Santa Monica Daily Press, December 05, 2008

ENTERTAINMENT

INSIDE SCOOP

COMMENTARY

HOLIDAY SEASON GETS GOING AROUND TOWN PAGE 3 O.J. PREPARES FOR HARD TIME PAGE 5

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

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Volume 7 Issue 330

Santa Monica Daily Press WHERE ARE THE FANGS? SEE PAGE 12

Since 2001: A news odyssey

THE PAY AT THE BEACH ISSUE

Cost still a concern for beach house

BY MELODY HANATANI Daily Press Staff Writer

CITY HALL With just five months left before the Annenberg Community Beach House opens its doors some concerns remain that the new proposed admission fee could be cost prohibitive for low-income visitors.

The City Council on Tuesday reviewed the operations plan for the new public recreational facility where the ticket price to use the pool is expected to cost adults and children $10 and $4, respectively. The admission covers use of the pool, changing rooms and viewing deck.

The facility is expected to open in April.

The concern regarding the pricing structure came from Mayor Pro Tem Richard Bloom who said the $24 admission for a family of four could pose a financial barrier for certain households, such as those run by a single parent.

“That to me seems like a high entry point for a low-income family,” Bloom said.

Similar sentiments were expressed at a workshop in October when the operations plan was released for public review. In response to the affordability issue, city staff created a program called “Dollar Days @ The Pool” to provide access for $1 between 10 a.m. and noon every Monday during the first summer.

City Hall also plans to offer financial assistance for Santa Monica children to use the pool.

The $24 family admission is actually a discount price, covering four fares — two adult and two children — for the price of three. The price does not include an optional $5 reservation fee to hold a spot at the pool.

The beach house is expected to run on a deficit, bringing in about $1.9 million in revenues while costing nearly $3.3 million to operate. The Dollar Days program is estimated to reduce revenues by about $6,000 a year, according to Barbara Stinchfield, the director of community and cultural services. “(Dollar Days) doesn’t provide access during the peak time but it does allow people to come during the lowest use day, which SEE BEACH HOUSE PAGE 8

Fabian Lewkowicz FabianLewkowicz.com

MAKING TRACKS: Shoppers take advantage of discounts during Black Friday at the Third Street Promenade on Friday, Nov. 28.

Merchants remain optimistic despite a sluggish economy

BY MELODY HANATANI Daily Press Staff Writer

MAIN STREET There were no overnight campers, long lines or stampedes for door buster deals.

Despite a quiet Black Friday weekend on a mom-and-pops-filled Main Street, merchants remain optimistic that the next few weeks will bring holiday bliss and that one of the busiest shopping days of the year was not an indicator of what’s to come.

“I think it will get better,” Roxanna Cervantes, who owns the clothing store Life Style, said. “It won’t be as great as past Christmases.”

Nationally the three-day shopping holiday was better than expected considering

Gary Limjap

the state of the economy.

The National Retail Federation reported that shoppers spent an average of $372.57 over the weekend, which is up 7.2 percent from the same period last year. More than 172 million shoppers ventured to stores and Web sites, which was an increase from 147 million from last year.

“Pent-up demand on electronics and clothing, plus unparalleled bargains on this season’s hottest items helped drive shopping all weekend,” NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin said. “Holiday sales are not expected to continue at this brisk pace, but it is encouraging that Americans seem excited to go shopping again.”

The scene last weekend was quieter on Main Street than in shopping malls or other

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areas with a high concentration of chain stores.

“It was slow because there’s a lot of boutiques and higher-end stores so everyone else was at the department stores to get the big deals,” Cervantes said.

Life Style offered several special deals for the weekend, including a sale on all scarves for only $30. Several sale signs marking items down 30-50 percent off remained in the store on Thursday.

The economy has been hurting all businesses, Cervantes said.

It was a similar situation at Compliments where the clothing store had less traffic than what is seen on a typical

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A newspaper with issues

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

Speechless

Attending (Critical) Mass

Santa Monica Pier, 6:30 p.m. — 9 p.m.

Critical Mass is a monthly bicycle ride that takes to the streets of Santa Monica and Venice to celebrate life on two wheels. The ride is a vision of a joyful, bike-friendly world replacing polluted, congested roads. For information, contact zackbeatty@yahoo.com.

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Hitting the avenue

Montana Avenue, 5 p.m. — 9 p.m.

Get the holiday started right at the Montana Avenue Annual Holiday Walk.

The walk will take place on Montana Avenue between Seventh and 17th streets. The walk features strolling carolers, live music, good eats and plenty of holiday spirit.

‘It’s a Pretty Good Life’

1130 Lincoln Blvd., 8 p.m.

This “play with songs” stars a ramshackle group of performers that give in to the pressure all theater groups feel during the holiday season. To scratch the itch, the group stages a performance of the Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol.” There’s just one problem, they don’t know much about the play. For more information, call (323) 655-2410.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008 ‘A Christmas Celebration’

1008 11th St., 7:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica’s annual concert, “A Christmas Celebration” features “Fantasia on Christmas Carols” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Gloria” by Francis Poulenc, and Carols, etc. compiled and arranged by James E. Smith. For more information, call (310) 393-8258.

Party on Main Street

2612 Main St., 6 p.m.

The Main Street Business Improvement Association presents it’s annual tree lighting ceremony. The festive event will include Santa, the Samohi choir and loads of holiday cheer.

‘True West’

3116 Second St., 8 p.m. — 10 p.m.

Sam Shephard's “True West” is the story of two brothers who collide with sibling rivalry inside their mother's quaint suburban home. Austin, a somewhat successful screenwriter, has come home to work on a script that will secure his financial future. His brother Lee, a small time criminal, has wandered off of the desert looking to ransack the neighborhood. When Lee cons his way into a movie deal with Austin's producer, the rivalry takes off full force and leads to an explosive showdown that literally tears the home apart.

A very Begley holiday season

23825 Stuart Ranch Rd., Malibu, 4 p.m.

A committed environmentalist for more than 30 years, actor, author, and activist Ed Begley, Jr. will discuss ways to reduce the impact individuals can have on the planet and alternatives to encourage a greener lifestyle. From quick fixes to bigger commitments and long-term strategies, Ed will show how easy it can be to build such changes into everyday life. For more information, call (310) 317-0797.

‘Alias Santa Claus’

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1211 Fourth St., 12:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.

This holiday classic returns to the Santa Monica Playhouse. “Alias Santa Claus” features Nick, a jolly, bearded stranger who shows up for a visit one cold and blustery December eve in the late 1880s. Together, Nick and a little pioneer family learn some special lessons about the true meaning of friendship, family, the spirit of giving and the joy earned from kindness to strangers. For information, call (310) 394-9779 ext. 651.

For more information on any of the events listed, log on to smdp.com and click the “Events” tab for the given day’s calendar.

Inside Scoop Visit us online at smdp.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

3

Local businesses gear up for the holiday season

BY CATHERINE CAIN Special to the Daily Press

“There are still places where wine on the table is just not part of the culture. People grow up with iced tea. They don’t even think about wine as possibly an enhancement to a family meal.”

On the legal side, the repeal was orchestrated to let individual states set their own rules, creating a jumble of laws that continues to complicate wine shipping.

Still, Fredrikson plans to raise a glass to the 75th anniversary of repeal.

“You bet,” she said with a laugh. “We raise a glass every night. A glass at dinner is one of the small luxuries of life that keeps you sane.”

The temperance movement built up

CITYWIDE Get ready for a long, fun-filled weekend to kick off the holiday season.

Businesses all over Santa Monica, from jewelry to lingerie to baby clothes shops, are holding holiday events, shopping sales, and beautiful displays to get everyone in the spirit of the season.

Starting off the weekend is the annual Holiday Walk on Montana Avenue this Friday from 5 p.m. — 9 p.m.

“It’s really the event that kicks off the holiday season on Montana Avenue,” said Sabine Lehmann, chair of the Montana Merchants’ Association.

This year the walk will include mounted policemen and English double decker buses, with Santa Claus as a passenger.

“It’s really a community event,” Lehmann said.

All shops between Seventh Street and 17th Street on Montana participate in the holiday walk, handing out treats such as cider, fudge, and cookies. Featured on the walk will be live music such as carolers, chamber groups, and a jazz band.

“I’m having a jazz band, chocolate truffles, champagne,” Lehmann said of her store, Platino.

Lehmann said the event has always been widely attended by all of Los Angeles.

“It’s a very fun, festive event,” she said.

This year, however, advertising for the walk has been taken to the next level.

Lehmann said online advertising has been a large factor in increasing attendance for the past three years. Lehmann has also been spreading the word via geo-targeted marketing advertising, where advertisements are sent to homes based on their zip codes. The walk is also advertised on blogs and family Web sites.

Also new this season are late night Thursdays. Until Dec. 18, all stores will be open until 8 p.m. to accommodate holiday shopping. All holiday events are hosted with the purpose of promoting the businesses and offering sales to shoppers.

Holiday celebrations will take place on the other side of the city on Main Street Saturday and at the Fairmont Miramar on

SEE DRINKING PAGE 9

SEE HOLIDAYS PAGE 8

KIDS IN MOTION

Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com A group of first graders round the corner of a temporary track at John Muir Elementary School during the annual jog-a-thon on Thursday morning. Students collect points each time they complete a full circle around the track. This year over 324 students took part in the event.

Celebrating the right to drink

BY MICHELLE LOCKE Associated Press Writer

NAPA Here’s a word that can still send chills through wine country: Prohibition.

The great temperance tryout, which ended 75 years ago this December, may not have done much to stop drinking, but it did succeed in putting a cork in America’s burgeoning wine industry — and ushering in an era of plonk that lasted decades.

“There was a lot of wine made and drunk during Prohibition, but the standards were poor. It set things back very seriously,” said Thomas C. Pinney, author of “A History of Wine in America.”

With wraiths of the 1930s seemingly lurking around every corner — Stock

panic! Bank failures! Cloche hats! — the appeal of repeal is particularly strong this year, with a number of bars and restaurants planning to mark the milestone.

“It’s a great day of the year,” said Jackson Cannon, bar manager of Boston-based Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks, which has been serving Prohibition-inspired cocktails all year.

Even all these years later, there still are a few hangovers from the days when (officially) no liquor or wine was served at any time.

“Its lasting legacy has been a fundamental misunderstanding between use and abuse by the American public,” said Eileen Fredrikson, a wine analyst with Woodsidebased Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates.

