Santa Monica Daily Press, December 10, 2008

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

INSIDE SCOOP

COMMENTARY

THE REAL DEAL LAWYER ACCUSED OF FRAUD PAGE 3 HOLDING OUT HOPE FOR BRITNEY SPEARS PAGE 5 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

Visit us online at smdp.com

Volume 7 Issue 334

Santa Monica Daily Press CALLING IN GAY SEE PAGE 6

Since 2001: A news odyssey

THE RIDE OR DIE ISSUE

Mount St. Mary’s provides guaranteed admission to SMC

BY MELODY HANATANI Daily Press Staff Writer

SMC While UCLA and USC continue to be two of the most popular destinations for local community college students, the universities could see some stiff competition from Mount St. Mary’s College.

Officials with Santa Monica College and the private institution announced on Monday a new partnership to provide guaranteed admissions to transfer students who meet certain requirements, including holding a minimum 3.0 grade point average and fulfilling specific courses outlined in the agreement between the two schools.

“When you have something like a guarantee, it really catches people’s attention and makes them comfortable knowing that there … will be an ease of transfer from one institution to the other,” said Dan Nannini, who is the coordinator for the SMC Transfer Center. “It’s helpful for making both parents and students feel comfortable with coming to the community colleges first.”

The arrangement between the two institutions includes a general transfer agreement for all students and a specific one for Mount St. Mary’s Associate Degree in Nursing-to-Master’s Degree in Nursing (ADN-MSN) program. The latter is a 3.5year-track in which students spend two years at Santa Monica College and finishes the remainder of their time at Mount St. Mary’s, receiving their associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing in less than four years.

SMC students accepted under the general transfer agreement will also receive a $13,000 scholarship to the school and will continue to receive aid as long as they maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, according to Sonali Bridges, the associate dean of outreach at SMC and Mount St. Mary’s graduate who pushed for the partnership.

“It seemed like a good marriage,” she said.

The transfer agreement is a first for Mount St. Mary’s, an 83-year-old institution that has 2,300 students spread over its two campuses in Los Angeles, including one in Brentwood.

Only 23 SMC students have transferred to the private school in the past four years.

SEE DEAL PAGE 12

Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com

ALL ABOARD: SMC students get on the Mini Big Blue Bus at the corner of 17th and Pearl streets on Tuesday afternoon. The Big Blue Bus is currently considering two rerouting options for Line 6, which connects the SMC campus to the Palms neighborhood, possibly moving the path of travel.

Big Blue Bus proposing alterations to service

BY MELODY HANATANI Daily Press Staff Writer

SUNSET PARK Residents who have long complained about the placement of a bus stop near Santa Monica College could soon see a solution to their problems.

The Big Blue Bus is currently considering two rerouting options for Line 6, which connects the SMC campus to the Palms neighborhood, possibly moving the path of travel from Pearl Street to Pico Boulevard.

The agency has drawn criticism from neighbors upset about the stop at Pearl and 20th streets, claiming it has brought unwelcome congestion, noise and activity from college students who wait for the bus to

Gary Limjap

arrive, some smoking in front of houses and sitting on the front steps of apartment buildings.

“This is a bus route serving SMC,” Laura Thixton, a neighbor who lives off 20th and Pearl, said. “Twentieth and Pearl are not part of the SMC campus.”

Her frustration was expressed during a community workshop on Monday at the Fairview Branch Library where officials with the Big Blue Bus unveiled a series of proposed systemwide routing changes that could take effect on Feb. 14. The meeting was the first of several expected to be held this week to solicit input from the public before going to the City Council next month with the recommendations.

HOLIDAY stackables

SMALL BUSINESS STARTUP? LET ME HELP YOU SUCCEED

(310) 586-0339

TAXES • BOOKKEEPING • CORPORATIONS

In today’s real estate climate ...

SAMUEL B. MOSES, CPA

Experience counts! garylimjap@earthlink.net

Another meeting is scheduled at the Santa Monica Main Library on Saturday morning.

The Big Blue Bus is proposing two different options for Line 6, which is also known as the SMC Commuter, including one alternative that would take both inbound and outbound trips off of Pearl Street and place them on Pico Boulevard and Bundy Drive. A second option, which is also one that the agency is recommending, would be a compromise between the Pico/Bundy alternative and the current route, keeping inbound trips to SMC on Pearl Street and moving the outbound

(310) 395-9922

331 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica 2 Hours Free Parking (Behind Store) Monday-Saturday 10am-6p10.451.1349 • www.readersjewelers.com

100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1800 Santa Monica 90401

SEE BBB PAGE 10

Calendar 2

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

A newspaper with issues

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 hightech 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

Huge Holiday Sale!

Go green and save cash This holiday season only get the best deal possible on all scooter models! Guaranteed!

Was $2,199 $500 off this holiday season

Now $1,699 Lots of free parking in Santa Monica

• Low emissions • Low maintenance cost • Make your money back on fuel costs in the first 6 months • 7 different models available • 1 year warranty parts and labor

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

Award-winning L.A. 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.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008 ‘Too Many Toys’

Every Picture Tells a Story 1311 Montana Ave., 3:30 p.m. — 6 p.m.

Award winning author/illustrator David Shannon will read his exciting new book “Too Many Toys” at a holiday party with complimentary refreshments and plenty of holiday fun. Shannon will sign new copies of his book as well. Purchase an extra copy of one of Shannon’s books and help replenish Los Angeles’ needy public school libraries. Go to www.everypicture.com or call (310) 451-2700 for more information.

Preschool story time

Montana Ave. Branch Library 1704 Montana Ave., 11:15 a.m. — 11:45 a.m.

Come to the Montana Branch Library and hear stories for children 3 to 5.

‘The End of Suburbia’

Santa Monica Public Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd., 7 p.m. — 9 p.m.

Come to the library for a film screening of “The End of Suburbia.” With the promise of a sense of space, affordability, family life and upward mobility, suburbia has become part of the American Dream. But as the country enters the 21st century, serious questions are beginning to emerge about the sustainability of this way of life. The screening is part of the Sustainable Cinema film series.

What’s new?

Montana Ave. Branch Library 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., 1 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.

Head out to the Fairview Branch Library to join in a free-wheeling review and discussion of the week’s key news stories — both at home and abroad. The discussion is moderated by Jack Nordhaus. For more information, call (310) 450-0443.

‘True West’

80 MPG!!

Eagle Craft of Santa Monica 2418 Lincoln Blvd (310) 314-5551 www.eaglecraftmotors.com

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 screenwriter, has come home to work on a script that will secure his financial future. His criminal brother Lee cons his way into a movie deal with Austin’s producer and the rivalry takes off full force, leading to an explosive showdown that literally tears the home apart. Call or visit the Powerhouse Theatre for more information.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

3

COMMUNITY BRIEFS CITYWIDE

Sparking it up for the holidays

NICE SURPRISE

Rachel Dardashti news@smdp.com Ice Princess Monica and Cpt. Bayside of the Bayside District Corp. pay $100 toward customers Michelle Covington (right) and Deborah Rickman's (middle) purchases at Lucky Brand Jeans on Tuesday. Bayside is using the promotion as a way to reward loyal shoppers.

Head of prominent law firm accused of fraud

BY LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK The head of a prominent law firm, which has offices in Santa Monica, was charged in a “stunning, brazen fraud” that reaped at least $113 million in profit by tricking hedge funds into making bogus investments, prosecutors said.

Marc Dreier, 58, was charged in a criminal complaint and by the Securities and Exchange Commission in the alleged sale of fraudulent promissory notes.

“Our complaint alleges a stunning, brazen fraud that targeted some very sophisticated institutional investors,” said Linda Chatman Thomsen, director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.

“Investors big and small should take heed, especially in these difficult economic times, that con artists are out there and may go to elaborate lengths to commit fraud,” she said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Streeter said the government wants Dreier held without bail. During a brief court appearance, the Manhattan resident’s bail hearing was set for Thursday.

“This is a very complicated matter and the facts are beyond reach ... of a sound bite,” said defense lawyer Gerald Shargel.

In a related case, Dreier was charged last week in Toronto with impersonation in connection with the attempted sale of $45 million worth of notes to a hedge fund.

The scandal has stunned Dreier LLP, a mid-size law firm that has represented celebrities including retired football star Michael Strahan and former News Corp. publishing executive Judith Regan.

At least one partner has already quit the firm, taking clients with him. Other departures were expected, and the firm abruptly canceled a holiday party last week at the SEE LAWYER PAGE 12

Since 1967

Quality & Value Always!

Open 6am - 2:30pm Mon. - Fri. 6am - 4pm Sat. - Sun.

310-399-7892 27322 Main n St. Santaa Monica

"The Best Gift: Fellowship at the table!"

Youth volunteers from the American Red Cross of Santa Monica will be collecting toys and gifts again this year for needy children and teens as part of the annual “Spark of Love Toy Drive.”

Red Cross youth will then help distribute them to deserving children in Santa Monica and nearby communities.

The American Red Cross of Santa Monica, KABC Channel 7 and local firefighters will collect toys through Friday, Dec. 19. As in previous years, new unwrapped toys or sports equipment can be dropped off at the Santa Monica Red Cross, any Santa Monica Fire Department station, CVS Pharmacy and Albertson’s markets.

With support from the toy drive’s sponsors and a generous public, a number of deserving children in Santa Monica and elsewhere will enjoy a new toy this holiday season, sponsors said. Especially needed are toys, games, books, school supplies and items appropriate for teens from ages 14 to 18.

Santa Monica area families in need can also sign up for the drive to receive toys for their children. Stop by the chapter during weekday business hours to sign up, which involves providing the number of children in the family and their ages.

With the help of its partners, the toy drive collected over 600,000 toys in the fivecounty area last year. The goal is to double that number this year — the 15th consecutive year for the drive.

Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Santa Monica Red Cross at 1450 11th St., Santa Monica Fire station 121 at 1444 Seventh St., Station 122 at 222 Hollister Ave., Station 123 at 1302 19th St. at Arizona Ave. and Station 125 at 2450 Ashland Ave. Toys may also be left in the special “Spark of Love” bins at local CVS Pharmacies and Albertson’s markets.

