Santa Monica Daily Press, December 31, 2008

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS

COMMENTARY

REAL ESTATE 101

THE REAL DEAL STARTING THE NEW YEAR (ON THE) RIGHT PAGE 4 SHARING LEADS TO PROSPERITY PAGE 6 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008

Visit us online at smdp.com

Volume 7 Issue 352

Santa Monica Daily Press A SAFE NEW YEAR’S EVE SEE PAGE 3

Since 2001: A news odyssey

THE PARTY RESPONSIBLY ISSUE

Paying the price to party

BY ROB LAWRENCE Special to the Daily Press

CITYWIDE This New Year’s Eve, local Narayan Toolan, 25, will be “just along for the ride” when his friends take him to a club in Hollywood to ring in 2009.

“It’s New Year’s Eve ... it’s pretty overrated,” Toolan said. “It’s just another night to go out and get smashed.”

He added that his expenses for the night could be in the hundreds. The club (he doesn’t know the name) charges admission somewhere around $100 and drinks are extra. He thinks the cost will be worth it.

Toolan sounded cynical about celebrating the end of 2008, but he eventually changed his tune.

“It’s a big time, I think it will be good,” Toolan said. “I’ll be optimistic.”

There are many ways to spend New Year’s Eve, not just in Hollywood but in Santa Monica, too. However, as Toolan saw, a night of entertainment can be costly, but some Santa Monicans think it’s fine to splurge on the end-of-the-year bash.

At the upper end of the cost spectrum, the Viceroy Hotel will be charging $195 at the door for their celebration. KCRW’s new music director Jason Bentley will be one of their many DJs. As far as refreshments go — unlimited all night long. Dancing and hors d’oeuvres will be followed by a midnight toast.

While that may seem expensive to some, others believe that is a bargain.

But for a more affordable celebration, Locanda del Lago will be hosting a party called “Bursting with Bubbles.” For $129, you can dine on a five course meal and sip all of the Tattinger champagne you can stomach. There will also be a DJ and a dance floor.

Besides restaurants and clubs many locals will be celebrating with live music.

Alyssa Mason spent $70 to attend a concert called “Together as One” at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

SEE PARTY PAGE 10

File photo

SAWDUST: The battle over ficus trees in Downtown dominated the headlines in 2008. A total of 23 trees were removed from the area.

2008: A year in review

BY MELODY HANATANI Daily Press Staff Writer

DOWNTOWN It was the year of showdowns in Santa Monica.

From the court battle over 54 threatened ficus trees along Second and Fourth streets to the release of a report that essentially confirmed parental allegations of hostility in special education, 2008 was a year when long-standing controversies finally came to a head.

It was a year when a group of residents fed up with the pace of development in the city finally decided to take action and put the issue before voters, asking whether they would authorize a 75,000-square-foot cap on commercial growth.

Gary Limjap

It was a year when the City Council — with the blessing of residents in Sunset Park and Mar Vista — passed a ban on the fastest and largest jets from Santa Monica Airport, knowing full well that its decision would be legally contested by the Federal Aviation Administration.

It was a year when the Santa Monica Treesavers and City Hall fought in court over a controversial plan to destroy and relocate more than 50 ficuses from Downtown, leading to the removal of 23 in the spring after judges ruled against the activists.

It was a year when Lou Barber and Associates released a long-awaited report that found some troubling trends in the special education program at the Santa

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HISTORIC ELECTION

While the gay marriage debate and selection of the country’s first black president might have taken center stage in November, the local election also proved to have unprecedented implications.

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Monica-Malibu Unified School District, leading to an emotional meeting between parents and the Board of Education and later the resignation of key officials.

The past 12 months have produced some interesting headlines, but eight issues in particular stood out in 2008.

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Calendar 2

Get ready for new year’s eve

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008

A newspaper with issues

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Prepare for 2009 with the Labyrinth, an ancient walking meditation tool. It provides a contemplative time to open your heart, quiet your mind and move away from anxiety as you enter into the New Year. Walk at your own pace anytime between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (last entry at 7:15 p.m.) All are welcome, and instruction is available for newcomers. For more information, contact Mary Garbesi, (310) 393-8258, ext. 106.

Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 Happy New Year!

Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 Attending (Critical) Mass

Santa Monica Pier Ocean Avenue and pier entrance, 6:30 p.m. — 9 p.m.

Join legions of bicycle riders as they take to the streets of Santa Monica and Venice. The ride, which is a national phenomenon, is held once a month to protest car culture and promote sustainability — among other things.

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 ‘Dreams and Dreamers’

Jewish Learning Exchange 512 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, 7:45 p.m.

What does Judaism say about dreams? Find out at this free event.

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 31, 2008

3

Don’t pop that pistol on New Year’s Eve

BY DAILY PRESS STAFF PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY It may be a blast to some, but the Santa Monica Police department certainly disagrees.

Police officials cautioned the public Tuesday about the hazards related to the firing of guns into the air to celebrate the new year.

SMPD Chief Timothy Jackman said he will vigorously enforce the law prohibiting the New Year’s Eve ritual, which is a felony and punishable by up to a three-year prison sentence. In a community bulletin, Jackman said if a stray bullet kills someone, the person responsible will be arrested for murder.

“Don’t shoot a gun,” the bulletin reads.

“The life you save may belong to someone you love.”

Jackman urges anyone who sees or hears guns being fired to call 911 or (310) 4588491.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also issued a warn-

DON’T SHOOT A GUN. THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BELONG TO SOMEONE YOU LOVE.” SMPD community bulletin ing Tuesday that said bullets shot into the air can rise as high as two miles and then fall at a rate of 300 to 700 feet per second.

“ATF wants to ensure that all those who are planning on celebrating New Year’s Eve have a great time and enjoy family and friends,” said John A. Torres, special agent in charge of ATF’s Los Angeles field division, in a press release. “We don’t want to see the New Year ruined by someone being injured or killed just because someone thought it would be fun to shoot a gun in the air.”

ATF also issued a reminder that several kinds of fireworks are banned under federal law. These include M-80s, M-100s, silver salutes and cherry bombs.

At a press conference at the Lynwood

sheriff ’s station, L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca talked to reporters about a gunshot location system called ShotSpotter, which has been used by the Sheriff ’s Department since 1999 to locate gunshots using a highly sensitive noise sensor and microphones embedded in public places, such as the sides of buildings.

