Santa Monica Daily Press, December 09, 2008

INSIDE SCOOP

OPINION

AUTO

PREPARING FOR FLU SEASON PAGE 3 STRIVING FOR AN OPEN MIND PAGE 5 UNITED WE STAND PAGE 6

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

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Volume 7 Issue 333

Santa Monica Daily Press

CHECK OUT THE SWELLS SEE PAGE 10

Since 2001: A news odyssey

THE THANK YOU LIZ ISSUE

Growing pains

Changing of the guard

Weakened economy is taking a toll on some organic farmers, grocers

BY MELODY HANATANI Daily Press Staff Writer

BY ROB LAWRENCE CITY HALL It was more than a year ago that

Special to the Daily Press

overflowing display of strawberry baskets, Griselda Martinez, who works for Tamai Farms at the Third Street Promenade Farmers’ Market, couldn’t help but complain to a passing maintenance worker about sluggish sales.

“It’s way slower, especially with the bad economy,” Martinez said. “We’re hoping it gets better, but I hear it’s only going to get worse.”

When it comes to buying organic, some consumers are starting to cut back on the more expensive items, forcing some farmers and grocers to be more creative to draw customers.

Many local organic sellers are seeing fewer profits than years prior, which is causing them some concern. “[Strawberries] are a luxury now. We’re getting pennies now,” Martinez exclaimed. “My neighbor’s artichoke business has been really slow. People are focusing more on staples like potatoes and broccoli.”

The news isn’t all bad. Many farmers who sell staple foods and in-season produce at the market are seeing encouraging numbers, especially when looking at the stormy economic climate.

For Marissa Miller, who runs her father’s Date’s by Davall stand at the Saturday Farmers’ Market, business is surprisingly good.

“Dates and figs are doing well because of the time of year,” she said. “We’re doing very, very well, much better than what we thought.”

Miller does agree that a worsening economy will have an affect on how much organic food people will buy. She has been offering more deals to spur sales. She offers two packages of dates for a discounted price.

Faced with an ailing economy, other organic farmers remain very optimistic. Ed Munak the owner of Munak Farms, which deals in organic tomatoes, believes people will continue to buy organic produce because they want the quality that he consistently delivers at the promenade market. He hasn’t seen a significant

GREEN: Maureen Roy pays for her organic produce at the Co-opportunity Market on Monday

the City Council convened a short session to choose its new mayor, an election in which the outcome was expected.

The decision tonight as to who will serve as the next mayor isn’t as clear.

The council decided two years ago that the mayor and mayor pro tem should each serve one year terms and rotate their positions. Richard Bloom first served as the mayor and Herb Katz as the mayor pro tem under this structure, swapping in December 2007. But both of their terms will expire tonight as councilmembers will essentially start from scratch and nominate their new presiding officers.

Councilmembers said they have no idea as to which of their colleagues would take the center spot on the dais.

Of the current seven members on the council, only two — Bobby Shriver and Kevin McKeown — have not served as mayor, though both have been mayor pro tem.

“It’s great to run the meeting,” Shriver said. “I think you can make an additional contribution (by) being the mayor and running the agenda.”

The council can either elect the mayor for a two year term or one year term after which they would swap with the mayor pro tem, according to City Clerk Maria Stewart.

Councilmember Ken Genser, who served as mayor in 1992 and 2000 said that he believes the position should be for two years.

“There is more continuity,” he said. “It takes time to get to speed and develop a working relationship with the staff and council and I think one year often doesn’t give enough time.”

The mayor also earns about $200 more than the councilmembers, making more than $1,200 a year. It also helps when running for reelection to have the title of mayor below one’s name on the ballot.

However, the commitment is more

SEE ORGANIC PAGE 7

morning with help from cashier Emily Burdick. The struggling economy has forced some to cut back on more expensive organic products, while others refuse to sacrifice quality for quantity.

SEE MAYOR PAGE 7

THIRD STREET While she straightened up her

Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com

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A newspaper with issues

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

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Edward Avedis Collection Special Holiday Hours 10am - 6pm, M-SA, Sun. Dec. 7, 14 and 21 12N - 5pm

331 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica 2 Hours Free Parking (Behind Store) 310.451.13499 • www.readersjewelers.com

Ken Edwards Center 1527 Fourth St., 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Join Big Blue Bus officials for a discussion on how the bus company will allocate limited resources. This could mean service adjustments to Lines 1 and 3 and possible reductions to Lines 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, the TIDE Ride and the Sunset Ride. There is also talk of creating a new Beach Ride. For more information contact (310) 451-5444.

Monkey shines Fairview Branch Library 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., 7 p.m. — 9 p.m.

Local author Karen Dawn speaks about her book “Thanking the Monkey: Rethinking the Way We Treat Animals.” It has been described as a “cogent and thoroughly researched overview of all the major issues in animal rights.”

Play time Powerhouse Theater 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.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008 Remaining a mystery Montana Avenue Branch Library 1704 Montana Ave., 7 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Join other voracious readers for a discussion of Joseph Finder’s “Paranoia,” the Mystery Book Club selection. Adam Cassidy is 26 and a low-level employee at a high-tech corporation who hates his job. When he manipulates the system to do something nice for a friend, he finds himself charged with a crime. Corporate Security gives him a choice: prison, or become a spy in the headquarters of their chief competitor, Trion Systems.

Guest speaker Santa Monica High School 1030 Lincoln Blvd., 7 p.m. — 9 p.m.