DAILY PRESS

PICO NEIGHBORHOOD

Decorating with love Woodlawn Cemetery and Mausoleum, owned and operated by City Hall, is pleased to announce that during this holiday season the cemetery is displaying a 30-foot pine tree called the “Tree of Life” in the lobby of the mausoleum. The purpose of the tree is to allow individuals and families the opportunity to visit the mausoleum and to hang an ornament on the tree in memory of a loved one that has passed away. The cemetery will provide the ornaments, which can be personalized. At the end of the holiday season, the tree will be planted on the grounds of the cemetery as an everlasting memory.

The holiday season can be a very difficult time for many people who have experienced the death of a loved one. In an effort to make this time more bearable and offer hope for the future, the cemetery staff would like to extend an invitation to the community to participate in the Tree of Life program. A complimentary booklet entitled “Thoughts for the Holiday, Finding Permission to Grieve” will also be distributed.

The ornaments will be available through Dec. 24 according to the following schedule: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.

This year, the cemetery is also participating in the Toys for Tots Foundation toy drive as an official toy drop off location. Donations of new unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the cemetery business office through Dec. 22. Toys may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. — 4 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. For more information call (310) 458-8717.

The cemetery is located at 1847 14th St., directly across the street from Santa Monica College.

DP

TELL SANTA MONICA WHAT YOU THINK!

WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR EMAIL TO: EDITOR@SMDP.COM OR FAX TO (310) 576-9913 Visit us online at smdp.com

OpinionCommentary 4

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PUBLISHER

The Rand Stand

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Ross Furukawa ross@smdp.com

Yaron Brook and Don Watkins

Taking ownership Editor:

Thank you for your story on our outreach program to chronically homeless in the City of Beverly Hills (“Beverly Hills steps up to help homeless,” page 1, Dec. 8). Your story helped illuminate that many cities in the Los Angeles area, even Beverly Hills, are faced with issues of homelessness. I wanted to provide one clarification about the story.

As an agency centered in Santa Monica, Step Up has been addressing solutions to homelessness that results from a severe and persistent mental illness in our city for many years. Our work in Beverly Hills is part of our effort to bring this solution to other communities. In that effort, we understand that each area must contribute resources that address their own solutions and we are committed to helping each city we work with in developing local solutions rather than increasing the burden on Santa Monica resources, simply because the resources are here. To that end, of those we’ve engaged, eight have been placed in a shelter in Hollywood, three have been united with family outside of California and one is in permanent housing in Los Angeles.

As many have said, homelessness is a regional issue that requires many communities to contribute their fair share of resources. Santa Monica is further along than many communities and has a well developed network to provide these solutions. From my view, our presence there (yes we have an office in Beverly Hills) is an important start by the city of Beverly Hills to take ownership of solutions to homelessness for those in their own community.

Tod Lipka President/CEO Step Up on Second

Option with the same result Editor:

Once again, Carol Hastings writes a winner (“Finding your way home from LAX,” page 4, Dec. 9) telling us how easy it is to go to and from the airport via the Big Blue Bus. Note: one can also get to the airport taking the Santa Monica No. 1 east on Santa Monica Boulevard to Sepulveda, and catching the No. 6 , Culver City Green bus to LAX, all for about the same price that Hastings paid.

Andrew Liberman Santa Monica

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

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Immigration could solve housing crisis

EDITOR IN CHIEF Kevin Herrera editor@smdp.com

MANAGING EDITOR Daniel Archuleta daniela@smdp.com

STAFF WRITER Melody Hanatani melodyh@smdp.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Editor’s note: Steve “The Mailman” Breen is on vacation.

Catch his column, “Going Postal,” next Wednesday.

FOR DECADES WASHINGTON HAS BEEN

manipulating prices to encourage homeownership and “steer” the economy. To “incentivize” you to buy a house, it made mortgage payments tax deductible, largely exempted homes from capital gains taxes, and created Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. After the stock market tumbled in 2001 and 2002, Washington established a policy of artificially low interest rates that created the illusion of cheap credit; leery of the stock market, and looking for someplace else to put all this easy money, Americans began buying homes in droves.

But eventually the drug-induced high of artificial credit wore off, and out-of-whack housing prices plummeted, sparking the financial crisis. What was Washington’s response? It ramped up its price manipulation policy, injecting us with a new round of “easy money” amphetamine: Bush doled out “stimulus” checks, the Treasury began funneling billions into banks, and the Fed started frantically slashing interest rates. And, we are told, this is only the beginning. New doses of bailouts, interest rate cuts, and “stimulus” giveaways are just around the corner.

Maybe it’s time for a new approach. How about we start thinking of ways to address this crisis by getting the government out of the business of price manipulation, and let prices, from home values to interest rates, be determined by people’s free choices and the law of supply and demand?

This will require some unconventional thinking, and here’s a suggestion to get us started: free up the housing market by freeing up immigration. That’s bound to be controversial, but indulge us for a moment.

Right now the housing market is in disarray. Too many homes built for our current population have sent prices spiraling downward, and millions of homeowners, stuck with mortgages they can’t afford and houses they can’t unload, are facing foreclosure.

Meanwhile, there are millions of peaceful people around the globe eager to bring their wealth, talent, and ambition to this country, but can’t because Washington forcibly prevents them from immigrating.

This government-enforced cap on the number of potential home-buyers is just another instance of price manipulation. Imagine if the number of annual immigrants increased from around 650,000 a year to, say, five million.

Virtually overnight we would see money pour into the American real estate market, as millions of new businessmen and workers bought and rented homes. Not only would this eliminate the oversupply of houses, we would enjoy the broader economic benefits of welcoming legions of highly skilled and motivated individuals into the American economy.

You might be thinking, “Won’t this lead to lower wages or unemployment at a time when we can least afford it?” The history of this country attests to the fact that, in the long run, immigration fosters economic growth.

Even in the short run, however, the effect on

Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com

BESIDES SUCH QUICK, IMMEDIATE STEPS TO END GOVERNMENT PRICE DISTORTIONS, WE NEED A LONG-TERM STRATEGY TO ELIMINATE ALL GOVERNMENT POLICIES THAT MANIPULATE PRICES. WE NEED TO ELIMINATE THE COUNTLESS REGULATORY SHACKLES ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, WHICH DISTORT MARKET FORCES AND ENCOURAGE RECKLESS ACTIONS.

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

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Rob Schwenker schwenker@smdp.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julie Martinez juliem@smdp.com

wages and employment is an open question — it depends on how much capital and entrepreneurial acumen the new immigrants bring and create. There are many other simple measures we could take to roll back the government’s manipulation of prices. For instance, we could eliminate restrictions on bank ownership, which coercively limit how much capital banks can raise.

Besides such quick, immediate steps to end government price distortions, we need a long-term strategy to eliminate all government policies that manipulate prices. We need to eliminate the countless regulatory shackles on financial institutions, which distort market forces and encourage reckless actions. We need to put an end to the government’s crusade to encourage homeownership through Fannie and Freddie, the Community Reinvestment Act, tax code manipulation, and many other avenues. Above all, we need to end the government’s ability to set interest rates and create inflationary booms — and their inevitable busts — by phasing out the Federal Reserve and allowing the United States to return to a gold standard.

These would be radical reforms, to be sure, but that’s because the government has been radically expanding its price manipulation policies for the better part of a century. We’re seeing where that path leads. It’s time to start moving in a new direction.

YARON BROOK is the president of the Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights. Don Watkins is a writer at the Ayn Rand Center. The Ayn Rand Center is a division of the Ayn Rand Institute and promotes the philosophy of Ayn Rand, author of “Atlas Shrugged” and “The Fountainhead.”

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

Visit us online at smdp.com

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.

OpinionCommentary Visit us online at smdp.com

5

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

Word in Edgewise Kenny Mack

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Getting her groove back

Santa Monican of the year?

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.

for “Piece of Me,” and showed up late because she was with her sons. But after that video won Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Video of the Year at the VMA’s, they understand her now. I, of course, always have.

That’s why I’m a little concerned about the fact that my future father-in-law was granted permanent conservatorship over her affairs because if it remains uncontested, he could control her life until he dies.

That worries me because this is something the courts do for crazy people, but my Britney isn’t crazy. She went from being a 17-year-old girl to a 27-year-old woman as an international pop star and with the whole world watching. If those 10 years of any of our lives were available on YouTube, we might look crazy, too, but that doesn’t mean we’d need someone else to take care of us for the rest of our lives.

So here she is with three VMA’s, a number one song that she performed in London, Paris, and New York, lighting the trees at Rockefeller Center and L.A. Live, and a new album of good music (I challenge anyone not to dance to “Lace and Leather”); all while looking and sounding better than she ever has. Some people will say my Britney is on the comeback trail after a difficult period. I say she never left.

Her career successes aren’t as important to me as her personal life. In her documentary, “For the Record,” she talks about where she is and what she wants — and that’s why I’m starting to believe she may be ready for me. “I used to be a cool chick,” she said, “and I feel like the paparazzi has taken my whole cool slang away from me. Like going out and doing stuff and seeing a guy and hanging out.

The way I used to live I was a pretty cool chick, you know? And I’m not really that way any more.”

She went on to say, “That would be heaven for me: to have my kids on an island, and a man, and no one could get to us.” It took meeting the right man for Stella to get her groove back, all it will take is Britney meeting me to get her cool slang back.

KENNY MACK is a writer, comedian, and social commentator living in Santa Monica who is shopping his book, “Word in Edgewise: the Collected Opinions of America’s Smartest Columnist” to forward-thinking publishers. He can be reached at kennymack@gmail.com

Hypnotherapists are not licensed by the state of California as healing arts practitioners; for your benefit and protection, work on some issues may require a written referral from a licensed physician or mental health professional.