“We’ve been using the ShotSpotter system for almost a decade and we’ve been a part of, along with many other law enforcement agencies across the country, the effort to help refine it,” Baca said. “I think it’s really at a level now of accuracy and effectiveness that we can push to expand ShotSpotter throughout the county.”

Using satellite technology, the sensors narrow down the gunshot’s location to with-

in 10 feet. The system costs nearly $200,000 per square mile, depending on the number of sensors and microphones installed. It is also being used in Oakland, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, totaling just over 100 square miles nationwide.

ShotSpotter went off Sunday night, telling deputies shots were fired in a Lynwood neighborhood, Baca said.

“No one called 911, no one called emergency,” Baca said. “But we got a report of the shooting on ShotSpotter, and we went to the scene and found a victim, and he was taken to the hospital in critical condition. That man very well could be dead, left bleeding in the street, if it wasn’t for this system.”

Deputies found the 26-year-old man in his car shot multiple times, he said. In the car with him were a 19-year-old woman, a 3year-old child, a 1-year-old child and a 1month-old baby, Baca said. news@smdp.com

Come on and take a free tow

BY DAILY PRESS STAFF DOWNTOWN The Automobile Club of Southern California will once again be offering free tow service to help keep drunk drivers off the road during the New Year’s holiday.

The Tipsy Tow program will be available to intoxicated drivers, starting at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and continuing until 11:59 p.m. New Year’s Day in the 13 counties served by the Auto Club.

A first-time drunken driving conviction can cost $13,500 or more in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and increased insurance costs, according to the Auto Club.

Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver can call (800) 400-4AAA for a free tow to the driver’s residence of up to 7 miles away.

Callers should simply tell operators they need Tipsy Tow and a tow truck under contract to the Auto Club will be dispatched.

The service does not include rides for passengers and is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver. For distances longer 7 miles, drivers will be expected to pay the normal rate charged by the tow truck operator.

“All motorists should be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving

associated with holidays and we encourage them not to get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking,” said Steve Bloch, the Auto Club’s traffic safety researcher.

“Tipsy Tow provides motorists with a safe ride home for themselves and their vehicles instead of driving while intoxicated, putting themselves and others in harm’s way,” he added.

The Auto Club also suggests: • Designating a non-drinking driver who can get everyone home safely.

• Calling a friend or family member for a ride home if you have been drinking.

• Keeping a cab company number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.

• As a party host, offer non-alcoholic drinks and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers.

• Take keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.

A recent Auto Club analysis of California drinking and driving data from 1998 to 2007 showed that alcohol-related crashes involving young adult women drivers has soared.

Male drivers involved in accidents under the same circumstances rose 39 percent during the same period, according to the Auto Club. news@smdp.com

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OpinionCommentary 4

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PUBLISHER

Going Postal

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Steve “the Mailman” Breen

Activist Adolph Editor:

John Whitehead, in his article about “The forgotten man in the war on terror,” page 5, Dec. 29, reminds us all how important our Constitution is. For those who know their history, Hitler was not voted into office by the German people but was appointed chancellor by President Hindenburg. Almost 70 percent of the German people voted against Hitler in the 1932 election. Besides outlawing Jewish gun ownership, he used the Supreme Court to suspended Constitutional rights within the first month of office to protect the German people from enemies of Germany.

When President Hindenburg died in office, Hitler took control because no one could stop him and his government. Almost six million unarmed Jews were slaughtered under Hitler. Like the German people, we are allowing our Constitution to be “reinterpreted,” by activists who tell us our Constitution is old and out of date. When you here that the Constitution should be interpreted by an “activist” judge, remember that the next activist that judge is supporting could have a first name of Adolph.

David Alsabery Santa Monica

Problems at the recycling center Editor:

I ask the city worker, “Where do the batteries go?”

He does not speak English, takes my large bag I conscientiously filled over months, and throws it in the trash.

I move one driveway west to recycle a computer monitor. The gate is closed. The sign says, “Open to the public, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday (note: It is 11:30 a.m. on a Monday).” I yell and am answered by another non-English speaking city worker who tells me, “Cerrado. Mañana abierto. Come mañana.”

I request a supervisor. He walks away as he says, “No.” The city Web site states: “Solid Waste offers a comprehensive drop-off program for residents and businesses. Solid Waste provides electronic recycling at the Santa Monica Refuse and Transfer Station six days a week, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, (310) 829-7323.

Electronic recycling is free to residents. There is a 50cent per pound charge for businesses and a yearly round-up for residents, businesses, and the surrounding region. All electronic waste is accepted.”

So tell me again, who is handing out the “high level of service ratings” I hear so much about and how much does the current program cost the residents?

Peter Tigler Santa Monica

Ross Furukawa ross@smdp.com

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Start off the New Year (on the) right

EDITOR IN CHIEF Kevin Herrera editor@smdp.com

MANAGING EDITOR Daniel Archuleta daniela@smdp.com

STAFF WRITER Melody Hanatani melodyh@smdp.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS I’M AN OLD FASHIONED SORT OF GUY.

I actually like to make New Year’s resolutions, but as I am human, give or take a couple of chromosomes, I fall prey and suffer the slings and arrows of my own outrageous foibles that the Bard’s doomed Dane had so eloquently disposed. Someone pass me the bare bodkin.

Quit smoking? Easy. I’ve done it hundreds of times. Burn some rubber from the middle-aged tire that I’ve acquired about my midsection?

No problem. My Attention-Deficit-DietDisorder, however, just skidded out at a 10 scoop pile-up at the intersection of Ben and Jerry’s Boulevard. In my cholesterol induced inebriation, I’ll just wheel my hospitality gurney over to 24 Hour Fitness for some triage.

Quit drinking? You’ve got to be kiddin’ me. My Irish ancestors would think I’m planning world domination. After all, the only reason that God invented whiskey was so that the Irish wouldn’t take over the world. And it would be a very boring New Year’s party without a wee taste of the Old Sod in celebration.

It’s been said that any new trait that one wishes to realize in one’s life need only be repeated in the exact same way in the exact same place at the exact same time for a period of 30 days. Then it becomes a “habit.”

Calling one’s parents is a good habit but not nearly as much fun as going to a strip club or the gun range, but including one’s parents into one’s activities can be a bonding moment.

Over the years I’ve resolutely proclaimed any number of ostentatious oratorios that would retroactively remake me into that good Catholic boy from Orange County that my Mom envisioned. I have settled, however, on one fool proof mantra that covers all the bases in every New Year’s resolution ball park in which you would ever want to swing your Louisville slugger: Take personal responsibility!