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OpinionCommentary 4

A newspaper with issues

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Libertarian Perspective

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Ron Getty

P.E. should be fun Editor:

The Daily Press’ cheerful story, “Area students making the fitness grade,” page 1, Dec. 3, tells us that Santa Monica students performed above the state average on a measure called the Fitnessgram, and that this year’s test results are a bit better than last year’s.

The Fitnessgram is a test that includes pushups, situps, and a mile run, and measures flexibility and body fat. The developer of the Fitnessgram is Kenneth Cooper, who served as personal physician to President Bush, and is known as “Bush’s exercise guru.” Cooper has stated that neither he nor the “Cooper Institute” profit financially from the Fitnessgram.

To ensure that districts and schools continue to improve and do better than other districts and schools, P.E. will probably focus increasingly on sit-ups, pushups, and running. This is a threat to the idea that a major goal of P.E. is to introduce students to a variety of sports to encourage them to become fit for life in enjoyable ways.

The Fitnessgram is expensive. California tests children in grades five, seven, and nine using the Fitnessgram, which costs more than $200 per school.

There are about 10,000 schools in California, which means an annual cost of $2 million. This expense is hard to justify when California’s school lunch program for children of poverty has a deficit of $31 million. It makes more sense to invest in building health than in measuring it.

There is, of course, plenty of evidence relating exercise to physical and mental health, but none that I know of related specifically to testing children using this tool (for a list of studies on the Fitnessgram per se, see www.public.iastate.edu).

There must be a better and less expensive way of making sure our children are fit.

Stephen Krashen Professor Emeritus of Education University of Southern California

A fan of ‘The Bubble’ Editor:

I love [Carol Hasting’s (”Bursting the Car Bubble”)] take on Santa Monica. I related to the part about not bothering to returning stuff. That wasteful attitude is not healthy for us or the planet. I suppose I take our city for granted, but reading about you tooling around on two wheels has inspired me to do the same. We are so lucky to have a climate that smiles on us. Keep up the humorous and positive stories.

Veronica Bennett Santa Monica

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Ringing the bell

PUBLISHER Ross Furukawa ross@smdp.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Kevin Herrera editor@smdp.com

MANAGING EDITOR Daniel Archuleta daniela@smdp.com

STAFF WRITER CALIFORNIA’S LATEST REPORTED BUDGET

deficit is expected to reach $28 billion over the next two years. This comes after the disgraceful, recently-approved $143 billion budget that purportedly fixed an $18 billion deficit. In comparison, 10 years ago, California’s budget was $42 billion with no deficit.

The proposed budget deficit fixes include raising and broadening sales taxes, increasing vehicle license fees, imposing an extracted oil tax, and raising excise taxes on beer, wine and liquor. In addition, K-12, University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) funds would be reduced. State employees would have to take required unpaid time off.

The truth is these are political gewgaws, gimcracks, and doodads that don’t fix a budget deficit.

If you were able to make budget deficit problems disappear by ringing a bell, would you do it? Let’s ring the bell for some examples of cutting the budget deficit along with some relief for taxpayers: • The state of California employs 345,000 people who average $85,000 annually in pay and benefits, costing taxpayers $29 billion.

In comparison, private industry per capita pay and benefits averages $45,000. If we were to scale state employees’ pay and benefits to an average equal to that of private industry, the resulting $40,000 reduction per state employee would cut the budget deficit by $13.8 billion.

• The Department of Consumer Affairs sets licensing standards for 225 professions from accountants to veterinarians. Its budget is $251 million and covers 2.4 million professionals. An annual licensing fee of $105 per professional would cut the budget deficit by $251 million.

• California could “farm out” prison labor by employing some 125,000 nonviolent prisoners at $10 an hour for manual labor. This move would generate $2.5 billion, halving the Department of Corrections-Adult Operations budget.

• The UC and CSU systems receive $6 billion from the state’s general fund. They have $10 billion in endowments and have voluntary annual donations of $1.5 billion. We should cut the taxpayers’ umbilical cord for UC and CSU, making them self-reliant using their own financial resources. These systems should not be funded with involuntary philanthropy from the wages of taxpayers who’ll never get a UC or CSU education from their forced donations.

• California’s 9,300 K-12 government schools have 300,000 teachers, plus another 25,000 bureaucrats and support personnel.

There are 4,000 school psychologists and 1,000 school librarians. The California Department of Education has 2,500 employees. This massive K-12 public employment project needs streamlining, especially when the price tag of pay and benefits is $20 billion. The 4,000 school psychologists cost $300 million in pay, benefits, and overhead.

We should dump the school psychologists and hire them by the hour — when or if they are really needed.

• To help taxpayers, the state should exempt home-schooling families and families sending their children to private schools

from paying the portion of their property taxes that goes to public schools. The same exemption should be given to senior citizens so they don’t pay to send someone else’s grandchildren to public schools.

Melody Hanatani melodyh@smdp.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CALIFORNIANS NEED TO RING A STRONG MESSAGE TO SACRAMENTO EMPHATICALLY DECLARING THAT INCREASED TAXES AND SPENDING WON’T BE TOLERATED. SACRAMENTO MUST CUT TAXES AND SPENDING AS A NECESSITY FOR THE STATE’S FUNDAMENTAL WELL-BEING.

Bill Bauer, David Pisarra, Meredith Carroll, Kenny Mack, Jack Neworth, Lloyd Garver, Taylor Van Arsdale, Dane Robert Swanson, Ryan Hyatt, Steve Breen, Elizabeth Brown, Merv Hecht, Ron Scott Smith Mike Heayn, Brian Hepp Mariel Howsepian, Cynthia Citron, Amanda Cushman, Steve Parker and Phyllis Chavez

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Fabian Lewkowicz

NEWS INTERNS Catherine Cain, Saba Hamedy, Elizabeth Kenigsberg, Rob Lawrence, Teddy Lashnick news@smdp.com

PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNS Morgan Genser, Raymond Solano, Rachel Dardashti news@smdp.com

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Rob Schwenker

• Increasing the sales tax by 1.5 percent would be an extra burden to low-income wage earners, increasing the average sales tax to 10 percent. Sales taxes are regressive for low-income people in relation to higher-earning individuals. At the very least, all food and clothing items should be exempt from sales taxes for purchases under $500.

• To increase hiring of low-wage and unskilled workers as well as reduce unemployment, the state should repeal minimumwage, prevailing-wage, and other antiemployment work laws. State laws mandating wages, breaks, and hours block low-wage and unskilled workers from being hired, often forcing them on welfare, which costs taxpayers to support them.

These few examples show how to cut the budget deficit by $23 billion in one year and give taxpayers a little relief. Budget deficit problems are a malignant cancer of unchecked massive redistribution of workers wages stolen by Sacramento’s Robbing Hoods. The same workers in turn receive little or no benefit from their earnings forcibly taken from them.

Californians need to ring a strong message to Sacramento emphatically declaring that increased taxes and spending won’t be tolerated. Sacramento must cut taxes and spending as a necessity for the state’s fundamental well-being. Not doing so would be the height of arrogant political hubris at the expense of turning taxpayers into tax paupers.

RON GETTY is the senior staff member of a tax attorney with his practice located in San Francisco. His background includes an electrical engineering degree and 30 years of sales, marketing and advertising with small to large corporations.

schwenker@smdp.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julie Martinez juliem@smdp.com

Robert Hertel roberth@smdp.com

ADVERTISING TRAFFIC FACILITATOR Amber Kessee amberk@smdp.com

OPERATIONS MANAGER Connie Sommerville connies@smdp.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER Robert Summa summa@smdp.com

CIRCULATION Keith Wyatt Osvaldo Paganini circulation@smdp.com

A newspaper with issues 410 Broadway, Suite B Santa Monica, CA 90401 OFFICE (310) 458-PRESS (7737) FAX (310) 576-9913

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The Santa Monica Daily Press is published six days a week, Monday through Saturday.

19,000 daily circulation, 46,450 daily readership. Circulation is audited and verified by Circulation Verification Council, 2006. Serving the City of Santa Monica, and the communities of Venice Beach, Brentwood, West LA. Members of CNPA, AFCP, CVC, Associated Press, IFPA, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.

Published by Newlon Rouge, LLC © 2006 Newlon Rouge, LLC, all rights reserved.

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 editor@smdp.com. 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 410 Broadway, Suite B, Santa Monica, 90401, or faxed to (310) 576-9913. All letters and guest editorials are subject to editing for space and content.

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5

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

Laughing Matters Jack Neworth

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

O.J.’s longest yard may be in prison

In search of savings Despite a struggling economy, retail experts predicted a decent Black Friday. The Third Street Promenade was crawling with shoppers on Friday afternoon so the experts may be right.

So this week’s Q-Line question asks:

would be alive today.

O.J. was one of the world’s great athletes. At USC he won the Heisman Trophy and in the pros he was a Hall of Famer. With remarkable charisma, O.J. was post-racial long before anyone had ever heard of Barack Obama. Everyone loved “The Juice.” Men wanted to be him and women wanted to be with him.

Very early in his life, O.J.’s father, who was openly gay, abandoned him causing constant ridicule in grade school. O.J. had rickets and wore homemade leg braces his mother crafted.

He overcame poverty, illness and shame to achieve so much only to destroy it all. Not unlike “Citizen Kane,” O.J. is an American tragedy.

Mike Gilbert’s first words upon hearing of Nicole’s death were, “he finally did it.” He revealed that, after O.J. would beat Nicole, he would buy her a lavish gift. That’s how she “earned” the infamous Ferrari. Why didn’t loved ones or friends intercede? My guess is everyone was feeding at the same trough so they looked the other way. There is plenty of guilt to go around.

Gilbert insists that O.J.’s inner circle were good people, seduced by the high life and Simpson’s charm. I may believe him, but I don’t forgive him. But it’s from the Goldmans, whom he helped defame, that Gilbert begs forgiveness.

I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Years ago O.J. offered to settle for a percentage of the judgment but, on principle, the Goldmans refused. I imagine for them now, O.J. going to prison will be like those MasterCard commercials, “priceless.”

After the murders, I eventually found humor in the concept that O.J. could pack a lot into a day. He attended his daughter’s dance recital, went to McDonald’s with Kato, chipped golf balls, packed for Chicago, killed two people, changed, showered, and made his flight on time. Barring an appeals reversal, or Johnny Cochran returning from the dead, it looks like O.J.’s going to have a lot of days to pack nothing into. While he was on trial for Nicole and Ron’s murder, O.J. made millions from his jail cell, signing autographs. It’s an obscene notion but apparently they were more valuable because he was an accused murderer. That said, I wonder if the state of Nevada could charge more for license plates made by O.J. Simpson.