Award-winning LA Times columnist Steve Lopez, author of “The Soloist,” will be speaking at Barnum Hall about the real-life story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a former Juilliard student who suffers from schizophrenia and eventually ends up homeless on the streets of Los Angeles. The columnist becomes an unlikely advocate and friend to the mentally ill homeless man who was once a musical prodigy. The evening program will feature clips from DreamWorks Pictures film, “The Soloist,” which is based on Lopez’ book and stars Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. There will also be a special musical performance by Ben Hong, assistant principal cellist of the L.A. Philharmonic and Antonio Lysy, concert cellist and professor of cello studies at UCLA. Samohi student musicians will join the professional musicians on stage in a unique collaboration. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/47125; $15 adults, $5 students/seniors. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to homeless services provider OPCC.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

3

Samohi grads ask stressed professionals to TaskUs

BY MELODY HANATANI Daily Press Staff Writer

DOWNTOWN Bryce Maddock was working

to prevent influenza. The vaccine can prevent 70-90 percent of cases in healthy adults under 65 years of age. The vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. Some minor side effects can occur, signaling that the immune system is responding to the vaccine and building immunity. Such side effects, which usually last only one to two days, include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given; a low-grade fever; and aches and pains. These side effects are minor and are far less risky than suffering through the flu.

“During this holiday season, a time when we traditionally gather for celebrations, anyone who has not yet been vacci-

labor intensive and at times monotonous 14-hour days in investment banking when he came to a career-changing realization.

The cold calls to clients, hours of data entry and time spent building investor presentations could be done by someone else and at a much cheaper rate than Maddock’s $20-$25 an hour salary.

“Pretty much 99 percent of what I was doing could be done by someone for less than what I was being paid,” Maddock said. “With a little bit of research, I figured out that you could be doing the exact same thing in another country or even in the U.S. for a fraction of the price.”

After less than a year on the job, Maddock quit the investment banking world in April and reunited with his buddy from his Santa Monica High School days, co-founding TaskUS.com and turning the idea of outsourcing administrative tasks into reality.

Maddock and Jaspar Weir met in the ninth grade at Samohi where they both served on the Associated Student Body and started their own business during their senior years, making money filling all-age night clubs in the Los Angeles area. After graduating in 2004, Maddock went on to study international relations at New York University while Weir stayed back home and enrolled at the University of Southern California where he majored in communications. Both have since graduated from their respective colleges.

When formulating the business plan for their new venture, the two friends were sure of two things — it had to be online based and needed to take advantage of the global economy.

“It’s so much easier to be able to start and run a business online than in the brick and mortar world,” Weir said. “Being young guys, 22 years old, the Internet gives us a kind of great equalizer because of the age — with the Internet we think youth is often looked on as a positive aspect, espe-

SEE FLU PAGE 10

SEE TASK PAGE 10

READING RUDOLPH

Fabian Lewkowicz FabianLewkowicz.com Misti Kerns, president and CEO of the Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, reads "Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer" to children during the annual "Meet Me Under The Fig Tree," holiday event on Sunday at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.

It’s never to late to vaccinate

BY THE DAILY PRESS CITYWIDE While some may think getting a flu shot after the month of November is a waste of time and money, public health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated since the peak of the season doesn’t come until after the new year.

To motivate people, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has declared this week, “National Influenza Vaccination Week,” and is offering free flu shots to those who qualify.

“Many people mistakenly believe that there is no benefit to getting a flu vaccine after November,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, director of public health and health officer.

“In fact, influenza activity does not often

peak until after the start of the new year and can continue through March, so vaccinations received in December provide protection at the time when people are most likely to catch the flu.”

Each year in the United States, between 5 and 20 percent of the population is infected with influenza, a serious disease that can lead to complications including pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death. In the county in 2005, flu and pneumonia complications led to over 2,000 deaths. The flu also has a significant day-to-day impact on families and communities, leading to missed days of work and school, hardships for family care givers, and preventing people from participating in the activities they enjoy.

Yearly flu vaccinations are the best way

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OpinionCommentary 4

A newspaper with issues

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Bursting the Car Bubble

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Carol Hastings

Keeping a close eye on him Editor:

The election of Robert Kronovet to the Rent Control Board should be a source of great concern to all Santa Monicans who recognize that affordable housing is a human right. Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rightsendorsed candidates Joel Koury (Rent Control Board incumbent) and Christopher Braun both embodied this belief. During the campaign, Mr. Kronovet repeatedly called into question the leadership that Mr. Koury has shown during his first term on the board by accusing him of protecting the rights of people not worthy of such safeguards.

At the public candidates’ debate, Mr. Kronovet insulted the vast number of people covered by rent control — who would be forced out of our community but for our modest rent protections — when he referred to them as people who know how to abuse the system.

In addition, Mr. Kronovet appeared to adopt a page from the Republican Party play book by contending that these same people — individuals on fixed-incomes and others most in need of stable, affordable housing — are a collective “special interest” group that needs to be stopped. In light of Mr. Kronovet’s proud support of the Republican Party and its deregulation agenda, this should not come as a surprise.

Santa Monica has changed a great deal over the past generation, but not to such an extent that longterm members of our community do not deserve a reasonable level of government regulation/protection through rent control. We should closely scrutinize Mr. Kronovet’s actions during his coming term in office.

Scott T. Johnson Santa Monica

Blaming Bush Editor:

Remember when President Bush encouraged Americans to own their own homes? What followed was financial institutions getting heavily involved in risky situations, deregulation abounded, and Americans could take ownership of a home on not much more than a signature.

The housing market collapsed and untold numbers of new home owners had the rug jerked out from under them as foreclosures skyrocketed. Good call George.

Ron Lowe Santa Monica

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Finding your way home from LAX AS I CONTINUE MY QUEST FOR CAR-LESS

transportation opportunities, I considered using the No. 3 Big Blue Bus that goes between Santa Monica and LAX when I planned my return from a three-day weekend. The cost is only 75 cents ($1.25, if you need a transfer), but first I considered my options.

One, I appreciate it when my boyfriend picks me up at the airport, but it’s a test in perfect timing to meet curbside.

By the time I see his familiar face, he is flustered and annoyed, having circled the airport at least twice and been shooed away by those determined security people as many times. At this point, he is neither delighted nor delightful.

Two, I find shuttles bothersome and pricey. One never knows how long the wait will be before one of the brightly colored vans blazoning the “Venice/Santa Monica” sign will appear.