I find this theme absolutely discombobulates Progressives into a witless frenzy as they no longer would have any excuse as to why they can’t find their backsides with either hand.

Taking personal responsibility means that you can’t blame your miserably squalid life on your race, creed, color, religion or bad hair style. Subsets of this list would also include one’s parents (especially so) as well as the government and its cast of Disney characters.

Yet in quaffing from the cup of maturity, one should not only celebrate ones triumphs but also acknowledge one’s Luciferian pratfalls.

Don’t get me wrong. There are some people who have been dealt a brutal set of cards to play in life’s Casino Royale but it is a safe bet that most of you are holding a pretty good hand. Stop bluffing.

Additionally, it is sometimes our Faustian faults that make us more interesting yet this is not to say that there isn’t some degree of potential redemption in capitalizing on our

lower-case defects.

Conservatives get this. How many conservatives do you know on line for welfare, Section 8 housing, food stamps or an abortion?

Progressives are still taking baby steps in the big, cruel world and require the nanny state wet nurse to suckle. It’s probably why the vegetarian class write more “self-help” books. It would help if they would read them, too.

DON’T GET ME WRONG. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN DEALT A BRUTAL SET OF CARDS TO PLAY IN LIFE’S CASINO ROYALE BUT IT IS A SAFE BET THAT MOST OF YOU ARE HOLDING A PRETTY GOOD HAND. STOP BLUFFING.

Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com

Morgan Genser news@smdp.com

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

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Fabian Lewkowicz

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

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

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Rob Schwenker schwenker@smdp.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Julie Martinez juliem@smdp.com

Robert Hertel

I’m starting off the New Year with a new wife. Steve the Mailman is marrying Lisa the Waitress. Lisa and I act like a pair of 5-yearolds who just found a hidden stash of Hershey’s Kisses and just did a pinky swear that we’re not going to tell another living soul.

She has a smile like a sunny summer day awash in dandelions and ice cold chardonnay. We’ve tamed our own demons and made sensible allies out of them. Lisa and I have actually gotten them to play nice and not crap on the Persian rugs.

Marriage is the second biggest event in the “take personal responsibility” rodeo after one has saddle busted one’s own inner bucking bronco. I consider myself an expert rider as I’ve been thrown off the marital bull twice before. I’ve reasonably made every mistake that a cowboy could make so it is within the confines of those bona fides with which I claim the dinner plate sized belt buckle of “expert.” I have a reputation for hanging on longer than the requisite “8 seconds.” I’m a lousy quitter and have little patience for others that do.

It’s said that men who kiss their wives in the morning live longer and make more money than men who don’t.

I’m going to live for 10,000 years. And every one of Lisa’s kisses makes me the richest guy in the world.

STEVE BREEN likes working without a net, believes you make your own luck and is still the “best looking mailman at the U.S. Post Office.”

He can be reached at dulcamarax@yahoo.com

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 31, 2008

Word in Edgewise Kenny Mack

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Letters in edgewise

Resolving a new future The dawn of a new year makes most people mighty reflective. Looking back on what was, there always seems to be something that most people would like to do differently with their lives.

So this week’s Q-Line question asks: What are your resolutions for 2009?

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.

the column it lists you as a ‘comedian.’

Clearly, you meant to write ‘talentless hack.’

You are the absolute worst.

Never have I seen a more frustrating, worthless, stale piece of regular drivel than your God awful rants. I didn’t realize that mining 10-year-old tapes of the Tonight Show counted as comedy. I can’t even imagine what a bore you must be in real life.

“I find reading your self-indulgent tripe a constant reminder of the fact that Los Angeles is an intellectual wasteland. Not only do people like you feel that you have editorial-worthy opinions, somebody at an actual newspaper agrees!,” Dustin B. You probably meant this to be hurtful, but I actually enjoyed it because you admit that you read me regularly and I’ve clearly struck a nerve. And if I’m such a “talentless hack,” what does the fact that you keep reading (and took the time to write this e-mail) say about you?

“Well, Kenny, you are the man for predicting the fabulous day for America. I was so nervous, but watched the TV last night with hope. What a night and what a great thing for America and the whole world!

God bless you, Kenny Mack and God bless and keep Barack Obama. We are going to see some class in the White House. We have an ethical, brilliant man in the White House at long last. I am very grateful for what this presidency means for us, and in particular for my granddaughter, who asked me what ethical means. I said it means doing the right thing no matter what it costs you. I am the happiest woman in the world,” Marilyn B. If you’re not going to the Inauguration, I’ll be happy to mail you a postcard from D.C. so you can have a little piece of history to give to your granddaughter. I’ve had to respect your gangsta (as the brothers say it) ever since you wrote, “I don’t care if (rappers) paint the White House black, or green or purple as long as President Barack Obama is sitting in the Oval Office in January 2009.” That’s a bold statement from a self-described “Senior white woman,” and I want you to know that you are, by far, my favorite reader.

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

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Press’ former editor told me I should submit my work on the same day every week, “for the readers.” At the time, my semi-stunned reaction was, “I have readers?”

Two years later, I’m still amazed that anyone takes the time to read my stuff; and it blows my mind whenever someone recognizes me from this column.

They say a good opinion piece is like a conversation with the reader and, as much as I love and appreciate my readers, I’m glad the conversation is relatively one-sided. That said, I thought I’d take the opportunity with this last column of 2008 to respond to some of my favorite e-mails (if it goes well, maybe I’ll empty my mailbag more often). So Happy New Year, dear readers, be safe and I’ll see you in 2009!

“Amazing the SMDP allowed you to waste a whole page with your hate. You twisted more facts in this story than Bush did to justify war. Gee Kenny, I guess Shaq gets a full pass from your manure-filled timeline, and you imply that Jackson is about $$$ only.

It would have been kind of novel and interesting if you had written the piece from the perspective of a transplanted Easterner rooting for your team among all of us native Angelenos, but you choose the hate road and filled in the piece (I really mean it) with your nasty hatred. The laugh is going to be on you when Pau and Lamar dominate the middle and the Lakers take this series quickly,” Michael A. If I was going to “hate,” I would have brought up the fact that the Lakers’ signature athlete almost threw his life away over some Plain Jane from Colorado when his goddess of a wife was at home taking care of their new baby. Or I would have mentioned that Phil Jackson would have never come back if he wasn’t sleeping with the boss’ daughter. I didn’t.

