this is against U.S. attack — in return for sign- vived, let alone built the fourth-largest paredness and feeble response to especially true in the area where certain- ing the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty army in the world. The North is believed Hurricane Katrina. Despite the fact that ty is the greatest — science. So despite and abandoning its suspected nuclear to have sold long-range ballistic missiles (1) FEMA listed a hurricane strike in overwhelming scientific evidence on weapons program. to Iran, Yemen, Pakistan and Syria. By New Orleans as one of the nation’s three evolution or global warming, President But isn’t this exactly what the United some estimates, North Korea already most likely catastrophic disasters; (2) Bush claims the jury is still out on such States has tried in the past? has the material to create eight nuclear New Orleans’ levees were not built to matters. It is no wonder that more than In the early 1980s, alarmed at North bombs. As it doubtless will continue withstand anything above a category 4,000 scientists, including 48 Nobel Korea’s construction of a nuclear reac- engaging in clandestine nuclear devel- three hurricane and there were numer- Prize winners and 127 members of the tor capable of yielding weapons-grade opment, the North may soon be wielding ous studies demonstrating that a major National Academy of Sciences, accuse material, America tried to induce the — and selling — nuclear weapons. hurricane strike would result in massive the Bush administration of distorting North to sign the nuclear Non- What made this cycle of appeasement flooding and a “staggering” death toll; and suppressing science to suit its polit- Proliferation Treaty. By 1985, after possible — and why do our political and (3) on Aug. 28, the administration ical goals. much stonewalling, Pyongyang finally intellectual leaders insist that further received a briefing from the National Unfortunately, we cannot live in agreed to ratify the treaty — but then “diplomacy” will work? Because they Hurricane Center warning that the lev- Wonderland but rather must inhabit the demanded military concessions in return cling to the fiction that North Korea ees might fail; and (4) on Aug. 31 the real world. In the real world, massive for promising to forgo nuclear weapons. shares the basic goal of prosperity and New Orleans Times-Picayune declared tax cuts lead to deficits and reduced ser- Rather than dismissing these demands peace. This fantasy underlies the notion that “(n)o one can say they didn’t see it vices; thousands are killed or maimed in as extortion by a hostile nation, by 1992 that the right mix of economic aid and coming.” On Sept. 1, President Bush a desert quagmire; global warming is the United States had agreed to cancel military concessions can dissuade North claimed to be surprised by the extent of happening; gas prices reach record lev- its military exercises in the area and to Korea from its nuclear ambition. It the flooding since nobody “anticipated els; Social Security is solvent but withdraw U.S. nuclear weapons sta- evades the fact that the North is a mili- the breach of the levees.” Medicare is not; the minimum wage is tioned in South Korea. The South gave tant dictatorship that acquires and main- This was eerily familiar to his post stagnant while the poverty rate increases up its nuclear program and also offered tains its power by force, looting the 9/11 claim that “there was nobody in our every year; nearly one in six Americans a non-aggression pact and economic wealth of its enslaved citizens and government ... that could envision flying lack health insurance and 18,000 die benefits. During this period, meanwhile, threatening to do the same to its neigh- airplanes into buildings,” when there prematurely as a result; and a great the North, bolstered by guarantees of bors. were numerous intelligence reports on American city is crippled and thousands security and the West’s willingness to But this abstract fact, the advocates this topic, including the president’s Aug. killed by a foreseeable disaster. swallow its lies, completed two reactors of “diplomacy” believe, is dispensable. 6 briefing paper which explained that Al As the flooding subsides in New capable of yielding weapons-grade fuel. If we ignore it, then it ceases to exist. Qaeda was planning to strike possibly Orleans, there is another storm brewing In 1993, after preventing required Notice how, in preparing the way for using hijacked airplanes. that the Bush administration fears more inspections of its nuclear facilities, renewed talks, the Bush administration In the Bush world there are no than any hurricane or tsunami. The mid- Pyongyang announced its intention to ceased describing North Korea as part of unpleasant facts. It is not a question of term election could force the administra- withdraw from the treaty. Our response? an “axis of evil” — as if this could alter rose-colored glasses viewing the glass tion to face an angry electorate demand- More “diplomacy” — in the form of the its moral stature. as half full, since in this Wonderland ing accountability. With the Katrina “Agreed Framework,” brokered in 1994. What the advocates of “diplomacy” either the glass is full or there simply is backlash, growing opposition to the Iraq Under this scheme, the North agreed to believe, in effect, is that pouring gaso- no glass at all. President Bush may talk War and declining poll numbers, the freeze its plutonium program in line onto an inferno will extinguish the about an “Ownership Society,” but his walls protecting Wonderland are begin- exchange for two light-water nuclear fire — so long as we all agree that it administration relentlessly promotes a ning to appear as vulnerable as New reactors (putatively for generating elec- will. Thus: if we agree that North Korea “Wonderland Society” in order to avoid Orleans’ levees; and, unlike New tricity) and, until the reactors were oper- is not a hostile parasite, then it isn’t. If ownership of a president’s most impor- Orleans, Wonderland cannot be rebuilt. ational, 500,000 metric tons of oil annu- we pretend that this dictatorship would tant possession — responsibility. ally (nearly half its annual needs). The rather feed its people than amass The Bush administration has been (Bennet Kelley was co-founder and United States, along with Japan and weapons, then it would. If we shower it able to confine debate to its self-created national co-chair of the Democratic South Korea, paid for these lavish gifts. with loot, it will stop threatening us. But Wonderland, where you can have tax National Committee’s saxophone club The agreement also provided for the lift- the facts of North Korea’s character and cuts and maintain a surplus; where our and contributor to Big Bush Lies ing of trade and diplomatic restrictions, goals, like all facts, are impervious to invading troops are greeted with open (RiverWood Books).) previously imposed as penalties for anyone’s wishful thinking. Years of North Korea’s aggression against its rewarding a petty dictatorship for its neighbors. belligerent actions did not disarm it, but This shameful deal openly rewarded helped it become a significant threat to the North — already closer to acquiring America. nuclear weapons — for its aggression There is only one solution: the United and lies, and furnished it with the means States and its allies must abandon the to become a worse threat. And indeed, suicidal policy of appeasement. by 2003 — when the North actually did withdraw from the treaty — it was clear (Elan Journo is a junior fellow at the that Pyongyang had continued secretly Ayn Rand Institute in Irvine. The to develop weapons-capable nuclear Institute promotes the ideas of Ayn technology. Rand.)

OPINIONS EXPRESSED are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Santa Monica Daily Press staff. Guest editorials from residents are encouraged, as are letters to the editor. Letters will be published on a space-available basis. It is our intention to publish all letters we receive, except those that are libelous or are unsigned. Preference will be given to those that are e-mailed to [email protected]. All letters must include the author’s name and telephone number for purposes of verification. Letters also may be mailed to our offices located at 1427 Third Street Promenade, Suite 202, Santa Monica, 90401, or faxed to (310) 576-9913. All letters and guest editorials are subject to editing for space and content. Santa Monica Daily Press ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Page 5 STATE More juniors willing to see if on right track

By The Associated Press Of those, about two-thirds needed to improve their English skills before tack- LONG BEACH — More high school ling college-level work and 44 percent juniors are choosing to take tests to deter- needed better math skills. mine if they’re on track for college, and That was a modest increase from last that’s a promising sign, according to year — 2 percent better in English and 1 California State University administrators. percent better in math. This spring, nearly 186,000 students Students who show they need help are volunteered to take CSU’s Early encouraged to take additional classes their Assessment Program English test, a 21 senior year. percent increase over last year, according CSU officials hope the program even- to a report presented to Cal State trustees tually will reduce the number of freshmen as they met in Long Beach on Tuesday. who enter the 23-campus system needing Nearly 120,000 took the math test, which remedial classes. In 2004, more than a was a 3 percent increase from spring 2004. third needed those classes in math and just The tests, first administered in 2004, under half needed better English skills. 01590548 are part of a long-term effort by CSU, the Some trustees said Tuesday they’re nation’s largest four-year system, to get concerned whether the message to take students ready for college. the college prep tests is reaching students “The best thing about these results is in lower-performing schools who may the substantial increase in the number of need it most. students who took the test and by taking Boyum said more numbers will be pre- the test received a clear signal about their sented to trustees at their November meet- college readiness,” said Keith Boyum, ing to show participation in the program. associate vice chancellor, academic He noted that CSU draws its students affairs. from the top one-third of California high Overall, nearly half of all juniors who school seniors, but said it’s important all are taking college prep English took the students graduate proficient in English early assessment test in English skills this and math. spring and nearly 70 percent of those tak- “We want to give a clear signal,” he ing college prep math — a smaller group said. “Take it seriously, work hard and — took the test for math proficiency. bring those skills up.” More state schools are failing to make grade, face sanctions 01588159 BY JULIET WILLIAMS than last year, O’Connell said. Associated Press Writer Nationwide, one in 20 public schools Avoid expensive have had to offer transfers since Congress SACRAMENTO — More California passed the education overhaul in 2002. schools are getting failing grades and fac- Elizabeth Cutler, education and policy ing federal sanctions, according to the analyst at Education Trust-West, an surprises at California Department of Education. Oakland-based policy and research orga- The department reported Tuesday that nization, said the results are a good mea- 1,772 schools statewide failed to make the sure of how schools are performing and the airport annual yearly progress they should under what improvements need to be made. the federal No Child Left Behind Act. “All students in all subgroups and all That’s about 30 percent of the nearly areas need to be achieving on the same 6,000 schools that receive federal poverty level. It’s important to shine a light on funding, up slightly from the 28 percent those schools that aren’t able to do that,” classified as failing in 2004. Cutler said. Schools that receive federal poverty But others say standardized tests aren’t an Our portable travel utility funding and don’t meet the education effective way to measure schools’ success. scale is light, yet weighs standards two years in a row must offer A study released by the Great Lakes students transfers and face escalating Center for Education Research and Practice luggage up to 50 pounds so sanctions ranging from private tutoring on Tuesday found no consistent link you can avoid overweight for students to replacing administrators. between greater pressure to perform well on luggage fees. We also have In California, 320 schools joined the tests and higher student performance. list of failing schools this year, while 121 Instead, more pressure was linked to higher a 100 pound scale for schools moved off the list, state dropout and retention rates, the group said. international flights. Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack The center said schools with the high- O’Connell said. est proportion of minority students had He said many schools are making progress the most stringent performance standards. in raising student achievement scores. Two It studied testing reports from 25 states times as many schools got off the list this year from 1990 to 2003.