Once on board, the driver lurches around the airport one or even two times seeking more customers before the dispatcher on the other end of the annoyingly loud walkietalkie instructs him to move out.

The comfort of shuttle travel is more like riding a tug boat as it lumbers through 20 foot swells than driving on flat, paved streets. Then, the driver might drop-off two or three customers before the van gets to your door. And, the driver expects a generous tip.

Three, a taxi is an option, but I’d rather save my money for a month’s supply of morning coffee at my corner Starbuck’s.

Options considered, the bus was worth a try.

I walked out of the United terminal in the holiday weekend frenzy and headed toward the center island where public transportation collects its riders. My carry-on bag rolled loyally behind me. I soon boarded MTA’s bus marked “Lot C.” It rumbled over to 96th Street, just east of Sepulveda Boulevard and made its first stop.

A few of us got off and walked a short half block to the corner of Sepulveda to wait at the Big Blue Bus stop. Soon the familiar No. 3 Big Blue Bus arrived.

There is a crib-sized area in the front of the bus where you can place your luggage, but I didn’t realize this until I sat down with my bag in the aisle. I was relieved that the other riders didn’t seem bothered by the bag and generously made their way around it without signs of annoyance.

We continued up Sepulveda to Manchester and turned west and then north on Lincoln, continuing toward Santa Monica. It is a busy route. People seemed to be headed to and from work, many wearing restaurant uniforms. Some snoozed; others checked their text messages or talked with their bus mates. As a new bus rider, I’m not relaxed enough to read or snooze.

THE COMFORT OF SHUTTLE TRAVEL IS MORE LIKE RIDING A TUG BOAT AS IT LUMBERS THROUGH 20 FOOT SWELLS THAN DRIVING ON FLAT, PAVED STREETS.

PUBLISHER Ross Furukawa ross@smdp.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Kevin Herrera editor@smdp.com

MANAGING EDITOR Daniel Archuleta daniela@smdp.com

STAFF WRITER Melody Hanatani melodyh@smdp.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 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

The No. 3 wiggles around Fourth street, then gets back on Lincoln and goes straight up Lincoln, to turn east at Montana where it heads toward Brentwood and UCLA (note: I later learned that there is a Rapid 3 Big Blue Bus that runs from the airport and makes fewer stops. Check www.bigbluebus.com for the schedule).

At Santa Monica Boulevard and Fourth Streets, I changed to the No. 4 Big Blue Bus that goes up Fourth Street to San Vicente Blvd.

I got off at my corner and walked the last half block home, feeling smug that I spent only $1.25 (no tip involved), saved a few ounces of gas and beat the expensive alternatives.

When I walked in the front door, I found my significant other relaxed, watching a soccer game, with dinner waiting and in a delightful mood. This is how I like to find him.

CAROL HASTINGS is a corporate training professional and human resources consultant. Her company, Corte Hispana, provides translations to Spanish of human resources-related documents and she trains in English and Spanish.

Every day she appreciates living in Santa Monica, especially when riding her bike. She can be reached at carol.smdp@gmail.com

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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.

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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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

MY DENTIST TELLS WORST JOKES! Striving for an open mind THE (But the laughing gas helps) What’s the Point?

The City Council always makes lots of noise.

Activists always make themselves heard, too.

And even community members — just like you — always find a way to make a difference.

So this week’s Q-Line question asks: There have been many newsmakers this year, but who had the most impact on Santa Monica during 2008?

Call (310) 285-8106 before Friday at 5 p.m. and we’ll print your answers in the weekend edition of the Daily Press. Please limit responses to a minute or less.

DAVID PISARRA is a family law attorney focusing on father’s rights and men’s Issues in the Santa Monica firm of Pisarra & Grist. He can be reached at dpisarra@pisarra.com or (310) 6649969.

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Santa Monican of the year?

anger and resentment towards the churches that have plotted and conspired for a decade to bring us Proposition 8.

How could she? She knew nothing of hundred plus, letters I received from the LDS army telling me how wrong I was. She did not take the phone call from the church lady who told me how sinful I was, but she “loved me and prayed for me.” She had no information on what I had done in the fight for gay rights. She was just making cold, calculated, academic determinations of what was effective.

We disagreed on the way in which one should view the monolith that is the religious conspiracy of demagogues. Those hypocritical cowards who hide behind their “love the sinner, hate the sin” moralizing are who she says the gay community must engage, but I wanted to dismiss them entirely. She may be right, time will tell.

I don’t believe that I am unique in the gay community in my anger and rage. I believe the protests were not only necessary as a venting of those emotions, but also were catalyzing to a generation of gay youth, which took for granted that progress would be made. I know that I was wrong to react with so much dismissive anger and for that I apologize to her.

The hypocrisy of the religious, is in actuality one of the greatest weapons that the gay community can wield against the campaign of lies that the ecumenical warriors resort to.

It is only by a sustained campaign of constantly coming out, that we gay people can effect change.

There is, and always will be, a significant portion of the religious population that will refuse to acknowledge reality, that will not actually read their Bible, Koran, Torah, Book of Mormon or other religious text, but rather will rely on the misinterpretations and mis-directions of their flawed and corrupt leaders who lie to garner power for themselves. We can only teach them by showing who we really are.

It’s not easy to quiet those feelings of rage when you are attacked, or even just feel like you are being attacked. I’m trying to hear the voices that are calling for me to be more Obama-Nation, and respond calmly to those who call me an abomination.

#

T. HS 14T

he is actually going to walk the walk. He’s brought the camels in the tent, to use an old analogy. It’s a smart move on his part that shows what a shrewd and talented politician he really is. It’s the art of diplomacy, and it’s a very difficult thing to do sometimes.

I can testify to how hard it can be at times to restrain your emotions and actually listen to what the other person is saying. I had a harsh reminder this past weekend of how much work I still have to do within myself to maintain my calm, a calm that in my professional life has served me well.