GERMAN CAR SERVICE Specialist in Repair of Porsche VW Audi BMW

Best alternative to high dealer prices Complete service and repair I All work guaranteed I Locally owned and operated since 1965 I I

2202 OLYMPIC BLVD., SANTA MONICA (310) 829-2563

RECYCLE NOW! WE PAY THE BEST RATES! Aluminum Plastic Glass Bi-Metal Newspaper CardboardWhite/Color/Computer Paper Copper & Brass

Santa Monica Recycling Center 2411 Delaware Avenue in Santa Monica

(310)) 453-9677

MICHIGAN 24TH

It’s even harder when you know that person needs your love more than anything, but doesn’t realize it. I’ve learned that it’s not enough to love someone unconditionally; that person has to be able to recognize what you’re offering them, be open to receiving it, and be in an emotional place where they can allow themselves to be loved. As a bonus, it would be nice if they also appreciated you and knew you existed.

I don’t want to jinx it, but after a year in which she pushed the boundaries of eccentricity and did her best to push me away, the love of my life (and the woman I moved to Los Angeles for) may finally be ready for a committed, monogamous relationship with me. Of course, I’m talking about Miss Britney Jean Spears.

It was a tough year for all of us who love my Britney, and it was especially difficult for me. I had a hard time understanding how Adnan Ghalib, the paparazzo-turned boyfriend, made it into 2008, given the fact that he had “sleazy” written all over him from day one.

So I was really happy he supposedly shopped their sex tape all over town — not because I wanted to see it, but because I wanted her to see his true colors. Now that she has, I hope I don’t see him around because there’s no guarantee I won’t slap that flavor saver right off his face for disrespecting my Britney like that.

My future mother-in-law threw me a little bit with her book.

You’d think that with one daughter in the middle of a meltdown and the other becoming a teenage single mom, she’d want less attention paid to her parenting skills, not more. But my future father-inlaw stepped up and gave Britney a measure of stability in her life that allowed her to do what she loves.

And I think having him in her house running her life for this past year did the same thing for her that Thanksgiving dinner at my mother’s house always does for me: remind me why I left home in the first place.

Now she’s focused on making a home and family of her own and taking control of her career. I’ve been watching the promotional tour for her new album, “Circus,” and I have to give her props for getting her back on top of her game.

The industry didn’t understand her a year ago when she was shooting the video

CLOVERFIELD

IT’S HARD TO LOVE SOMEONE FROM AFAR.

X

DELAWARE AVE. 10 WEST

State 6

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

Prop. 8 protesters ‘call in gay’

BY LISA LEFF Associated Press Writer

SAN FRANCISCO Some same-sex marriage supporters are urging people to “call in gay” Wednesday to show how much the country relies on gays and lesbians, but others question whether it’s wise to encourage skipping work given the nation’s economic distress.

Organizers of “Day Without a Gay” — scheduled to coincide with International Human Rights Day and modeled after similar work stoppages by Latino immigrants — also are encouraging people to perform volunteer work and refrain from spending money.

Sean Hetherington, a West Hollywood comedian and personal trainer, dreamed up the idea with his boyfriend, Aaron Hartzler, after reading online that a few angry gay-rights activists were calling for a daylong strike to protest California voters’ passage last month of Proposition 8, which reversed this year’s state Supreme Court decision allowing gay marriage.

The couple thought it would be more effective and less divisive if people were asked to perform community service instead of staying home with their wallets shut. Dozens of nonprofit agencies, from the National Women’s Law Center in Washington to a Methodist church in Fresno collecting food for the homeless, have posted opportunities for volunteers on the couple’s Web site.

“We are all for a boycott if that is what brings about a sense of community for people,” said Hetherington, 30, who plans to spend Wednesday volunteering at an inner-city school. “You can take away

from the economy and give back in other ways.”

Hetherington said he’s been getting 100 e-mails an hour from people looking for volunteer opportunities, and that his “Day Without a Gay” Web site has gotten 100,000 hits since mid-November.

Despite Hartzler and Hetherington’s attempt to fashion a positive approach, some organizers of the street demonstrations that drew massive crowds in many cities last month have been reluctant to embrace the concept, saying that it could be at best impractical and at worst counterproductive to “call in gay.”

“It’s extra-challenging for people to think about taking off work as a form of protest, given that we are talking about people who may not be out (as gay) at work, and given the current economic situation and job market,” said Jules Graves, 38, coordinator of the Colorado Queer Straight Alliance. “There is really not any assurance employers would appreciate it for what it is.”

Graves’ group nonetheless is arranging for interested participants to volunteer at the local African Community Center in Denver. The agency said it could find projects to keep 20 people busy, but so far only 10 have pledged to show up, said Graves.

Scott Craig, a fifth-grade teacher at Independence Charter School in Philadelphia, had no problem requesting and being granted the day off. So many of the school’s 60 teachers were eager to show support for gay rights they had to make sure enough stayed behind to staff classrooms.

About 25 teachers plan to take

Wednesday off and to have their work covered by substitutes while they discuss ways to introduce gay issues to their students and volunteer at the local branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, Craig said. A letter telling parents why so many teachers would be out went home Monday.

“We want to get the conversation going in the community that gay is not bad,” Craig said. “For kids to hear that in a positive light can be life-changing.”

Join The Impact, the online community that launched protests last month over the passage of gay marriage bans in California, Florida and Arizona, has urged people to withdraw $80 from their bank accounts Wednesday to demonstrate gays’ spending power, and to devote the time they might otherwise spend watching TV or surfing the Internet to volunteer work.

Witeck-Combs Communications, a public relations firm in Washington that specializes in the gay and lesbian market, published a study this year that estimated that gay and lesbian consumers spend $700 billion annually.

Bob Witeck, the firm’s chief executive officer, said it would be difficult to measure the success of Wednesday’s strike since gay employees occupy so many fields. And rather than suspending all consumer spending for the day, gay rights supporters would have a bigger impact if they devoted their dollars to gay-friendly businesses year-round, Witeck said.

“Our community leaders who are running book stores, newspapers, flower shops, coffee houses, bars and many, many other things are hurting right now, so paying attention to their needs during this

TheAgentDirectory GABY SCHKUD (310) 586-0308 EXPERIENCE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE! www.22ndstreethome.com

WE ARE ALL FOR A BOYCOTT IF THAT IS WHAT BRINGS ABOUT A SENSE OF COMMUNITY FOR PEOPLE. YOU CAN TAKE AWAY FROM THE ECONOMY AND GIVE BACK IN OTHER WAYS.” Sean Hetherington Comedian and personal trainer

hard time is an effective form of activism,” he said.

Hetherington said he has been careful to design A Day Without a Gay — he came up with the name after the film “A Day Without a Mexican” and liked it because it rhymed — so no one feels excluded or threatened.

He has specifically urged high school students not to walk out of their classes and assured college students they won’t be disloyal to the cause if they go ahead and take their final exams. He also has listed opportunities — ranging from writing letters to members of Congress about federal gay rights legislation to spreading the word about Wednesday on social networking sites — for gay marriage backers who cannot miss work.

Your guide to local real estate agents Your Name Here!

Your Company Name 97092 Pacific St. Suite 1F The Agent Directory is a unique advertising opportunity to present yourself as more than a name and a number. This unmatched section will allow you to list your specialty, focus, and the demographic you’re targeting.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Call today at (310) 458-7737

Heather Nesis Palm West Properties “Ocean Park, Santa Monica & the Westside”

“Love Where You Live.”

Specializing in residential & residential income properties. I am passionate about finding the right properties & buyers for my clients. www.palmwestproperties.com

(310) 429-0057

Gary Limjap Coldwell Banker 2444 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 90403 “Appreciate the Difference” Alliance Properties Group

From Malibu to Hollywood,

first time home-buyers to experienced investors or simply for strategic real estate planning I am your one stop strategy shop!

naomk@cs.com

(310) 502-5648

Your goals become my priority.

Santa Monica Realtor for more than twenty years. www.garylimjap.com garylimjap@earthlink.net

(310) 586-0339

State Visit us online at smdp.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

7

Death tolls increase in fighter jet crash

BY ELLIOT SPAGAT Associated Press Writer

SAN DIEGO The death toll from the crash of a fighter jet climbed to four on Tuesday after investigators found the body of a child in the ruins of a San Diego home, the coroner’s office said.

The body of 15-month-old Grace Yoon was found in the home where three other family members died, Fire Department spokesman Maurice Luque said.

The San Diego County medical examiner’s office has not officially released the names of the victims.

However, the Rev. Kevin Lee of the Korean United Methodist Church identified the others killed as Young Mi Yoon, who was in her mid-30s; her 2-month-old daughter, Rachel; and her mother, Suk Im Kim, who had recently arrived from South Korea to help care for her daughter’s newborn.

Their bodies were found Monday.

Both engines of a military jet fighter failed before the aircraft crashed and burned in a residential area, a congressional aide said.

Neighbors were in shock at the tragedy that befell the family Monday, hours after the father kissed his wife and baby goodbye in the driveway.

The twin-engine F/A-18D Hornet went down about two miles from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

No official initial finding of the cause of the crash was given, but a congressional aide who had been briefed on the crash said the pilot had been attempting to land at Miramar after his right engine malfunctioned. The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because the information was not yet public.

While the pilot was on final approach to the runway the aircraft also lost thrust from its left engine, and the pilot ejected, the aide said.

The pilot ended up suspended by his parachute in a tree. He was being treated at a hospital.

Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter requested the Marine Corps provide maintenance records of the jet fighter to determine if any other aircraft might have mechanical problems.

One other home was destroyed and three were damaged.

Neighbors said the family of Korean immigrants killed in the crash had moved into the area about three months ago.

Resident Choko McConnell, 85, a widow who lives down the street, said she often saw the grandmother pushing a child in a stroller.

“I cried all night,” McConnell said. “A family perished, a young family.”

Michael Rose, 44, said he often spoke with the family and had seen the father kiss his wife and baby goodbye in the driveway just hours before the crash.

“I thought, what a beautiful sight. And then later in the day, they were gone,” Rose said.

Amy Hegy, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross, San Diego, said she spoke to the father of the children when he returned to the gutted home Monday night.