AMERICA’S LEADING SOURCE OF TRAVEL SUPPLIES 1006 Wilshire Blvd. (at 10th) Free parking in back. Monday – Saturday from 10 to 6. Sunday 12 to 5. 310-394-9417 www.magellans.com Page 6 ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Santa Monica Daily Press LOCAL Accused teen faces life behind bars MURDER TRIAL, from page 1 Detective John Henry with the Santa Prosecutors said an expert analyzed the Monica police was cross-examined by On Monday, another shells found at Carter’s murder scene and attempted to question him, according to Sheldon L. Levitin, Vargas’ attorney. determined the gun was the same as the the DA’s complaint. Afterward, attorneys argued their cases as witness, a pregnant one used in the shooting. Vargas, who has pleaded not guilty to to why they felt Vargas should or should- On Monday, another witness, a preg- all of the charges, faces life in prison plus n’t be tried for murder. woman, refused to testify nant woman, refused to testify against 43 years if found guilty, according to Vargas appeared in court with a shaved Vargas. She was believed to be a family prosecutors. head. He wore a blue L.A. County Jail against Vargas. friend who allegedly overheard Vargas Belinda Ramos, Vargas’ mother, jumpsuit. During the proceedings, he sat admitting to Carter’s murder in June or insists her son isn’t responsible for the next to his attorney, occasionally clicking July of 2004. crimes with which he’s been accused. a pen and glancing back at his mother and murder scene. During her testimony, the woman Vargas was being detained at a juvenile a dozen family and friends who had come Once inside the car, Vargas handed his claimed she didn’t know Vargas and didn’t detention facility in Sylmar on April 7, to support him. girlfriend an item covered in a bandana. The know anything about Carter’s murder. where he was awaiting trial for the rape following day, the girlfriend showed the wit- However, she called Vargas and Ramos by charges, when Santa Monica police detec- WITNESSES WEIGH IN ness a handgun tucked inside the bandana. name in court. tives arrested him for Carter’s murder. One of the witnesses, a 19-year old Larry Droeger, deputy district attorney Prosecutors submitted a videotape as Shortly after the fatal shooting, police woman, testified on Monday that she was prosecuting the case, argued that the evidence, which was reviewed on Wed- arrested a neighbor in connection with the driving Vargas and his girlfriend on the handgun was a .22 caliber Rutger — the nesday. The tape is an alleged interview murder, but the DA’s office dropped the day of the murder along 20th Street at same weapon that had been used in which took place in January of 2005, dur- charges due to a lack of evidence. approximately 3 p.m. Carter’s murder. ing which the woman described how she Carter is described by family and She claimed Vargas may have shouted Levitin noted in his cross-examination overheard Vargas tell her step-daughter friends as a hard-working young man who “junk” to someone outside the window, or that the timing in which Vargas was and step-son that he killed Carter because was studying for a career in computers might have made another sound she dropped off and picked up — during which of his involvement with a rival gang. while working two jobs. couldn’t distinguish. “Junk” or “junk- he allegedly committed the murder — was According to Detective Henry, the wit- Carter’s father, Larry Joseph, who yards,” she explained, was a derogatory two hours and 45 minutes earlier than ness wasn’t aware she was being taped at attended Wednesday’s proceedings, said reference to the Graveyard Crips, a street when police say the shooting occurred. the time. She supposedly relayed the story he hopes justice is served in the trial. gang supposedly at odds with Santa The gun Vargas’ girlfriend allegedly to the Santa Monica police in an interro- According to the DA’s office, Vargas Monica’s 17th Street gang, to which kept for him was soon sold to another wit- gation room six months after she had is being tried as an adult on both the rape police believed Vargas was a member. ness, a drug dealer, who told the court on heard of Vargas’ confession. and murder charges. That he will likely be Vargas requested the witness stop her Monday he needed it for protection. During Wednesday’s proceedings, it tried for both crimes at the same time is vehicle. She did, Vargas departed, and he However, having learned the gun was was revealed the witness’ common-law- coincidence, prosecutors said, since the called for a ride 15 minutes later, she tes- “hot” from Vargas’ girlfriend, the dealer husband was facing deportation at the rape case was postponed by Vargas’ tified. sold it to another friend, who put it in the time she was interviewed by police. defense attorney. The witness said she and Vargas’ girl- trunk of his car, near the spare tire, he tes- Henry said, to the best of his knowledge, Wednesday’s proceedings were a con- friend returned 15 minutes later to the tified. That car was subsequently impound- that process would continue after the wit- tinuation from Monday, when the court location where they had dropped off ed for unrelated matters, then sold twice. ness gave her testimony. heard from five witnesses who testified in Vargas. They picked him up at 3:15 p.m. Santa Monica detectives found the gun the case. near the same location — close to the in the car earlier this year. See MURDER TRIAL, page 7

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The Spine Institute St. John’s Health Center 1301 20th St., Suite 400 Santa Monica, CA 90404 1.866.876.9871 Santa Monica Daily Press ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Page 7 LOCAL Defense: Case against got tension? Vargas is ‘hocus pocus’ September Special! $60/hour MURDER TRIAL, from page 6 was dubious at best, since court records First session only showed Vargas was serving time in a I come to you! (home or office) Also, an award for $25,000 has been juvenile facility for a drug charge when authorized by the city of Santa Monica for the supposed confession took place. (310) 930-1512 the successful prosecution of Carter’s mur- “It’s difficult for me to understand why CALL CRAIG DUNHAM — LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST (#128061) der. Henry told the court the award was the prosecuting agency would go to trial EMAIL: [email protected] WWW.CODEREDATHLETICS.COM never discussed between the witness and with (the pregnant witness), when I Santa Monica police prior to her interview. wouldn’t rely on her to buy me dog food,” Levitin said. “Her comments in the inves- 01594222 ATTORNEYS MAKE tigation have had more to do with getting CLOSING ARGUMENTS help from the INS than telling the truth.” Levitin argued on Wednesday that Levitin said there were too many cir- Vargas’ murder case should be thrown cumstantial facts that did little to point the out of court on the basis the prosecutor’s finger at Vargas, without leaving signifi- evidence wasn’t worth a trial. cant doubt. With this point in mind, Levitin said Vargas couldn’t have Levitin suggested the drug dealer who committed the murder, because the time testified against Vargas may very well he was at the murder scene was hours ear- have been the murderer, for the simple lier than when the shooting took place, fact he also once owned the gun which based on witness testimony. killed Carter. “The evidence the prosecution present- “Let’s drop this case and find Carter’s ed was the perfect alibi, because it shows murderer,” Levitin told the court. that Vargas wasn’t near the location when Droeger indicated that the evidence to the murder occurred,” Levitin said. “He support Vargas’ conviction spoke for was with his friends.” itself. He made no further remarks. Levitin also said that witness testimony In his decision, Judge Dabney indicat- failed to show the item Vargas handed to ed the witness testimony, including the his girlfriend was the gun used in the mur- videotaped interview, supported the fact der. The only person who could confirm Vargas may be culpable for the murder. Vargas had a gun was his girlfriend, who “The (pregnant witness) was not being hadn’t testified. Thus, the prosecution’s forthright, it was pretty apparent she did- case was based in “make-believe.” n’t want to cooperate,” Judge Dabney “If (Vargas’ girlfriend) had appeared in said. “At the time of the tape, there court, it would support the prosecution’s seemed to be a confidentiality agreement case, but she never testified,” Levitin said. in place, but obviously, that confidentiali- 01593893 “Instead, it suggests the prosecution’s ty had been breached.” case is made up, hocus pocus.” Judge Dabney said he also believed the Levitin said the only possible evidence analysis showed the gun used in the crime against Vargas was the videotaped interview may have been used by Vargas to commit in which the pregnant woman said she had the murder. overheard Vargas confess to the murder. A jury trial will be scheduled Oct. 5 if However, Levitin said her testimony Vargas maintains his innocence. Evidence is being sifted through by investigators FRAUD, from page 1 the dealership’s finance department rene- gotiate the deals afterwards. Such a prac- ership’s general manager, its finance tice is forbidden by state law, according to department manager and sales manager the lawsuit. were subsequently replaced. Some of them Overcharging for a car allows the deal- are named in the lawsuit. Honda of Santa ership to pocket a higher profit. In itself, it Monica is owned by North Carolina-based isn’t illegal to strike a deal where the buyer Sonic Automotive, which owns car dealer- and seller agree. In this case, however, the ships across the country. Sonic reportedly fraud allegation stems from deceptive bought Honda of Santa Monica in 1999 practices surrounding the sales. Extended from Kramer Motors Incorporated, which service contracts and additional acces- is also named in the class-action lawsuit. sories directly benefit Honda of Santa Honda of Santa Monica officials have Monica and its employees through com- said in the past that they have replaced missions and revenue for the company. nearly the entire finance and sales depart- The suit says that since 1998, the deal- ments and have instituted safeguards to ership would require customers to first ensure that no more scams will occur. lease cars for four months before buying The lawsuit alleges the dealership them. The dealership would then collect defrauded its customers by adding false two sets of payments — one for four state taxes and fees, lying to customers months of leases, and the other for the about interest rates and tricking customers subsequent purchase. into making extra payments on vehicles Some customers also allege that they they wanted to buy or lease. were tricked into extended service con- One scam allegedly used at Honda of tracts, which would add thousands of dol- Santa Monica added to purchases a ficti- lars onto the purchase price. tious state tax called “VT Registration.” Aratani, who works in the DA’s con- Customers were told the fee was for sumer protection division, said his office Department of Motor Vehicles registra- for the past three years has been gathering tion, the suit alleges. However, the state evidence from thousands of pages of docu- has no such fee. ments, both on paper and in the computers, Customers who have signed onto the seized from the dealership. Aratani said lawsuit allege they had been given favor- last fall that investigators had found more able deals in the showroom only to have evidence inside additional computers. Page 8 Santa Monica Daily Press THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2005 Business SANTA MONICA BUSINESS BRIEFS Know your net worth Merger suits noted Westside boutique law firms By Daily Press staff mulate more quickly, instead of just gath- ering dust in your wallet. Respected real estate MARKET When creating your net worth statement, and land use attorneys MATTERS you should include all your assets, regard- Chris Harding, Tom BY BRIAN HEPP less of where they are held. This will enable Larmore, Ken Kutcher you to see if your investments are properly and Kevin Kozal have allocated to meet your goals, and if you are merged with two other diversified enough among the different asset specialty law firms head- We all have goals and dreams, and you classes. For example, you can evaluate ed by litigator Dennis know it’s important to plan financially for whether or not you hold the proper mix of Mullen and estate plan- the things you want for both yourself and corporate and municipal bonds, as well as, ning attorney John Jakle. your family. But before you start creating domestic and international equities. The new firm of a strategy for investing your money, it is Finally, when it comes to listing your Harding Larmore Mullen Photo courtesy important to evaluate your current finan- assets, it is important to get a good view of Jakle Kutcher & Kozal, Partners (l to r): Kevin Kozal, John Jakle, Christopher Hard- cial status. One of the best ways to do this the personal property you own. This can LLP has nine attorneys to ing, Dennis Mullen, Kenneth Kutcher and Thomas Larmore. is by creating a net worth statement. help you focus on things like the amount of handle land use and real A net worth statement gives you a big insurance coverage you have and if it’s estate transaction matters, in addition to litigation and estate planning services. picture look at your financial situation by enough. You should consider whether you “We are committed to offering the highest quality service from experienced attor- providing a complete list of all your assets have adequate life insurance to cover possi- neys in a small, collegial setting,” said Harding, who has represented some of the and liabilities. It breaks down your ble estate taxes and other expenses should area’s leading residential and commercial developers over the past 25 years and has finances into segments and shows you the something happen to you or your loved ones. been involved in several key housing regulation cases. net value of your assets. Each segment tells Now that you’ve listed what you have, “It’s a natural fit to offer more services to our clients, realize administrative effi- you something about your current financial you should take a look at your liabilities. ciencies and practice law with attorneys we have worked with and respected for position and may allow you to identify This will include items such as your mort- many years,” explained Mullen, who specializes in real estate, business, family law, issues or areas that need to be addressed gage, bank or car loans, credit cards and professional negligence, personal injury and appellate litigation matters. when structuring your financial plan. any other expenses. When you list your Mullen and Jakle first worked with Harding 30 years ago when the young law The best way to get started is by taking liabilities you may find opportunities to school graduate joined their Santa Monica firm that was located next door to the cur- a look at your assets. These include items reduce your debts, especially those with rent offices of Harding Larmore Mullen Jakle Kutcher & Kozal. such as cash in bank or money market high interest rates like credit cards. “We have referred business back and forth for so many years that it made sense accounts, your stock or bond holdings, life The most basic outcome of creating to join forces at a time when we were considering expanding,” added Larmore, who insurance policies, retirement accounts, this statement is that you have the oppor- joined Harding, Kutcher and Kozal in 1999 after co-chairing the national real estate and any business, real estate or personal tunity to observe your net worth, or your practice at the former Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro. Larmore, Harding and Jakle are property you own, including your home. total financial value. You can use this long-time Santa Monica residents with close ties to the business community and By listing all your assets, you will be information, with the help of your finan- have exemplary records of supporting public education, youth athletic leagues and able to uncover how much of your hold- cial consultant, to develop a well-rounded social services. Many of the firm’s attorneys have received numerous awards for ings are actually in cash and decide plan to work toward your financial goals. their pro bono and volunteer activities. whether. it may be possible to move that “Change is exciting, especially when you can work with attorneys you admire cash to investments such as an IRA or (This article provided by Brian Hepp of who just happen to be your good friends,” said Jakle. other tax-deferred vehicles. By doing so, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. Member SIPC. you can potentially help your cash accu- Hepp can be reached at (310) 453-0077.) Sometimes doing nothing is the best thing you can do nothing in any case. Is it time to buy bonds? Again, proba- Since the entire world nurses a preju- bly not. Bonds are expensive, too, and dice against inaction, the burden of proof yields are low. Will they become even THE WEEKLY RECKONING is clearly on us. So, let us bend to our more expensive? Will yields go even BY BILL BONNER work like a field hand, knowing that our lower? Maybe. But we cannot predict the labors will be many, our rewards few. future. All we can do is look at the present In public affairs, as in private ones, and the past. We know, from past experi- there is a powerful compulsion to do ence, that bonds have become more The nation’s newspapers and TV blab- housing price boom in American history, something. expensive almost every year for the last bermouths have been in full-throated yelp and we missed it. Now, we’ll never be And now we read in the news that the quarter of a century. At today’s prices, against inactivity. In the wake of the New able to afford to buy a decent house.” administration and Congress have finally you are not likely to make money in Orleans inundation, they surf for sound Few things are as damnable as inac- sprung to action on the bayous. They are bonds, especially corporate and junk bites. In those crucial hours, local officials tion. In politics, it is cause for recrimina- going to spend more than $50 billion. bonds. It is better to do nothing. “did nothing,” they say. Federal officials, tion. In marriage, even the Catholics That the money will be almost certainly But it is still sunshine for America’s too, including the highest official, were allow for annulment in case of non-con- squandered seems to trouble no one. That house buyers. Should you join them while nowhere to be seen, doing nothing. summation. In finance, it is cause for every penny of the money could other- the getting is still good? Or should you do Nothing. Nada. Zilch. The null catego- regrets. In war, it is cause for firing wise be better spent by the people who nothing? Do nothing is our advice. Most ry gets no respect. The hollowness of it is squads. In conversation, an absence of earned it, bothers neither conservative nor houses are too expensive. You will get repulsive. The emptiness of it is unbear- words is embarrassing. When a man stares liberal. The impulse to do something is so more for you money as a renter. Most able. Even nature is said to abhor a vacu- you in the face and says nothing, you powerful, no one wants to stand against it. likely, you will be able to buy later — at um. The poor man who has nothing to say assume he is thinking something dreadful. But our beat here is money. Are you better prices. is a pariah. He is like the investment advi- Unless he smiles; then you think he has ever better off doing nothing with your The real question is not whether you sor with nothing to recommend, save lost his mind. money? The answer falls in our lap like a will do something or nothing, but: What cash. He will get no work as a hedge fund And how could the poor husband know ripe cocktail hostess: Of course. will you do? When all major asset classes manager; he will not drive a fancy car, nor that house prices would rise? Of course, Warren Buffett holds billions in cash. are expensive, the sensible thing to do is live in a beach palace in the Hamptons. he could not. But his wife nevertheless He is probably the best investor who has nothing. But since you can’t do nothing, And pity the poor renters. While every- holds him responsible, as if he not only ever lived. If he cannot find anything bet- our advice is to do as little as possible. one else has been getting rich, the renters saw the train coming, but intentionally ter to do with his money than to leave it in have been left behind, stranded … like failed to get on board. cash — effectively doing nothing with it (Bill Bonner is the founder and editor people who showed up too late at an air- No, dear reader, inactivity is almost — how can the average lump investor of The Daily Reckoning. He is also the line counter in Duluth, Minn., just before always unpardonable. But here, neverthe- expect to do better? author, with Addison Wiggin, of The Wall a snow-storm, doomed to spend a week- less, we say a kind word for it, maybe Is this the time to buy stocks? Probably Street Journal best seller “Financial end there. two. First, we point out that doing nothing not. Stocks are still relatively expensive. Reckoning Day: Surviving the Soft Imagine the conversations between is usually the best course of action, espe- The idea is to buy low and sell high later. Depression of the 21st Century” (John husband and wife: cially in public affairs and investments. When stocks are high already, there is no Wiley & Sons). For more information, log “You did nothing! This was the biggest Second, we deny the possibility of doing alternative. You must do nothing. onto: http://www.dailyreckoning.com/.) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2005 Business Santa Monica Daily Press Page 9 More Fed rate hikes are expected down pike