As the great Yogi Berra said, “prediction is hard, especially about the future.” Don’t let the fact that I’m so good at it make you believe anyone can do it. As much as I appreciate the tip on how I should have approached the subject, I can’t take advice from a guy who was so wrong about so much. Still, you’re welcome to join me at Sonny MacLean’s for the Celtics/Lakers rematch in February.

“I was reading your column in the Santa Monica Daily Press, and I just wanted to let you know that there is a recurring misprint.

In your short biography section at the end of

CLOVERFIELD

I’LL NEVER FORGET THE DAY THE DAILY

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The Real Deal 6

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008

Real Estate 101 Mike Heayn

Send comments to editor@smdp.com

Sharing responsibility MY FRIEND AND I THREW A HOLIDAY

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party this weekend. While preparing for the party other friends asked if they could help out. My automatic response was a polite “no thank you.” One of them looked at me and said “Mike, I know you need help, but I can tell you don’t want to delegate any responsibility.”

As much as I dislike admitting it, she was right! I did need help, but did not want to delegate the responsibility. This got me thinking. Delegating responsibility is important when you are planning a party, but truly necessary to become a successful real estate investor.

If you want to be a real estate investor, you need to hire people. Most investors I have worked with say they wished they had hired a staff years before they did. I am not suggesting hiring a big workforce when you begin investing in real estate, but if you want to become a successful investor, you are going to have to learn how to delegate responsibility both effectively and efficiently.

The main reason to delegate is to use your time more efficiently. For example, if you purchased a vacant tri-plex, and wanted to remodel the units yourself, you would have to put in the time, or “sweat equity.”

Depending on how handy you are, how much you were going to renovate the units, and how much time you put in each week, it would probably take you anywhere from nine to 12 months to complete the entire renovation, with the latter being the norm.

Now, if you hired a contractor and he or she had a crew, they could get the job done in half the time.

Continuing with the example above, if it took you 12 months to renovate the property versus paying a contractor you would end up losing money. Here is how you would lose money. Let us say it costs you $6,000 to renovate each apartment yourself. That would come out to $18,000 in total costs for

all three units. Now if you hired a contractor, it would cost you double or $12,000 a unit for a total cost of $36,000 for all 3 units.

Right off the bat, if you look at the numbers, doing the renovation yourself saves you $18,000. However, we need to figure out how much money you are losing by doing the renovation yourself.

To keep the example simple, we will say that all the units are identical and consist of two bedrooms and one bathroom. If each renovated apartment rents for $2,000, that comes to $6,000 a month in total gross income.

If it takes you 12 months to renovate the property versus six months if you hire a contractor, that is six months were you are not making any money. If we take the gross income of $6,000 and multiply that by six, which represents the additional number of months it takes you to renovate the property yourself, we come to a total of $36,000.

What this means is if you hired someone, it would cost you an additional $18,000 in upfront costs, but you would recapture that amount of money and make an additional profit of $18,000 over the same amount of time versus doing the work yourself. Of course, this is a simple example, which does not take financing or other variables, such as operating or carrying expenses into account, but you can see how money is affected by time and how delegating responsibility can improve the bottom line.

As I stated earlier, it is hard for an investor to let go and delegate responsibility, but it is only by delegating that a real estate novice can become a successful real estate investor. Remember that the best investors on Earth work smarter, not harder.

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.

ECONOMY

Wall Street gains as GMAC gets $5B

BY JOE BEL BRUNO AP Business Writer

NEW YORK Wall Street staged a big advance in the next to last session of 2008 Tuesday after Washington’s latest lifeline to the auto industry bolstered hopes that the government will do whatever is necessary to cut short the recession.

Investors found solace in news that General Motors Corp.’s troubled financing arm received $5 billion of financing. The Treasury Department said late Monday it would provide the money to GMAC Financial Services LLC from the $700 billion bank rescue program.

The injection is on top of the $17.4 billion in loans the Bush Administration agreed to provide to the auto industry on Dec. 19.

GMAC said Tuesday it would immediately resume lending to certain customers it had previously said were too great a risk for auto loans because of tight credit markets.

“This is trying to slow down the economic train wreck,” said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at Harris Private Bank.

“Investors are taking a step back, and realizing that this will enable auto buyers to finance

their cars and add liquidity to the market.”

Ablin also said the move will have an effect on the entire economy, especially amid a backdrop of sluggish consumer spending, which drives more than two-thirds of the U.S. economy.

Wall Street got another disappointing reading about the mood of Americans after the Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence index dropped to a record low.

The trade group reported the index’s reading fell to a 38 in December from a revised 44.7 in November, well below the expectation of 45 economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters.

Investors were well prepared for a downbeat report after consumers reluctant to spend left retailers with their worst holiday season in years. The International Council of Shopping Centers said Tuesday that weekly same-store sales, those from stores open a year or more, dropped 1.5 percent last week at the 40 retailers it polls.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 184.46, or 2.17 percent, to 8,668.39. But even with that advance, the blue chips are still down 36.04 percent for the year with one more trading day remaining.

Local Visit us online at smdp.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008

7

City Hall challenged FAA FROM REVIEW PAGE 1 place in the city, including the Water Garden and Arboretum apartments, the Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City placed on the ballot a measure that would limit commercial growth.

The measure resulted in one of the costliest campaigns in city history — Save Our City, which raised nearly $1 million in opposition to the slow growth initiative called Measure T. The fundraising power of Save Our City, which was made up of a coalition of city and school officials, environmentalists and religious leaders, brought a wave of criticism from proponents of the measure who pointed out that much of the money was coming from out-of-state developers.

“It’s easy to draw in financial support when you have such a broad range of endorsements,” Terry O’Day, the co-chair of Save Our City, said in October in response to criticism about developer money. “The involved leadership of the city is very much opposed to Measure T.” The measure was ultimately defeated.

“I think the money was the difference maker in the election,” Diana Gordon, the co-chair of SMCLC, said after the election.

“It’s money that was used to create a very deceptive and fraudulent campaign.”

The election also produced a surprising and delayed result for the Rent Control Board.

Robert Kronovet, a property owner and Republican, became the first candidate to win a seat on the board without the backing of Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights, a powerful political organization whose endorsees won every other race in the election.

The Santa Monica property manager actually celebrated a late campaign victory after scoring a come-from-behind-win in a tight race that wasn’t determined until the results were certified on Dec. 2.

Early returns on Election Day showed Kronovet holding steady at second place behind incumbent Joel Koury and ahead of newcomer Christopher Braun. He slowly lost the lead as the night progressed and by the morning after, Braun and Kronovet had switched places.