But this weekend I was enraged by the attitude that I was perceiving from a fellow gym member. I had been having a conversation about religious individuals and their impact on Proposition 8. It was my position that it is nigh on impossible to have a rational discussion with a religious fanatic, because they willingly suspend their rational thought.

This lady jumped into the conversation espousing the view that the gay community’s response to the results of Proposition 8 with anger was wrong. That protests are not the way to change the hearts and minds of the religious zealots. She was espousing the opinion that the majority, the middle class if you will, of the religious world should be cultivated with positive examples and supplication.

I was less than conciliatory. I believe I exhibited a dismissive contempt for the faithful. I could not hear what she was saying. Her position is mostly correct of course, the way forward is to be out and open, but not confrontational and condemning. We must tolerate their intolerance, but skewer it with irony, wit, and humor.

It is by example that we change hearts and minds. It is by openly saying, “Yes, I am gay” to our friends, our co-workers, and our clients, that we strip away the black tar of shame, and prove false the decades of lies about who we are and what we stand for.

The strongest way for us to fight the putrid lies and scurrilous allegations that the popes and the prophets spew forth like the hot stinking steam of a street sewer on a cold and foggy night, is to stand in the light of day, and proudly prove their hypocritical pandering for what it is; lies that are told to motivate the intellectually lazy.

My reaction to this woman, an extremely accomplished scholar in religious and gender studies, was visceral. I felt that she did not allow for, nor understand, my feelings of

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

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night, I’m thinking about what both President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. Chris Dodd said about our nation’s auto industry earlier in the day.

President-elect Obama, on NBC’s Meet the Press, spoke for a long while with Tom Brokaw about the Detroit Three’s problems, and this phrase from Obama stood out to me: “We must put an end to the head-in-thesand practice of the auto industry, which has been prevalent for many decades.”

Sen. Dodd was more succinct. In speaking about Rick Wagoner, CEO of General Motors, he said it’s time for Wagoner to “move on.”

They both “get it.”

Detroit is out of step, out of money and now out of time.

The Detroit Three need to be merged by government order into one carmaker. All three CEOs and their entire boards of directors need to resign this week. The U.S. government can recruit the finest people in the world to run this new company, which, in addition to relevant and important cars and trucks, will also make high-speed interstate train systems, local light-rail and monorail systems, hydrogen-fueled fuel cell vans and busses of all kinds and sizes and the necessary infrastructure for all these projects.

If the products are right, Americans will completely support this modern and progressive transportation engineering and manufacturing company.

One company can best utilize any government loan or bailout money, and we’ll be able to judge the results much faster then waiting for three separate companies to follow the same rules. The old ways Detroit does things simply don’t work anymore. And if it’s successful, they can split again into two or three companies sometime in the future, but only if the American people approve.

People are naturally worried about what will happen if any or all of these companies actually do go out of business or file for bankruptcy protection, and trust me, it’s a very realistic possibility.

For people who own makes and models made by a failed company (for example, a Jeep from Chrysler, a Lincoln from Ford or a Saturn from GM), there should be no problem obtaining parts if and when they’re needed for years into the future.

For example, Oldsmobile was closed in 2004, but owners can bring their cars to almost any GM dealer, like a Buick or Chevy store, and doing so usually results in the car being fixed right, and the first time, too.

Oldsmobile warranties are also honored at these other dealerships.

If a carmaker closes, the damage spreads nationwide, quickly affecting many communities. Car dealers buy their cars from the manufacturer, like we buy them from the dealers. If a manufacturer does close, thousands of dealers can be devastated with most forced to close, or at the least seriously cut back their number of employees.

Locally, large Santa Monica new car dealers, import and domestic, each employ about 100 people, most living in the area. If any of their manufacturers close, most or all

of those 100 people will quickly be out of work. And that hurts every person and business where those suddenly ex-employees normally take their business, from the landlord to the mortgage-holder to the supermarket, the gas and phone company and so on.

SOME DEALERS MIGHT KEEP THEIR DOORS OPEN, SELLING WHATEVER NEW VEHICLES ARE STILL IN THEIR SHOWROOMS AND STORAGE LOTS, CHEAP, WHILE PUTTING MORE EFFORT INTO THEIR USED CAR SALES, WHERE THE PROFIT MARGINS ARE BETTER. Some dealers might keep their doors open, selling whatever new vehicles are still in their showrooms and storage lots, cheap, while putting more effort into their used car sales, where the profit margins are better.

The closing of even a few dealerships would seriously effect Santa Monica’s tax base.

The city gets a large percentage of its annual budget from the taxes paid by those car dealers on Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards.

Car dealers have traditionally been heavily-involved in the local community, sponsoring Little League teams, staging blood drives and supplying cars and trucks for parades and other civic and sports events.

For example, the Los Angeles Open golf tournament at Riviera Country Club was sponsored for many years by Nissan, and local Nissan dealers were involved in loaning cars to PGA Tour players and officials. Following the tournament they’d sell those cars, often at a great discount, in their local dealerships.

We’re about to make a huge decision in this country concerning what Presidentelect Obama called “the backbone of American manufacturing,” Detroit’s three car and truck manufacturers. I hope those involved are brave enough to do the best thing for this country.

STEVE PARKER has covered the world’s auto industry for over 35 years. He’s a two-time Emmy Award-winner who reported on cars for almost a decade at both KTLA/TV5 and KCBS/TV2. He is a consultant to the NBC-TV show Whipnotic and the show’s companion website, www.Whipnotic.com.

He created, writes and moderates the only allautomotive blog on The Huffington Post at www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker. Contact Steve through his own automotive issues Web site at www.SteveParker.com.

Local Visit us online at smdp.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

FROM ORGANIC PAGE 1 decline in sales that would cause him to worry.

“They did it in the last depression. They had Farmers’ Markets back then and they made it,” Munak said.