BY MARTIN CRUTSINGER responding amount, to 6.75 percent, the the potential to add to inflation pressures,” — making sure inflation pressures do not AP Economics Writer highest in more than four years. These Fed officials said in the statement. get out of control. rates are used for many short-term con- Many analysts said that statement and Analysts said Fed officials raised inter- WASHINGTON — The decision of the sumer loans, including some credit cards the Fed’s decision to go ahead with anoth- est rates at this meeting even though they Federal Reserve to keep raising interest and popular home equity lines of credit. er rate increase showed the central bank know that the economy is going to show rates in the face of a devastating hurricane The Fed’s rate increase came even will be focusing in coming months on some significantly weaker statistics over means one thing to many economists: though some analysts had suggested it what it perceives as its primary mission the next month. Rates will keep going up and are likely to might pause to allow time to see how big head higher than previously expected. a hit the economy would sustain from Analysts saw the quarter-point rate Hurricane Katrina, the country’s costliest increase by the Fed on Tuesday and the natural disaster. GERMAN CAR SERVICE explanation for why it was needed as a Instead, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Specialist in Repair of Porsche • VW • Audi • BMW clear signal that the central bank is grow- Greenspan and his colleagues said Katrina’s ing more concerned about inflation. widespread devastation would not prove to ¥ Best alternative to high dealer prices The Fed pushed its target for the feder- be a “persistent threat” to the economy. ¥ Complete service and repair al funds rate, the interest that banks charge However, the central bank did worry ¥ All work guaranteed each other, up for the 11th time in the past about the persistent rise in energy prices 15 months, raising it to 3.75 percent — the this year, including a renewed surge after ¥ Locally owned and operated since 1965 highest level since August 2001. Katrina shut down Gulf Coast oil and nat- In response, commercial banks began ural gas production. 2202 OLYMPIC BLVD., SANTA MONICA • (310) 829-2563 raising their prime lending rates by a cor- “Higher energy and other costs have Women are to blame for Offer valid while supplies last

DUOS ON SALE NOW: Paul Mitchell, Nioxin, Bain de Terre, Bed lack of female executives Head by TIGI, Catwalk by TIGI, Caviar by ALTERNA Limited Time, Sebastian, Rusk workplace and should be aware of this GUEST possibility so, if deemed necessary, they can compensate accordingly. COMMENTARY Women would also benefit from BY JOHN McKEE speaking more assertively, since how a (31 0) 452-6800 woman sounds affects how she is per- ceived. Many women tend to state their Many aspiring female executives, busi- opinions, objections or suggestions as a ness managers and other professionals question as opposed to affirmatively and Santa Monica TOBACCO & GIFTS often forget that they really have two jobs confidently making their point as a state- “The Luxury Tobacco Shop” — the first is to do what they get paid for ment. In a work context, women must (and do it better than men). The other is to command the floor lest their great ideas proactively manage their career path and fall by the wayside. do what is required to ensure their upward For women, “presence” pays. Because If you spend just $3.00 a day on tobacco products, that’s $1,000.00 a mobility isn’t dependent on others — espe- many bosses still associate one’s appear- year. No other store will treat you like a $1,000.00 customer. cially those who notoriously subscribe to ance, demeanor and speaking ability with Come here and see the difference. the “Old Boys Club” mentality who may or their overall ability, this remains a formi- may not be working in her best interest. dable challenge for those women who It’s shocking and frankly unacceptable have physical or other stereotype-based 1434 Fourth Street, Santa Monica 310.393.9592 (parking in rear) that less than 4 percent of America’s attributes that are difficult, if not impossi- largest companies have women in the most ble to change, such as height or weight, senior management roles. This is clearly blonde hair color, or simply a high- not representative of a woman’s ability or pitched voice. Women must condition desire to lead, but rather is reflective of the themselves to walk with good posture, cold, hard fact that gender bias does still speak and gesture in a confident and exist in the 21st century workplace. This authoritative manner, and wear attire that statistic also reveals that too many talented, imparts her success. intelligent and deserving women simply do To really stand out from the others and not strategize, or execute, effective ways get the all important promotion, women they can be seen, heard, respected and, in should pace their boss by ensuring they are turn, promoted in the workplace. in the office whenever the boss is in the Throughout my many years as a corpo- office. Let the boss know that she shares rate executive, I have hired, promoted, the same work ethic. Right, wrong or indif- fired and laid off literally thousands of ferent, these are new rules of time manage- women and men, and in my current ment. Simply put, if your boss is at work, capacity as a business coach I counsel she should be as well. Even in this day in many aspiring women on how to success- age of so-called gender equality, women ' fully achieve their business goals. must take advantage of all opportunities to We accept all competitors coupons! For one, women managers need to distinguish themselves in the workplace. understand the “circle of success,” in that And finally, women really need to step they need to spend time helping their boss up self promotion. It is important that They think they are #1. look good at every opportunity. When the those who are in the position to benefit a boss understands that someone is willing woman’s career in any way know who she We think you are! and able to help her/him succeed, they will is and what she has accomplished. get more time, attention and resources Successful business people understand facilitating maximum productivity. the importance of letting others know $ 00 Women also need to accept that gender about their successes, and go about it in 5 OFF stereotyping remains a harsh reality even the appropriate way. If done properly, it in today’s so-called politically correct will not be construed as bragging or con- workplace. ceit. Women should stop humbly waiting to LAX The proverbial “old boys’ club’” still to get noticed while they toil away at the rings true today, as many of our nation’s task at hand, but rather develop the skill male executives entered the workplace of how to strategically talk about her To get free rides for seniors, go to www.passengerswanted.net with little experience interacting with achievements in the workplace. women other than mothers, sisters and girlfriends. Consequently, a woman may (John McKee, a certified business and For Fast Pickup Call: unknowingly be getting slotted into one executive coach. He can be reached at (310) 828-3333 [email protected] of those roles by men throughout the www.businesssuccesscoach.net.) Page 10 ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Santa Monica Daily Press LOCAL Alaskan trek over, complete with grizzly ending

For the battle-hardened and road- broached the subject with Phil again, but and opened the bar to discussions of life. weary motorcycle adventurers, it meant we all knew that whatever Phil’s clients It turned from animal attacks on humans EASY WRITER the end of a summer of exploration, phys- were there to do, it wasn’t just to sightsee. to the sexual proclivities of lesbians to NOTES FROM THE ROAD ical and mental challenges, foolish Day 28: We pulled into the river station which, as my friends knew, I was sensi- endeavors and camaraderie. It also meant crossing and set up camp along the shore of tive to seeing that my travel companion it was time to head home. the slow moving and beautiful Yukon left me midway through the trip after real- Day 27: Before we headed out of River, next to Yukon River Bridge. This izing she was one. (Editor’s note: Santa Monica resident Deadhorse, Phil had to drop off some sup- 2,290-foot-long wooden-decked bridge — People commonly refer to alcohol as a Lance Schmidt spent his last summer days plies and two new motorcycles to myste- built this way to allow tire chains to grip — method for keeping warm. While a slug of cruising through Alaska on his motorcy- rious “clients” in Prudhoe Bay. Until now, is the only bridge to cross the Yukon River hard liquor can create the illusion of warmth, cle. He has provided a glimpse into that Phil was very circumspect about these in Alaska. It also carries the Alaskan it actually can be deleterious to body temper- world for Santa Monicans every Thursday individuals and their reasons for being on Pipeline over the river on its way to Valdez. for the past several weeks. Check out the North Slope. The two new Suzukis We settled down in our riverside tents See EASY WRITER, page 11 smdp.com/archives for previous reports.) were identical in nature. As we came to find out, so were their new owners. BY LANCE SCHMIDT We met two tall, serious looking and Special to the Daily Press smartly outfitted men in front of the bunkhouse facility. They appeared to be SANTA MONICA — Between the in their late 40s. After exchanging a bit of Summer Solstice and the Winter Equinox, small talk, they asked if they could have a the loss of daylight in Alaska is rapid. moment with Phil to conclude the details Averaging about six minutes a day, this of the delivery. They went inside the facil- steady approach of darkness brings on a ity while Andy, Darren and I waited out- slow and methodical depression. Alaskans side to confer and speculate. begin their transformation from a life play- After about an hour the three emerged, ing softball games at midnight without shook hands and began unloading their lights to bracing for the dark, lonely and new bikes. cold winter days — days when tempera- I could contain myself no longer. “Phil, tures can reach 85 degrees below zero. what’s the gig with these guys?” I asked Some fold their tents and migrate south in a hushed voice. “What’s up with the for the winter. Others prepare for their matching bikes and black riding suits? jobs working and servicing the ice roads. They look way too serious.” Many simply concentrate on stocking up “They are,” retorted Phil. “But if I told on the meat, produce and whisky neces- you I’d have to kill you … and you know sary to stay alive. As one Alaskan trucker I’ve wanted to do that for weeks.” on the Haul Road explained to me, “It I thought he was kidding. But I had to ain’t winter ‘til your axles freeze and your admit I wasn’t sure. Lance Schmidt/Special to the Daily Press first tire shatters like a beer mug.” Neither I nor my companions ever The picturesque view from a boat ride on the way to the Tanana River.