Hegy said he was “calm” and stayed with friends. She also said the man had extended family in San Diego but would not reveal further details.

Lee said he and another pastor visited the father Monday night but were unable to comfort him.

Military aircraft frequently streak over the neighborhood, two miles from the base, but residents said the imperiled aircraft was flying extremely low.

The pilot, who ended up hanging by his parachute from a tree in a canyon beneath the neighborhood, was in stable condition at a Navy hospital, said 1st Lt. Katheryn Putnam, a Miramar spokeswoman. He had been returning from training on the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln off the coast, she said.

Investigators will review information from a flight data recorder. There was no indication the pilot was using alcohol or drugs, Putnam said.

Dawn Lyons spoke to the pilot just after he landed in the tree.

“I saw an incredibly composed person,” Lyons said. “He didn’t have any scrapes or bruises. He was very lucid.”

A piece of cockpit sat on the roof of one home, and a charred jet engine lay on the street. Authorities said the smoke wreckage was toxic and about 20 homes were evacuated.

A Marine Corps bomb disposal truck was brought to the neighborhood in the University City section of San Diego, although police assured residents there was no explosive ordnance aboard the jet.

The Navy recently inspected hundreds of F/A-18 Hornets, built by Boeing Co., after discovering “fatigue cracks” on more than a dozen of them. The inspections looked for cracks in a hinge that connects the aileron — a flap that helps stabilize the jet in flight — to the wing.

The Navy announced last month it had grounded 10 of the $57 million fighters and placed flight restrictions on 20 more until repairs could be made.

The supersonic jet is widely used by the Marine Corps and Navy and by the stuntflying Blue Angels. An F-18 crashed at Miramar — the setting for the movie “Top Gun” — in November 2006, and that pilot ejected safely.

DO YOU HAVE COMMUNITY NEWS? Submit news releases to editor@smdp.com or by fax at (310) 576-9913

Visit us online at smdp.com

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN THE ONLY LOCAL DAILY PAPER IN SANTA MONICA?

Call us at (310) 458-7737

The Real Deal 8

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

Recycle old electronics

Market Matters

For Cash

Brian Hepp

We pay the best rates for: Celll Phones TVs Computers And much more

You can also shop for recycled office products and compostable tableware and utensils in our online store. www.californiarecycles-store.com

Drop your items off at 1932 Cotner Ave. in West Los Angeles and mention this offer for cash

310-478-3001 ext. 100

www.californiarecycles.com

Do You Know What’s In Your Water?

Bring In A Sample of Your Water & We’ll Compare!

Remove MtBE, Pharmaceuticals & Flouride By Making the Switch to

Premium Alkaline Oxygen Water Offered at

ly

eco

d ien

-fri e FIL ndly STA LING TIO NS

-fr

eco ME S HO STEM SY

A New Premium Water Bar @ 2209 Main Street • www.beyondO2water.com 310.664.8880 • Come in for a Free Sample & More Info! • Mon-Sat 10-7 • Sun 11-6

LOVE YOUR HAIR 1/2 OFF 1ST HAIRCUT

COMPLIMENTARY HAIRCUT WITH COLOR OR HI-LITE COMPLIMENTARY HAIRCUT WITH 100% HUMAN HAIR EXTENSIONS WE NOW CARRY ’AVEDA’ AND ’BUMBLE AND BUMBLE’ 1/2 OFF HAIRCUT WITH PERMANENT HAIR STRAIGHTENING NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. COUPON VALID FOR ONE SERVICE. PLEASE BRING COUPON TO REDEEM. ONLY ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER. ALL SALON SERVICES, INCLUDING: Creative Hair Cutting & Styling, Highlighting & Color Techniques, Human Hair Extensions. Walk-ins welcome.

3015 Lincoln Blvd.

Two blocks north of Whole Foods (310) 399-7100

“Extreme Makeover”

Whitening $299

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

‘Tis the season to prepare your trusty pocketbook AS THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY SEASON

inches closer, it is important to prepare your pocketbook in order to avoid the financial strain that may come with extravagant gift giving.

In order to avoid Christmas-time credit card payments that extend well into the New Year, arm yourself with a holiday spending preparation plan.

Develop a budget and stick to it: Write a list of everyone on your gift list and determine how much you want to spend on each person. Don’t forget to include costs for other expenses including cards, postage, giftwrapping, holiday meals out, parties and travel. A list will not only prevent forgetfulness, but it will also help you to stay on task to avoid impulsive buys.

Shop early and compare prices: There are great deals to be found throughout the year, so take advantage of big bargains in order to spread out your spending.

This will prevent the bulk of your holiday purchases from being billed all at one time, which can be quite overwhelming. Taking advantage of special promotions and discounts can also save time during the season of packed parking lots and crowded boutiques.

Consider non-cash contributions: Your favorite charity will take various kinds of donations including clothes, canned goods, furniture and toys. If a cash donation will add to the stress of the season, don’t forget to consider the value of these other items.

Establish a holiday savings account: In order to emerge from the holidays debt free, begin a holiday savings account as soon as you can.

Even if you deposit as little as $20 per month throughout the year, you will be

NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS For Commercial Lease Space Opportunities in Downtown Santa Monica (Bayside District) The City of Santa Monica seeks proposals from interested and qualified entities for a license to operate and manage a pedestrian-oriented business in Santa Monica. There are four commercial space opportunities located in Santa Monica’s Bayside District, which is at the core of Downtown Santa Monica just one block from the Third Street Promenade.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) contains the key questions and informational requirements for respondents to address. To download the RFP please go to: http://vendors.planetbids.com/SantaMonica/QuickSearch.cfm?Dept_ID=126, or call Donna Rickman at (310) 458-8906 to request this package. Prospective Operators can also schedule a site visit at donna.rickman@smgov.net.

Proposals are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2009. They may be delivered by mail or by hand to the City of Santa Monica Economic Development Division, 1901 Main Street, Second Floor, Suite E, Santa Monica, CA 90405 to the attention of Donna Rickman.

BRIAN HEPP is a financial consultant and can be reached at (310) 453-0077 or at brian.hepp@wachoviasec.com.

Tribune is extreme, but more bankruptcies a real possibility AP Business Writer

310-395-7221 620 Arizona SM

pleased with your preparedness once you reach the holidays with some cents in your stocking. And, throughout the season, don’t forget to continue adding to your holiday fund each week, even if it means passing on that morning latte for awhile.

Pay off credit card bills: With credit card interest rates reaching nearly 20 percent annually, you can’t afford holiday spending sprees that will leave a balance on your account. It may be easier said than done in the midst of material must-haves, but remember, you don’t want the ghosts of Christmas to continue haunting you in July and August when your bills remain unpaid.

With any left-over cash, open an IRA: For those disciplined savers who have money leftover after the holidays, it is important to consider the benefits of regular IRA contributions.

With the excess cash in the holiday savings account or cash gifts from relatives, almost anyone can open an IRA. Whether you pay taxes on the contribution when you put the money into your IRA or wait to pay taxes upon withdrawal, your excess cash from the holidays can grow taxfree until you reach the age of 70. Soon, you will realize that the value of compounding may mean a lot more to you someday than the sweaters you could have purchased with that money if you paid a visit to the afterChristmas sale.

Don’t wait for the height of the holidays to think about a gift-buying action plan. Act now so you can spend the season of joy, not financial worry, with family and friends.

MEDIA

BY ANICK JESDANUN

Nancy J. Yee D.D.S.

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

NEW YORK — Although Tribune Co. has the distinction of being the first major newspaper publisher to seek bankruptcy protection in this sour economy, it is hardly alone in facing the deadly combination of high debt and declining advertising revenue.

For a sense of who might be next, consider publishers that have put individual papers up for sale or have had trouble meeting their debt contracts. Analysts said Tuesday that most publishers fall into that category. The exceptions often cited: Gannett Co., whose $4 billion in debt is reasonable for its size even though its revenue has shrunk, and McClatchy Co., which in September bought about two years of flexibility on $2 billion in debt by agreeing to higher interest rates.

Advertising revenue has been falling across the board. Losses from the shift of readers to the Internet were exacerbated this year as consumers and advertisers alike pulled back spending in a deepening recession. Although most papers have remained profitable, they

have counted on generous cash flows to pay interest and principal on loans.

Tribune, with $13 billion in debt, filed for bankruptcy protection Monday as it sought more time to put its finances in order.

The company, which owns the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Sun of Baltimore along with other dailies, broadcast properties and the Chicago Cubs, had unusually high debt and was considered “an extreme case,” said Rick Edmonds, media analyst with the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla. Yet Tribune’s filing left him with one big question: “Does it mean they are one of a kind or just the first?”

Long before Tribune sought bankruptcy protection in a Delaware court, Journal Register Co. was considered a likely candidate.

With nearly $650 million in debt, the publisher of the New Haven (Conn.)

Register and other dailies has been operating under a forbearance agreement with lenders, currently set to expire Jan. 16. After that, lenders could prompt a default if the company misses payments.

The Real Deal Visit us online at smdp.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

9

Real Estate 101 Mike Heayn

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Economic downturn will pass THIS YEAR I DID SOMETHING NEW; I

bought a Christmas tree. Of course, for millions of Americans, buying a Christmas tree is not new. However, since I have been in California I have never had a Christmas tree.

One of the reasons I bought a tree was because of all the years I have lived here, I felt, with the uncertainty of the marketplace, this was the year that I needed a tree the most.

This year, 2008 will be marked with the election of Barack Obama, the government bank and corporation bailouts, and the failure or acquisition of several companies, including Bear Stearns, Citi, AIG, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Wachovia, Washington Mutual, Lehman Brothers, Indy Mac and Land America Title.

We are all tired of hearing about the government bailouts, but if we take a step back and think about where we were as a country 12 months ago, it is shocking to see what has transpired over the last year. I do not bring this up as fear mongering, but rather as reflection of how much has changed in such a short time.

Change has affected many markets including the Los Angeles submarkets. One of the largest changes is an increase in inven-

tory and a stabilization or decline of home prices. Some submarkets have seen large price decreases in the last year. However, it is important in times like these to keep perspective.