For someone strolling through the promenade market, whether it is Wednesday or Saturday, it would be hard to say business has slowed. An empty stand one minute may be crawling with potential customers the next.

There has been no decline in traffic from last year according to Kenny Houston, a maintenance worker for the promenade market.

Houston even sees more business during the Wednesday market.

“People who own businesses have more time to come on Wednesday because they can set their own hours,” Houston said. “They are usually better off and can afford to shop here more often. I can’t imagine people who work nine to five could come here as often and buy as much.”

Houston believes wealthy business owners are attracted to the Westside and are partly responsible for the continued success of the market.

“It varies how much I spend,” said Jacinto Astiazaran, who regularly shops at the promenade market.

Astiazaran, a freelance videographer, hasn’t taken a hit from the bad economy. He continues to spend a little extra on produce because he enjoys “the adventure” and quality offered by the Farmers’ Market. He did admit that if the economy affects his freelancing he might have to scale back. A few miles away from the promenade market, the forecast is very clear for the Co-opportunity natural grocery store, which is faced with declining sales.

“We just had a meeting about it. It’s not that bad, but it is a little bad,” Store Manager Alia Arnold said.

Customers have started to complain about high prices on some of their direct-delivered raw foods, Arnold said. She blames those high costs on fuel and delivery surcharges the farmers have imposed. To combat weakening sales, the store is offering bargains and is emphasizing the importance of customer service to employees. Arnold said they haven’t had to decrease their workforce, but if trends continued it could be a possibility.

Because the store is small and community owned, Arnold pointed out that they have to compete with other organic wholesalers like Whole Foods who take a big slice of their market. But Whole Foods isn’t doing so great either.

Produce Manager Rosendo Villeal at a Westwood Whole Food’s grocery store has also seen a slight decline in sales from last year and he too blames the poor economy for the slump.

His customers complain about high prices on their organic greens and other essentials.

The store has had to increase its number of sales while decreasing the amount of people they hire to ease the pain. Over at the Ralph’s grocery store on the corner of Cloverfield and Olympic boulevards, they are seeing an increase in their organic sales.

“It’s picking up little by little,” said Rodrigo de la Torre, a Ralph’s producer worker. “If you look at our display, it used to be four feet long, now it’s almost 12.”

That Ralph’s recently went through a major renovation, adding more organic displays as well as a full-service deli and sushi counter.

De la Torre does admit that their nonorganic produce sells much better than their organic produce. The organic selection at Ralph’s is very slim and their prices are not as competitive with other organic sellers. In some cases all-natural food was actually more expensive at Ralph’s. Grocers and farmers aren’t the only ones noticing fluctuations, both good and bad. One Westwood organic restaurant, Native Foods, is experiencing a real slowdown.

“It was so much busier last year,” said Andrea Cahuantzi, a waitress at Native Foods who has had her hours cut back. “It’s sad.

During the week and at night it’s really slow.”

Across the street from Native Foods, a very different organic business is prospering.

“There hasn’t been any decline. It’s actually been the complete opposite,” said Eric Ohan an employee at The Farmacy, an organic vitamin supplement shop. “People are still looking out for their health. It’s a good investment.”

Consumers are not ready to compromise when it comes to organic food, farmers agree it is their quality that brings the customers back and those customers agree with that philosophy.

“The farmers do a good job and they deserve it,” Kathleen Hylen said while faced with the high prices of organic food.

While there isn’t a consensus, there are signs that organic merchants are seeing weaker numbers compared to previous years.

Contributing factors to their slowdown could include a heavily saturated all-natural food market, a bad location or an expensive product. Whether or not the economy is playing a role, sellers and consumers alike, agree that if the bad economic trends continue it will have a negative effect on the organic food market. Those anticipating another consecutive year of lower organic produce sales said they can’t help but remain positive.

“I don’t expect much to change next year, maybe in three to four years,” said Sean M., a representative of the Stackhouse Bros. Orchard almond farm. “You have to be optimistic.” news@smdp.com

New mayor up in the air FROM MAYOR PAGE 1 demanding. Councilmember Bob Holbrook, who served as mayor in 1998 and 2006, said that aside from chairing council meetings and working with the city manager to set the council agenda, the presiding officer is usually asked to attend an average of three functions every week.

“I would say that if you’re a working person, it is impossible to respond to the functions you are requested to attend as mayor,” said Holbrook, a pharmacist who worked full-time during his first stint but part-time during his second term.

“The last time I was semi-retired and it

was a good 15-20 hours a week,” he said.

As a native Santa Monican who attended the local public schools, Holbrook said it was fun to be the mayor in the city where he grew up. The mayor is also asked to attend various board and commission meetings, which could add another several hours a week.

Genser said that being the mayor in Santa Monica is different from holding the same title in larger cities like Los Angeles where the position holds more power.

“It’s a huge honor,” he said. “I enjoyed representing people who had confidence in my abilities to do the job.” melodyh@smdp.com

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NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) FOR 16TH STREET SURGERY & ONCOLOGY CENTER OFFICIAL NOTICE is hereby given on the completion and availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed surgery and oncology center project at 1217-1231 Sixteenth Street.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project is located on a 30,000 square foot site at 1217 1231 Sixteenth Street, between Arizona Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard. The proposed project consists of demolition of all existing structures on the site and construction of a new three-story (45 feet in height) 45,000 square foot outpatient surgery and oncology center built over a subterranean garage with 251 parking spaces. Parking in excess of the 180 spaces required by the Zoning Code will be made available to other uses in the immediate vicinity.

The applicant has requested the following discretionary permits: Development Review Permit (DR 08-001) for a project exceeding 7,500 square feet of floor area; and Tentative Tract Map (TM08-005) for the air rights subdivision to create 51 commercial units.

ANTICIPATED SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS: The Draft EIR examines impacts of the proposed project on the City’s environment. Impact areas analyzed in the document include: Transportation/Traffic; Air Quality; Aesthetics (Shadows); Biological Resources; Noise; Utilities; Construction Effects; and Neighborhood Effects.