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Lance Schmidt/Special to the Daily Press (Clockwise, from top left) Moose and her babies; the long, dark winter approaches: early morn- ing moose call; and the boys gather at the Sluice Box Bar. Anchorage away: Writer returns EASY WRITER, from page 10 and effective range of a hand-built, Alaskan potato cannon. ature. But I didn’t care that evening. Day 34: We headed back to civilization I came to Alaska with an opinion that where would dismount for the final time. ANWR should never be touched, never Since I had extended my stay and it was molested by sanction of agreements made getting far too cold to make it back to the by the Feds. My compadres varied from lower 48, I decided to leave my bike in pumping the crap out of it to shutting it Anchorage and fly home. down to all human contact. At the end of We rolled into Anchorage and it felt the day, we all agreed that the U.S. has to like coming back to Santa Monica after a become less dependent not just on foreign weekend in Orange County. It was oil but on petroleum in general. strange. We all went out to dinner to cel- As the sun set mercifully and momen- ebrate our time together. We toasted our tarily below the horizon, we finally solved intense two weeks of strenuous fun. We the world’s energy problems. all agreed that we had discovered adven- Day 29: We rode, backtracking the Haul ture like few others. Road to the point that we were so fatigued We were strangers in the beginning, that I started to hallucinate on road houses competitors’ in-between, and in the end, and petrol stations in the distance. There is friends for life. nothing like the feeling of knowing that Day 35: I landed at LAX and took a cab you just came this way a few days ago but back to Santa Monica where I crashed for do not recognize a damn thing whilst trav- the next 14 hours. When I awoke, I knew eling in the opposite direction. the feeling from previous journeys — a haze The weather was becoming foreboding that takes awhile to clear. This one howev- and we had to stop at some point. Phil er, I couldn’t come to wiping it away. suggested we pull over and camp along a stream. It was the only option at that And now the last word from the e-mail bag: point. We broke a very loose camp while we busted out some food. Dear Easy Writer, Day 30: The group awoke to some I have been reading your articles and rustling in the moss. As we gathered our your adventures in Alaska since I got back wits, it became clear that our intruder was from my “vacation.” I am impressed. I do not human, but a very agitated female have a few questions though. What makes brown bear. We all scrambled and took you think that the “lovely professor” was the prescribed “bear posture” that we a lesbian and not simply bored of you and gleaned from the Alaskan Park Service your childish antics and really wanted to guide. get back home to find a real man? The bear was in her mid-teens with a beautiful brown mane, a gate that could “The Lovely Professor” catch you in a flash and a nasty look on Santa Monica her face. Instinctively, we all started yelling and waving our hands. At first, she Dear Dr. Lovely, didn’t budge — then slowly, she became I would rather not answer those ques- annoyed with us and strutted off. tions through an e-mail. As you may This was my second close encounter know these are very personal and sensi- with a Grizzly and I didn’t want to tive issues. I think we should discuss this become the sequel to “Grizzly Man.” in private. Why don’t you come over to Day 33: We were just outside of my place on Thursday night, say about Anchorage and went to visit some of 7:30 and we’ll chat over dinner. Oh, go Andy’s ski buddies before we hit reality. ahead and invite your girlfriend. We all met at a local bar where Andy and Joe suggested that we go for a stroll along Best, the road and under the Alaskan moon- Easy Writer light, fire off a potato cannon. For the entire night, I was tutored on the ballis- (You may reach Easy Writer at: easy- tics, pressure release, hairspray content [email protected].) Page 12 ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Santa Monica Daily Press LOCAL ❑ NATIONAL ‘Shriver plan’ has competition Alaskans determine VA GROUNDS, from page 1 and measures to end it must be addressed regionally. men and women without shelter. A coalition of service providers have also Officials said the “Shriver plan” may agreed to work together in hopes the VA how to enjoy returns also be competing with several projects for will convert abandoned buildings into the use of the site, including commercial inter- veteran’s shelter. Shriver presented his pro- BY MATT VOLZ dend is well less than half that, and ests which may want to use the VA facili- posal to local leaders at an August meeting. Associated Press Writer Marshall is reconciled to dipping into his ties for pharmaceutical research, or to build Santa Monica staff participated in a savings for his Hawaiian escape. high-rise condominiums, they said. May 6 meeting hosted by the VA, at which JUNEAU, Alaska — For video store The shrinking dividend is in contrast to The VA’s leadership will consider officials discussed alternative uses for sev- clerk Dave Marshall, Alaska’s annual pay- this year’s record crude oil prices and a per- Shriver’s and other proposals during a eral VA sites around the country, including out to its residents means getting a chance manent fund worth an all-time high $31.5 public comment session set for Thursday, the West LA campus. The proposal intends to escape the dark, cold winter of the far billion. The keepers of the permanent fund from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Wadsworth to take advantage of the existing facility in north. This year, he’s thinking Hawaii. say a good year in the markets doesn’t nec- Theater on VA grounds, which can be order to provide “all services on site” for “Somewhere nice and warm,” said the essarily translate into big dividend checks. accessed from Wilshire Boulevard just the homeless veterans, including medical, 18-year-old Juneau resident. “You’ve got The dividends are calculated on a five- west of San Vicente. psychological and social assistance. to leave once in a while.” year average of the permanent fund’s At the meeting, the public will also The project would accommodate as No such splurge for Robert Rodman, income from stocks, bonds, real estate hear from the VA’s consultant about many as 500 chronically homeless veterans, owner of a downtown Juneau liquor store. and other investments. Stock market loss- future land use options for the West Los as well as those with other needs, such as Not a dime of the dividend will cross his es in 2002 and 2003 drove the value down Angeles VA campus. those dealing with mental illness or suffer- palm. His wife, Oke, squirrels the cash this year, according to the Alaska Shriver said his proposals would align ing from substance abuse. It’s the coali- into their kids’ education fund. They need Permanent Fund Corp. And while high oil well with the VA’s mission to serve vet- tion’s intent that half of the veterans served every penny: One daughter is in graduate prices bulk up the permanent fund’s prin- erans, since many lack shelter. are chronically homeless. school, the other starts college next year. cipal, that money must be invested and is “In the lobby of the West LA VA hos- The number of homeless veterans in “Sad, but true. No play money. I don’t not figured into dividends. pital, a sign reads, ‘The cost of war is vis- Los Angeles County is estimated to be even see it,” he said. But, said fund spokeswoman Laura ible here,’” Shriver said. “The cost of war between 17,000 and 18,000. This year, Marshall, Rodman and every Achee, investment forecasters say the div- is also visible on our city streets.” The project would be financed from the other eligible man, woman and child will idends have bottomed out. The payouts The new housing would give veterans five participating organizations, which receive $845.76 just for living in Alaska, are forecast to rise the next 10 years. access to the many successful rehabilita- include the U.S. VETS, New Directions, Gov. Frank Murkowski announced The permanent fund was created by vot- tive programs the VA already has in place Inc., and the Salvation Army. Primary Tuesday night in Juneau. The dividends ers in 1976 and is a legacy of former Gov. on the West LA campus, Shriver said. sources of funding are expected to come come from the earnings of the Alaska Jay Hammond, a major advocate of the fund Westside elected officials, including from federal, state and local grants, as well Permanent Fund, the state’s rainy day sav- who died earlier this year. The first dividend Los Angeles Councilmember Bill Rosen- as private donations. The proposal doesn’t ings account of its oil wealth. Some in 1982 was $1,000, and over the years has dahl, Santa Monica Councilmember state how much the project might cost. 603,080 people this year will get checks. paid out $13.6 billion to Alaskans. Richard Bloom, West Hollywood Coun- Officials say developers at the moment The $845.76 is the lowest dividend To be eligible, a person has to live in the cilmember Jeffrey Prang, Culver City seem to have the inside track on the VA payout since 1988 and marks the fifth state for over a year. Alaska’s residents pay Councilmember Carol Gross and Shriver, grounds. The VA, which is undertaking a straight year the value has dropped. Last no state income tax and no state sales tax. In are expected to attend and speak on behalf national overhaul to renovate many of its year, it was $919.84. Just five years ago, Anchorage and Fairbanks, the largest cities, of the proposal. Santa Monica Mayor Pam under-utilized facilities, may be looking to it was a record $1,963.86. That would there isn’t even a municipal sales tax. O’Connor noted that this broad-based bolster revenue for its operations by the liqui- have made for a sizable bank deposit for Direct deposit of dividends is sched- support by local elected officials confirms dation of some of its properties, officials said. Rodman’s daughters and a plush tropical uled for Oct. 12 for about 455,000 that both the problem of homelessness vacation for Marshall. This year’s divi- Alaskans.