JACK can be reached at JackneworthSMDP@aol.com

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MICHIGAN 24TH

in Las Vegas for his convictions on 12 felonies, including kidnapping and armed robbery.

Actually, I’m a little embarrassed to be writing about O.J. It’s so 1990s. But, having wasted months, if not years, following O.J.’s trials, I find some perverse pleasure in seeing how it all ends. If Judge Jackie Glass sentences O.J. to life in prison, I suppose that would give new meaning to “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

But Simpson’s lawyers have already filed an appeal. It appears O.J. was only in that hotel room for six minutes and the man who planted the tape recorder sold the recording to the media for $200,000. It looks like Simpson was set up. Should this injustice bother me? Yes. Does it? No. What can I say? What goes around, comes around.

O.J. broke into that hotel room to retrieve valuable memorabilia accumulated over the many years of his athletic career. But the items actually belonged to the Goldman and Brown families as part of the $33 million civil judgment handed down in a Santa Monica courtroom. From the day of that verdict O.J. has insisted that the Goldman’s would never collect a dime. You could say O.J.’s obsession with cheating them might put him away for life.

How’s that for poetic justice?

Adding even more of a circus atmosphere to the Vegas proceeding is the fact that people there are betting on O.J.’s sentence. Early betting favored “more than 5 years but less than 30,” but late money favors “30 to life.” I gather the over and under is 15 years.

So, depending on Judge Glass’ decision, some people might run gleefully out of casinos shouting skyward,“Baby’s gonna get a new pair of shoes (or whatever gamblers shout when they win).” While others might rip up betting slips, get drunk and curse God (or whomever gamblers curse when they lose). Here’s a safe bet, where he’s headed, O.J. won’t be needing his precious golf clubs anytime soon.

I recently reviewed the book “How I Helped O.J. Get Away with Murder,” by Mike Gilbert, O.J.’s agent and confidant. After reading it, I have more doubt about the sun rising in the east than whether O.J. killed Nicole and Ron. Gilbert said O.J. actually confessed to him, and wouldn’t you know, O.J. allegedly blamed Nicole. “Mike, if she hadn’t answered the door with a knife in her hand, she’d be alive today.”

O.J., I think it’s if you hadn’t killed her, she

CLOVERFIELD

TODAY O.J. SIMPSON GETS SENTENCED

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

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CRIME WATCH B Y

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P R E S S

S T A F F

Preemptive strike Crime Watch is a weekly series culled from reports provided by the Santa Monica Police Department. These are arrests only. All parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

SATURDAY, NOV. 29, AT 6:25 P.M., Santa Monica police officers conducted a traffic stop at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard after observing a man driving without the car’s headlights on.

Officers discovered that one of the passengers was in possession of marijuana. Officers ran a background check on the car’s three occupants and discovered that two of them were documented gang members from Los Angeles. One was in possession of a loaded firearm, police said. Based on the evidence, officers believed the three were in Santa Monica to conduct an armed robbery. All three were arrested and booked for probable cause robbery. The driver, Christopher Olivas, 24, of Los Angeles, was also booked for possession of a loaded gun, participation in criminal activity to enhance a street gang, violation of probation and driving without a license. No bail was set. Miguel Angel Soltero, 20, from Los Angeles, was also booked for possession of a loaded gun and participation in criminal activity to enhance a street gang. His bail was set at $80,000. The third suspect was identified as William Alexander Valero, 23, of Los Angeles. He was also booked for possession of marijuana. His bail was set at $50,000.

SATURDAY, NOV. 29, AT 11:45 A.M., Two women wanted in connection with an assault with a deadly weapon that allegedly occurred earlier that morning at 1:15 a.m. turned themselves in to police at the Public Safety Facility. Police said the suspects were involved in a bar fight in the 1200 block of the Third Street Promenade — Cabo Cantina — and assaulted two waitresses by hitting them with their high heel shoes. The two waitresses were taken to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The suspects were booked for assault with a deadly weapon and their bail was set at $30,000. They were identified as Sylvie Marie Medic, 21, and Sasha Milen Medic, 22, both from Santa Monica. Sasha Medic was also charged with resisting arrest.

THURSDAY, NOV. 27, AT 11:36 P.M.,

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Officers responded to the 1700 block of 11th Street regarding a report of a burglary that just occurred. When officers arrived, they made contact with the alleged victim who said they had just returned home when they found a male suspect exiting their house carrying their piggy bank in his hand. The suspect dropped the bank and ran. The victims followed the suspect until police arrived. The suspect was arrested and booked for burglary. He was identified as Lawrence Bernard Price, 45, a transient.

THURSDAY, NOV. 27, AT 3:30 A.M., Officers responded to the 1400 block of Centinela Avenue regarding a report of a fight.

The reporting party told officers her boyfriend was involved in a fight with her exboyfriend. The current boyfriend allegedly punched the ex in the face several times and kicked him in the face before the ex ran to his car and pulled out a golf club, using it in a retaliatory attack on the boyfriend. Both men were arrested and booked for assault with a deadly weapon. Their bail was set at $30,000. They were identified as Nolan Patrick Martin, 25, of Santa Monica, and Brian Lee Lenzo, 34, from West Hollywood.

TUESDAY, NOV. 25, AT 12:11 A.M., Officers responded to the 1500 block of 17th Street regarding a report of subjects spraypainting the wall of a business. When they arrived, officers found a female suspect hiding in a nearby vehicle, talking on a cell phone. Officers found her to be in possession of several graffiti sketches and empty spraypaint cans. Officers later discovered four men hiding on the roof of the business targeted. The word “game” was freshly painted on the business’ wall. The tagging was believed to be 5 feet high and 12 feet wide, police said.

All five were taken into custody and booked for felony vandalism. Bail for each was set at $20,000. The first suspect was identified as Roxanna Abrego, 22, of Tarzana. She was also booked for conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of vandalism tools. The second suspect was identified as Michael Luis Nicolette, 26, of Tarzana. He was also booked for conspiracy. The third suspect was Jussi Wayne, 26, of Canoga Park. He was also booked for violation of probation. The fourth suspect was identified as Jessie Donato, 24, of Reseda. The fifth suspect, Henry Hernandez, 19, of Tarzana was also booked for violation of probation.

SUNDAY, NOV. 23, AT 4:443 A.M., An officer on patrol in the 1700 block of Ocean Avenue stopped an intoxicated male and female. The officer learned that the female was 17 years old and had been drinking with the male, who was 25. The officer placed the male suspect under arrest for public intoxication and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The teen was taken to the Public Safety Facility and her parents were notified. The male suspect was identified as Earl Stephen LeBlanc, 25, of Los Angeles. His bail was set at $5,000.

SATURDAY, NOV. 22, AT 4:08 P.M., An officer responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon that occurred in the 1000 block of 12th Street in the rear alley. When the officer arrived, he made contact with the alleged victim who told officers that a homeless person tried to stab her with a sharp metal object and threatened to kill her because she had questioned him about taking items out of a carport storage locker. Two days later, the woman saw the suspect again and called police. Officers located the suspect in the area and he was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and for making criminal threats. Officers said the suspect was on probation. He was identified as Matthew Dylan Darnell, 38, a transient. His bail was set at $50,000.

Editor in Chief KEVIN HERRERA compiled these reports. news@smdp.com

Local Visit us online at smdp.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

File photo

IT’S IN THE BAG: The National Retail Federation reported that shoppers spent an average of $372.57 over the weekend, which is up 7.2 percent from the same period last year.

Black Friday sales brought shoppers to promenade FROM SALES PAGE 1 weekend.

“It was so so,” clothing store owner Sam Mona said. “When you have stores on a street, you don’t get as much business on holidays because the majority go to the mall.”

Mona said he believes Black Friday gave him a glimpse of what to expect in the next few weeks.

“People are not shopping for anything and fashion is one of them,” he said.

It was a tale of two different shopping districts after Thanksgiving Day for Main Street and Downtown.

“If the traffic on the street is any indication of how we did this past weekend, it was very busy,” Debbie Lee, the director of marketing and communications for the Bayside District Corp., said.

Ice at Santa Monica, the seasonal skating rink, also posted record-breaking numbers, Lee added.

Black Friday was a busy day at Lorin, a shoe store on the Third Street Promenade.

“We didn’t miss a beat,” Hamzi Hijazi, the store manager, said. “We got a sense that the holiday spirit was back that day.”

Regardless of the economy, Hijazi said that the turnout was not a surprise.

But business has dropped off since Friday.

“I think people need to get back in the spirit again,” he said. “I’m optimistic about it.”

Not all businesses reported a strong

WE GOT A SENSE THAT THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WAS BACK THAT DAY.” Hamzi Hijazi Manager, Lorin

showing. Shiva Imports, a gift shop on the promenade, saw a lot of shoppers but not many sales, according to owner Naren Patel.

The shoppers were specifically looking for discounts. Some even tried to bargain on already reduced items, Patel said.

He suspects that the economy is to blame, adding that previous Black Fridays were typically successful.

“It’s affecting everybody,” he said.

Bayside, a private/public company that manages Downtown, is planning several events to draw out more shoppers during the holiday season. One program will bring out new seasonal characters — “Ice Princess Monica” and “Captain Bayside” — to randomly selected stores where they will pay up to $100 for one lucky customer’s purchase.

The duo will make several shopping trips over the next few weeks.

“It’s primarily a thank you to people for choosing to do their shopping here in Santa Monica,” Lee said. melodyh@smdp.com

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NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE SANTA MONICA PLANNING COMMISSION SUBJECT: A Public Hearing will be held by the Planning Commission on the following: Conditional Use Permit 08-011, 2001 Ocean Avenue. The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to extend the approval of Conditional Use Permit (06CUP015) that allowed the Bayside Hotel to have in-room mini-bars and allowed the complimentary service of alcohol to hotel patrons and guests in the common areas of the hotel. The applicant is also requesting to modify Condition of Approval Number 3 of 06CUP015 that determines when rights of the CUP have been exercised. No physical or operational changes to the hotel are proposed as part of this application. Pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) Section 9.04.20.12.060(b), an extension request beyond the initial six-month extension granted by the Zoning Administrator requires approval by the Planning Commission. [Planner: Tony Kim] APPLICANT/PROPERTY OWNER: Casa Del Cielo, LLC. Waiver of Parcel Map 08-001, 2909 Exposition Boulevard. The applicant requests approval of Waiver of Parcel Map 08WPM-001 (Parcel Map No. 70505) to subdivide one lot into two parcels pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.20.10.070.

[Planner: Lily Yegazu] APPLICANT/PROPERTY OWNER: Verizon California Inc., a California Corporation.