Let us say you own a home that has dropped 15 percent in value over the last year. If you paid $500,000, that would be mean a loss of $75,000 in equity. Now if you placed a 20 percent or $100,000 down payment on your home, that means you would only have $25,000 in equity left. Yes, I know that is disheartening.

Heck, it can make you sick. Regardless, I want you to keep in mind that your home is a long-term investment.

I know investing in a depreciating asset is not investing, but rather throwing good money after bad, but keep in mind what that home is to you.

Your home is more than just another investment.

What I mean is that you live in you home and care for it as it provides you with one of your basic necessities — shelter. A tangible asset, albeit more illiquid today, your home is still something you can reach out and touch, unlike other investments such as stocks or bonds.

ECONOMY

WE ARE ALL TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BAILOUTS, BUT IF WE TAKE A STEP BACK AND THINK ABOUT WHERE WE WERE AS A COUNTRY 12 MONTHS AGO, IT IS SHOCKING TO SEE WHAT HAS TRANSPIRED OVER THE LAST YEAR.

ment, you should continue to pay because the value of your home will come back. It will take years for values to appreciate again, but values will increase in the future.

Another benefit of homeownership is tax benefits. As we near the end of the year, we can begin to think about tax deductions that your home, specifically your primary residence, allows you to take. Remember, if the home you own is your primary residence Uncle Sam allows you to take a tax deduction from the mortgage interest. I am sure many people will be happy to receive that deduction in a trying year like this. As always, consult a tax professional for specifics.

It may seem like the sky is falling, but it is important to keep perspective and understand that this economic downturn will pass. Real estate prices will come back and our economy will correct itself over time. If we can keep a long-term perspective, we can keep our emotions in check and make good financial decisions.

A home provides you with a sense of security, and in these turbulent times that is something you cannot put a price on. As long as you can manage the mortgage pay-

MIKE HEAYN is a Washington Mutual multi-family loan consultant. He can be reached at (310) 428-1342, or e-mailed at michael.heayn@wamu.net.

REAL ESTATE

Talks on Big Three Lawmakers blame former mortgage execs bailout linger on

BY ALAN ZIBEL

AP Real Estate Writer

BY JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON Weary Democratic congressional leaders pushed to clear the final obstacles to a $15 billion bailout of U.S. automakers Tuesday night, but the rescue plan faced new snags as Republicans raised deep concerns.

Top Democrats said they were still hopeful of a deal by the end of the night — with a vote to follow by the end of the week — though significant sticking points remained. Still unresolved were the precise requirements to be placed on carmakers by a new “car czar” who would be named by President George W. Bush and could ultimately force the carmakers to reinvent themselves.

Republicans also were demanding — so far unsuccessfully — that Democrats scrap language that would force the carmakers to drop lawsuits challenging tough emissions limits in California and other states. Still, leading Democrats voiced optimism that a deal would emerge.

“There do not appear to me to be differences in principle of a sufficient nature to blow this thing up,” Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the Financial Services Committee chairman, told reporters. Earlier, he privately briefed House Democrats on the emerging deal and expected agreement by day’s end. Democrats and White House officials hammered out legislative language behind the scenes.

Even if they strike a deal, though, conservative Republicans who want to force one or more of the Big Three into bankruptcy warned they might try to block the measure, virtually guaranteeing that it will need a 60-vote majority to pass and possibly delaying approval for days.

The core of the bill — and its aim — was not in dispute among the White House and Democratic leaders. It would provide emergency loans to two of Detroit’s Big Three — Ford Motor Co. has said it doesn’t need an immediate cash transfusion — and create the presidentially named “car czar.” The federal overseer would supervise a broad industry restructuring and would be empowered to pull the money back if the carmakers weren’t doing enough to ensure their own survival.

WASHINGTON Three months after the government seized control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, lawmakers on Tuesday blamed former top executives at the mortgage giants for fueling the financial market turmoil that has dragged the country into a recession.

And the housing fallout continues.

The National Association of Realtors’ index of pending U.S. home sales beat expectations in October — but deeply discounted foreclosures and distressed sales accounted for nearly half the deals.

On Wall Street, stocks fell after a two-day rally as downbeat corporate news reminded investors that the economy’s troubles won’t soon ease. The Dow Jones industrials fell nearly 243 points, while broader indexes showed more moderate declines.

Seeking the safety of government securities, investors drove demand for ultra-safe Treasury bills so high Tuesday that they were willing to earn no interest on their investments at a Treasury Department auction. Interest rates on four-week Treasury bills slid to zero from 0.04 percent a week earlier.

At the same time, Congress and the White House pushed to clear the final obstacles to a $15 billion bailout of the auto industry.

Internal e-mails and other documents released by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee show that former Fannie Mae CEO Daniel Mudd and former Freddie Mac CEO Richard Syron disregarded recommendations that they avoid riskier

types of loans.

“Their irresponsible decisions are now costing the taxpayers billions of dollars,” said Rep. Henry Waxman, DCalif., chairman of the committee, which reviewed nearly 400,000 internal documents from Fannie and Freddie.

Republicans argued that the primary causes of the financial meltdown were weak government regulation of Fannie and Freddie and Clinton administration policies to promote homeownership. “We knew a long time ago that this train was going to crash,” said Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn.

Democrats acknowledged that the two government-sponsored companies contributed to the financial crisis. But they stressed that Wall Street banks — not Fannie and Freddie — led the dramatic decline in lending standards that caused mortgages to start defaulting in huge numbers two years ago.

Two months after federal regulators seized the two companies in September, Freddie Mac asked for an injection of $13.8 billion in government aid after posting a huge quarterly loss. Fannie Mae has yet to request any government aid but has warned it may need to do so soon.

Fannie and Freddie own or guarantee around half the $11.5 trillion in U.S. outstanding home loan debt. The two companies are the engines behind a complex process of buying, bundling and selling mortgages as investments.

They traditionally backed the safest loans — 30-year fixed rate mortgages that required a down payment of at least 20 percent. But in recent years, they lowered their standards, matching

a decline fueled by Wall Street banks that backed the now-defunct subprime lending industry.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D.-N.Y., grilled Syron about the Freddie Mac’s decision to fire David Andrukonis, its former chief risk officer. Andrukonis had sounded warnings as far back as 2004 about the risks posed by loans in which borrowers didn’t provide proof of their incomes or detail their assets, according to e-mails released by the committee.

“Do you regret firing him?”

Maloney said. “Do you regret buying these risky loans? Do you regret the way you led — and I would say mismanaged — this company?”

Syron said Andrukonis “was fired for a variety of reasons. It was not primarily for his having a view on credit.”

Likewise, lawmakers pressed Mudd about an internal Fannie Mae presentation from June 2005. It showed the company at a key juncture. Its competitors on Wall Street were starting to reap lucrative fees on investments backed by risky loans. Fannie Mae had to decide whether to compete in that market or take the less risky, but also less profitable, path.

Fannie Mae executives worried at the time about “becoming a niche player” and “becoming less of a market leader” at the time, according to the confidential internal presentation, which noted that mortgage securities sold by Wall Street investors exceeded those sold by Fannie Mae for the first time in 2004.

With competitors entering the market, Mudd said, “we couldn’t afford to make the bet that the changes were not going to be permanent.”

Local 10

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

Victoria Psychic Advisor Over 30 years Experience

Locals don’t have to get on the 405.

Specializes in: Palm, Tarot Cards & Crystal energy Readings Advises on all matters of life, reunites loved ones

Call for Appt: 323-308-7885

$10 off Reading ~ Loc. Beverly Hills

What would Lloyd Say? Hear the Commentary and Comedy Of Our Own Lloyd Garver On his iTunes Podcast At: lloydgarver.com

So they will be in a better mood when they get to work.

Find them

ACT! Database Coaching

in the Santa Monica Daily Press classifieds.

FREE CONSULTATION

Call today to learn about our local hiring packages.

310-458-7737

WITH JUST A FEW LESSONS WITH ME

ACT! IS EASY

Eliminate your frustrations using ACT! and take your skills to the next level! All versions.

Call Chris Pumphrey 20 years hands-on ACT! Experience www.actcoaching.com 800-915-4228

Considering Filing for Bankruptcy?

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

A PROFESSIONAL LEGAL CORPORATION

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

“Your Local Santa Monica Attorney” Civil Litigation Consumer and Business Disputes

Real Hand-Tossed Pizza...

Just Like You Get in New York!

FREE DELIVERY ($10 Minimum Order)

Open 7 Days www.dagwoods.com

820 Wilshire Blvd. (Wilshire & Lincoln) SANTA MONICA G 310-899-3030 Free Parking On Premises

Pizza Pasta Subs Salads Calzones Wings 202 Main St. (Main & Marine) VENICE G 310-392-1450 G Beer & Wine

Tide shuttle could be cut from Main Street FROM BBB PAGE 1 route back to Palms so that it travels on Pico and Bundy, according to Linda Gamberg, spokeswoman for the Big Blue Bus. There are several issues associated with the Pico/Bundy alternative, moving the stop farther away from John Adams Middle School and adding an extra five minutes to both inbound and outbound trips, Gamberg said.

“It’s not just time for the rider, but it’s resources, time of the buses trying to complete the route, and time of drivers,” she said.

But Sunset Park residents who live near the existing bus stop seemed to support moving the bus off of Pearl Street completely, which they said isn’t big enough to support the large vehicle.

“Five minutes seem like a small price to pay to eliminate some of these problems on 20th and Pearl,” Jeff Bender, who lives near the bus stop, said.

According to data collected in October 2007, the line served an average of 28 bus riders per hour, which is higher than the national average of 25. The Big Blue Bus as a whole has seen a 25 percent increase in ridership this year.

The agency is proposing changes to 10 lines, including possibly reconfiguring the Tide Ride to eliminate trips along Main Street.

The Tide’s route currently travels southbound on Barnard Way, heading east on Marine Street before going north on Main.

One of two proposed options would reverse the route to travel only southbound on Main, while the second would keep service on Barnard Way but not on Main.