The Draft EIR identified the following significant and/or potentially significant impacts: 3 Transportation / Traffic* 3 Construction Effects 3 Air Quality* 3 Neighborhood Effects 3 Biological Resources 3 Utilities 3 Noise (* indicates impact cannot be mitigated) HOW TO COMMENT / PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: A 30-day public review period will be provided for all interested persons to submit comments on the Draft EIR. The comment period will begin on December 9, 2008 and end at 5:30 p.m. on January 7, 2009.

Written comments should be sent to: Laura Beck, AICP, Associate Planner City Planning Division 1685 Main Street, Room 212 Santa Monica, CA 90401 Fax: (310) 458-3380 laura.beck@smgov.net AVAILABILITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION: A copy of the Draft EIR and background materials are available for your review on the City web site: http://www01.smgov.net/planning/planningcomm/environmentalreports.html The Draft EIR and background materials may also be viewed at the following locations: City Planning Division, Public Counter Room 111 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA CA Santa Monica Library 601 Santa Monica Boulevard Santa Monica, CA

Office of the City Clerk Room 102 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica,

8

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

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CHRISTMAS CROONERS

Dave Larimore news@smdp.com Blues Brothers Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi get funky on Sunday during a performance at the West Los Angeles VA for the 16th annual Holiday Celebration, sponsored by The Donald Sterling Foundation. Over 2,500 people were fed and received gifts as part of the celebration.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

9

Local 10

A newspaper with issues

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

Santa Monica-based business outsources tedious office tasks FROM TASK PAGE 3

SURF CONDITIONS

WATER TEMP: 62°

SWELL FORECAST ( 4-7 FT ) The WNW swell should begin to back down, leaving west facing breaks with chest high surf. Some light southern hemi should show itself.

LONG RANGE SYNOPSIS

WEDNESDAY THE 10TH THE WNW SWELL SHOULD BACK DOWN FURTHER TO WAIST+. LIGHT SOUTHERN HEMI SHOULD HELP SOUTH FACING BREAKS STAY IN WAIST HIGH SURF AS WELL, PERHAPS CHEST HIGH ON THE BETTER SET WAVES.

TIDE FORECAST

FOR

TODAY

IN

SANTA MONICA

cially in a time like this when people are turning to young people for the next big idea.”

The process begins when the client submits a task to the Web site from where an “American Administrator” will contact the customer to discuss the project and assign it to the appropriate foreign service provider.

Once the task is completed, the administrator, who serves as the company representative and only point of contact the entire time, reviews the work for quality assurance and submits it to the client.

Maddock and Weir spent three months contracting with various service providers, working with companies in Kenya, India and the Philippines, running background checks and other tests. The idea of TaskUS.com is to break down geographic barriers to delivering service.

“We want to allow individuals and small businesses to be able to access the global talent pool on a task-by-task basis,” Maddock said. “Fortune 500 companies have been outsourcing overseas but the average profes-

sional can’t afford to do the same.

“There’s no reason why they can’t have the same benefits.”

The tasks currently costs $7.95 an hour and include everything from proofreading to booking airline reservations.

The only restriction is that the task must not require an in-person presence, which would rule out errands such as picking up the dry cleaning.

The business, whose operations are based at the Santa Monica Airport, launched in beta version in November and already has a list of 35 clients who have requested 121 tasks, taking an average of two hours to complete. A new pricing model that allows clients to buy hours in bulk will be released next month.

“This is really to remove the assumption that all of your services have to be delivered in the office and sort of open people up to the idea that many things can be done remotely,” Maddock said. “We can put together the report, we can do the lead generation, the Web site design and all of that stuff we do.” melodyh@smdp.com

Free flu shots for those who qualify FROM FLU PAGE 3 nated should consider getting the flu shot or the FluMist nasal spray vaccine now to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community from the flu,” Fielding said. “This is especially important for those at greatest risk for complications of the flu.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stress the importance of flu vaccine for the following: • Adults 50 years of age and older.

• Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma that put them at risk for serious complications.

• Healthcare workers.

• Pregnant women.

• Caretakers of those at greatest risk for complication.

• All children over 6 months of age.

Residents are encouraged to first contact their regular doctor for recommended vaccinations. Those who do not have a regular doctor or insurance coverage for vaccines may be eligible for reduced-cost or no-cost vaccines. Free flu vaccines are readily available in L.A. County, and the traditional shot, FluMist nasal spray vaccine and thimerosalfree (preservative-free) vaccine continues to be offered through public health clinics, while supplies last. To find a public health clinic, contact the county’s information line at 211.

For information regarding low-cost flu vaccines through a health care organization or other vaccination clinic, visit the Public Health Immunization Program’s Web site at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip or www.findaflushot.com. news@smdp.com

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A child is calling for help.

Movie TimesHoroscope Visit us online at smdp.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

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

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

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

Call theater for information.

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

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

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

Changeling (R) 2hrs 20min 3:15, 6:40, 9:45

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

Punisher: War Zone (R) 1hr 47min 1:55, 4:30, 7:20, 9:55

Nobel Son (R) 1hr 47min 2:00, 4:30, 7:10, 9:40

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG) 1hr 29min 1:45, 4:20, 7:00, 9:15

Milk (R) 2hrs 08min 2:20, 4:00, 5:15, 7:00, 8:15, 10:00

AMC 7 SANTA MONICA 1310 Third St. (310) 289-4262 Quantum of Solace (PG-13) 1 hr 46min 2:40, 5:15, 7:50, 9:30 Role Models (R) 1hr 35min 2:30, 5:00, 7:40, 10:00

Australia (PG-13) 2hr 45min 12:00, 3:30, 7:00, 10:30 Transporter 3 (PG-13) 1hr 40min 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 10:00 Cadillac Records (R) 1hr 48min 11:40am, 2:20, 5:00, 7:30, 10:20

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

Twilight (PG-13) 2hrs 1:30, 4:30, 7:20, 10:10

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

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

Rachel Getting Married (R) 1hr 56min 1:30, 4:20, 7:10, 9:55

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

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

Time to play, Pisces ARIES (March 21-April 19)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

★★★★ Take care of a money matter. Your imagination knows hardly any limits. Use your innate ingenuity to define a new attitude or approach professionally or personally. Don’t question a friend’s caring. Tonight: Try to make it an early night.