But as the weeks went by and the absentee and provisional ballots were counted, Kronovet began closing the gap. The final tally showed Kronovet with a 62-pointadvantage, or 28.7 percent to Braun’s 28.58 percent.

“We think we’re going to be able to work and reshape the Rent Control Board,” Kronovet said following the victory. “It’s going to be wonderful for this city to see a higher functioning Rent Control Board.”

It was a disappointing outcome for the leaders of SMRR who insisted that the result was not an indication of a shift in power away from the organization.

“We’re not happy with the results of the Rent Control Board race and we think that as long as Bob comes out in favor of rent control, as long as he does his job, we’re going to be fine,” SMRR co-Chair Patricia Hoffman said.

BATTLE IN THE SKY

When the council approved a ban on large and fast jets from Santa Monica Airport, it won brownie points with Sunset Park residents who have long expressed concerns about runway safety issues, fearing the possibility of a plane overshooting the tarmac and landing on homes.

But it lost major brownie points with the

FAA, which issued a cease-and-desist order against City Hall after the ordinance passed.

“We very strongly believe the proposed ordinance is illegal for a number of reasons — the airport cannot unilaterally ban stage 3 jets from landing there ... and moreover, under the 1984 agreement, (City Hall) agreed to keep airport access open to all users,” Ian Gregor, the FAA spokesman said after the ordinance was passed, referring to the 1984 lease between the FAA and City Hall.

Runway safety has long been a contentious issue between federal and city officials, arguing over an airport that is unique in that there are homes within 300 feet on the east and west ends.

The FAA has offered several safety proposals in the past, including an option to install an Emergency Material Arresting System that would be designed to stop the majority of planes. The options were dismissed by the council as being insufficient.

A U.S. District Court judge in May issued a preliminary injunction against the ordinance, allowing commercial operations to continue at the airport. City Hall subsequently filed an appeal with the state Appellate Court, which is currently weighing a decision that won’t be expected until next year.

City Hall and the FAA could also potentially meet in the agency’s administrative hearing in March. The hearing is based on the FAA director’s determination earlier this year that the ordinance is illegal.

During the appellate court’s hearing in November, several judges questioned why City Hall was so insistent on removing the injunction before the administrative hearing with the FAA concluded, pointing out that there has been no accidents involving categories C and D jets at the airport.

The line of questioning upset some residents who attended the hearing in Pasadena.

“It defies logic that a judge would say that there is no apparent danger from C and D jets at an airport configured like Santa Monica’s simply because there has yet to be an overrun accident involving those kinds of planes at that airport,” Brian Bland, a Sunset Park resident, said.

CLOSURE

The school district experienced another eventful year.

After years of complaining to district officials about an alleged culture of fear in special education, a report by Lou Barber and Associates brought some vindication to parents’ concerns.

The report led to a tearful meeting between parents and board members.

“You’re not doing anything to help special ed kids move in and be a part of society,” Meredith Hyde, a parent, said during a meeting in April. “Shame on you.”

The report was mandated by the council as a condition for the district to receive half a million dollars in school funding.

Following the release of the report, Superintendent Dianne Talarico made a public apology to parents and students who have been hurt from the policies and practices in the special education program, taking full responsibility for the district’s predicament during a later board meeting.

“I want to acknowledge that we are not perfect, I want to acknowledge that problems do exist in our school district,” Talarico said at the time. “What is most apparent and what has become abundantly clear is we must look forward and that we pledge to SEE REVIEW PAGE 8

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Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com Alexis Hawkins news@smdp.com BOOM! (Left to right) Macerich Co.’s Randy Brant, City Councilman Richard Bloom, and City Manager Lamont Ewell depress the demolition button to collapse the Santa Monica Place sign in April.

RALLYING POINT: Standing at the corner of Virginia Avenue and Cloverfield Boulevard, City Councilman Kevin McKeown (right), Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl (left) and Councilman Bobby Shriver (center) show their support for an anti-development measure.

School district experienced major changes FROM REVIEW PAGE 7 enter a healing phase in our community.”

Perhaps the most surprising outcome of the report was the resignation of former Deputy Superintendent Tim Walker, whom many parents said was the key figure in the special education controversy.

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the professionals that I did,” Walker said during an interview in May. “I have been afforded a professional opportunity by the Board of Education and I am grateful for the support they’ve shown me in

the past.”

Another resignation of a top official came just weeks later.

Following a term that was plagued by one crisis after another, Talarico announced her departure in late May, leaving to head the Burlingame School District in Northern California to be closer to her husband.

“It was my intention to obtain a better balance between my professional and personal life and I really wanted to return to a school district that would allow me to live with my husband and get the support that one needs when serving in a leadership

capacity,” Talarico said. “There are complex and difficult positions that we choose for ourselves as school superintendents, but it always helps to have a listening ear.”

Talarico had been the superintendent for less than two years when she announced her resignation.

The turnover didn’t end there.

After serving just one term, Board of Education member Kathy Wisnicki — the lone representative from Malibu — decided not to seek re-election to pursue other opportunities. She was replaced by Ben Allen, a Santa Monica High School graduate

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CASES CLOSED

Two major criminal cases that shook the community finally saw resolution.

An elderly Santa Monica woman who was arrested in 2006 on federal mail fraud charges and later held in the murders of two homeless men was sentenced to life in prison in July in connection with their deaths.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008

Murders rocked city FROM REVIEW PAGE 8 Golay, 77, and her partner-in-crime, 75year-old Olga Rutterschmidt, formerly of Hollywood, were both ordered to serve the remainder of their lives in prison for the murders of Kenneth McDavid and Paul Vados.

“My brother Ken did not deserve to die the way he did,” said Sandra Salman, the sister of McDavid.

Their case attracted national attention, both because of the age of the defendants and the elaborate nature of the scheme, which involved befriending the two homeless men, convincing them to sign the women on to their life insurance policies, and later killing them to cash in on several million dollars.

A movie based on the case, called “Poor Things,” is said to be in production.

Golay owned several rental properties in the Ocean Park neighborhood.

The case that most recently saw a conclusion involved a former Lincoln Middle School teacher who was convicted of sexually abusing nine of his former female students.

Thomas Arthur Beltran, 61, plead guilty on Dec. 22 to 10 counts of sexual molestation charges shortly before the beginning of his preliminary hearing and subsequently sentenced to serve 14 years in state prison without the possibility of parole.

The English as a Second Language teacher was arrested in May after a 12-yearold student came forward to investigators that she had been sexually abused. Beltran spent the past three decades with the SMMUSD, including 20 years with Lincoln.