WHEN:

Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Council Chambers, City Hall 1685 Main Street Santa Monica, California

HOW TO COMMENT The City of Santa Monica encourages public comment. You may comment at the Planning Commission public hearing, or by writing a letter or e-mail. Information received prior to the hearing will be given to the Planning Commission at the meeting.

MORE INFORMATION If you want additional information about this project or wish to review the project, please contact the Project Planner (310) 458-8341. The Zoning Ordinance is available at the Planning Counter during business hours or available on the City’s web site at www.smgov.net. The meeting facility is wheelchair accessible. If you have any disabilityrelated accommodation request, please contact (310) 458-8341, or TYY Number: (310) 458-8696 at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting. Santa Monica “Big Blue” Bus Lines #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #7, #8, #9 and the Tide Ride service the City Hall.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65009(b), if this matter is subsequently challenged in Court, the challenge may be limited to only those issues raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Santa Monica at, or prior to, the Public Hearing.

‘Dollar Days’ proposed for city’s beach house FROM BEACH HOUSE PAGE 1 is Monday,” Stinchfield said.

Councilmembers seemed generally supportive of the direction in which the beach house is headed, excited to see the project finally come to fruition.

“I can’t (tell you) how wonderful it is to see photographs instead of drawings,” Councilmember Ken Genser said.

The property was once the site of a 110room mansion that was designed by the late newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst for silent film star Marion Davies, who hosted lavish parties at the estate. The mansion was sold in 1945 and operated in different capacities over the next several decades, including as a hotel.

The club has been featured on television numerous times, including several episodes of “Beverly Hills 90210” during the 1990s.

The property has been dormant since the Northridge Earthquake when several buildings were severely damaged and condemned.

In 2005, the Annenberg Foundation donated $27.5 million to redevelop the property into a public beach club. What remains today from the original estate is the pool and guest house.

Among the additions include beach volleyball and tennis courts, an event house, splash pool, gardens and picnic area. The Back on the Beach Cafe on the south corner

of the property has been renovated with a new take-out window.

“After 20 years of being alone at the property, I can’t tell you how exciting this is to me,” Fred Deni, who owns Back on the Beach, said.

Much of the property will be free to the public, including the guest house, visitors center and splash pool. The beach house will also serve as part museum, hosting interpretive elements that will teach visitors about the history of the Marion Davies Estate.

Historic pieces could include recently discovered footage of Hearst’s 70th birthday at the estate.

The site will also have parking for 277 cars and 100 bicycles with a possible valet service for the latter.

The Big Blue Bus was, up until recently, considering designing a new line specifically for the beach house, but ditched the idea given the shrinking transit funds available. The agency is instead proposing extending the Tide Shuttle service on the weekends to travel in a loop around Ocean Park Boulevard, 14th Street, Montana Avenue and Ocean Avenue.

The operations plan will undergo a pilot phase in the first year.

“We want to focus the first year on doing things … exceedingly well,” Stinchfield said.

“We tried to take a look at the visitor experience as our first priority.” melodyh@smdp.com

Merchants all over town will participate in early festivities highlighted by a tree lighting FROM HOLIDAYS PAGE 3 Sunday. As per tradition, the Main Street tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. at the California Heritage Museum. According to the Main Street Business Improvement Association’s Web site, www.mainstreetsm.com, the lighting ceremony will feature Santa Monica High School students caroling, soloist Jo Todd, and Santa Claus. A candlelight walk, led by Santa, will follow the tree lighting ceremony.

Aside from the tree lighting event, most of the evening will be spent at various parties thrown by stores. Over 35 parties will be held, according to the Web site, with snacks to eat and prizes to win.

Festivities should last until 9 p.m.

Main Street is also holding a sidewalk sale both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with stores such as Accents, Bike Attack, Ten Women, ZJ Boardinghouse and others participating.

To cap off the weekend, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel is hosting the fourth annual holiday event called “Meet Me Under the Fig Tree” celebrating the historic Moreton Bay fig tree.

“It really started as a way to host an annual party for the community,” said general manager Ellis O’Connor.

There will be a silent auction, with proceeds going to Chrysalis, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless people

IT REALLY STARTED AS A WAY TO HOST AN ANNUAL PARTY FOR THE COMMUNITY.” Ellis O’Connor General manager for the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

become employed and self-sufficient.

“We feel that was an important partner for this event,” O’Connor said, referring to Chrysalis, because homelessness is an issue that is “near and dear” to the hearts of Santa Monicans.

Featured at the party, as it is every year, is the gingerbread city contributed to by local elementary schools.

This year, nine schools participated in creating miniature houses, post offices, and even a model of the hotel.

The edible buildings will be judged, and the winning school will be catered to by the hotel. The party lasts from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at 101 Wilshire Blvd., and admission is free. news@smdp.com

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

Watering holes prepare for a day of drinking up FROM DRINKING PAGE 3 over decades, spearheaded by people who argued that alcohol was ruining lives, especially of the working classes.

They succeeded in 1919, with Prohibition taking effect a year later.

From the start there were loopholes.

Individuals could make up to 200 gallons a year of “fruit juices” for personal use.

Sacramental wine also was allowed and alcohol could be prescribed for medicinal purposes.

Wineries used their own wiles, labeling bottles for “medicinal use only” and selling grape juice carefully labeled with instructions to on no account take certain actions, such as leaving the barrel to sit in a warm place, a sort of “Warning: Contents may ferment.”

Napa vintner Jim Regusci remembers hearing stories from old timers about the “milk” company, which didn’t see so much as the flick of a cow’s tail, but regularly sent a truck to the Napa Valley to pick up batches of bootleg alcohol for delivery to San Francisco.

For legitimate operations, Prohibition descended swiftly.

Jim Bundschu of the GundlachBundschu winery in Sonoma County, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, recalls hearing how the winery “just was literally padlocked up. They were bottling apricot brandy one day and the next day no one came back to the winery.”

Like some other wineries, GundlachBundschu kept afloat growing and selling grapes. (Bundschu and his father revived the winery in the ‘70s, part of the renaissance of American wine.)

But many shut up shop.

At the start of Prohibition there were about 700 wineries operating in California.

By its end there were about 40, said Fredrikson.

Some credit Prohibition with giving organized crime a stronger foothold, though Pinney says that’s a hard question to answer definitively. Some unfortunate people died during the period from drinking bad liquor or methyl (wood) alcohol.

It’s highly unlikely that Prohibition itself would make any kind of comeback. Many groups are devoted to helping people cope

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with alcohol abuse, but even a group as big as Alcoholics Anonymous says it takes no stance on issues such as alcohol bans, a spokeswoman said, focusing instead on helping people.

In the end, the Depression helped hasten the end of Prohibition.

“It was a sort of no-brainer. ‘Of course, we’d better get back to producing legal alcoholic drink instead of letting bootleggers make all the money,’” said Pinney.

Unfortunately, a depression is no time to start up a capital-intensive industry like the fine wine business.

Wineries that had survived the dry years by selling grapes already had switched to tougher-skinned fruit that traveled better, but made inferior wines.

Meanwhile, all that Chateau de Basement cooked up at home hadn’t exactly stoked appetites for refined wines So what poured out from California after repeal were sweet, fortified wines that went by the labels “port” and “sherry,” though they had little in common with the fine vintages produced by Portugal and Jerez, Spain.

“Table wine almost disappeared for the first decade after repeal,” Pinney said. “It took a long, long time to alter that.”

It wasn’t until the late ‘60s, about the time fine wine champions like Robert Mondavi were emerging, that quality domestic wines made a comeback.

For today’s wine country visitors, Prohibition is just a memory to be glimpsed in the crumbling ruins of “ghost wineries,” that folded under the triple threat of a late19th century outbreak of vine disease, Prohibition and the Depression.

But the past is much more concrete at the Regusci Winery where the 1878 OccidentalGrigsby winery that went bust in the Depression still stands. This is a sturdy “ghost” made of walls two-feet thick and still in use for barrel storage.

At dusk, the setting sun gilds the building’s elegant facade, picking out the lettering of the old winery name etched in the handcut lava stone.

Regusci likes the idea that winemaking is still going on here.

“It’s kind of taking this piece of property back to where it originally was,” he said, “except it’s legal.”

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‘Wall E’ Three-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy From the creators of “Finding Nemo” and “Cars” comes this cosmic comedy adventure where in the distant future, a small waste collecting, amiable robot inadvertently embarks on a space journey that will ultimately decide the fate of mankind. This tribute to the golden age of sci-fi films showcases not only Pixar’s amazing abilities to create entire new worlds but also the talent of Academy Award-winning sound designer Ben Burtt (“Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones”). A spaceship of special features include an allnew animated short film, “BURN E,” the story of a stalwart repair robot, determined to do his job, but is foiled at every turn by WALL E’s adventures aboard the Axiom.

“Presto” is Pixar’s animated theatrical short about a star magician’s ego that provokes some clever revenge from his neglected rabbit co-star. “Geek-o-rama” features comments from Pixar artists about their influences. Early development and title tests, deleted and behind-the-scenes segment are also part of the presentation. (Disney)

‘Rear Window’ 2-Disc Special Edition James Stewart stars in this stylish Alfred Hitchcock thriller as a voyeuristic professional photographer who suspects his neighbor (Raymond Burr) of murdering his wife.

Stewart, laid-up while recuperating from an accident, out of boredom, begins spying on his neighbors. Can it be? Jimmy Stewart a peeping tom? Both Grace Kelly as his high fashion model girlfriend and Thelma Ritter his nurse, are appalled by Stewart’s behavior, but are drawn into voyeurism by Stewart’s devotion to it, particularly after he claims there’s been a murder and he tries to get his cop friend (Wendell Corey) to look into it.