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Simon, Jr. Foundation · Fay & Tonny Soesanto · Jeannette Trepp Santa Monica Daily Press ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Page 13 NATIONAL FBI, building industry offering Family-owned for over 25 years reward for wanted ecoterrorists Thank You! BY ELIZABETH M. GILLESPIE that someone will be hurt or killed, he said. ✔ Free Inspections & Test Drives Associated Press Writer ELF is an underground movement with no public leadership, membership or spokesperson. E-mails seek- SANTA MONICA: 825 Olympic Blvd. CULVER CITY: 11526 Washington Blvd. SEATTLE — The FBI and a building industry group ing comment drew no immediate response. (310) 450-6873 (310) 391-0533 will begin offering $100,000 rewards for information The FBI estimates that ecoterrorist groups have com- leading to the arrest and conviction of ecoterrorists. mitted more than 1,100 crimes in the United States since MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30AM - 5:30PM The main target is the Earth Liberation Front, a group 1976, causing about $110 million in property damage. that has claimed responsibility for setting fires at con- The builders group claims ecoterrorists have caused struction sites in housing developments, calling attention nearly $8 million in property damage since 1996 in to what it sees as the growing problem of suburban Washington state, much of it in housing developments. sprawl. California has taken a $53 million hit, and Oregon has “While ELF used to spike trees and sabotage logging had more than $3 million in damage, according to the equipment, they’re now firebombing neighborhoods and group’s estimates. burning down apartment complexes,” Lyle Fox, presi- In a statement Tuesday, the Seattle FBI office said it dent of the Building Industry Association of Washington, was investigating several arsons and attempted arsons in said in a news release. Washington state over the past year and a half that seem The “increasingly brazen” attacks raise the likelihood to have ties to ELF. Change to Endangered Species Act would cut critical habitat provisions Speech difficulties? SPEECH AND LANGUAGE REHAB BY ERICA WERNER “It has been a failure at recovering species and it has SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES Associated Press Writer been a failure in terms of the conflict with private prop- SLURRED SPEECH erty owners,” he said, noting that a tiny percentage of the VOICE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT WASHINGTON — Congress is considering proposed 1,830 species listed under the act — about 15 — have WORD MEMORY LOSS changes to the 32-year-old Endangered Species Act that come off the list because they’ve recovered. ACCENT REMOVAL would get the government out of the business of setting Many farm and property rights groups agree with DROOLING aside critical habitat for threatened plants and animals, Pombo. But environmentalists and many Democrats con- eliminating a central element of the landmark law. tend the law has been successful, pointing out that only Debra Gangale, MA Speech Pathology, CCC, Reiki Master 310/930-9009 • www.debragangale.com • [email protected] The House Resources Committee was hearing testi- nine listed species have gone extinct. mony on the proposal Wednesday. Rep. Richard Pombo, In the mid-1990s, Pombo failed to get a bill rewriting CLARITY • VITALITY • BALANCE • LOVE R-Calif., the committee’s chairman and the bill’s princi- the law through the House. He introduced his new bill pal sponsor, wants his panel to vote on it Thursday and with Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Calif., and five other mod- he hopes the full House will consider it next week. erate-to-conservative Democrats already on board. Environmentalists fear that eliminating the govern- But the Resources Committee’s top Democrat, Rep. ment’s ability to establish critical habitat would take Nick Rahall of West Virginia, said talks to reach a con- away a key to species survival. sensus bill had broken down and he wouldn’t support “Even a young schoolchild recognizes that every Pombo’s legislation. species needs a home,” said Susan Holmes, senior leg- Environmentalists are counting on the bill running islative representative at Earthjustice. into trouble in the Senate. Pombo’s bill also would compensate landowners if Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., a moderate who chairs the federal government blocks their development plans to the fisheries and wildlife subcommittee of the prevent negative impacts on species, and would give Environment and Public Works Committee, is holding political appointees the responsibility of making some hearings on the Endangered Species Act and considering scientific determinations. introducing a bill. Landowners would be able to move forward with Chafee spokesman Stephen Hourahan said the senator development projects that might affect species after noti- has concerns about the critical habitat provision in fying the federal government, unless the government Pombo’s legislation. objects within 90 days. Pombo says his bill compensates for the elimination Pombo, who has been trying for more than a decade to of critical habitat by strengthening the focus on species rewrite the Endangered Species Act, contends the law recovery, including adding a deadline for the government leads to more lawsuits than benefits for plants and animals. to develop “species recovery plans.” Page 14 ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Santa Monica Daily Press NATIONAL Up to 1 million ordered to steer clear of Rita

BY PAM EASTON By early afternoon, Rita was a Category 4 storm cen- Category 4 strength and let’s hope the lessons we’ve Associated Press Writer tered more than 700 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, learned — the painful, tragic lessons that have been with winds of 150 mph. Forecasters predicted it would learned in the last few weeks — will best prepare us for GALVESTON, Texas — Hospital and nursing home come ashore Saturday along the central Texas coast what could happen with Rita,” Louisiana Sen. Mary patients were evacuated and as many as 1 million other between Galveston and Corpus Christi. But even a slight Landrieu said in New York. people were ordered to clear out along the Gulf Coast on rightward turn could prove devastating to New Orleans. The death toll from Katrina along the Gulf Coast Wednesday as Hurricane Rita turned into a 150-mph Meteorologist Chris Landsea of the National climbed past 1,000 Wednesday to 1,036. The body count monster that could pummel Texas and bring more misery Hurricane Center in Miami said Rita could strengthen in Louisiana alone was put at 799 by the state Health to New Orleans by week’s end. into a terrifying Category 5 with wind over 155 mph as it Department. All of Galveston, vulnerable sections of Houston and moves over the warm waters of the gulf. In New Orleans, the Army Corps of Engineers raced Corpus Christi, and a mostly emptied-out New Orleans Galveston County, population 267,000, was ordered to patch the city’s fractured levee system for fear the were under mandatory evacuation orders, one day after evacuated, along with low-lying, flood-prone areas of additional rain from Rita could swamp the walls and Rita sideswiped the Florida Keys as a far weaker storm Houston, which at its lowest point is 6 feet above sea flood the city all over again. The Corps said New and caused minor damage. level. Altogether, as many as 1 million people in the Orleans’ levees can only handle up to 6 inches of rain and Having seen what 145-mph Hurricane Katrina did Houston-Galveston area were under orders to get out, a storm surge of 10 to 12 feet. three weeks ago, many people were taking no chances as said Frank Michel, spokesman for Houston Mayor Bill “The protection is very tenuous at best,” said Dave Rita swirled its way across the Gulf of Mexico. White. Houston is about 50 miles northwest of Wurtzel, a Corps official handling some of the repairs. “After this killer in New Orleans, Katrina, I just can- Galveston. Engineers and contractors drove a massive metal bar- not fathom staying,” 59-year-old Ldyyan Jean Jocque Along the Louisiana coast, some 20,000 people or rier across the 17th Street Canal bed to prevent a storm said before sunrise as she waited for an evacuation bus more were being evacuated or were warned to leave. surge from Lake Pontchartrain from swamping New outside the Galveston Community Center. She had Galveston, situated on an island 8 feet above sea level, Orleans again, and worked around the clock to repair the packed her Bible, some music and clothes into plastic was the site of one of the deadliest natural disasters in damaged pumps, concrete floodwalls, earthen berms and bags and loaded her dog into a pet carrier. U.S. history: an unnamed hurricane in 1900 that killed channels that protect the below-sea-level city. The federal government was eager to show it, too, had between 6,000 and 12,000 people and practically wiped The corps had 800 giant sandbags of 6,000 to 15,000 learned its lesson after being criticized for its sluggish the city off the map. pounds each on hand, and ordered 2,500 more to shore up response to Katrina. It rushed hundreds of truckloads of The last major hurricane to hit Texas was Alicia in low spots and plug any new breaches. water, ice and ready-made meals to the Gulf Coast and 1983. It flooded downtown Houston, spawned 22 torna- The federal government’s top official in the city, put rescue and medical teams on standby. does and left 21 people dead. The damage from the Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad Allen, said the prepara- “You can’t play around with this storm,” Homeland Category 3 storm was put at more than $2 billion. tions in and around New Orleans included 500 buses for Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said on ABC’s Tropical Storm Allison flooded Houston in 2001, doing evacuation, and enough water and military meals for “Good Morning America.” He added: “The lesson is that major damage to hospitals and research centers and 500,000 people. when the storm hits, the best place to be is to be out of killing 23 people. Buses stood by at the city’s convention center to evac- the path of the storm.” “Let’s hope that the hurricane does not hit at a uate the 400 to 500 residents Mayor Ray Nagin estimat- ed were left in the main part of the city, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Two busloads left on Tuesday. Almost no one showed up Wednesday morning. "The majority of people who are back in the city came with their own vehicle. We expect them to go out in their own vehicle,” said Spc. Amber Mangham, a military police officer at the convention center. The evacuation order meant that for the second time in 3 1/2 weeks, many New Orleans residents were forced to decide whether to stay or go. Also, many Katrina victims still in shelters faced the prospect of being uprooted again. At the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, emergency offi- cials arranged to take the 1,000 refugees from the New Orleans area out on buses if Rita tracks north. “I don’t think I can stay for another storm,” said Keith Price, a nurse at New Orleans’ University Hospital who stayed through Katrina and had to wade several miles through chest-deep water to reach a friend’s apartment on higher ground. “Until you are actually in that water, you really don’t know how frightening it is.” Along the Texas coast, authorities rushed to get the old and infirm out of harm’s way, three weeks after scores of sick and elderly nursing home patients in the New Orleans area drowned in Katrina’s floodwaters or died in the stifling heat while waiting to be rescued. In Galveston, the Edgewater Retirement Community, a six-story building near the city’s seawall, began evacu- ating its more than 200 nursing home patients and retirees by bus and ambulance. "They either go with a family member or they go with us, but this building is not safe sitting on the seawall with a major hurricane coming,” said David Hastings, execu- tive director. “I have had several say, `I don’t want to go,’ and I said, `I’m sorry, you’re going."’ The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston discharged 200 hospital patients healthy enough to go home and evacuated others by helicopter, ambulance and buses. “There are going to be some people who are too sick to evacuate and we are going to keep them here,” said spokeswoman Jennifer Reynolds-Sanchez. About 80 buses began leaving Galveston at midmorn- ing, bound for shelters 100 miles north in Huntsville. Dozens of people lined up, carrying pillows, bags and coolers, to board one of several yellow school buses in the city of 58,000. “The real lesson (from Katrina) that I think the citi- zens learned is that the people in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi did not leave in time,” said Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas. “We’ve always asked people to leave earlier, but because of Katrina, they are now listening to us and they’re leaving.” Santa Monica Daily Press ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Page 15 INTERNATIONAL Mexico bulldozes homes Iraq, Britain stepping up enabling illegal migrants BY MARINA MONTEMAYOR their dispute over Basra Associated Press Writer BY THOMAS WAGNER Haydar al-Abadi, said the men were grabbed for behav- LAS CHEPAS, Mexico — Mexican officials have bull- Associated Press Writer ing suspiciously and collecting information. dozed 31 abandoned buildings in Las Chepas, a border The British said the soldiers had been handed over to hamlet that officials in neighboring New Mexico say is BAGHDAD, Iraq — About 500 civilians and policemen a militia. The Basra governor confirmed the claim, say- used as a staging ground for crossings by undocumented rallied Wednesday in the southern city of Basra and ing the Britons were in the custody of the al-Mahdi migrants. denounced “British aggression” following London’s Army, the militia controlled by radical Shiite cleric A squad of about 15 Chihuahua state police officers decision to use force to free two of its soldiers being held Muqtada al-Sadr. showed up Tuesday and, along with two bulldozers, by Iraqi police. “The two British were being kept in a house con- began demolishing the adobe homes with tin roofs. Attacks by insurgents continued in and around trolled by militiamen when the rescue operation took “This is great news for everyone living on the bor- Baghdad, with a roadside bomb wounding two U.S. sol- place,” said Gov. Mohammed al-Waili. der,” New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said in a state- diers. The blast came a day after the death toll for U.S. “Police who are members of the militia group took ment. “I commend the actions of the Mexican govern- forces in Iraq rose to more than 1,900. them to a nearby house after jail authorities learned the ment for taking this step to put a halt to increased illegal The demonstrators in Basra, which included police facility was about to be stormed,” he said, demanding that activity on the Mexico-New Mexico border.” and civilians waving pistols and AK47s, shouted “No to the British soldiers be handed over to local authorities for The operation was monitored from the United States occupation!” and carried banners condemning “British trial. He would not say what charges they might face. side by U.S. Border Patrol agents. aggression and demanding the freed soldiers be tried in Britain’s position appeared to be strengthened by al- Last month, Richardson declared a state of emergency an Iraqi court as “terrorists.” Rubaie, who acknowledged that one problem coalition in four New Mexico counties along or near that border Some of the protesters met with the Basra police chief, forces face is that insurgents have joined the ranks of with Mexico. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano earlier had Gen. Hassan Sawadi, to demand a British apology, said security forces. declared a similar emergency in her state. police spokesman Col. Karim al-Zaidi. Heavily armed sol- “Iraqi security forces in general, police in particular, in “Bulldozing abandoned buildings in Las Chepas is a diers and police watched the protest but didn’t intervene. many parts of Iraq, I have to admit, have been penetrated major step that sends a strong signal to anyone involved Clashes between British forces and Iraqi police have by some of the insurgents, some of the terrorists as well,” in illegal criminal activity on the border that it will not be killed five civilians, including two who died of their he said in an interview with the BBC on Tuesday night. tolerated,” Richardson said. injuries Wednesday in a hospital, authorities said. Officials in Basra, speaking on condition of anonymi- But many houses were left standing in the farm com- The fighting occurred Monday night when British ty because they feared for their lives, said at least 60 per- munity, which has 50 full-time residents and supports forces used armored vehicles to storm a Basra jail and free cent of the police force there is made up of Shiite militi- three grocery stores whose main business apparently their two soldiers who had been arrested by police. During amen from one of three groups: the Mahdi Army; the involves selling supplies to border crossers. the raid, British forces learned that Shiite Muslim militia- Badr Brigade, the armed wing of the Supreme Council of Village residents complained Tuesday that police had men and police had moved the men to a nearby house. The the Islamic Revolution in Iraq; and Hezbollah in Iraq, a not shown them any court order to justify the demoli- British then stormed that house and rescued them. small group based in the southern marshlands. tions. Interior Minister Bayan Jabr disputed the British All militia have deep historical, religious and political “Bill Richardson wouldn’t like it if we demolished account. He told the British Broadcasting Corp. the two ties to Iran, where many Shiite political and religious Columbus,” the New Mexico city that stands just beyond soldiers never left police custody or the jail, were not figures took refuge during the rule of Saddam Hussein. a barbed-wire fence that marks the border, said local handed to militants, and that the British army acted on a While about 135,000 U.S. troops operate throughout communal farm representative Francisco Molina. “rumor” when it stormed the jail. Iraq, the 8,500 British forces are headquartered in the Molina complained that the houses, while abandoned, Britain defended its action, saying the men were first Basra region. had legal owners. However, another leader of the com- stopped by plainclothes gunmen, then moved by militia- In Wednesday’s violence in and around Baghdad, a munal farm community had apparently agreed to the men from a jail to a private home while British officials roadside bomb exploded as a U.S. military convoy drove demolitions, angering the other residents. tried to negotiate their release with Iraqi officials. through the Abu Ghraib area on the western outskirts of Resident Erasmo Silva said one of the state police Lisa Glover, a British Foreign Office spokeswoman in the capital, wounding two soldiers, said Lt. Jamie Davis, officers pointed his rifle at him, after residents voiced Baghdad, said Wednesday the two soldiers “were chal- a spokesman for the U.S. Army. their objections. lenged by armed men in plain clothes ... and they obvi- Iraqi police 1st Lt. Mohammed Khayon said the U.S. The village is formally named after a heroine of the ously didn’t know who there were being challenged by.” forces then opened fire on people in the area, wounding Mexican Revolution, Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, but is But “when Iraqi police asked them to stop, they did,” she an Iraqi civilian, but Davis couldn’t confirm that. more widely known as Las Chepas. said in an interview with The Associated Press. Roadside bombs also exploded near two other U.S. con- In August, Richardson and the governor of Chihuahua She said British officials had been negotiating with voys in southwestern Baghdad and in the Taji area north of agreed to bulldoze or board up abandoned buildings here Iraqi authorities in Basra for the release of the two sol- the capital. No soldiers were wounded, Davis said. to prevent them from being used as a haven for would-be diers with an Iraqi judge present. “When it became Iraqi forces fought with suspected insurgents based in immigrants and smugglers. apparent they were no longer at the station, but had been several homes near the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Richardson and Chihuahua Gov. Jose Reyes Baeza moved elsewhere, we naturally became concerned.” the Mansour neighborhood, and two policemen, one sol- also said they hoped to establish a police presence to end British Defense Minister John Reid said his forces dier and five insurgents were killed, said army Brig. lawlessness in Las Chepas and fine unlicensed bus oper- were “absolutely right” to act. But a spokesman for Iraqi Abdeljalil Khalaf. ators who ferry would-be immigrants along a dusty Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said the operation was The fighting began after an Iraqi the insurgents had washboard road to Las Chepas. “very unfortunate.” tried to kidnap reported the militants to Iraqi forces, who However, even after the demolitions, one such bus After British armored vehicles stormed the jail to free then raided several homes and found bombs and carrying people who appeared to be migrants was seen two commandos, National Security Adviser Mowaffak weapons, said Maj. Falah al-Mohamdawi of the Interior driving on the road to Las Chepas. al-Rubaie said the operation was “a violation of Iraqi Ministry. And in the village, people peered out from the remain- sovereignty.” In the Euphrates River insurgent stronghold of ing homes, where bunk beds and cots apparently serve as Al-Jaafari’s office in Baghdad issued a statement Haditha, a coalition raid Sunday on a terrorist safehouse improvised quarters for migrants waiting to cross. Tuesday afternoon, insisting there is no crisis in relations killed Shehab Hamed, also known as Abu Ali, a region- One man waiting for nightfall before embarking on a between the two countries. al leader of the al-Qaida in Iraq insurgent group, the U.S. journey he hoped would take him to New York vowed At first, Basra police said the men shot and killed a military said. Hamed had recently moved from Qaim, that the demolitions wouldn’t stop him from making the policeman, but on Tuesday al-Jaafari’s spokesman, near the Syrian border, to Haditha, it said. crossing.