“He hopes this brings closure to the situation,” defense attorney Robert Berke said after the hearing. “It’s a regrettable situation.”

UNSOLVED MURDERS

In a city that rarely experiences violent crimes, two brutal homicides that occurred just days within one another disrupted residents’ sense of safety.

Juliana Redding, a 21-year-old aspiring actress and model, was found dead in her home on Centinela Avenue on March 16, the victim of an apparent assault. Just days later, Alexander “Sasha” Merman, a 35-year-old Russian immigrant, was found dead in his Montana Avenue apartment.

Both victims lived alone and were discovered after authorities received calls from their mothers who had trouble reaching their children. Police have ruled out a connection between the two murders.

There were no signs of forced entry in Merman’s unit, which is located on the second-floor of a three-story complex. The victim was born in Moscow and moved to Los Angeles with his mother in 1985.

Redding appeared in one movie — “Kathy T Gives Good Hoover,” which was released in 2005. She attended Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson where she played on the golf team.

No arrests have been made and police have released no information on possible suspects.

FICUS FIGHT

The battle over 54 ficus trees in Downtown carried into 2008, starting with a court hearing in February when a judge ruled that the Santa Monica Treesavers was too late in filing a lawsuit against City Hall over alleged violations of state environmental laws, finding that the statute of limitations had expired.

The Treesavers filed an appeal with state

appellate court, which rejected the petition.

The events led to an emotional May 16 morning when 23 ficus trees were removed on Second and Fourth streets.

A group of activists congregated in front of the Natural Resources Defense Council building on Second Street to survey the tree carnage, some crying, others feeling the mulch in their hands.

“I’m in total disbelief,” Christen MacDonald, a member of the Treesavers said. “I am just so angry right now, I can’t believe it.”

City officials said it was their responsibility to public safety to remove the trees immediately, pointing out that the ficuses were determined to be structurally unstable and posed a hazard to the community.

“We wanted to make sure we minimized the impact on the public so we did it early in the morning,” Kate Vernez, the assistant to the city manager on governmental relations, said at the time.

The Treesavers are currently calling on the City Council to form a commission that will advise on urban forestry matters. The issue is expected to come before the council in the next few months.

The year also saw another tree controversy over the proposed removal of several hundred carobs, much of which comes from the north of Montana Avenue neighborhood.

The trees were identified as being hazardous to public safety in a study by HortScience. A final decision has yet to be made as to the fate of the trees.

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DOWNTOWN TAKING SHAPE

With the push of a button, the familiar Santa Monica Place sign came face down in April in a symbolic ceremony that marked the beginning of a new era for the shopping center, and Downtown.

The mall, which closed at the end of January, is currently undergoing a two-yearlong renovation that will take the roof off of its central spine, making way for an open-air walkway and rooftop dining deck, providing shoppers with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The new Santa Monica Place is scheduled to open in late fall 2009 and will feature two new anchor tenants — Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s.

The Frank Gehry-designed mall opened in 1980 and at its prime served as a thriving complement to the Third Street Promenade.

Vibrancy had dissipated in the past few years as tenants were put on shorter term leases while Macerich Co., which purchased the mall in 1999, made way for plans to give the enclosed shopping center some new life, adopting a slogan — “A star is reborn.”

The project is just part of a series of changes planned for Downtown, including the renovation of several parking structures and the formation of a new assessment district.

Property owners in Downtown voted this past summer to form the district to pay for ongoing maintenance and management of the commercial neighborhood, bringing in approximately $3.4 million a year, a substantial hike from the preceding two assessments that brought in a combined $1 million annually.

Part of the revenue has been earmarked for an ambassador program that will assist tourists and provide an extra set of eyes and ears for public safety. Some funding has been also set aside for a cleaning program that will supplement the maintenance already provided by City Hall. The district will also see a new Board of Directors.

“You’re really going to see a presence of SEE REVIEW PAGE 10

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St. Monica ended streak FROM REVIEW PAGE 9 people and an enhanced level of maintenance,” Miriam Mack, the economic development manager for City Hall, said in November.

WINNING TEAMS

It was an exciting spring for Santa Monica High School’s boy’s soccer team which finished an undefeated season and won the Division IV CIF-SS championship in March.

The team beat Jurupa Valley of Mira Loma 2-0, finishing the season 26-0-1, dominating the majority of opponents throughout the year. Its only tie came in a 1-1 match against Crespi of Encino.

“My team definitely sacrificed a lot throughout the year,” senior forward

Alessandro Canale, who scored the Vikings’ two goals, said. “I was happy with my team’s play, and I just wanted to celebrate the victory.”

The year saw an exciting end for St. Monica High School’s football team, which finished the season by snapping a 37-game losing streak, defeating Bishop Mora Salesian High School 21-19 on Nov. 14.

The Mariners stormed the field following the victory, singing their alma mater in front of 50 fans who made the drive out to East Los Angeles.

The team’s previous victory came in 2005 when it beat Bishop Montgomery.

“It feels great to finally taste the sweetness and beauty of victory in varsity football,” said senior linebacker Rafael Padilla. melodyh@smdp.com

SWELL FORECAST ( 1-2 FT )

Celebrations can be affordable

We should see an ever-so-slight increase in NW wind swell, but anything above knee to waist at west facing breaks would be a surprise.

FROM PARTY PAGE 1

SURF CONDITIONS

WATER TEMP: 56°

LONG RANGE SYNOPSIS THURSDAY

THE

1ST

THE WIND SWELL SHOULD PEAK WITH WAIST+ PEAKY STUFF AT WEST FACING BREAKS, MUCH SMALLER AT SOUTH FACING SPOTS.

TIDE FORECAST

FOR

TODAY

IN

SANTA MONICA

“It’s like a big giant rave,” Mason said.

Mason thinks the $70 price tag, which does not include any drinks or food, is worth it. She will be moving to London on Jan. 6, and she considers it a farewell party where she can celebrate with friends.

A pair of tourists from Norway, Tormod Engesaeth and Michael Ludvigsen, both in their 20s, are looking for a local concert to check out.

They both agreed that if they couldn’t find a concert they would consider hitting a club or restaurant that is having New Year’s Eve festivities “as long as it’s a nice place.”

In their hometown they said they usually end up celebrating with their friends with lots of fireworks, which end up costing more than their bar tabs. They still think, no matter how much they spend on celebrating the last day of the year, it’s worth it.

“It’s once a year, why not?” Ludvigsen said.