Though the film essentially takes place entirely within the confines of a claustrophobic New York Greenwich Village apartment, the windows of the neighbors across the way, and a courtyard that separates the buildings, it is a testament to the directing style of Hitchcock, the Oscar-nominated works of John Michael Hayes’ poignant script and Robert Burks’ photography and the cast performances that keep the viewer engaged. Special features include: Breaking Barriers: The Sound of Hitchcock; Pure Cinema: Through the Eyes of the Master; Rear Window Ethics: An Original Documentary; production notes and photographs as well as a re-release trailer narrated by Stewart. (Universal)

‘Black Magic’ A remarkable and illuminating account profiling the basketball players and coaches who forced dramatic social change. Long before there was Kobe and LeBron, the NBA, when it began in 1948, had no black players or coaches. Narrated by actor Samuel Jackson and musician Wynton Marsalis with introductions by Hornets star Chris Paul and all-time great “Dr. J” Julius Erving, the documentary film package also includes a bench full of bonus features. (ESPN)

‘Mission Impossible’ Season Five The year 1970 marked the fifth season of this long-running series, but the times were a’ changin’ thus the crimes the IMF team spent more and more time on were connected to the emerging drug culture, battling organized crime and drug czars. Still the formula stayed the same: Jim Phelps (Peter Graves) gets his assignment, Barney Collier (Greg Morris) makes the required special effects and Willy Armitage (Peter Lupus) supplies the backbone, while Paris (Leonard Nimoy) has the makeup skills to become any character required. The curvaceous Lesley Ann Warren becomes the team’s newest member. (CBS/Paramount)

‘According to Jim’ Season One The family comedy features Jim Belushi as the abrasive, but lovable father, who is a construction business owner and garage band musician and Courtney Thorne-Smith as his pretty and feisty wife. Together, they make a happily married set of opposites with three kids. Still going strong seven seasons later, the 22 episodes from the debut year also includes a set tour with Jim, the show’s creation and Belushi’s reminisces about season one. (Lionsgate)

‘Around the World in 80 Treasures’ Architectural historian Dan Cruickshank takes us on a very intriguing quest for mankind’s greatest achievements. The 5-month, 34-country world tour takes in his selection of the 80 greatest buildings. An engaging eclectic global treasure hunt from Athen’s Parthenon and Peru’s Machu Picchu to Easter Island and Java. (BBC America) RANDY WILLIAMS can be reached at writtenbyrw@yahoo.com

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A newspaper with issues

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

MOVIE REVIEW

Fangless vampires a let down in ‘Twilight’

BY TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE Special to the Daily Press

I went out last Saturday looking for mindless albeit fun diversion — “fun” being the operative word. Instead I tortured myself sitting through “Twilight” the lamest excuse for a vampire movie in history.

Film stars Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen, a pallid cross between Brendan Frazier and Johnny Depp without the masculine “umph” of Frazier or the acting chops of Depp. He’s one of a familial clan of vampires living in Washington, emerging only during bouts of rain and inclement weather, which serves to hide his “real appearance” — a sparkly, luminescent skin — visible only when exposed to sunlight.

The “eternal 17-year-old” spends most of his time climbing trees. And … yeah, that’s pretty pretty much the extent of his antics. That is until he falls for newcomer Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and they … climb trees together.

When the two meet, Pattinson practically retches, holding back a gag while near his soon-to-be sweetheart. We later learn it’s her strong “human scent” filling him with desire … desire to eat her. Unfortunately, I’m not making this up.

Later Pattinson brings Stewart back to meet his clan — one member notes: “The entire family will be implicated if this ends badly.” To which Stewart’s character responds, “Badly as in … I become a meal?” Just when you think it can’t get any worse, you meet the film’s “ruthless” villains: bad guy vampires who resemble Deadheads in search of Garcia.

The film spends an inordinate amount of time focused on artistic shots of

Photo courtesy Summit Entertainment

Pattinson and Stewart posed near each other in the woods; gazing longingly at one another and plays more like an extended music video than a feature film.

There is no sex (or graphic violence) — there’s barely even the hint of a kiss. And the biggest insult of all — not one of these vampires sport a set of fangs.

This is the second venture between Wyck Godfrey’s Temple Hill Productions and director Catherine Hardwicke (the first was the mediocre “The Nativity Story”). And while the film triple-grossed it’s budget, its execs are cheering, and its youth-based audience are still clamoring to see it in droves — it is nevertheless one

of the worst vampire movies this viewer has ever seen.

Save $15 and rent “Lost Boys.”

Vampires everywhere will thank you.

TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE is a writer/producer and movie reviewer for the Daily Press. She can be reached at Tailfish@roadrunner.com.

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Nobel Son’ a whip-smart flick that is sure to delight

BY TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE Special to the Daily Press

You have to be whip-smart to create a clever, inventive crime-action-comedycaper flick that inspires, elates, and leaves you feeling breathless. “Nobel Son” does just that. Husband and wife team, filmmaker/writer Randall Miller and writer Jody Savin brilliantly execute a twisted plot chock full of so many unexpected diverging turns — you’ll leave the theatre reeling in delight.

Alan Rickman plays Eli Michaelson, a renowned, yet egotistical, chemistry scholar and now Nobel Prize winner.

Michaelson has the world in his hands, yet at his core, he’s an unhappy person, regularly denigrating his son, Barkley, (Bryan Greenberg) who is struggling to finish his PhD thesis, and belittling his wife Sarah (Mary Steenburgen) a forensics psychiatrist with cutting, backhanded compliments. In addition to these “charming”

Photo courtesy Gimme Five Films

personality traits — he’s also a philandering husband, sleeping with many of his students.

But Michaelson barely has time to enjoy his Nobel status when Barkley is kidnapped and the requested ransom is the $2 million in Nobel Prize money.

Michaelson’s initially cavalier about his

son’s disappearance until he receives a severed thumb. Soon the seriousness of the situation begins to sink in and the race to find Barkley and his kidnappers is on.

Further plot detail will kill the story’s startling and novel ending. You simply need to see it. Suffice to say, there’s a car

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chase with a mini Cooper (inside a mall), a grizzly-thumb cutting, a dead body, plenty of humor including a scene of a typical L.A. poetry reading — something for everyone. Cast features Bill Pullman as the distrustful detective, Shawn Hatosy as the demented, chemistry autodidact/abductor, Danny DiVito as the Michaelson’s obsessive-compulsive tenant, and Eliza Dushku, fantastic as the sexy poetess who goes by the moniker “City Hall.”

You also don’t see many films whose dialogue references range from Pat Benatar to the 16th century philosopher Michel de Montaigne. Paul Oakenfold provides a hypnotic score with bands Crystal Method, Chemical Brothers and Groovearmada — the perfect accompaniment to the perfect film.

TAYLOR VAN ARSDALE is a writer/producer and movie reviewer for the Daily Press. She can be reached at Tailfish@roadrunner.com.

Visit us online at smdp.com

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

West Dressed Mariel Howsepian

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

What to wear to the opera “DO WE HAAAVE TO DRESS UP?” MY students whine. On Wednesday, my team teacher Lynn and I will be taking our 60 sixth grade students to the L.A. Opera’s production of “Carmen.”

“Yes,” I say, stamping my foot. At the moment, they are in hoodies, jeans, and T-shirts that say things like “If my mom calls I’m not here.”

“Wear what you wore to fifth grade graduation,” I say. All of my students have dresses and suits hanging in their closets from the end of the last school year.

“Do we haaave to?”

“Yes, you have to.” I think of “Pretty Woman” and Julia Robert’s dressed in that red, haute couture gown, the diamond earring and necklace set worth a quarter of a million bucks. “It’s the opera.”

Each year, the L.A. Opera puts on two matinee performances for area school children. For each three-and-ahalf-hour performance, the theater is filled with 3,000 kids. This year, there are three potty breaks, one between each of the opera’s four acts. Now, I teach math and science, and the state of California dictates that all of the lessons I teach should align with state math and science standards. I haven’t entirely been doing that this week.

While Lynn has the students researching the opera using the Apple Cart (a portable class set of iBooks), I’ve been having the students read the English translation of the libretto. (“Carmen” was originally written in French.) We read one act at a time, the students taking turns as the lead characters, and the rest of us reading the chorus of soldiers, cigarette girls, and urchins. Last year, Lynn and I took the kids to see “La Boheme,” and only one out of 70 complained of being so bored that he fell asleep. Their favorite part had nothing to do with the plot, or the fact that Placido Domingo was conducting (Placido Domingo!), but that during intermission, they were able to watch the sets being changed.

“Carmen” is not exactly kid material.

It’s about a woman who is, shall we say, free with her love. In most of the stories with which they’re familiar, the main female character is sweet, the kind of girl you could be friends with. Carmen is not this kind of girl. She knifes another woman in the face.

“Who wants to read the role of Carmen?” I ask, and hands fly up.

I kind of love opera. Almost 10 years ago, when I was going to college and living in Fresno, I got this whim that it would be fun to learn how to sing. I

looked in the phone book, called a voice teacher, and she told me to meet her that evening at a church. OK, I thought, this must be where she gives lessons.

So, I went to the church, walked through the doors, and a woman thrust a binder filled with sheet music into my hands. The church was filled with people, all holding binders, and all looking like they knew what the binders were for. Before I knew it, everyone was singing, in French.

There must have been a misunderstanding. I had accidentally joined the chorus for a production of Puccini’s “La Boheme.”

I did end up taking private voice lessons. One of the songs I learned was from “Carmen” — the “Habanera.”

Before I sang it for my students, I begged them to understand that I only had one year of training — professional opera singers have at least six — but my students were generous with the applause. Hopefully, Wednesday, they will be equally generous for Placido’s singers, and hopefully, none of my kids will show up in shorts.

MARIEL HOWSEPIAN digs black coffee, fairy tales and a man in coveralls. She lives in Santa Monica and can be reached at Mariel_Rodriguez@antiochla.edu.

File photo

DRESSING UP? You don’t need to get too fancy for the opera.

QUICK TIP ■ When going to the opera, you don’t need haute couture and diamonds on loan.

■ Do choose a long dress in a solid color with a pretty shawl, or a pants suit, heels, and add a little drama to your usual makeup routine.

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HOLIDAY BLOWOUT SALE Make this holiday a success for your business For a limited time we’re offering

• 5 quarter page ads for only $651.00 • 10 quarter page ads for only $997.50 • 5 eighth page ads for only $397.95 • 10 eighth page ads for only $690.90 • 5 half page ads for only $1,260.00 • 5 full page ads for only $2,520.00 *That’s more than half off of our regular advertising rates!!!

Call the Santa Monica Daily Press to start your campaign

(310) 458-7737 www.smdp.com

14

A newspaper with issues

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

BOOKREVIEW

BY DANE ROBERT SWANSON

‘Rain Song’ Alice J. Wisler • Bethany House

SURF CONDITIONS

WATER TEMP: 61°

SWELL FORECAST ( 5-8 FT ) The WNW swell should fill in better and increase west facing breaks into surf running head high to two feet overhead at the top spots.

LONG RANGE SYNOPSIS SATURDAY

THE

6TH

THIS

TIDE FORECAST

WNW

FOR

SWELL SHOULD DROP OFF TO CHEST HIGH, HEAD HIGH ON THE BETTER PLUSES AT STANDOUTS.

TODAY

IN

SANTA MONICA

It was that one line in her e-mail that started her on her journey. “Nicole, my mother remembers the night you were born.”

Is there safety in finding out your past? How much of the past influences your present?