★★★★★ Recognize the importance of a close bond and understanding with a partner. You might need to rethink your personal life, as so much of your life keeps bubbling up, begging examination. Curb risk, and take a more conservative path. Tonight: Chat over dinner.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★★★ You are on top of your game, no matter how you cut it. Question what might be the most immediate or best approach. A boss, older friend or relative might not say what he or she thinks. Be sure it is positive. Tonight: A must appearance.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ★★★ Know when to pull back. Listen carefully to feedback from someone you look up to. Know when enough is enough. Express a need for facts, not speculation. A partner or associate does a reversal, at least as far as you can tell. Tonight: Know that what might be strange also could be good.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) ★★★★★ Zero in on what you want. A dear friend comes forward and offers a suggestion. Work with others closely. You might be delighted by the end results. At lunch, get a head start on gifts. Tonight: Let your hair down. You need some downtime.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) ★★★★ Take a stand, especially as others appear to go overboard. You must take charge if you don’t want a disaster to occur. Knowing where you are heading could be strategic. You don’t need to share negative thoughts. Tonight: Burning the midnight oil.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) ★★★★ Let others understand where you are coming from. You might want to pull back and close your door. Others seek you out, and you might need to screen your calls. If someone doesn’t hear you one way, try another, using different words. Tonight: Your treat.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) ★★★★ Accept a situation, even if you want to walk away. You will need to be receptive to someone else’s overtures. Revamp your finances with an eye to growth and a better daily life. You have an innate understanding of financial limits. Tonight: Easy does it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) ★★★★★ Your creativity allows for more opportunities than in the past. For some, a child or a new friend could dominate in your mind. Stop, make a call and establish plans to get together.

Tonight: Let go of stress and enjoy yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) ★★★★ You are unusually attractive to others, which might cause a lot of communication and potential distraction. Organize and prioritize.

You’ll like the end results and feel much better and more relaxed. Tonight: Play it low-key.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★★★ Reach out for others. Do understand that your way is not the only way. Your creativity surges from out of nowhere when facing different situations. Your willingness to put in extra time earmarks your decisions. Tonight: Read between the lines.

Happy birthday

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) ★★★★★ Make calls and schedule meetings.

Others seek you out as well. Your ability to organize or handle a tough situation emerges.

If you have a great gift idea, start pricing it now rather than wait. Tonight: Play Santa’s elf.

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

This year, focus on the quality of your daily life. You might want to revise your work or change your hours.

Consider adding more variety to your life. Many of you might choose a new hobby. Others will indulge a passion. Be careful about wild diets and exercise programs. If you are single, you will meet people through your daily life and just going out and about. You express a newfound gentleness, which lures people in. If you are attached, nurture yourself and your sweetie more. Both of you will benefit as a result. Be more willing to be vulnerable. TAURUS pushes hard to get their way. Let the Bull have their head when you can.

11

Comics & Stuff 12

A newspaper with issues

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 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

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ODDS OF A CHILD BEING IN A FATAL AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT: 1 in 23,000

ODDS OF A CHILD BEING DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM: 1 in 166

To learn the signs of autism, visit autismspeaks.org

Dog eat Doug

By Jim Davis

By Brian Anderson

Comics & Stuff Visit us online at smdp.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

13

DAILY LOTTERY 21 27 46 52 55 Meganumber: 14 Jackpot: $170M 15 26 29 37 45 Meganumber: 22 Jackpot: $27M 1 6 20 22 31 MIDDAY: 6 6 0 EVENING: 1 2 6 1st: 04 Big Ben 2nd: 08 Gorgeous George 3rd: 11 Money Bags

MYSTERY REVEALED!

Soraya Danesh news@smdp.com Karen Hopkins correctly identified this photo of the sign that hangs in front of Dhaba Restaurant on Main Street. Hopkins will receive a prize from the Daily Press. Check out tomorrow’s paper for a new Mystery Photo.

RACE TIME: 1:42.40 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

â– The Christmas Nativity scenes in northeast Spain's Catalonia region have, for three centuries, featured not only Mary and the Three Wise Men but the ubiquitous "caganer" icon, always portrayed with pants down answering a call of nature (and often so obscured in the scene as to popularize Where's-Waldo-type guessing by children). The origin of the caganer (literally, "pooper") is unclear, but some regard it merely as symbolic of equality (in that everyone has bowel movements). Catalonia is now home to artists who craft statuettes of religious figures poised to relieve themselves, and the franchise extends to renditions of sports figures and celebrities (and even a squatting President Bush). One family in Girona province sells about 25,000 a year, according to a November dispatch in Germany's Der Spiegel.

TODAY IN HISTORY Alfred, Lord Tennyson's famous poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade," was published in England.

"Widowers' Houses," Bernard Shaw's first play, opened at the Royalty Theater in London.

British troops opened their first major offensive in North Africa during World War II. China declared war on Japan, Germany and Italy. the Aram Khachaturian ballet "Gayane," featuring the surging "Saber Dance," was first performed by the Kirov Ballet. the anti-communist John Birch Society was formed in Indianapolis.

Nikolai V. Podgorny replaced Anastas I. Mikoyan as president of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, began as riots broke out in Gaza and spread to the West Bank, triggering a strong Israeli counterresponse.