To save some cash other residents are

going to ring in the New Year with their families. That’s what Ivonne Lopez has planned.

“I have a huge family, like 70 people, we don’t need anything else,” said Lopez, who is organizing a potluck dinner.

If none of those options sound appetizing, take a page out of Dave Wilkinson’s book. He will be spearfishing in Baja California. He won’t actually be fishing when the clock strikes midnight, but he won’t be doing much otherwise.

“I don’t want to deal with the headache and the crowds,” Wilkinson said. “I’m going to wing it.”

Wilkson’s friend, David Kabbe, did not speak as warmly about New Year’s Eve. He expects to be working tonight.

“It’s amateur night,” Kabbe said.

The Santa Monica Police Department of course asks all partygoers to celebrate New Year’s Eve responsibly. They will have a DUI checkpoint set up on Main Street and more officers will be on patrol looking for drunk drivers. news@smdp.com

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Take it easy, Libra ARIES (March 21-April 19)

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

★★★★ Use the daylight hours to the max. A sense of fatigue or a need to reflect heads in late in the afternoon. Consider what is happening openly. You could have a second thought about a job or community appearance. Tonight: If you want to stay home, do. So what if you made plans?

★★★★ Let your creativity flow. What might have been a hassle with a family member or a domestic matter finally seems to move — only you might not be instantly happy. Make that OK, and relax with the situation. Tonight: Take it easy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★ Step up to the plate. You might want to handle last-minute details and problems. Once you have completed what is needed, kick back with friends or those who surround you. Share resolutions and help others make them.

Tonight: Be sure where the action is.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ★★★★ If you need to make New Year calls, get a head start on them. You can also send e-cards to others. Starting the year with this type of exchange can only make people feel good, you included. Tonight: A force to be dealt with.

★★★ Stay close to home, and if you must work, try to work from home. Do only what you must.

Where communication has been stilted, things finally open up. Let it happen. Tonight: Celebrate as only you can!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) ★★★★ Keep communication flowing. A hard realization might encourage a change of plans, but on your terms. Remember, no one can take better care of yourself than you. Give someone the benefit of the doubt. Tonight: Entertain from home.

ger service n e s s e M h s u R livery FREE First Local De OW! Get it done N (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

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) ★★★★ A partner finally could be direct. You might need to shake your head at what you hear. You could decide not to react. In fact, that would be a great idea. Detach rather than react. Tonight: Where there is music.

★★★★ Expenses might have you concerned.

Before you do anything else, stop and decide what needs to happen. You are on top of your game; explain where you are coming from.

Keep communication flowing. Tonight: Share good wishes.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

★★★★★ Be on top of your game, especially with a partner. You could be surprised by what might emerge out of the blue. Know that you don’t need to react immediately, because realization after realization could occur. Tonight: With that special person.

★★★★ Use the daylight hours, when you are on top of your game. An issue that you have been holding in finally opens up. You might not want to deal with the problem immediately, but you will ultimately. Tonight: Your treat.

**mention this ad and receive

NO INITIATION and your first month FREE

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) ★★★ Once more, are you wondering why you are left holding the bag? Can you stop this pattern? A child or potential loved one reveals a lot. Remember to think rather than react.

Tonight: The more people, the merrier.

★★★★ Perhaps it’s time to clear out the negativity that is coloring your thinking. Knowing your limits could be more important than you realize. A friendship or relationship takes a fast twist. Suddenly you are on a different road.

Tonight: Make this night yours.

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

You often weave between two different attitudes this year.

Sometimes you are the traditional Goat who wants what he or she wants, with an eye to material issues. Other times, the quality of communication evolves to a new high, so much so that you might sign up for a class in communicating. You easily could make a major life decision this year, which will determine a good part of the next few years. If you are single, you meet people with ease; however, get to know the apple of your eye well before making a commitment. If you are attached, the two of you create a new venue for sharing what you both enjoy. PISCES draws you out and likes to hang with you.

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

Comics & Stuff 12

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 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 31, 2008

13

DAILY LOTTERY 1 22 29 44 52 Meganumber: 39 Jackpot: $37M 14 19 22 32 38 Meganumber: 1 Jackpot: $36M 2 8 19 21 23 MIDDAY: 3 7 2 EVENING: 9 5 4 1st: 10 Solid Gold 2nd: 06 Whirl Win 3rd: 12 Lucky Charms RACE TIME: 1.48.68

MYSTERY PHOTO

Rachel Dardashti news@smdp.com The first person who can correctly identify where this image was captured gets a pat on the back 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

Speed Bump

By Dave Coverly

CHUCK

SHEPARD

â– Officials in South Africa, where government only recently came to accept the connection between HIV and AIDS after years of denial that provoked the country's epidemic of cases, revealed in December that supplies of retroviral drugs are being used recreationally as hallucinogens smoked by schoolchildren. Health officials told BBC News that the drugs are prescribed to those at risk for AIDS, but are not taken seriously by symptom-free, HIV-diagnosed South Africans who are just now starting to understand the decades-old disease. â– Might As Well Reserve Him a Death-Row Cell Right Now: According to a November sheriff's department report, an 11-year-old, Fort Pierce, Fla., boy hit his mother with a saw during an argument, lacerating her skull, and then, as she threatened to call police, offered her a $5 bribe not to. The mother said the kid had previously threatened to cut his 19-year-old pregnant sister's abdomen, "to give her a C-section," and once tried to use hair spray and a cigarette lighter to torch the family's cat.

TODAY IN HISTORY private U.S. citizens were allowed to buy and own gold for the first time in more than 40 years.

Taiwanese diplomats struck their colors for the final time from the embassy flagpole in Washington, marking the end of diplomatic relations with the U.S. singer Rick Nelson, 45, and six other people were killed when fire broke out aboard a DC-3 that was taking the group to a New Year's Eve performance in Dallas.

97 people were killed when fire broke out in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

(Three hotel workers later pleaded guilty in connection with the blaze.)

Michael Kennedy, the 39-year-old son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was killed in a skiing accident on Aspen Mountain in Colorado.

1974

1978

1985

1986 1997

Your ad could run here!

Call us today at (310) 458-7737

WORD UP! t a c i t \TAS-it\, adjective : 1. implied or understood without being openly expressed 2. saying nothing; silent

14

A newspaper with issues

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 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 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 missions. Submit resume to bsberkowitz@aol.com

Help Wanted EARN EXTRA MONEY! Mailing Brochures! Weekly pay + Bonus. Guaranteed Opportunity. Start today.