“When I'm not sucking up to celebrities or sucking down cocktails, I write about both in the Daily Press.” Dan Dunn, entertianment writer and local lush

Santa Monica Daily Press www.smdp.com Page 16 ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Santa Monica Daily Press COMICS Natural Selection¨ By Russ Wallace

Garfield¨ By Jim Davis

Speed Bump¨ By Dave Coverly

27 years of professional expertise in office, residential, food service, retail, healthcare and telecom. Our team manages all aspects from creative concepts, acurate docu- mentation, expedited plan checks and construction man- agement. Renovation and new construction projects using traditional architec- ture through full turn-key development. Always, open communication

Bruce Rudman Architects+Engineers

T 310.393.2727 F 928.222.9992 E [email protected] Santa Monica Daily Press ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Page 17 Santa Monica Daily Press CLASSIFIEDS

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CLASSIFICATIONS: Jewelry Real Estate Business Opportunities Announcements Wanted Real Estate Loans Yard Sales Creative Travel Storage Space Health and Beauty Employment Vacation Rentals Vehicles for Sale Fitness For Sale ApartmentsCondos for Rent Massage Wealth and Success Furniture Houses for Rent Services Lost and Found Pets Roomates Computer Services Personals Boats Commercial Lease Attorney Services Obituaries

Obituaries Employment Employment Furniture Vehicles for sale For Rent

EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING company MOVING SALE! Patio furniture must MITSUBISHI 2000 ALBERTA Ave., Apt 07, Venice, MICHAEL GERALD LYONS seeks a Microsoft Excel and Word RESTAURANT WORK SANTA Monica that’s Tons of fun! go. Moving to smaller home, brown Spacious 1 BD. 4 blocks to beach. expert to manage order entry system Jordan Calcutta collection almost 1501 Santa Monica Blvd. Swimming pool. Off-street parking, and generate client and management On the sand at the Santa Monica, CA 90404 Santa Monica Pier new. Must see to believe. For prices new paint, new carpet, quiet reports. Flexible schedule. Casual and pics go to 866-925-3333 neighborhood, laundry room. 1 year office on Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Love your job at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company www.myspace.com/brownjordan lease. No pets. $1245. (323) 350- Promenade. $18 - $22 DOE. Fax (310)858-0401 3988. resume to 310.394.3539. No calls Now hiring all positions 2003 Subaru Impreza please. Apply in person 28K Miles 30 HORIZON Ave., #6. Venice Beach, 250 Santa Monica Pier Vehicles for sale $19,995 VIN# 808263 studio 1/2 block from the beach, new ELECTRICIAN/ELECTRICAL Helper 9 am – 9 pm paint, new carpet and vinyl, very Local electrical contracting co. ‘00 BMW 3231. . . . $16,988 2003 Honda Oydessey clean, large closet. One year lease. No MICHAEL GERALD LYONS, 58, seeking persons skilled in electrical Silver, 51K miles, very clean 16k miles Full Power pets. $950. (310) 466-9256. reached the finish line at his field for commercial and (VIN007860) (800) 579-6047 $23,995 VIN# 051902 3562 MENTONE AVE. Beautiful 2 bed home. He was a long time Santa residential. Must be familiar w/ NEC TOYOTA SANTA MONICA 2 bath in two-story townhouse layout. Monica resident and Vietnam codes, read blueprints. Clean 2003 Mazda Miata ‘01 TOYOTA RAV 4 “L”. . . . $14,988 Very quiet, spacious with newly Veteran. He will be missed by his driving record. Contact (310) 392- Silver/Black 28K miles “L” Pkg, Auto, Alloy Wheels remodeled kitchen and patio. Well brother and sisters, Mary 7564. Leave message on $14,495 VIN# 303036 (VIN035027) (800) 579-6047 priced at $1495. Call (310) 877-3074 Catherine, Patrick, Geraldine, and voice mail. TOYOTA SANTA MONICA his nieces and nephews. 1998 Montero Sport 39 SUNSET Ave., #204. Venice Beach FILM CREW/PA’s ‘01 VOLVO S80 T-6A. . . . $16,988 Cherished and loved by his Santa $8,995 VIN# 013980 Studio with ocean view in Tudor style Monica family, Roxanne, Danielle, Up to $175/day. SINGLE, PROFESSIONAL Mom Seeks Only 45K Miles, Leather, Moonroof building. Great location 1/2 block to and Tani. jobsinshowbiz.com Experienced Child Care Person with (VIN164556) (800) 579-6047 the beach. All utilities paid. 1 year References. In my home. 2 Boys: 1 & 2004 Mitsubishi Spyder GT Be at Peace my Love (323) 654-8399 TOYOTA SANTA MONICA Silver/Black Auto Full power lease, no pets. (310) 396-4443. $850. FIT FEMALE MODEL WANTED FOR 2 Yrs. Mon-Fri, daytime. Noelle 323- 1992 BLUE Cadillac Deville. 78,000 $18,995 VIN# 048757 52 DUDLEY AVE., #A. Room in a house FIGURE DRAWING BY ARTIST. No 841-7475 miles. Excellent condition $4695. with shared bathroom. The house has experience necessary call. (818) 501- Creative SM MEDICAL Office P/T long term (323) 294-9233 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer a lot of charm. This unit faces the 0266 Auto Full Power, 31K Miles position as front/back office person 84 VOLVO 4 cylinder. Runs good, nice walk street and has plenty of light. HEADSHOTS - World class with managerial/multi-tasking skills. $9,995 VIN# 047677 photography. Visit FRONT OFFICE receptionist needed, body, as is. $1750 OBO. (310) 428- Freshly painted and cleaned. 1 block 20 hours. Experience a +. References 0579. from the beach. $695/month. 1 year www.elevenstar.com and see. located on UCLA campus. PLease a must. Call (310) 788-4998. 2003 Montero Sport Mention SMDP for 10% off. fax resume (310) 539-0468. Blue leather, 22K miles lease. No pets, no smoking. (310) 396-4443 x 2002. (310) 866-6693 VALET: SEEKING reliable valets for $16,495 VIN# 024704 HOME IMPROVEMENT contractor busy SM/ LA location FT/ PT. YOUR AD 671 BROADWAY Ave. Charming 1 Employment looking for full-time outside Please call (213) 628-9500. bedroom cottage with front porch, salesperson. Must be self-motivated. hardwood floors, and claw foot tub in No experience necessary. Will train. VETERINARY TECHNICIAN: Veterinary COULD RUN HERE! ACTIVISTS. NO exerience bathroom. 3 blocks to Abbot Kinney All leads provided. Commission only. practice seeks mature, friendly, Blvd and 6 blocks to the beach. $1175 required. Flexible hours. Up to Potential 40k+. Vehicle a must. Start efficient, and experienced technician $150+/day. per month. 1 year lease, no pets. immediately. Fax resume. 310-914- with a commitment to high quality CALL US 1501 Santa Monica Blvd. Available for viewing after October 1. 8494. care. Must be experienced in I.V.C. Santa Monica, CA 90404 Call (310) 396-4443 x 2002. First call: 310-281-7529. placement, blood draws, CPR, Additional questions:310-412- IMMEDIATE POSITIONS available in 816 PACIFIC Ave., #1. Bright beautiful the housekeeping department of St. radiograph, anesthesia, and animal TODAY AT 866-925-3333 2450 restraint. Accuracy and attention to 2 bedroom apt in duplex with John’s Health Center. All shifts hardwood floors, double glazed available, PT/ FT. Hospital detail are critical. F/T and P/T shifts CASHIER FOR gas station. Customer available. Fax resume to Tony of (310) 458-7737 windows and new fixtures. service, friendly. Call for more housekeeping preferred. Call Dishwasher W/D in unit. Beautifully (310) 829-8431 for interview. Susan (310) 575-5658 or call Wanted information (310) 498-7910. (310) 575-5656. ‘94 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE. . . . $6,988 remodeled unit. Parking included, one IMMEDIATE POSITIONS available in V - 6, Leather, Auto block to the beach, must see to CLSS - Advertising Sales ZABIES NEIGHBORHOOD Restaurant is I AM looking to sublease a store on H ADVERTISING SALES H the housekeeping department of (VIN064357) (800) 579-6047 Main St. or Montana. Excellent credit. believe. $2250/month, 1 year lease, Centinela Freeman Regional Medical seeking PREP cook or short order TOYOTA SANTA MONICA (310) 396-4443 x 2002. Seeking: Self-Motivated, cook. At least one year experience. (310) 702-2824 Center. All shifts available, PT/ FT. 816 PACIFIC Ave., #2. Large 2- Energetic, Experienced Hospital housekeeping preferred. Call P/T and F/T. Please contact ‘96 TOYOTA CAMRY LE . . . . $7,988 ROOM in a peaceful, tidy home sought Professionals. (310) 392-9036 between 8am-11am. Auto, Only 60K Miles, Gold Certified by RN/ jewelry designer in Venice/ bedroom apt in ideal location. Close to Well established Co. (310) 674-7050 ext. 3319 for the beach and parking too. Super interview. (VIN122012) (800) 579-6047 SM. Possibly light caretaking. 50+ years in L.A. TOYOTA SANTA MONICA (310) 399-8091. modern kitchen featuring stainless For Sale steel and granite counters. High end • High Commissions • Paid Weekly JOB OPPORTUNITIES ‘99 TOYOTA CAMRY LE. . . . $8,988 • Leads Furnished SPA/HOT TUB 2005 Model. Neck Jets. upgrades throughout. A must see. Newspapers - Magazines Auto, Power Package, clean! For Rent $2995/month, one year lease and no • Receptionist Therapy seat. Warranty. Never used. (VIN292275) (800) 579-6047 Classified & Display: Real Estate, Can deliver. Worth $5750, sell for pets. (310) 396-4443 x 2002. Ethnic, Entertainment, Military, • Transaction Clerk TOYOTA SANTA MONICA 1423 24TH ST., UNIT A. Beautiful 1- $1750 (310)479-3054 bedroom bungalow in delightful Business, Finance... • Door Knocker CLSS - Cash 4 Cars HOWARD MANAGEMENT GROUP garden setting. Close to medical Call: Paul 213-251-9100, Ex-25 • P/T Driver-Sundays. Must be able $$ CASH FOR CARS $$ 310-869-7901 to drive a standard shift. DMV Furniture facilities and commercial centers yet and /or Please visit: www.theglobalmediagroup. records required. SOFA LIVING room set. Excellent All makes & models, any condition. located on a quiet tree-lined cul-de- Happy Apartment Hunting! com/jobinfo.htm condiition. $800. Contact (310)614- We come to you and handle all paper sac. Very nicely appointed apartment constructed with eco-friendly George Chung Realtors 3757 work. Friendly professional buyer. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE CLSS - Investment Sales (310)394- technology. $1500. 