As the story starts Nicole is safely in America, single, and an online columnist for the Pretty Fishy Web site. And she has at least one phobia: airplanes. “GreatAunt Iva says that everyone is entitled to at least one phobia. She adds that is you have any Irish McCormick blood in you, you are most certainly entitled to even a few more.”

She also has an unexamined fear about the land of Japan. .All she knows about that is: “My mother died there one winter night in a house fire and my father has never been the same. I flew back to Virginia with father shortly after her death.”

“Nicole, you can’t go. Japan is a land of terrible remorse”, her father told her. For our heroine there is not much to worry about. She avoids airplanes, motorcycles and Japan. Asked to describe herself she says, “I have a scar the shape of a polka dot in the middle of my forehead that father says I got in Japan.”

This book has the theme of discovery.

Nicole Michelin needs to find out what sent her and her father back to America alone from Japan where her parents had been missionaries. This happened when she was too young to remember. All she has of that period is a kimono doll.

An e-mail correspondence with a Harrison Michaels in response to her column draws her closer to the truth. But he lives in Japan. And he states he remembers her and her mother. She does her best to avoid him, yet his e-mails intrigue her. She finds she must respond. Finally he invites her to come to Japan.

She asks herself, “Is going to Japan the right thing to do?” She must find an answer for herself. To do so she must overcome her fears concerning motorcycles, airplanes and Japan.

Just how far should we go trying to regain the past? Just how much does the past keep us from our future? These are

some of the questions author Alice J. Wisler works with in this story. It is handled in a positive way and the ending is satisfying. To find out if Nicole is able to overcome her phobias and find happiness, you will have to read the book. That shouldn’t be too hard as the characters are well drawn and you find yourself getting involved in their struggles.

This is Wislers’ debut novel. She was raised in Japan and currently resides in Durham, NC. When she is not writing she is active in public speaking and fundraising. You can learn more about her by going to www.AliceWiser.com.

Bethany House publishes the best in fiction with a Christian slant. You should be able to get this book at your local book dealer.

Enjoyment. That is what we read for. It doesn’t matter if it is fiction or non-fiction. Don’t allow your school days when the teacher made you pour over books for the theme, and meaning stop you from reading now. Read for enjoyment.

Contact me at smdp_review@yahoo.com. Let me hear from you.

ODDS OF A CHILD PERFORMING AT CARNEGIE HALL: 1 in 73,000 ODDS OF A CHILD BEING DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM: 1 in 166

To learn the signs of autism, visit autismspeaks.org

Movie TimesHoroscope Visit us online at smdp.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

15

Gum Disease has been linked to Heart Disease! Don’t put off your dental check up!

MOVIE TIMES

Dental Cleaning introductory Offer $52*

AERO THEATRE 1328 Montana Ave. (323) 466-FILM

Role Models (R) 1hr 35min 11:55am, 2:30, 5:00, 7:40, 10:05

Call theater for information.

Bolt in Disney Digital 3D (PG) 1hr 36min 11:00am, 1:30, 4:05, 6:30, 9:00

AMC LOEWS BROADWAY 4 1441 Third Street Promenade (310) 458-1506

Bolt (PG) 1hr 36min 11:40am, 2:10, 4:40, 7:10

Quantum of Solace (PG-13) 1hr 46min 11:15am, 1:45, 4:15, 6:45, 9:30 Nobel Son (R) 1hr 47min 11:20am, 1:55, 4:30, 7:15, 9:50 Milk (R) 2hrs 08min 11:45am, 1:05, 3:05, 4:00, 6:15, 7:00, 9:20, 10:00

Quantum of Solace (PG-13) 1 hr 46min 11:20am, 2:00, 4:50, 7:30, 9:45, 10:15

Slumdog Millionare (R) 2hr 1min 1:00, 2:00, 4:00, 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 10:00

Private Practice • Gentle Dentistry General & Cosmetic Dentistry • Whitening • Crowns & Bridges • Implants Emergency Service • Kid Friendly

MANN'S CRITERION THEATRE 1313 Third St. (310) 395-1599

Changeling (R) 2hrs 20min 11:50am, 3:15, 6:40, 9:50 Punisher: War Zone (R) 1hr 47min 11:10am, 1:55, 4:30, 7:20, 10:00 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG) 1hr 29min 11:30am, 1:45, 4:20, 7:00, 9:15

LAEMMLE’S MONICA FOURPLEX 1332 Second St. (310) 394-9741

AMC 7 SANTA MONICA 1310 Third St. (310) 289-4262

1:30, 4:20, 7:10, 9:55

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (PG-13) 1hr 33min 12:30, 2:55, 5:20, 7:45, 10:10 Rachel Getting Married (R) 1hr 56min

Australia (PG-13) 2hr 45min 12:00, 3:30, 7:00, 10:30

Nancy J. Yee D.D.S.

Transporter 3 (PG-13) 1hr 40min 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 10:00

Twilight (PG-13) 2hrs 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:10

DATE:

December 5, 2008

Four Christmases (PG13) 1hr 22min 1:00, 3:20, 5:40, 8:00, 10:20

TO:

State Clearinghouse, Responsible Agencies, Trustee Agencies, Organizations and Interested Parties

Four Christmases (PG-13) 1hr 22min Digital Projection 11:50, 2:20, 4:40, 7:10, 9:30

LEAD AGENCY:

Rent a movie, Cancer ARIES (March 21-April 19)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

★★★ Continue to maintain a low profile. You don’t want any work tossed on your desk.

Friction happens without trying. On some level you feel as if you are walking on eggshells. If you care about feelings, you will want to tread with care. Tonight: Take a deep breath, then decide.

★★★ Don’t worry so much about what others do; rather, be clear about what you must do.

Communication proves to be active, sometimes hostile or irritating. The unexpected might even calm you. Tonight: Put your feet up.

City of Santa Monica, City Planning Division, 1685 Main Street, Room 212, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Contact: Grace Cho, Associate Planner. Telephone: (310) 458-8341.

The City of Santa Monica intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 2919-2923 Wilshire Boulevard Mixed Use Project. In accordance with Section 15082 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City of Santa Monica has prepared this Notice of Preparation to provide Responsible Agencies and other interested parties with information describing the proposal and its potential environmental effects. The City has prepared the attached Project Description. The following environmental factors, identified in the initial study, that would potentially be affected by the project include: Aesthetics (shadows), Construction Effects, Neighborhood Effects, Noise, Traffic PROJECT APPLICANT:

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) ★★★★★ Zero in on what you want, directly and clearly. Someone could toss an obstacle in your path to getting there, specifically a close friend, associate or loved one. This person will do whatever he or she can to stop you. Tonight: Surround yourself with friends.

★★★★★ Your creativity bubbles forth out of the blue. You might not be surprised, but others will be. On the other hand, you might be more likely to take a major risk - don’t. It could be a major backfire. Tonight: Act as if this is the last night of your life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ★★★★ Be ready to take a stand. You could surprise many, especially those who think they know you. You will veer in the most effective and beneficial direction. Tension builds with ease. Tonight: A must happening.

★★★ Just when you believe you have hit a home run, you find out otherwise. Listen well to news that heads in your direction, but don’t take information as fact. You could be irritating without knowing it. Tonight: Anchor in.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) CANCER (June 21-July 22) ★★★ Especially if conflicted or triggered, strive to get a bigger view, or detach. When you move past the emotions, you could be surprised by what the whole picture looks like. Use high energy positively. Tonight: Rent a movie.

★★★★ The words you choose are meant to communicate, though you might let some stored and perhaps hostile ideas slip through.

Keep talks moving, but check in with your feelings so an idea or plan doesn’t backfire.

Tonight: Talk up a storm.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

★★★★ Work with a partner or associate. You might want to create a little uproar; however, the ramifications could be difficult. Refuse to take a risk, and stay on a more predictable course. A loved one or child could be cantankerous. Tonight: Say yes to an offer.

★★★ Expenses are overwhelming, and you might not be sure which way to go. Friends might not be supportive and even cause more irritation, at least to your checkbook. Be your own person. Tonight: Relax with a pal.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★★★ Defer to someone rather than try to run the show. You discover that you like that mind-set, as rancor and criticism run riot.

Handle what you must with deliberate understanding. Tonight: Listen to suggestions.

Happy birthday

620 Arizona, SM *New patients only - includes nec. X rays & exam

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT 2919-2923 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD MIXED USE PROJECT

Cadillac Records (R) 1hr 48min 11:40am, 2:20, 5:00, 7:30, 10:20

For more information, e-mail news@smdp.com

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

310-395-7221

★★★★★ You might be overwhelmed by everything that you hear and that heads in your direction. A boss, parent or someone you look up to could be on the warpath. Think positively, and you’ll get results. Tonight: Whatever makes you happy.

JACQUELINE BIGAR’S STARS The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: ★★★★★Dynamic ★★ So-So ★★★★ Positive ★ Difficult ★★★ Average

This year you will focus on family, home and security.

Think more positively about home and hearth. Create a better sense of togetherness with your immediate circle. Often, you might feel hemmed in, despite yourself. Note a tendency to get angry more easily. Having frustration mount might have less to do with those around you and more to do with you, your views and expectations. If you are single, you might want to jump into a relationship quickly because you want companionship. Slow down; really get to know this person before diving in. PISCES can be a drag at times.

PROJECT LOCATIONS:

Wilshire Structures, LLC 3220 Nebraska Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404 2919-2923 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The 22,119 square foot (SF) project site consists of two existing parcels (2919 and 2923 Wilshire Blvd) situated at the west corner of the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Stanford Street within the City of Santa Monica. The project site is currently developed with a single-story 5,270 SF commercial structure that contains a liquor store and a pet shop (2919 Wilshire) and an adjacent surface parking lot (2923 Wilshire) containing 29 parking spaces. The proposed project involves the demolition of the existing one-story brick structure, as well as the paved surface parking lot, to construct a mixed-use development with 11,595 SF of commercial retail on the ground floor to be used as a specialty grocery store and 26 apartment units on the second through fourth floors (25,782 SF of residential use). Apartment units would be a mix of one-bedroom (6 total), two-bedroom (13 total), and three-bedroom (7 total) units. The project would also involve excavation to construct two-levels of subterranean parking with 100 parking spaces. One level (P1) would be reserved for customers of the grocery store (46 total spaces) while the lower level (P2) would be reserved for residents of the apartment units (56 spaces). The project proposes to take access from Stanford Street to both the parking garage and a loading area for delivery trucks. The applicant has applied for a Development Review permit for a development project exceeding 22,500 SF of floor area.