1-877-801-8172 Code 701.

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

817-230-4879, www.angelpin.net WORK FROM HOME: Government Office Jobs. Full Benefits. $12 - $48 hour FT/PT. Call 1-888-293-7370.

Employment

Business Opps

Advertising Sales

100% RECESSION Proof! Do you earn $800/day? Local Vending route. 25 machines + candy. $9,995.

1-800-807-6485. (Void/SD,CT,MD)

The Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica’s Daily newspaper is seeking an Advertising Account Executive.

Previous advertising sales experience isn’t needed but it’s certainly a plus. The job is meeting and networking with local and national businesses to help them get their message to our readers here in Santa Monica. We’re looking for smart, friendly people who are motivated by money to join our growing sales team. Great work environment, must bring a positive attitude and outlook to our team. If you play well with others, are aggressive without being pushy, and have a drive to succeed, we want to work with you.

Resumes are accepted via email to Rob Schwenker – Schwenker@smdp.com GENERAL OFFICE POSITION available in pleasant Santa Monica office general office duties (310)587-1113 PT/FT SALESPERSON for a hardware store. Call (310) 395-1158 GIVE OF YOURSELF American Cancer Society Discovery Shop needs volunteer 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.

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-Retail hardware/lumber store in Santa Monica.

Contact Erik (310)395-0956.

PART-TIME SALES position. Our attorney service is looking for referrals to law firms. Referrals result in ongoing com-

Adoption

Furniture Pets Boats Jewelry Wanted Travel

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

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

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

Wealth and Success Lost and Found Personals Psychic Obituaries Tutoring

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

HOWARD MANAGEMENT GROUP (310) 869-7901

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.

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. Holiday Parties! Call Gabe 310-392-6501

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 $2550/mo $500 off move in (310)393-6322 www.jkwproperties.com 615 1/2 MIDVALE lower Bachelor, no kitchen, sink, fridge,hot plate,, ceiling fan, carpet, street parking, no pets $895/mo (310)578-7512 wwwjkwproperties.com BRAND NEW one bedroom/ 1 bath for rent in SM ,hardwood floors, stove, refrig,.brand new appliances call Shaun $1700 (310)849-3500

1234 11th Street # 8 1bdrm/1bath $1795 835 Pacific #6 Single $1275 All Utilities Included 1334 Euclid St, #8 1bdrm/1bath $1395 We are offering aggressive move-in specials 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

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

Real Estate

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

Computers

Room and Board 401 Montana Avenue

Remodel & Add ons Honest. Reliable.

FREE ESTIMATES — Sabbath Observed—

310.278.5380 Lic# 804884 Fully Insured

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

Resorts/Timeshares

Handyman

The Handy Hatts

Santa Monica $1995 2 Bdrms, 1Bath , NO pets, stove, refrigerator, parking 1935 Cloverfield Blvd., #15 Open daily for viewing 9am-7pm. Additional info in unit manager in unit #19 Santa Monica/ West LA $1395.00 to $2150.00 1Bdrm, 2 Bdrms 2 Bdrms W/ Lofts See manager at 2535 Kansas Ave #101 for list of vacancies Santa Monica/ West LA $1395.00 to $2150.00 1Bdrm, 2Bdrms 2 Bdrms W/ Lofts NO pets. See manager at 1935 Cloverfield blvd. #15 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.move-in special $200 off (310)578-7512 www.jkwproperties.com WLA 1457 Westgate #E 1+1 stove, fridge, blinds, tile & carpet, garage parking no pets $1275/mo (310) 578-7512 jkwproperties.com

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

(310) 913-2232 FERRIGKNOW@gmail.com

General Construction Commercial & Residential

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

A NEW COMPUTER NOW! Brand-Name.

Bad or NO Credit - No problem. Smallest weekly payments available. Call Now 800-838-7127

Certified Private Fitness Trainer

A/C CONSTRUCTION

MAR VISTA 12450 Culver Blvd. Unit 206 & 208 1bdrm/1bath, gated parking, intercom entry, stove, fridge, utilities included, laundry, parking, no pets. $1195/mo $400 off move-in on site manager (888)414-7778 www.jkwproperties.com

Newly Lowered Rates

Lou Ferrigno Jr

Gen. Contracting

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

* 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.

Personal Trainer

Houses For Rent WLA 2577 Armacost Ave, 2bdrm/ 1 bath stove dishwasher microwave carpet central AC/heat 2 car garage front & backyard pet ok with deposit $2695 (310)578-7512 www.jkwproperties.com

LARGE SM SINGLE CAR GARAGE or storage easy access, electircity $200/mo OBO (310)729-5367

Electronics

Painting and Decorating Co.

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

1020 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica

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

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

SIGN UP TO GET FREE AMBER ALERTS ON YOUR CELL PHONE. wirelessamberalerts.org

Your ad could run here!

Call us today at (310) 458-7737 A child is calling for help.

$5.50 A DAY LINER ADS! CALL TODAY

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

(310)

Announcements Creative Employment For Sale

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

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

CLASSIFICATIONS:

Services

BIG SCREEN TV 51” for Sale Panasonic Good Condition and Quality $300.00 (310) 292-4624

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

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.

For Rent

2004 HONDA Civic Hybrid; 4 door sedan; silver blue opal; original owner; 60k miles; manual shift; excellent value.

Priced to sell $13,900 (310)459-4315

GUITAR LESSONS with Lou Allen. Classical or plectrum. Your home or mine. Call 310-828-2151.

(310)

For Rent

For Sale

Instruction

Some restrictions may apply.

Prepay your ad today!

For Rent

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.

A NEW COMPUTER NOW. Brand name laptops & desktops. BAD or NO credit no problem. Smallest weekly payments avail.

It's Yours NOW Call 1-800-624-1557.

YOUR AD COULD RUN TOMORROW!*

458-7737

BOLD IT! MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT

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 31, 2008

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

Prepay your ad today!

(310)

458-7737

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

15

Classifieds

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

Services

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

(310) 289-3222 Therapy

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

John J. McGrail, C.Ht. 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

Health/Beauty PHENTERMINE - SOMA, FIORICET, and more. Doctor CONSULTATION included.

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

Lost & Found FOUND RING on Lincoln and Rose. Call to identify Vicki (310)452-0772

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

Very Professional, Sonja (310) 397-0433.

Go Green.

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

Find them in the Santa Monica Daily Press classifieds.

Call today to learn about our local hiring packages.

310-458-7737

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

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

16

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008

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