1 year lease. No INVESTEMENT SALES: Please call (310)391-6346 Please call now! (310) 995-5898 FOR COMPLETE LISTINGS AT: 9800 For an interview, ask for Rob. pets or smokers, please. Call Advertise! Call us at (310) 458-7737 (310) 877-3074. www.howardmanagement.com OIL & GAS. DRILLING MUSIC AIR PLAY Campaign Sales person in Santa Monica, P/T, 310- AND OIL PRODUCTION 998-8305 x83 IS PAYING HIGH MUSIC EMAIL promoter, paid intership, P/T in Santa Monica RETURNS TO INVESTORS. [email protected] GOT ADVERTISING? NOW HIRING POTENTIAL EARNINGS Sexy upscale young girls for high There is no more convincing medium $3500-$5000 PER class escort agency. $500-$1500 daily. (310) 925-8244 WEEK. CALL MR. BOND REAL ESTATE work, Part-time. than a DAILY local newspaper. Immediate! (Agent’s license needed) (310) 394-9800 Female preferred, WLA/SM/Brentwood only. Jean (310) 820-6059. COUNTER HELP needed. Cafe near 3rd Street Promenade on Broadway. RECEPTIONIST: LIGHT phone, data Must be experienced. Apply entry, Excel, Word, processing mail. afternoons in person. 215 Broadway, Parking paid. Health-care after 30 Call us about the Service Directory, it’s only SM. (310) 396-9898. days. Santa Monica. 9am-6pm. $500/week. (310) 394-9800 DENTAL FRONT OFFICE and back office experience. Santa Monica SANTA MONICA Cosmetic/ laser office. F/T-P/T (310) 393-9706. office P/T front and back office person needed. Friendly, excellent customer service and marketing $204 a month!! DENTAL RECEPTIONIST skills. and financial coordinator. Experience with dental insurance Fax resume to (661) 324-4377. and scheduling. Modern, low- stress SM office. No HMO or Your ad could run here! Santa Monica Daily Press (310) 458-7737 medical. 1-2 days per week. ✆ Call us today at (310) 458-7737 (310) 451-1446 Page 18 ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Santa Monica Daily Press CLASSIFIEDS For Rent For Rent For Rent Real Estate Real Estate Massage CLSS - Beautiful Montana Gardens SANTA MONICA $995/mo CLSS - 10 Questions PAC WEST MORTGAGE BLISSFUL RELAXATION! Heal your BEAUTIFUL ROQUEROQUE & Mark Co.& 1bdrm/1bath. New carpets, upper, 2212 Lincoln Blvd. in Santa Moncia body, mind, spirit. Therapeutic, MONTANA GARDENS 2802 Santa Monica Blvd. parking, laundry, stove, freshly WARNING 1-888-FOR-LOAN Swedish, Deep-tissue. Energy 310-828-7525MARK Co. painted. (310) 395-RENT 310-392-9223 balancing. Strictly non-sexual. Room and Board Sales, rentals, property www.westsiderentals.com 10 Questions to Ask Before Introductory specials from $50.00/1hr. management.2802 Santa Monica Blvd. We Feature 100% interest only loans Lynda, L.M.T. (310) 749-0621 401 Montana Avenue SANTA MONICA moderate income You Hire An Agent PAC housing: 2bdrm loft, 2 1/2bath, large Your home away from home. RENTALS AVAILABLE, NO PETS Rob Schultz, Broker 310-828-7525 living room. 2 level, no pets ALLOWED Do not hire an agent before Licensed California Daily meals, laundry, housekeep- $1793/mo. (310) 569-1000. For listings, please go to you read this special Free Broker #01218743 ing, utilities, and cable. Various SALES • RENTALS WEST www.roque-mark.com SANTA MONICA- 3bdrm/1 1/2 bath Report. Apartment sizes. Seniors and all PROPERTY MANAGEMENT townhouse style. 1244 11th St., #I. Equal Housing Lender ages welcome. Stove, fridge, carpet, blinds, balcony, MORTGAGE Free recorded message 2212 Lincoln Blvd in Santa Monica NOW AVAILABLE RENTALS AVAILABLE laundry, no pets $2200/mo (310) 393- Starting at $2,000/MO 6322. 1-888-465-4534 ID# 1006 1-888-FOR-LOAN (310) 245-9436 NO PETS ALLOWED SENIORS- AFFORDABLE HOUSING www.matillarealty.com Live in a BEAUTIFUL 310 392-9223 CLSS - Elly Nesis the Best Rentals apt/ suite in Beverly/ Fairfax or BUYING & Selling call: Brent Parsons Santa Monica: $400-$560/month at (310) 943-7657 & Thomas VERY AGGRESSIVE RATES BEST SANTA MONICA (323) 650-7988 Khammar (310) 943-7656 30 YEAR FIXED RATES RENTALS WLA $1050/MO. Small cozy 1+1 JUST REDUCED! JUST 5.375% 1241 9th St. $1295 furnished, utilities paid, patio w/ 30 YEAR FIXED 5.875% ELLY NESIS CO. INC garden, private drive, top of hill, 1 10 YEAR/1 ARM 5.75% Lower 1 bed, new carpet, % CLSS - Oriental Girls (310) 396-4443 person, no pets, Centinela, (310)390- 7 YEAR/1 ARM 5.625 ORIENTAL GIRLS ellynesis.com Open Sat & Sun 11-3 4610 5 YEAR/1 ARM 5.375%** %** Brent 3 YEAR/1 ARM 5.125 % #1 PROFESSIONAL SANTA MONICA: SMALL COUNTRY WLA $1195. Large 1+1 Ocean View, 1 YEAR/1 ARM 5.125 HOME IN MONTANA AVENUE 1214 California, $1700 large, private sun deck, private drive, 6 MO./6 MO. ARM 4.375% MASSAGE ENVIRONMENT!!! NEIGHBORHOOD. Designer’s one Upper 2 bed, 2 bath, Freshly top of hill, newly decorated, clean and 1 MO./1 MO. ARM 1.0%* EXCELLENT!!! quiet. 1 yr lease, no pets. Centinela. *Rates subject to change bedroom. Exquisite attention to detail. painted, fireplace, * As of August 16, 2005 (310) 842-3986 HIGH BEAM CEILINGS, HARDWOOD (310) 390-4610 ** Denotes an interest only loan FLOORS, WOODBURNING FIREPLACE, WLA $1275/MO. Ocean view and Shutters throughout, French Doors to 624 Lincoln, $1895 sunsets. Large 1+1 on top of hill. WE FEATURE LARGE PRIVATE GARDEN WITH BRICK Front, lower 2 bed, Private sun deck, clean and quiet. No Thomas PATIO. New STAINLESS appliances Hardwood floors, hookups pets. Centinela (310) 390-4610 YOUR AD and LIMESTONE bath. Completely 100% SECURE and gated environment near Houses For Rent COULD RUN HERE! 14th and Montana. Enclosed garage, 1811 34th St., $2550 Buying INTEREST ONLY no pets. $2650.00 per month. House, 3 bed, remodeled SUNSET PARK: 2bdrm house + bonus Available October 1, 2005 (310) 826- room/1 3/4 bath. Double garage. New kitchen counter, new LOANS CALL US 7960. Large yard with spa. No pets. 1202 bath vanity, New kitchen & Selling MAR VISTA 3909 Centinela Ave., 2+1 Cedar Ave. $3200/mo. Agent New option ARM .95% $1525/mo. Stove, curtains, carpet, bath linoleum, Refinished (310) 371-7300. & fireplace, ceiling fans, washer/dryer hardwood floors 100% Financing to TODAY AT hook-ups, one car garage, front and Commercial Lease Brent ([email protected]) $1.5 Million backyard. Small pet ok with deposit 304 WESTMINSTER AVE. Office space (310) 458-7737 (310) 578-7512. BRENTWOOD available in central location. Close to $650,000 EXQUISITE, INTUITIVE, strong and SANTA MONICA $1750/mo WESTWOOD business centers and commercial Thomas ([email protected]) tender relaxing body work by mature 2bdrm/1.75bath. Month-to-month districts yet close to the beach for that 1ST $520,000 @ 5.25% $2,275 P⁄MO 2ND $130,000 @7.75% $834 P⁄MO Europen. Very Professional, Sonja lease. Parking, dishwasher, air quick get away! Well priced at 620 Acanto, BW, $795 (310) 482-2015 Total: $3,114.00 P/MO (310) 397-0433. conditioner, controlled access $795/month. Call Jack @ (310) 396- * Not Including Tax & Insurance building. (310) 395-RENT Upper bachelor, utilities paid, 4443 x 2002. MASSAGE TO MAKE www.westsiderentals.com Fresh paint, laundry room Call us for any of your Real Estate needs. NAI CAPITAL Commercial We can make your dreams a reality YOU FEEL GREAT! MAR VISTA: Pacific, West of Centinela, Christina S. Porter, Vice President Reduced pain and tightness. 2bdrm/2bath. Upper, stove, blinds, 10611 Ayres, Westwood, Approximately 1,450 sq.ft., Deli/Retail ThePowerhouseTeam Improved sports performance. carpet, refrigerator, parking, laundry, for Sublease/Lease at 3rd and Beachfront studio on Ocean Ave. gated entry, no pets $1200/mo $2400 Wilshire (310) 930-5884 (310) 456-5659 Upper 3 bed, 2 bath, duplex (310) Christina806-6104 www.nydoo.com/massage SANTA MONICA $1125/mo New carpet, 2 car garage, [email protected]. Porter 1bdrm/1bath in spacious courtyard yard Vice President apt. Laundry, parking, blinds, stove, (310)440-8500 x104 CLSS - How to Buy A carpet. (310) 395-RENT YOUR AD www.westsiderentals.com FOR MORE LISTINGS GO TO 1,164 sf of creative office. Newly remodeled. Turn Key. SANTA MONICA $1150/mo Roll up door. Phone system, furniture included. $3.00pkg COULD RUN HERE! 1bdrm/1bath North of Wilshire. Bright, WWW.ROQUE-MARK.COM (310) 806-6104 [email protected] carpet, balcony, close to shopping. (310) 395-RENT CALL US www.westsiderentals.com FREE RENTAL Lists & No Fee 310-440-8500 x.104 Rentals. Sullivan-Dituri Company. ROB SANTA MONICA $1250/mo. 2111 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 1bdrm/1bath. Hardwood and carpet 90403. DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA Private TODAY AT floors, subterranean parking, yard, Office Approx. 280 sq/ft, Windows/ The Co-Op Home Buying Network SCHULTZ patio. Sunny! (310) 395-RENT LOS ANGELES- 1+1 2922 Alsace Ave., A/C, 310-394-3645 #4. $650/mo. Stove, fridge, carpet, (310) 458-7737 www.westsiderentals.com SANTA MONICA 1452 2nd Street. Very BROKER blinds, no parking or pets. (310) 578- How To Buy A LICENSED CALIFORNIA MELT AWAY stress with a deep tissue, SANTA MONICA $1500/mo 7512. charming building, small offices. 2bdrm/1bath. Hardwood floors, Between $700/mo & $1200/mo. Home In Any City BROKER #01218743 light touch, pampering massage. subterranean parking, laundry, walk SANTA MONICA $1075.00. 1 bdrm/1 Includes utilities & cleaning. No Down, No Credit & No Qualifying! Outcall only (Westside) (310) 578- bath. Appliances, Parking, NO Pets. 9935 Nana. to the beach. (310) 395-RENT (310) 614-6462 Mentorship Program for Students www.westsiderentals.com 1935 Cloverfield Blvd., #17. Mgr: #19. Investors Welcome! SANTA MONICA $1675/mo SANTA MONICA $2400/mo Real Estate Your ad could run here! 3bdrm/2.5bath. Carpet and tile. Lower 888-255-9999 x1001 ✆ Call us today at (310) 458-7737 2bdrm/2.5bath. Spacious townhouse. BEST BUY HOTLINE Carpets, parking, fireplace, washer/ front. Parking, laundry, balcony, www.BuyRealEstate.biz dryer hookups. (310) 395-RENT dishwasher (310) 395-RENT BEST BUY HOTLIST www.westsiderentals.com Yard Sales www.westsiderentals.com Reveals 10 best buys in your spe- Licensed Real Estate Agent HUGE CHURCH yard sale Saturday, SANTA MONICA $2200/mo SANTA MONICA $800/mo cific price range. Free recorded Massage 3bdrm/1.5bath, no pets. Laundry on Studio/1bath. No pets. Laundry on 24th, 9am. 18th and Arizona, Santa site. Quiet neighborhood, refrigerator, site, refrigerator, stove. Available now! message: 877-881-6308 ID# Your ad could run here! EXOTIC MASSAGE by sexy, young, Monica. European female. (310) 210-1436. balcony. (310) 395-RENT (310) 395-RENT 1040. Keller Williams Realty ✆ Call us today at (310) 458-7737 www.westsiderentals.com www.westsiderentals.com Simona. Advertise! Call us at (310) 458-7737