1854 1892

Speed Bump

By Dave Coverly

1940 1941 1942 1958 1965 1987

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sepulcher \SEP-uhl-kuhr\, noun : 1. a burial place; tomb 2. a structure or niche in a church in which sacred relics are deposited on Good Friday and removed on Easter

14

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

3623 KEYSTONE Ave.unit 5, $795 bachelor, lower, fridge, microwave, carpet, blinds, utilities included laundry, parking, no pets $200 off move- in (310)578-7512 jkwproperties.com

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PRIME RENTAL 1430 Lincoln Blvd Close to Promenade 1700 square feet Call Charles (310)995-5136

Martin’s Professional Services

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BRAND NEW one bedroom/ 1 bath for rent in SM ,hardwood floors, stove, refrig,.brand new appliances call Shaun $1700 (310)849-3500

L.A. GROVE area 431 1/2 Genesse 2+1 stove, fridge, blinds, hardwood & tilefloors, seperate tub on-site laundry garage parking no pets $1895/mo (310) 578-7512 jkwproperties.com

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

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.

Now Accepting Enrollment

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IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

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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 One bedroom apartment West LA $1300 (310)391-8880

BOLD IT! MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT

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

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

FREE ESTIMATES — Sabbath Observed—

1020 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica

Lic# 804884 Fully Insured

Handyman 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

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

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

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

458-7737

(310) 289-3222 Photography

Bookkeeping Services

The Handy Hatts Painting and Decorating Co.

BOLD IT! MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT

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

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

Legal Services

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

Considering Filing for Bankruptcy?

FULL SERVICE HANDYMAN FROM A TO Z Call Brian @ (310) 927-5120 (310) 915-7907

• Free phone consultation • Speak to your local Santa Monica Attorney • Get the facts now

“Your Local Santa Monica Attorney”

LIC# 888736 “HOME SWEET HOME” A PROFESSIONAL LEGAL CORPORATION

Run your personals here!

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

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

Therapy

John J. McGrail, C.Ht.

310.278.5380

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

There is no more convincing medium than a DAILY local newspaper.

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Remodel & Add ons

Vehicles for sale

CALL TODAY FOR SPECIAL MONTHLY RATES! Prepay your ad today!

General Construction Commercial & Residential

Houses For Rent

Your ad could run here! $5.50 A DAY LINER ADS! CALL TODAY

A/C CONSTRUCTION

Honest. Reliable.

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

WE HANG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Gen. Contracting

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

(310)578-7512 www.jkwproperties.com 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.

Quality European Workman All Manors of Home Repairs From painting to electrical

*Lose weight, shed bodyfat *Exclusively private facility *Individualized routines!

(310) 913-2232 FERRIGKNOW@gmail.com

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

Education

WLA, LARGE 3+2. OCEAN VIEW, top of hill, prv drvwy, 3 patios/backyard, gated, no pets. Redeco $2550/mo 310-390-4610.

Certified Private Fitness Trainer

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

Newly Lowered Rates

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

Lou Ferrigno Jr

MAR VISTA 2bdrm/1bath, 11461 Washington Place.Unit D, upper, stove, blinds, carpet, laundry, street parking, no pets $1450 (310)578-7512 jkwproperties.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

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

Personal Trainer

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

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

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

• 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

Real Estate

Mar Vista $2300.00 2Bdrms, 2 Baths W / Loft Stove, Refrig, Dshwshr, Wshr/Dryr, Gated Parking, NO PETS 4077 Inglewood Blvd, # 4, 5, Call for Appt.

(310)780-3354

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

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

SM PRIVATE office on 7th St near Wilshire includes Internet, electricity, cleaning services $450/mo (310)656-9922 www.santamonica.weebly.com

2001 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica CA 310 453 8320 www.lawgross.com

Your ad could run here!

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

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

Prepay your ad today!

(310)

458-7737

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

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Classifieds

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

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

Notices Declaration of Linda Melcer, resident of Los Angeles, CA. Miguel Melcer, resident of Los Angeles, CA died on December 3, 2008. The family is not responsible for any debt incurred on his behalf. S. Linda Melcer, Los Angeles, CA. Publish dates: 12/9/2008, 12/16/2008, 12/23/2008, 12/30/2008.

DBAS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES STATEMENT FILE NO. 20081960143 FIRST FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as LEONIDAS, 10800 W. PICO BLVD, UNIT 167, LOS ANGELES, CA 90064, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES. The full name of registrant(s) is/are : CHOCOLOVE, 928 21ST STREET, UNIT 7, SANTA MONICA, CA 90403 (CALIFORNIA) This Business is being conducted by, a corporation. Signed: Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious name or names listed herein.. /s/: CHOCOLOVE, ALI R. ATTAR, PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on 11/5/2008. NOTICE: THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED PRIOR TO THAT DATE. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name statement in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411et seq.,Business and Professions Code). SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS to publish 12/2/2008, 12/9/2008, 12/16/2008, 12/23/2008 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES STATEMENT FILE NO. 20082045637 FIRST FILING. The following person(s) is (are) doing business as YO MAMA YOGA; AI #/ON 3152427, 1404 3RD STREET PROMENADE, SUITE 204, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401, COUNTY OF LA. The full name of registrant(s) is/are : INTEGRAL ENDEAVORS, INC., 131 SAN VICENTE BLVD, APT A, SANTA MONICA, CA 90402, (CALIFORNIA) This Business is being conducted by, a corporation. Signed: The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed on (Date)10/1/2008. /s/: INTEGRAL ENDEAVORS, INC., CHRISTINE M. STUMMER, SECRETARY This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on 11/19/2008. NOTICE: THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED PRIOR TO THAT DATE. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name statement in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411et seq.,Business and Professions Code).

SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS to publish 12/9/2008, 12/16/2008, 12/23/2008, 12/30/2008

Go Green.

Hire locals. It cuts down on commuting, traffic and smog.

Find them in the Santa Monica Daily Press classifieds.

Call today to learn about our local hiring packages.

310-458-7737

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

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

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2008

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