In addition, the project applicant has applied for a Variance request to allow a modification of the City’s driveway requirements in order to locate a driveway within a required yard setback. The project will be constructed with techniques consistent with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification pursuant to the requirements of Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.04.08.26.060. The LEED program is designed to assign credits for environmentally-friendly design features and construction practices, so that projects may have less impact on the environment than standard construction would.

REVIEW PERIOD: As specified by the State CEQA Guidelines, the Notice of Preparation will be circulated for a 30-day review period. The City of Santa Monica welcomes agency and public input during this period regarding the scope and content of environmental information related to your agency’s responsibility that must be included in the Draft EIR. Comments may be submitted, in writing, by 5:30 p.m. on January 5, 2009 and addressed to: Grace Cho, Associate Planner, City of Santa Monica, City Planning Division, 1685 Main Street, Room 212, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Telephone: (310) 458-8341 E-mail: grace.cho@smgov.net ESPAÑOL: Este es una noticia para la preparación de un reporte sobre los posibles efectos ambientales en referencia a la construcción propuesta de un desarrollo de usos mixtos con 26 unidades residenciales y una boutique tienda de comestibles, lo cual puede ser de interés a usted. Para más información, llame a Carmen Gutiérrez, al número (310) 458-8341.

Comics & Stuff 16

A newspaper with issues

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

Girls and Sports

Sudoku

By Justin Borus and Andrew Feinstein

Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from ★ (easiest) to ★★★★★ (hardest).

The Meaning of Lila

By John Forgetta & L.A. Rose

King Features Syndicate

GETTING STARTED There are many strategies to solving Sudoku. One way to begin is to examine each 3x3 grid and figure out which numbers are missing. Then, based on the other numbers in the row and column of each blank cell, find which of the missing numbers will work. Eliminating numbers will eventually lead you to the answer.

The Other Coast

By Adrian Raeside

SOLUTIONS TO YESTERDAY’S PUZZLE

Garfield

Your ad could run here!

Your ad could run here!

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

Dog eat Doug

By Jim Davis

By Brian Anderson

Comics & Stuff Visit us online at smdp.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

17

DAILY LOTTERY 2 17 22 32 51 Meganumber: 35 Jackpot: $146M 14 15 19 25 34 Meganumber: 8 Jackpot: $25M 18 22 25 28 35 MIDDAY: 0 8 0 EVENING: 5 4 0 1st: 10 Solid Gold 2nd: 02 Lucky Star 3rd: 07 Eureka RACE TIME: 1.48.74

MYSTERY REVEALED!

Soraya Danesh news@smdp.com Nick Steers correctly identified this photo of the Enterprise Fish Co. sign on Main Street. Check out the weekend edition for a new photo to identify.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the winning number information, mistakes can occur. In the event of any discrepancies, California State laws and California Lottery regulations will prevail. Complete game information and prize claiming instructions are available at California Lottery retailers. Visit the California State Lottery web site at http://www.calottery.com

NEWS OF THE WEIRD BY

Strange Brew

By John Deering

CHUCK

SHEPARD

■ Veteran Massachusetts thief Robert Aldrich applied for compensation because his latest arrest happened to have been illegal, and a state law permits recovery for lost income during wrongful incarceration. However, in November, a Suffolk County judge turned him down as she was unable to find any “income” that Aldrich might have earned during his six wrongful months in jail except from more burglaries or for home-improvement money that Aldrich admitted he earned “off the books” so as to evade taxes.

■ “I would like an apology,” explained Michael Wax, who was ejected in July from the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City because of customers’ complaints about his body odor. “There’s no question I stink. ... I do have an odor. I’ve been playing for 17 hours,” said the 440-pound man.

Nonetheless, Wax filed a complaint with the Casino Control Commission, claiming that he should not have been so rudely treated in front of other patrons.

TODAY IN HISTORY George Washington was re-elected president; John Adams was re-elected vice president. former President John Quincy Adams took his seat as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

President James K. Polk triggered the Gold Rush of ‘49 by confirming that gold had been discovered in California.

German physicist Albert Einstein was granted a visa, making it possible for him to travel to the United States. the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations merged to form the AFL-CIO under its first president, George Meany.

Richard Speck, who’d murdered eight student nurses in Chicago in 1966, died in prison a day short of his 50th birthday.

Republicans chose Newt Gingrich to be the first GOP speaker of the House in four decades.

1792

Speed Bump

By Dave Coverly

1831

1848 1932

1955 1991

1994

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Call us today at (310) 458-7737

WORD UP! curio \KYOOR-ee-oh\, noun: a valued, novel object; an object valued as a curiosity, often a collectible

18

A newspaper with issues

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

Classifieds

550 per day. Up to 15 words, 20 cents each additional word.

$

Call us today start and promoting your business opportunities to our daily readership of over 40,000.

Announcements AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPEN Community Corporation of Santa Monica announces the opening of the 2009 Marketing List. To be considered you must pick up an appointment card at 502 Colorado Blvd. In the Community Room between Dec. 8th and Dec. 31st, M-Th 8a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday Dec. 12th and 26th 8 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Closed Dec. 19 and 25, EOH

Employment Wanted OUR HOUSEKEEPER is looking for work every other Monday Excellent cleaning, good English, excellent references.Please call Raquel after 5 at (213)736-5362

Employment GIVE OF YOURSELF American Cancer Society Discovery Shop needs sales help. You can contribute by spending 4 hours per week Thurs., Fri., or Sat.assisting in our up-scale resale shop in Santa Monica. Conact Terry or Shaunnah at (310) 458-4490.

IMMEDIATE POSITIONS available in the Environmental Services Department. Housekeepers needed hospital experience preferred. Must speak English Call (310)829-8431 for interview.

Customer service/sales position/on site coordinator at lawfirm in Santa Monica.

Prior experience in lawfirm preferred.Salary negotiable. Contact bsberkowitz@aol.com.

PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME Driver. Must have own car, need to be familiar with L.A. have Ca. driver’s license, English speaking. Can earn up to $100/ a day.

Submit resume to bsberkowitz@aol.com PART-TIME SALES position. Our attorney service is looking for referrals to law firms. Referrals result in ongoing commissions. Submit resume to bsberkowitz@aol.com WANTED: LIVE-IN NANNY & HOUSEKEEPER TO START ASAP!!

Must have exc. references/Valid CA Driver's Lic./Valid car ins./Must be flexible to stay in SantaMonica and/or Westlake Village. Female applicants only.

Pls send resume, tel no. & references to Santamonica36@yahoo.com or call (323)630-8186

Help Wanted DRIVER - CDL Training: $0 down, financing by Central Refrigerated. Company Drivers earn average of $40k/year.

Owner Operators average $60k/Year.

1-800-587-0029 x4779. www.CentralDrivingJobs.net (Cal-SCAN)

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tonTruck.com (Cal-SCAN)

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• Pre 1st • Music Class • Play ball Movement Class • Cooking • Hot Lunches • 3 Large Yards • Developmentally Academic • Small classes/individualized attention for success • All Jewish Holidays Honored

Newly Lowered Rates

Santa Monica/ West LA $1395.00 & up 1Bdrm, 2 Bdrms W/ Lofts See manager at 2535 Kansas Ave #101 for list of vacancies

OVER 18? AVAILABLE to TRAVEL? Earn Above Average $$$ with Fun Successful Business Group! No Experience Necessary. 2wks Paid Training. Lodging, Transportation Provided.

1-877-646-5050. (Cal-SCAN) PRESCHOOL TEACHER AA degree or higher, in ECE/CD or related field w/3 units supervised field experience in ECE/CD setting; min 105 hrs. of prog growth hrs completed under guidance of prof growth advisor.

Must have Child Dev. Teacher Permit; Send resume to Stepping Stones Child Care, 2527 25th St., Santa Monica, Ca. 90405. Bilingual (English & Spanish a plus). We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Business Opps ABSOLUTELY RECESSION PROOF! Do You Earn $800 in a Day? Your Own Local Vending Route Includes 30 Machines and Candy for $9,995. MultiVend LLC, 1-888-625-2405. (Cal-SCAN)

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For Sale

Maohr Hatorah Preschool 1537 Franklin St,. Santa Monica (310) 453-2609/(323) 997-6252

Room and Board 401 Montana Avenue Your home away from home.

Daily meals, laundry, housekeeping, utilities, and cable. Studios, 1bdrms avaliable. Seniors and all ages welcome.

Ask about move-in special 1 month FREE.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Starting at $1,800/MO Beautiful Montana Gardens

(310) 245-9436

For Rent

1248 11TH st. unit I, 3bdrm/1 1/2bath, stove, carpet, blinds, laundry, parking, no pets.on site manager $2575/mo $500 off move in (310)393-6322 www.jkwproperties.com 3623 KEYSTONE Ave.unit 5, $795 bachelor, upper, fridge, microwave, carpet, blinds, utilities included laundry, street parking, no pets $200 off movein (310)578-7512 jkwproperties.com BRAND NEW one bedroom/ 1 bath for rent in SM ,hardwood floors, stove, refrig,.brand new appliances call Shaun $1700 (310)849-3500

FOUR FULLY self contained trailers for rent across from Will Rogers state beach 2 miles from Santa Monica Pier $1095/mo and $995/mo (310)454-2515 HOWARD MANAGEMENT GROUP (310) 869-7901 1234 11th Street # 8 1bdrm/1bath $1845 1417 11th Street #E 1bdrm/1bath $1395 835 Pacific #6 Single $1350 All Utilities Included PLEASE Visit our website for complete listings at: www.howardmanagement.com rentals@howardmanagement.com

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Yard Sales Saturday Dec 6 4 Family yeard sale 9am - 1pm furn, kids, clo, toys, kitchenware, 908 15th St

Auction

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(310)780-3354

FREE AUCTION INFORMATION. 100s of Southern California auctions. For up-to-the-minute free auction information, visit www.SoCalAuctions.org 1-800-352-5572. (Cal-SCAN)

MAR VISTA 12610 CASWELL ave.unit 7, 1bdrm/1ba $1175/mo.upper, stove, fridge, carpet, blinds, parking,laundry, no pets.(310)578-7512 www.jkwproperties.com

SINGLE 12746 Pacific Ave. unit 2 Lower stove, fridge, dishwasher, wall ac, carpet, blinds, laundry, pation, intercom entry, restricted parking, no pets. $1000.

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Real Estate

WLA $1750/MO. Large bright 2 bdrm upper, on Barrington near National. Very spacious. Large closets, crown moldings, new carpet appliances Closed garage Well maintained, charming, older building in popular WLA area.near Whole Foods. FREE MONTH WITH ONE YEAR LEASE (310)828-4481 or (310)993-0414 after 6pm.