RUN YOUR DBAs IN THE DAILY PRESS FOR ONLY $60. INCLUDES RECEIPT AND PROOF OF PUBLICATION. CALL US TODAY @ (310) 458-7737 Santa Monica Daily Press ❑ Thursday, September 22, 2005 ❑ Page 19 CLASSIFIEDS

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SANTA MONICA

CLSS - Expert Handyman CLSS - 877-WE-GETEM 877-WE-GET-EM Services Services Expert Handyman Services CLSS - Still Smoking? WE CAN FIND AND SERVE ANYBODY, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. Pet Services STILL Restraining orders & judgement collections our specialty. CLSS - Sofa (310) 322-6975 [email protected] SMOKING? 302 West Grand Avenue, Suite 8, El Segundo, CA 90245 Can’t afford Life is short — Services Services Why make it shorter another sofa? John J. McGrail, C.Ht. CLSS - Roofing Repairs Insurance Training that dog Certified CLSS - Health Insurance you love is a lot less Hypnotherapist www.handymanondemand.com SELF EMPLOYED? expensive. NEED INSURANCE? (310) 235-2883 Services Services www.hypnotherapylosangeles.com Life of Riley Dog Training BEST MOVERS, no job too small! CLSS - Westside Guys • GREAT RATES (310) 581-5152 2 MEN, $59BEST PER HOUR MOVERS No job too small www.rileydogtraining.com Transportation Fully insured. We make it EZ. 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TEACHER IS NOW IN SANTA MONICA career, weight, Seamless Aluminum Gutters Remodel & Add ons Life Transitions Custom Made Color Match relationships & more Honest ¥ Reliable Stress Your Home or Building Devlyn Steele Life Coach Relationships FREE ESTIMATES (310) 408-5900 or (310) 534-3075 (310) 383-9040 Self-Esteem — Sabbath Observed— Unresolved Grief Repairs • Cleaning www.toolstolife.com Free Consultation Copper Galvanized Free Consultation COMPUTER HELP: Your Office or PLAY YOUR FAVORITE SONGS Free Estimate ROCK, BLUES, FOLK, COUNTRY Laurie Levine, MFT (MFC 23031) Home. Computer Tune-Up. Microsoft 310.278.5380 GREAT WITH KIDS Santa Monica/SFV Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Quickbooks Ask for Jose Romero Fax 310.271.4790 Your ad could run here! POS. Internet Navigation. Software GET STARTED TODAY...(818)693-0744 Installation. Virus removal. 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INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW 2006 R-CLASS!

SPORTS LUXURY NEW 2005 C230 SEDAN 2006 C280 SEDAN 2006 E350 SEDAN

5 AT THIS LEASE PAYMENT 5 AT THIS LEASE PAYMENT 5 AT THIS LEASE PAYMENT $ +88¢ +TAX PER MONTH $ +89¢ +TAX PER MONTH $ +88¢ +TAX PER MONTH FOR 39 MONTHS FOR 39 MONTHS FOR 39 MONTHS 329 FULLY EQUIPPED 329 449 $329.88 + tax first months payment for 39 months on approved credit. $3127 cap cost $329.88 + tax first months payment for 39 months on approved credit. $3117 cap cost $449.88 + tax first months payment for 39 months on approved credit. $3530 cap cost reduc- reduction + $795 acquisition fee = $3922 total due at signing ($0 security deposit). MSRP reduction + $795 acquisition fee = $3912 total due at signing ($0 security deposit). MSRP tion + $795 acquisition fee = $4325 total due at signing ($0 security deposit). MSRP $50,770. $34,620. Tier 1 Credit. 10K Miles/yr. 20¢ per mile excess. OTHERS AT SIMILAR SAVINGS. $33,725. Tier 1 Credit. 10K Miles/yr. 20¢ per mile excess. OTHERS AT SIMILAR SAVINGS. Tier 1 Credit. 10K Miles/yr. 20¢ per mile excess. OTHERS AT SIMILAR SAVINGS. MERCEDES-BENZ CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED PROGRAM INCLUDES 7 DAY TRIAL EXCHANGE • 1 YEAR/100,000 MILE WARRANTY MANAGER’S SPECIALS!

’01 ML320...... $23,995 ’02 C240...... $23,995 ’05 C240 WAGON ...... $32,995 CERTIFIED, BLACK OPAL, 43K MILES, 1A273135 BLACK/BLACK, 25K MILES, 2F147689 BLACK, 11K MILES, 5F567347 ’02 E320 ...... $27,995 ’04 C230 ...... $24,995 SILVER/BLACK, 39K MILES, 2B490153 ’04 E320 WAGON...... $39,995 BLACK, LIKE NEW, LOW 10K MILES, 4F491960 LOW 21K MILES, LIKE NEW, 4A417673 ’04 ML350 ...... $28,995 SILVER, 14K MILES, 4A504775 ...... $ ...... $ ’02 C240 24,995 $ ’03 E500 41,995 CERTIFIED, 2F147689 ’02 CLK430 CPE ...... 29,995 PEWTER, 25K MILES, NAVI, 3A346098 BLACK/BLACK, 45K MILES, NAVI, 2F200385 ’01 E320 ...... $24,995 ’03 CLK 320 CPE ...... $33,995 ’02 S500...... $46,995 WHITE, LOW 40K MILES, 3147471 BLACK/BLACK, 13K MILES, 3F034874 BLACK, ONLY 48K MILES, 281460 ’02 S500 ...... $42,995 ’02 ML500...... $26,995 BLACK/BLACK, 48K MILES, 2A081460 ’02 CL500 ...... $53,995 BLACK OPAL AND MORE! 2A295671 BLACK BEAUTY AND MORE! 020678 ’05 E500...... $51,995 BLACK BEAUTY, 4K MILES, 5A664312 ...... $ ...... $ ’01 E320 WAGON 27,995 $ ’05 S500 72,995 BLACK, 50K MILES, B312600 ’02 CL500...... 55,995 BLACK, 10K MILES, LIKE NEW! 5A441192 BLACK/BLACK, 45K MILES, 2A023612 ’03 C320 ...... $29,995 ’03 SL500 ...... $69,995 ’03 SL500 ...... $79,995 SILVER, 29K MILES, NAVI, 3F313505 DESIGNO, 25K MILES, 3F009144 SILVER, 5K MILES, LOADED WITH OPTIONS, 3F020718

BRING IN THIS AD SPECIAL! $500 CREDIT TOWARD ANY PRE-OWNED PURCHASE! BRING IN THIS AD NEW CARS PRE-OWNED CARS 17TH & WILSHIRE •SANTA MONICA 1308 SANTA MONICA BLVD •SM 1-800-MY-MERCEDES • • • 310-453-2045 W.I.SIMONSON INC. W.I.SIMONSON INC.
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405 WILSHIRE BLVD. 1800 MY MERCEDES SANTA MONICA BLVD. TH ST. TH ST. 17  WWW.MBZSANTAMONICA.COM  14
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10 All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charges and any emission testing charge. Ad expires 09/23/05