The reason for the changes is to accom-

modate an anticipated demand for public transit from the new Annenberg Community Beach House, which is slated to open in April. Even if Main Street is cut from the Tide’s route, service to the area would remain for both Lines 1 and 2.

The Tide is currently the lowest producing line in the Big Blue Bus, serving an average of 12.1 passengers per hour.

The Main Street Business Improvement Association discussed the possible changes during its board meeting last week.

Gary Gordon, the executive director of the business organization, said there is concern that the elimination of Tide service on the street could impact merchants.

He added that the association had little details about the proposed reconfiguration, adding that he only learned about it from a board member.

“Main Street is not doing well and anything that in general decreases awareness of Main Street or the ability to get to Main Street is not a good idea,” he said.

The agency plans to present the proposed changes for the Tide and Line 6 to the council for approval in January.

Big Blue Bus officials also unveiled plans to incorporate new gasoline hybrid buses into its fleet next fall. The demand for service will determine where the hybrid buses, which are said to be considerably quieter than the existing vehicles, will be placed.

Gamberg stressed that the proposed changes are not a done deal.

“We really appreciate the fact that our riders are the eyes and ears out there,” she said. “This is the chance to basically proofread our stuff.” melodyh@smdp.com

ADVERTISEMENT

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

11

Local 12

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

Lawyer has Santa Monica ties FROM LAWYER PAGE 3 Waldorf-Astoria as word of the scandal began to spread.

U.S. District Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum said she will appoint former federal prosecutor Mark Pomerantz to oversee Dreier’s assets.

Outside court, Shargel said Dreier’s firm already seemed decimated by the scandal.

“Given the reaction of the partners, I don’t think there’s any firm to run,” he said.

“The lawyers in the firm have apparently manned the lifeboats.”

A message left with Dreier’s firm for comment was not immediately returned.

The 12-year-old law firm has offices in Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Stamford, Conn., and Albany, N.Y. The New York Law Journal reported that the firm operated more like a

THIS IS A SYSTEM FOR LAWYERS WHO BELIEVE DEMOCRACY IS OVERRATED — OR AT LEAST THAT IT IS IN BUSINESS." Marc Dreier corporation than a partnership, with Dreier controlling expenses and liabilities as the sole equity partner.

“This is a system for lawyers who believe democracy is overrated — or at least that it is in business,” Dreier wrote in a 2007 opinion piece in The National Law Journal.

Prosecutors said that in October, Dreier began posing as if he were peddling heavily discounted investments in a New York City real estate development company because

original investors, damaged by the world’s financial crisis, were backing out.

The SEC said Dreier created an elaborate charade to convince three hedge funds that the investments were real. One hedge fund sent $13.5 million to Dreier while another wired $100 million, authorities said.

The SEC said Dreier distributed phony financial statements and audit opinion letters of a reputable account firm, recruited help from people who posed as representa-

tives of legitimate companies involved in the transactions, and created dummy e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

About $100 million in proceeds from the bogus notes remain unaccounted for, officials said.

According to the criminal complaint, Dreier was caught on recorded telephone calls with a cooperating witness confessing that he knew that financial statements he gave to a hedge fund were false, that a letter purporting to be from the accounting firm was also fabricated, and that he participated in the fabrication of both documents.

It is not immediately clear what could have motivated Dreier to launch the alleged scheme, but Wachovia Corp. has filed a lawsuit against him in Manhattan federal court over a financial matter.

Partnership provides $13,000 scholarships to qualifying students FROM DEAL PAGE 1 “This is historic for them,” Bridges said.

SMC has similar agreements with several schools in the University of California and California State University systems, such as UC San Diego and UC Santa Cruz.

The junior college is also involved in a Transfer Alliance Program with UCLA that gives guaranteed priority consideration for admissions to students.

The ADN-MSN program was also designed with the intent of encouraging nurses to pursue teaching in the future.

Many registered nurses who consider teaching after retirement from the field cannot do so because they don’t have a master’s degree, Nannini said.

The undergraduate transfer agreement is restricted to women while the ADNMSN program is also open to men.

“This is really a new beginning for us, the beginning of what we hope will be many such agreements,” Eleanor Siebert, the college’s provost and academic vice president, said. melodyh@smdp.com

Santa Monica Woodlawn Cemetery is sponsoring the 61st annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive Through the gift of a shiny new toy, the Toys for Tots Foundation provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children who might otherwise be overlooked this holiday season.

This year, the City of Santa Monica’s Woodlawn Cemetery & Mausoleum located at 1847 14th Street (Corner of 14th Street and Pico Blvd.) in Santa Monica located across the street from Santa Monica College is participating in the toy drive as an official toy drop off location.

Donations of new unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the cemetery business office through December 22.

Toys may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm and Weekends 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.

Please call (310) 458-8717 for additional information.

National Visit us online at smdp.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

13

Bush defends his record of using military might

BY BEN FELLER Associated Press Writer

WEST POINT, N.Y. President George W. Bush on Tuesday defended his doctrine of preemptive war and warned that the United States must remain willing to “to take the fight to our enemies across the world.”

Down to his waning days in office, Bush is trying to define his own legacy, never more clearly than during his sprawling account here of how the U.S. armed forces have changed under his watch.

The president declared that today’s military is “stronger, more agile and better pre-

pared” than the one he inherited in 2001. It was a defense against criticism that Bush has stretched the military to dangerous levels with wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

“With all the actions we’ve taken these past eight years, we’ve laid a solid foundation on which future presidents and future military leaders can build,” Bush told thousands of cadets at West Point, the premier officer training institution for the Army.

On topics as diverse as Iraq, veterans care, education and AIDS relief, Bush has been using his final days in office to help shape how he is remembered. He kept quiet during the long election season, mainly to avoid

Ill. lawmakers prepare to decide Obama replacement

BY CHRISTOPHER WILLS Associated Press Writer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Top Illinois lawmakers said Tuesday that they are preparing to call the Legislature into session as early as next week to set a special election, hoping to avert the possibility of an indicted governor picking the state’s next U.S. senator.

House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said he is ready to convene the House on Monday to vote on a special election that would choose the successor to President-elect Barack Obama.

The move follows the arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was taken into custody early Tuesday and accused of seeking money or other favors to influence his choice in picking Obama’s replacement.

“Today’s events are shocking and disappointing. It represents a new low for conduct by public officials,” Madigan said in a statement.

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones said he would also call senators back for a special session.

“The faith of the citizens of Illinois has once again been shaken,” Jones said.

The governor, who faces fraud and bribery counts, was freed on $4,500 bail. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., urged the state House and Senate to settle on a special election that could withstand a Blagojevich veto.

“No appointment by this governor, under these circumstances, could produce a credible replacement,” Durbin told reporters in Washington.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., made similar remarks and called for a process to fill the vacancy that does not involve Blagojevich. The charges against the governor, Reid said, “are appalling and represent as serious a breach of the public trust as I have ever heard.”

Durbin, the Senate’s second-ranking Democratic leader, said his state faces a messy and uncertain future with Blagojevich holding the power to name someone to finish the last two years of Obama’s term.

Special elections are costly, Durbin acknowledged, but it might be coupled with a special election that will be needed to replace Rep. Rahm Emanuel. The Chicago Democrat will resign his seat soon to become Obama’s White House chief of staff.

The Constitution requires House vacancies to be filled by elections. Senate vacancies can be filled by appointment, and Illinois, like most states, gives the power to the governor.

Blagojevich must be presumed innocent until proven guilty, Durbin said, but if the charges against him are true, “he has clearly abused the public trust.” He did not call for the governor to resign.

Durbin said his relationship with the governor has been cordial but not close. Blagojevich waited 12 days to return a phone call from Durbin requesting a discussion of the Obama vacancy, the senator said.

The two men discussed about 20 possible replacements, Durbin said, and Blagojevich made no hint that he was seeking payments or other favors in making his choice.

Durbin said Blagojevich’s arrest should not cast a shadow over Obama’s inauguration and early days as president because there was nothing improper about their relationship.

stepping on the message of Republican John McCain. That’s over now.

Bush lauded his own administration for beefing up and reshaping its intelligence community, cutting off the assets of terrorist groups, and employing diplomacy to attract world partners. He even gave a rare shout out to his former defense secretary, Donald H. Rumsfeld, for leading the charge for a more nimble military.

Bush sacked Rumsfeld midway through his second term.

With the presidential pulpit still his, Bush went so far as to essentially spell out an agenda for his successor, Democrat Barack Obama.

Bush implored the next government to stand with dissidents who support freedom, and provide all needed help to U.S. troops and their families.

“We must be determined and we must be relentless to do our duty to protect the American people from harm,” Bush said.

Obama has pledged to end the Iraq war and employ diplomacy more often than Bush.

Many of Bush’s critics say his military approach has had disastrous consequences for the U.S., embroiling the U.S. in war, angering allies and running up enormous debt.

Sports 14

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

MLB

Dodgers acquire infielder Loretta

BY JANIE MCCAULEY AP Sports Writer

LAS VEGAS The Los Angeles Dodgers

SURF CONDITIONS

WATER TEMP: 60°

SWELL FORECAST ( 3-4 FT ) 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.

LONG RANGE SYNOPSIS

THURSDAY THE 11TH NW ENERGY DIMINISHES FURTHER, PERHAPS ONLY KNEE TO WAIST. SOUTH FACING BREAKS.

TIDE FORECAST

FOR

TODAY

IN

SANTA MONICA

SOUTHERN

HEMI SHOULD PROVIDE WAIST HIGH WAVES TO

reached agreements with free-agent infielders Casey Blake and Mark Loretta on Tuesday and awaited physicals to complete the deals.

Blake got a three-year contract to stay put in Los Angeles and Loretta received a oneyear deal, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Dodgers had yet to make a formal announcement.

The additions will fill two of general manager Ned Colletti’s top offseason priorities as he waits to hear whether Manny Ramirez will accept an offer from Los Angeles and to determine how seriously CC Sabathia might be interested in joining the Dodgers.