WLA 1457 Westgate #E 1+1 stove, fridge, blinds, tile & carpet, garage parking no pets $1350/mo (310) 578-7512 jkwproperties.com

Houses For Rent

L.A. GROVE area 428 N Orange Grove unit 103 1+1 stove, fridge, blinds, hardwood floors, on-site laundry no pets $1250/mo (310) 578-7512 jkwproperties.com

INEXPENSIVE, ELEGANT HOLIDAY GIFTS Imported, hand-made, wooden bowl-shaped covered boxes.

Available at Santa Monica Airport Antique Fair Sunday December 7

Wealth and Success Lost and Found Personals Psychic Obituaries Tutoring

WLA, UNOBSTRUCTED OCEAN VIEW. 2+2, hilltop upper front. Priv drvwy, large sundeck, cat ok. Newly redeco, $2150.00. 310-390-4610.

MAR VISTA, 11621 Braddock Dr. unit 16 2bdrm. 1.5 bath, $1350, townhouse style, stove, carpt, w/d hookup, patio, gated parking, carpet, intercom entry, no pets.$500 off move-in (310)967-4471 www.jkwproperties.com WLA, LARGE 3+2. OCEAN VIEW, top of hill, prv drvwy, 3 patios/backyard, gated, no pets. Redeco $2550/mo 310-390-4610.

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MAR VISTA 2bdrm/1bath, 11461 Washington Place.Unit D, upper, stove, blinds, carpet, laundry, street parking, no pets $1450 (310)578-7512 jkwproperties.com One bedroom apartment West LA $1300 (310)391-8880 Santa Monica/ West LA $1295.00 & up 1Bdrm, 2Bdrms W/ Lofts . See manager at 1935 Cloverfield blvd. #19 for list of vacancies

3 HOUSES for rent close to Santa Monica College. 3BD/1BA $2,800, 1BD/1BA $1,700, 3BD/1BA $2,900. Ready to move in. Parking no problem. New Paint and appliances. Call (714)450-0224 WLA 2577 Armacost Ave, 2bdrm/ 1 bath stove dishwasher microwave carpet central AC/heat 2 car garage front & backyard pet ok with deposit $2700 (310)578-7512 www.jkwproperties.com

1020 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica

Commercial Lease PRIME RENTAL 1430 Lincoln Blvd Close to Promenade 1700 square feet Call Charles (310)995-5136 THIRD STREET PROMENADE. Office in tranquil, architecturally designed six-office suite. Brick, exposed redwood ceiling, original artwork.

Must see to appreciate. Excellent location on the Third Street Promenade.

Perfect for a professional. 11'X11'.use of waiting room and kitchen. Monthly parking pass available.Steve (310)395-2828 X333

Real Estate AMERICA'S BEST BUY! 20 Acres Near Booming El Paso, Texas. (#1 Growth State!) $15,900. $200/down, $159/month. Roads, Views. Owner Financing.

Free Maps/Pictures.

1-800-343-9444. (10%/209 mths) (Cal-SCAN)

Land for Sale BULK LAND SALE 80 acres - $39,900.

Take advantage of the buyers market and own beautiful mountain property.

Price reduced on large acreage in Eastern Arizona. Won't last! Good access & views. Wildlife abounds at Eureka Springs Ranch by AZLR. Financing available.

ADWR report.

1-888-854-7403. (Cal-SCAN) COLORADO FORECLOSURE- 40 ACRES $29,900. Outstanding Views. Access to BLM Canyon Rec Land. Financing. Call 1-866-696-5263 x4843. (Cal-SCAN) MONTANA LAND New Acreage Available -20 Acres near Round Up w/ Road & Utilities -$69,900. -40 Acres w/ New Cabin near Winnett -$89,900. Approved

by TV hunter Celebrity TRED BARTA! Excellent area for horses, hunting and ranching. Financing available. Western Skies Land Co. 877-229-7840 www.WesternSkiesLand.com (Cal-SCAN) NEW MEXICO SACRIFICE! 140 acres was $149,900, Now Only $69,900. Amazing 6000 ft. elevation. Incredible mountain views. Mature tree cover. Power & year round roads. Excellent financing. Priced for quick sale. Call NML&R, Inc. 1-888-204-9760. (Cal-SCAN) NEW TO MARKET. New Mexico Ranch Dispersal 140 acres - $89,900. River Access. Northern New Mexico. Cool

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CONDITIONS: REGULAR RATE: $5.50 a day. Ads over 15 words add 20¢ per word per day. Ad must run a minimum of twelve consecutive days. PREMIUMS: First two words caps no charge. Bold words, italics, centered lines, etc. cost extra.

Please call for rates. TYPOS: Check your ad the first day of publication. Sorry, we do not issue credit after an ad has run more than once.

DEADLINES: 3:00 p.m. prior the day of publication except for Monday’s paper when the deadline is Friday at 2:30 p.m. PAYMENT: All private party ads must be pre-paid. We accept checks, credit cards, and of course cash. CORRESPONDENCE: To place your ad call our offices 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, (310) 458-7737; send a check or money order with ad copy to The Santa Monica Daily Press, P.O. Box 1380, Santa Monica, CA 90406 or stop in at our office located at 410 Broadway, Suite B, Santa Monica. OTHER RATES: For information about the professional services directory or classified display ads, please call our office at (310) 458-7737.

HOURS MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00am - 5:00pm

LOCATION 410 Broadway, Suite B, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Visit us online at smdp.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

GET RID OF YOUR ROLLERBLADES. Sell your sports equipment to someone who will actually use it.

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Land for Sale 6,000' elevation with stunning views.

Great tree cover including Ponderosa, rolling grassland and rock outcroppings. Abundant wildlife, great hunting.

EZ terms. Call NML&R, Inc. 1-866-360-5263. (Cal-SCAN) PRICED TO SELL! Newly Released Colorado Mountain Ranch. 35 acres$44,900. Majestic lake & Mountain views, adjacent to national forest for camping or hiking, close to conveniences. EZ terms. 1-866-353-4807.

(Cal-SCAN)

Storage Space GARAGE FOR rent for storage/car totally private and lockable Oak and 24th $195/mo (310)395-5212 SM garage for storage secure and lock 1934 18th st. $250 /month (310)490-9326

Vehicles for sale 2004 HONDA Accord EX-L, 45k mi. Grey with dark grey leather interior. Power everything, XM, moonroof, heated seats, 4 cylinder, super clean, 5 spoke factory alloy wheels. new Yakima surf racks.

Great gas mileage, SULEV. Perfect mechanical shape. $13,750. Call 310-922-4060

Autos Wanted DONATE YOUR CAR: Children's Cancer Fund! Help Save A Child's Life Through Research & Support! Free Vacation Package. Fast, Easy & Tax Deductible.

Call 1-800-252-0615. (Cal-SCAN)

458-7737

CALL TODAY FOR SPECIAL MONTHLY RATES! There is no more convincing medium than a DAILY local newspaper.

Services

Services

Upholstery

Photography

Residential 30 YRS EXPERIENCE

Visa & MasterCard accepted

(310) 450-5207 Personal Trainer

Lou Ferrigno Jr Certified Private Fitness Trainer

Therapy

STILL L SMOKING? Life is short — Why make it shorter

John J. McGrail, C.Ht. *Lose weight, shed bodyfat *Exclusively private facility *Individualized routines!

(310) 913-2232 FERRIGKNOW@gmail.com

Certified Hypnotherapist (310)) 235-2883 www.hypnotherapylosangeles.com

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE! Receive Free Vacation Voucher. United Breast Cancer Foundation. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info Free Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners Accepted, 1-888-468-5964. (Cal-SCAN)

A/C CONSTRUCTION

A BEST-KEPT CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SECRET! A 25-word ad costs $550, is placed in 240 community newspapers and reaches over 6 million Californians.

Call for more information (916) 288-6010; (916) 288-6019 www.Cal-SCAN.com (Cal-SCAN)

Bookkeeping Services

Remodel & Add ons

General Construction Commercial & Residential Honest. Reliable.

QUICKBOOKS BOOKKEEPING service, personal or businesses. Online version available. Call 310 977-7935

FREE ESTIMATES

Services

310.278.5380

◊ Tilecraft ◊ Grout cleaning & repair complete shower pan repair complete bathroom remodels Gerry (310)338-0475 ◊ Lic 713459 ◊

Lic# 804884 Fully Insured

JDM

MAINTENANCE

REMODELING • Painting (ext & int) • Home Repairs (all types) • Electrical & Plumbing • No job too small • FREE ESTIMATES • Fast & Professional Ask for Daniel (310) 309-9422

$ 50 5 per day. Up to 15 words, 20 cents each additional word.

UPHOLSTERY

BY ERNESTO

Business Services

Remodeling

Classifieds

• Custom made pillows • Drapery & Repairs • We pickup & Deliver (FREE) • FREE in home estimates

Gen. Contracting

TRAINED PROFESSIONAL SINGER Will sing at all parties, churches, women’s clubs, and all occasions.Jolson, Sinatra, Tony Bennett, popular songs, and will have a sing along. Lots of fun. Call Gabe 310-392-6501

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— Sabbath Observed—

Handyman

The Handy Hatts Painting and Decorating Co.

SINCE 1967 RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL SPECIALISTS IN ALL DAMAGE REPAIR “EXPERT IN GREEN CONCEPTS” Free estimates, great referrals

FULL SERVICE HANDYMAN FROM A TO Z Call Brian @ (310) 927-5120 (310) 915-7907 LIC# 888736 “HOME SWEET HOME”

ADVERTISE EFFECTIVELY! Reach over 3 million Californians in 140 community newspapers. Cost $1,550 for a 3.75"x2" display ad. Super value! Call (916) 288-6010; (916) 288-6019. www.Cal-SDAN.com (Cal-SCAN) LOOKING FOR a cost efficient way to get out a NEWS RELEASE? The California Press Release Service is the only service with 500 current daily, weekly and college newspaper contacts in California.

Questions call (916) 288-6010. www.CaliforniaPressReleaseService.co m (Cal-SCAN)

Massage EXQUISITE, INTUITIVE, strong and tender relaxing body work by mature European.

Very Professional, Sonja (310) 397-0433.

Personals LADIES INTERNET DATING PICTURES male photographer will take quality pictures for your profile indoors or out SM residence affordable rates Lawrence (310)266-5416

Martin’s Professional Services Quality European Workman All Manors of Home Repairs From painting to electrical

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HOURS MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00am - 5:00pm

LOCATION 410 Broadway, Suite B, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008

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