Settling the infield with two veterans will only help a young Los Angeles roster. Blake, acquired from Cleveland on July 16, plays third base and Loretta is a solid backup.

“Obviously they’re great players,” manager Joe Torre said at the winter meetings. “We had Casey last year. In Loretta’s case, I’m used to him beating my brains in with the Red Sox. Every time you thought you’d get

him out, he’d get a base hit to right field.”

The 35-year-old Blake, a 10-year big leaguer, batted .251 with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs in 58 games for Los Angeles. Torre considers him a key reason the Dodgers made a strong run late to win the NL West and reached the second round of the playoffs.

The 37-year-old Loretta, who grew up in Santa Monica, spent the past two seasons with the Houston Astros after playing for the Red Sox in 2006. He batted .280 with four homers and 38 RBIs in 101 games in 2008, his 14th major league season.

Torre said he’s been a fan of Loretta for years.

“I like the type of player he is,” Torre said.

“He looked like a guy who handled the heat of the game really well.”

Even with Loretta, the Dodgers will likely make a push to bring back shortstop Rafael Furcal, who is seeking a four-year deal.

The 31-year-old Furcal was sidelined for all but 36 games last season with Los Angeles because of back problems that required surgery. He was activated from the 60-day disabled list during the final week after being sidelined since May 6.

Furcal batted .357 with five home runs and 16 RBIs. He turned down such an offer from the Oakland Athletics on Friday.

NFL

League slashes jobs due to ailing economy

BY DAVE GOLDBERG AP Football Writer

NEW YORK The NFL pays its players billions of dollars a year and fans pack its stadiums every week. But even the deep-pocketed league is shedding jobs.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday that the league is cutting more than 10 percent of its staff in response to the downturn in the nation’s economy that could put a dent in ticket sales for next season.

Goodell announced the cuts in a memo to league employees. The NFL is eliminating about 150 of its staff of 1,100 in New York, NFL Films in New Jersey and television and Internet production facilities in Los Angeles.

“These are difficult and painful steps,” he wrote in the memo. “But they are necessary in the current economic environment. I would like to be able to report that we are immune to the troubles around us, but we are not. Properly managed, I am confident the NFL will emerge stronger, more efficient and poised to pursue long-term growth opportunities.”

The NFL long has been regarded as one of the most wealthiest pro sports leagues on the planet. In September, Forbes called the NFL “the richest game” and the “the strongest sport in the world.” The league has revenues of approximately $6.5 billion of which an estimated $4.5 billion goes to players.

But now it joins the NBA, NASCAR teams and the company that runs Major League Baseball’s Internet division in announcing layoffs. The NHL hasn’t laid off workers, though it is in a hiring freeze, a spokesman said Tuesday.

So far, NFL fans haven’t noticed the cutbacks, which also include reduction in travel

by some league staff, and such secondary costs as printing and minor events. The NFL announced last month that it was reducing the cost of playoff tickets by about 10 percent from last season.

“We’re looking at everything with an eye to how we can be more efficient and reduce costs,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said.

The cuts will take place over the next 60 days, running past the Super Bowl, which will be played Feb. 1 in Tampa. Employees who volunteer to leave will be offered what was termed “a voluntary separation program.”

The layoffs are separate from the cuts in front-office and other personnel being made by the 32 individual teams.

Aiello said the NFL still plans to throw parties at the Super Bowl, elaborate events for which the game has long been known.

However, local organizers say the companies that regularly host their own parties are watching expenses, scaling back plans and inviting fewer guests.

Goodell said last month in an interview with The Associated Press that the league and its teams could feel the economic slump in sponsorship and marketing.

Ticket sales for this season have been strong and stadiums have been largely sold out. But NFL officials, including Goodell, believe that is because season tickets for this year’s games were sold in the spring and summer. The commissioner feared the league and its teams would take a bigger hit when season tickets go on sale next spring for the 2009 season.

“There’s no secret on sponsorship, advertising, licensing — those numbers are going to be impacted by the current climate. We’re aware of that,” Goodell said in the interview.

Movie TimesHoroscope Visit us online at smdp.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

MOVIE TIMES Role Models (R) 1hr 35min 2:30, 5:00, 7:40, 10:00

AERO THEATRE 1328 Montana Ave. (323) 466-FILM 9 1/2 Weeks (R) Pope of Greenwich Village (NR) 2hrs 7:30

AMC LOEWS BROADWAY 4 1441 Third Street Promenade (310) 458-1506 Quantum of Solace (PG-13) 1hr 46min 2:10, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50 Nobel Son (R) 1hr 47min 2:00, 4:30, 7:10, 9:40 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

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

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

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

Bolt (PG) 1hr 36min 2:10, 4:40, 7:10 Changeling (R) 2hrs 20min 3:15, 6:40, 9:45

15

How much is your

time worth?

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

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

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

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

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

Twilight (PG-13) 2hrs 1:30, 4:30, 7:20, 10:10 Four Christmases (PG13) 1hr 22min 1:00, 3:20, 5:40, 8:00, 10:40 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

ice v r e s r e g n e s s Rush Me ry FREE e v li e D l a c o L First W! O N e n o d it t Ge

Eye your budget, Aries ARIES (March 21-April 19)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

★★★ You could be stunned by the financial implications of a situation. You might not be able to put in the extra effort needed right now because of fatigue. Your imagination adds to a meeting or conversation. Tonight: Eye your budget.

★★★★ Make time for an important person, or maybe several people. Speak to others directly.

You’ll make a difference and allow yourself to be more involved because of this attention.

Honor your feelings. Tonight: Hang the mistletoe.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★★ A friend could stun you or take you down a strange path. Understand he or she means well. Someone you count on will make a difference. Take time for a private conversation. You will feel much better afterward, as will the other party. Tonight: Whatever makes you happy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

★★ If someone shares a secret and allows you to have more insight into a situation, honor his or her confidence. Though you see the implications professionally, you might need to halt.

Center yourself before acting. You could change your mind, especially if you seek out other opinions. Tonight: Listen well.

★★★ Know what you must get done and go about making it so. The unexpected runs riot through your life. Your stability counts when dealing with work and personal issues.

Responsibilities weigh heavily. Tonight: Schedule a massage.

★★★★ Defer to others. You see that your imagination adds to a situation. Aim for more of what you want. An older or trusted friend comes through for you one more time. Listen more fully. Tonight: Sort through invitations.

(213) 482-1567

nowlegalonline.com 2 4 - H O U R AT TO R N E Y S E RV I C E

*CALL US FOR DETAILS

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN THE ONLY LOCAL DAILY PAPER IN SANTA MONICA?

Call us at (310) 458-7737

Frustrated with your workout?

If your gym is not taking your fitness to the next level, you’re being cheated.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) CANCER (June 21-July 22) ★★★★★ Defer in a meeting, and surprisingly, you’ll get exactly what you want. Sometimes letting go brings in more than trying to push and push some more. A partner or loved one has tremendous insight. Tonight: Where the crowds are.

★★★★★ Let your mind roam, and you’ll come up with the most unusual ideas. Though at first you might think a suggestion isn’t workable, with some of your ingenuity and pragmatism, it will work. Tonight: Midweek break.

**mention this ad and receive

NO INITIATION and your first month FREE

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) ★★★★ Others follow your lead. You have a calmness and honesty that draw many people to you.

At one point, a partner could be quite flaky. Take charge of your finances, and don’t allow others to control them. Tonight: A force to be dealt with.

★★★ Know which side your bread is buttered on. You don’t want to let go of your authenticity; at the same time, it is important to reconnect with your desires. Tonight: Head home.

Confusion surrounds an older relative.

Included with membership Yoga, kickboxing, indoor cycling classes, specialty classes World class strength & cardiovascular equipment Free membership to exclusive fatburn.com weight loss system!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★★ Someone close could shake you up.

Realize what needs to happen in order to make a situation work. Go past present thinking by finding an expert and/or someone who thinks outside the box. Tonight: Read between the lines.

★★★★ You might want to do something differently, but could be stopped dead in your tracks.

You tend to be quirky and at times quite difficult. Your instincts could be pointing in the wrong direction. Tonight: Hang out with friends.

Equinox: $135 Burn Fitness: $79.99*

Downtown Santa Monica. Free Parking

Happy birthday

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

Use your innate skills this year in handling a key personal or domestic matter. This issue could involve a move, new home or perhaps having a new roommate. Be honest with yourself as to how you will react at the beginning and finally when you are adjusted. This integrity could make all the difference, and if it’s shared, it might help those involved. Of late, your tolerance levels are changing. Don’t go to extremes with spending, as you can. Cut risking. Walk the conservative path financially. If you are single, be open to people you meet in your day-to-day life. Someone you meet in 2009 adds a big smile to your life. TAURUS can test your patience.

1315 3rd Street Promenade 4th floor (above food court) Santa Monica 310.394.1300 www.burnfit.com *one year rate

Comics & Stuff 16

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

17

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: 7 7 7 EVENING: 1 2 6 1st: 04 Big Ben 2nd: 08 Gorgeous George 3rd: 11 Money Bags RACE TIME: 1:42.40

MYSTERY PHOTO

Alex Cantarero news@smdp.com The first person who can correctly identify where this image was captured wins a prize from the Santa Monica Daily Press. Send answers to editor@smdp.com.

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– People Different From Us: Larry and Diana Moyer set out in November from Beaver Dam, Wis., in their oversized RV to spend some warm days in St. Petersburg, Fla. Since they travel with their pets, Jack (Diana's "service" kangaroo) and Edward (an elderly goat that uses a cart for mobility because of front-leg paralysis), their route south was circuitous because of some states' restrictions on "exotic" pets. The RV broke down three times. In Florida, Larry had a stroke and was hospitalized for two days.

Then, a fuse box short-circuited, and the RV burned up, torching their money and ID. Diana was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

With Red Cross help, they found a motel that accepted goats (but not kangaroos, so Jack went overnight to a wildlife facility). At press time, according to a Tampa Tribune report, the couple had bought a junk car and were headed home, with Jack curled up in Diana's lap.

TODAY IN HISTORY President Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, for helping mediate an end to the RussoJapanese War. Jane Addams became the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (the co-recipient was Nicholas Murray Butler). the U.N. General Assembly adopted its Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Ralph J. Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the first black American to receive the award.

Martin Luther King Jr. received his Nobel Peace Prize. singer Otis Redding, 26, and six others were killed in the crash of their plane in Lake Monona, Wis. movie director Edward D. Wood Jr. ("Plan 9 From Outer Space") died in North Hollywood, Calif., at age 54.

1906

Speed Bump

By Dave Coverly

1931

1948

1950 1964 1967 1978

WORD UP!

Your ad could run here!

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

e l o c u t i o n \el-uh-KYOO-shuhn\, noun : the art of speaking or reading clearly in public, including gestures, pronunciation, and tones

18

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 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.

Miscellaneous

Employment

$CASH FOR GOLD$. We buy Gold, Silver & Platinum. Get Cash NOW! Highest Payouts - Satisfaction Guaranteed.

888-245-4517.

Programmer Analyst- Conduct research and develop software in the area of space-borne magnetometer calibration.

Send c.v. to UCLA Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, Jessica@igpp.ucla.edu. Jobsite:L.A.

A NEW COMPUTER NOW. Brand-Name laptops & desktops. Bad or NO Credit No problem. Smallest weekly payments available. It's yours NOW. Call 800-932-4501 AIRLINES ARE HIRING: Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career.

FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Job placement assistance.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

888-349-5387.

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home.

Medical, Business, Paralegal, Computers, Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. Call 800-494-3586 www.CenturaOnline.com NEED A LOAN? No credit - BAD credit Bankruptcy - Repossession - Personal Loans - Auto Loans - Consolidation Loans AVAILABLE! "We have been helping people with credit problems since 1991". Call 1-800-654-1816.

POST OFFICE NOW HIRING. Avg. $20/hr. $57K/yr. including Fed. Benefits, OT. Placed by adSource, not affiliated w/ USPS, who hires. 1-866-483-1057

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.

MYSTERY SHOPPERS! Earn up to $150 daily. Get paid to shop pt/ft. Call now 800-690-1272.

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

Run your personals here!

$8000 GUARANTEED! Receive $8 for every envelope stuffed with our sales material.

24hr information.

1-877-220-4470 ASSEMBLE MAGNETS & CRAFTS FROM HOME! Year-round Work! Excellent Pay! No Experience!

TOLL FREE 1-866-844-5091, Code11, No-MD EARN EXTRA X-MAS MONEY! Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Guaranteed Opportunity. Start today.

1-877-801-8172 Code 11.

EARN UP TO $500 weekly assembling angel pins at home. No experience required.

817-230-4879, www.angelpin.net SALES EXECUTIVES: Earn like a CEO without the stress. Outstanding training, personal development 888-736-7624

Business Opps ABSOLUTELY ALL Cash! Do you earn $800/day? Local Vending routes. 30 machines + candy. $9,995.

1-800-807-6485. (Void/SD,CT,MD) MAKE MILLIONS $$$ IN IMPORTS, EXPORTS, WORLDWIDE CONTACTS, PRODUCTS, MANUFACTURERS, CONTACTS, BROKERS. 888-332-6550.

Adoption PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching birthmothers with families nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7. Abby's One True Gift Adoptions.

866-910-5610.

Yard Sales PRIVATE DOLL & antique sale by appointment only (310)826-6089

Electronics * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * - Get a 4-room, all-digital satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting under $20. Free Digital Video Recorders to new clients. So call now, 1-800-795-3579.

Computers A NEW COMPUTER NOW. Brand Name.

Bad or NO Credit - No problem. Smallest weekly payments available. Call NOW 800-838-7127 GET A NEW COMPUTER Brand name laptops & desktops. BAD or NO credit - no problem. Smallest weekly payments avail. It's Yours NOW 1-800-624-1557.

ADVERTISE! CALL US (310) 458-7737

Now Accepting Enrollment • 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

CLASSIFICATIONS: Announcements Creative Employment For Sale

Furniture Pets Boats Jewelry Wanted Travel

Vacation Rentals Apartments/Condos Rent Houses for Rent Roomates Commerical Lease

SELL/RENT YOUR TIMESHARE NOW!!

Maintenance fees too high? Need Cash?

Sell your unused timeshare today. No commissions or broker fees. Free consultation. www.sellatimeshare.com, 1-888-310-0115

For Rent 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 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.

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 1248 11TH st. unit I, 3bdrm/1 1/2bath, stove, carpet, blinds, laundry, parking, no pets.on site manager $2550/mo $500 off move in (310)393-6322 www.jkwproperties.com 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

458-7737

Computer Services Attorney Services Business Opportunities Yard Sales Health and Beauty Fitness

Wealth and Success Lost and Found Personals Psychic Obituaries Tutoring

For Rent

For Rent

Houses For Rent

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 $1875/mo $500 off move-in (310) 578-7512 jkwproperties.com

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

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 MAR VISTA 12610 CASWELL ave.unit 7, 1bdrm/1ba $1175/mo.upper, stove, fridge, carpet, blinds, parking,laundry, no pets.$200 off move-in (310)578-7512 www.jkwproperties.com MAR VISTA 2bdrm/1bath, 11461 Washington Place.Unit D, upper, stove, blinds, carpet, laundry, street parking, no pets $1450 (310)578-7512 jkwproperties.com

Commercial Lease PRIME RENTAL 1430 Lincoln Blvd Close to Promenade 1700 square feet Call Charles (310)995-5136 SM PRIVATE office on 7th St near Wilshire includes Internet, electricity, cleaning services $450/mo (310)656-9922 www.santamonica.weebly.com

Real Estate

MAR VISTA 2bdrm/1bath, 11461 Washington Place.Unit D, upper, stove, blinds, carpet, laundry, street parking, no pets $1450 $300 off move-in (310)578-7512 jkwproperties.com

Travel & Vacation

Resorts/Timeshares

Real Estate Real Estate Loans Storage Space Vehicles for Sale Massage Services

All classified liner ads are placed on our website for FREE! Check out www.smdp.com for more info.

WANTED! OLD GIBSON LES PAUL GUITARS! Especially 1950's models!

Fender, Gibson, Martin, Gretsch, D'Angelico, Rickenbacker, Stromberg, Ephiphone. (1900- 1970's) TOP DOLLAR PAID! Old FENDER AMPS! It's easy. Call toll free 1-866-433-8277 CALL TODAY

TIMESHARE RESALES: Save 60-80% Off Retail! BEST RESORTS & SEASONS. Call for FREE TIMESHARE MAGAZINE! 1 - 8 0 0 - 7 8 0 - 3 1 5 8 .

HOLIDAYGROUP.COM/IFPA

458-7737

*Please call our Classified Sales Manager to reserve your ad space. Specific ad placement not gauranteed on classified ads. Ad must meet deadline requirements. See complete conditions below.

Wanted

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

(310)

(310)

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

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

Some restrictions may apply.

Prepay your ad today!

Education

Help Wanted

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

YOUR AD COULD RUN TOMORROW!*

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

Newly Lowered Rates

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

Santa Monica/ West LA $1395.00 & up 1Bdrm, 2 Bdrms W/ Lofts See manager at 2535 Kansas Ave #101 for list of vacancies Santa Monica/ West LA $1395.00 & up 1Bdrm, 2 Bdrms W/ Lofts See manager at 2535 Kansas Ave #101 for list of vacancies 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 SM ROOM for rent 11th & Wilshire $1100/mo 3brdm/2bath apartment, new appliances, large living room w/fireplace, walking distance to beach call Kelly (805)284-8914

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 L.A. GROVE area 428 N Orange Grove unit 103 1+1 stove, fridge, blinds, hardwood floors, on-site laundry no pets $1250/mo $300 off move-in (310) 578-7512 jkwproperties.com

Your ad could run here!

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

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 $1295/mo (310) 578-7512 jkwproperties.com

1020 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica

ESCAPE FROM WINTER! Sunny Arizona Land. No money down. Payments starting at $149/mo. 928-718-1364.

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

TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN ACREAGE. 2 acre beautiful homesite. Million $ view! Secluded, utilities, overlooking Tennessee River, close to Marina, Schools, Shopping! $49,900, low down, owner financing! 330-699-1585.

Houses For Rent

Storage Space

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

GARAGE FOR rent for storage/car totally private and lockable Oak and 24th $195/mo (310)395-5212

BOLD IT! MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT

ADVERTISE! CALL US (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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

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

Prepay your ad today!

(310)

458-7737

Vehicles for sale

Services

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

Martin’s Professional Services

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

19

Classifieds

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

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

Automotive WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES KAWASAKI,1970-1980, Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, H2-750, H1-500, S1-250, S2-250, S2-350, S3-400. CASH PAID. 1-800-772-1142. 1-310-721-0726.

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

WE HANG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

(310) 289-3222 Photography

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

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

Gen. Contracting

A/C CONSTRUCTION General Construction Commercial & Residential

Remodel & Add ons Honest. Reliable.

FREE ESTIMATES — Sabbath Observed—

310.278.5380

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

Financial $$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!! Injury Lawsuit dragging? Need $500 $500,000++ within 48 hours? Call 1-877-386-3692, www.casepay.com BILL OR MORTGAGE PROBLEMS? Bill Consolidation, Settlement, Mortgage Reduction, Loans. 98% Approval Rate.

Good/Bad credit. 1-866-677-2455, www.paylessSolutions.com INJURED? NEED CASH? $$$ LOW RATES $$$ Advancing Plaintiffs up to $100,000 within 1 week! $$$ CALL TODAY $$$ 1-877-264-1114, www.cmgcash.com

Lic# 804884 Fully Insured

Health/Beauty

Handyman

PHENTERMINE - SOMA, FIORICET, and more. Doctor CONSULTATION included.

Shipped FedX 1-3 days. www.EasyBudgetRx.com, 1-877-453-7701

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”

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

Your ad could run here!

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

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

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

20

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT