a publication of marquez knolls property owners association,...

Hotline: 310 454-7678 P.O. Box 1307, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 www.MarquezKnolls.com

A Publication of Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association, Inc. Fall 2011

Inside This Issue

Tribute to Haldis Toppel 2

Dog’s Tale 2

MKPOA Photos 4-5

Member Thank You 6

Community Council Update 7

Voting Location Poll 7

Marquez Knolls

MKPOA: Working to Keep the Momentum Going Marquez Knolls has been my home

for not quite five years. While I am

still considered a newcomer, this

neighborhood is one to be cherished

and nurtured no matter how long one

has lived in our slice of heaven.

It is our responsibility to maintain

t h e c h a r a c te r , c h a r m a n d

peacefulness we all enjoy. That is

why I agreed to become the new

president of Marquez Knolls Property

Owners Association. We watch over

the residents and the 1250 homes

that dot our hills and streets.

Our board with its 15 members,

stays abreast of city regulations,

police and fire activity, codes

conveyances and restr ic t ions

( CCRs ) and the overall well-being

of the community.

The preservation of Marquez

Knolls has been our former presi-

dent ’ s goal for the past three

terms. As one long-time board

member recently stated, Haldis

Toppel has taken MKPOA from

the dark ages to the thriving

homeowners association it is

today.

It is my goal to continue that

momentum with the support of

our board. Each member brings

d i f fe ren t s t reng ths and

perspectives to the organization,

from realtors, legal advisors,

regulatory interests, engi-

neering, information technology,

activism, community volunteer

and marketing. My background

is a former TV journalist,

community outreach director, capital

campaign director and corporate

communications manager.

We always welcome new board

members and invite everyone to join

us at our monthly meeting ( see in-

side for dates and location ) .

Before our next board meeting, we

will celebrate our community at our

annual Block Party, the 3rd at the

Marquez Business District on Sunday,

September 18 from 11am-3pm. Come

by for a Free hot dog barbeque, fun

and entertainment for the entire

community, and don ’ t forget your

dogs ( we ’ re having a

costume contest ) !

Please stop by and say hello to

your board and meet your neighbors.

Until then,

Christy Dennis

MKPOA President

Christy Dennis (L) presents an award to Haldis

Toppel (R) for her years of service as president of

Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association.

3rd Annual MKPOA Block Party

Sunday, September 18 11am-3pm

Marquez Business District

Join us for the Free ACS hot dog BBQ, Whirlie the Clown, Balloon Art, Bounce House, Alper Jazz Band and bring your

dogs for a costume contest.

LAPD, LA Fire Department, ACS Security, and dignitaries.


MKPOA Quarterly Newsletter 2 Fall 2011

Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association alerts neighbors via its e-com distribution email about police and fire emergencies, broken water mains, door-to-to door scams, free workshops, legislative updates and more. It has also served as a venue to connect lost pets. Recently, there was one such story that received many comments from neighbors. It’s heartwarming to know that this communication channel can have such an impact.

Here is the story:

August 5: A caring Marquez Knolls resident sends an e-com, telling us that a "red and white" puppy had wandered into their front yard, and would not leave.

August 6: Another resident reported via e-com that she had been ap-proached by a lady looking for her "brown and white" Australian Shep-herd puppy.

August 7: MKPOA received this won-derful message: Yes, we managed to connect, and the Australian Shepherd puppy was reunited with her rejoicing owner. Thank you very much for your help! Carlo and Youla

Another success story of bringing the community together and making it a caring "village."

Editor’s Note:

The following are tributes to Haldis Toppel and her leadership during the past

three terms 2008-09, 2009-2010, 2010-2011 as MKPOA President.

Heartwarming Ending To Haldis Toppel: A Tribute from the Board

Join the MKPOA E-com List

MKPOA currently has more than

400 residents on its e-com list. Only

email that is deemed important to

our community is sent to this list,

and your address is never shared.

If you’d like to stay up-to-date on

current issues, send us your email

address to [email protected]

We are so fortunate, that although Haldis decided to step down as President of MKPOA, she will still be serving on its board and continue her dedication to improving the quality of life in our community. Under her guidance, MKPOA has become an important resource for our residents, with no problem too trivial to be considered and no issue too daunting to be addressed. She is truly our local ‘national treasure’.

Louise Martin

Haldis is one of the best-informed and

heavily involved people in the

Palisades. Her background in the inner

workings of LA City government and

her connections has made her

invaluable to our organization. I'm

happy that she, true to her spirit, has

volunteered her continued help on the

Board.

Lou Del Pozzo

Photo: Wikipedia

Haldis took a sleepy "do nothing"

association and transformed

MKPOA into a vibrant active organi-

zation to protect and improve life for

everyone in Marquez Knolls. I have

seen great changes over the many

years I’ve been a member of

the Board. I have been privileged to

work with her.

Sid Galanty

Of all the excellent Presidents of the

MKPOA I've experienced none has

kept us in touch with everything that

was going on in and around our

communities as Haldis has. I think

we're the best informed citizens in

L.A. thanks to Haldis, her investiga-

tion, and follow through. Thanks

Haldis.

Sylvia Boyd

June 3 2011

Ms Haldis Toppel

President of MKPOA

Totally unexpected, it was miraculous to meet you & to

see you conduct the hearing of my dispute(s). It raised

my hopes for a positive outcome immediately.

In fact you surpassed my expectations.

Your preparation was so complete, you did not miss

anything…

Like a “maestro”, your execution was flawless:

“crescendos”, “allegro”, “piano”, were very timely.

At all times, you knew how to pursue a conciliation and

how to avoid a continued lawsuit.

I can’t thank you enough.

[signed by a neighbor involved in a mediation issue]

Letter of Appreciation to Haldis Toppel



Be Aware

and Be

Safe

Comments from Marquez Residents

Marquez Knolls Home Sales* Year-to-Date Thru August 15, 2011

2010 vs. 2011 Number Avg. Sale Median # Active

Sold Price/Sq. Ft. Sale Price Homes

2011 25 $675 $1,540,000 19 (as of 8/15/11)

2010 29 $622 $1,625,000 18 (as of 8/15/10)

As of August 15, 2011, the lowest-priced available home in Marquez Knolls was a 3-bedroom, 2-bath on Chatta-nooga being offered at $939,000. The highest-priced property is a 5-bedroom, 4-bath on Bollinger being offered at $2,995,000. There were four homes in escrow.

The lowest sale price so far this year was a 2-bedroom, 2-bath on Livorno Drive ($825,000). The highest sale so far this year was a 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath on Lachman Lane ($4,100,000).

Number of Sales 14% Lower

Ave. Price/Sq Ft 8% Higher

Median Sale Price 5% Lower

Active Inventory 6% Higher

Brought to you by

310.230.7373 *Statistics based on M.L.S. records of Single-Family residences ONLY

T h a n k y o u f o r e v e r y t h i n g ,

Haldis. Always comforting to know

there is a strong, proactive figure to

turn to and I'm sure Christy has been

well trained into the job!

Christina

Thanks for all your hard work. You've

done a fantastic job.

Alex

Thank you for all you’ve done. I always

looked forward to your weekly reports

and your willing assistance in all

matters.

David Rose

Congratulations on completing a most

s u c c e s s f u l y e a r a s M K P O A

president. Mrs. Sanders and I have

enjoyed reading your news items,

keeping us informed about what is going

on in our own neighborhood. We hope

that the news bulletin will be continued

under the new president. Thanks for all

that you do.

Regards, Jack Sanders

You have been great and we owe you

abundant thanks for it all.

Dick and Mollie Longaker

Thanks for all you have done Haldis. I

really have looked forward to your

reports. and welcome to your new job,

Christy.

Linda Damon

Dear Haldis,

Thank you so much for doing such a

great job and for keeping us all well

informed about our neighborhood!

Your efforts and stellar job is much

appreciated!

All the best,

The Farbs

Thank you for all the hard work; I

appreciate all the time you have

devoted to the Marquez community.

Suzanne Peterson

You're a tough act to follow! So glad

you'll still be involved and that the

terrific management style and protocol

you initiated will continue. It has been

greatly appreciated.

Bev

As a Marquez knolls resident since

1966 I consider myself lucky to have

you two on board.

Thanks Bella

Glad you both are on task!!!

Sam Lagana

I love our e-com and I don't care who

sends it, thank you guys! Thanks so

much for creating E-com for us. It has

been of great benefit!

Barbara Steffin

The comments below are from residents who are part of the MKPOA E-com distribution list, which informs residents about ongoing issues, police and fire emergencies, regulations, lost pets, etc. These remarks were made after Haldis announced the end of her tenure as president.

As the summer is behind us, the kids are back in school, and routines are back to normal, remember to be ever vigilant.

Phone Scams Callers will pretend to be your credit card company and will ask for your security code (three or four digit number).

A bank will never ask for this code—so don’t give it out and hang up immediately.

Auto Property Crime Prevention

Lock It: Always Lock Your Vehicle.

Hide It: Keep Valuables Hidden.

Keep It: Personal Responsibility can Safeguard your Vehicle from Theft.

Join LAPDs Nixel Stay connected to what’s happening in our community.

Choose the information you want—from urgent public safety alerts to community information.

Receive messages by text, email or by logging into your Nixle account.

Sign-up: nixel.com/register

There is no charge to sign-up.



Marquez Knolls Rocks the 4th of July with Rich History and Fun

BEFORE: ACS Security carried a banner announcing the Marquez

Knolls “float”. The officers were unaware of the typographical error

listed on the banner. Can you spot the error? Hint: Read the banner.

The entry by Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association was

meant to honor the legacy of the founding family of Marquez

Knolls, lead by Earl Lachman and his brothers Mel, Gene, and

Henry. The Lachman brothers were pivotal in the growth of

Marquez Knolls when they created the unique and family-friendly

character of this extraordinary hillside community.

Pictured to the right is our car along the parade route which

include Christy Dennis and Haldis Toppel of MKPOA along with

Crystal Lachman Pritchard (back seat), daughter of Gene and Lila

Lachman, and Steve (driver) and Andrea Lachman, whose parents

were CHARlotte and MEL Lachman. CHAR-MEL Lane is named

after them.

ACS, the dedicated patrol service for Marquez Knolls, led the car.

Steve and An-

drea Lachman

share stories

about the history

of Marquez

Knolls during an

interview by a

film crew during

the parade.

The crew is hop-

ing to release a

documentary:

Palisades

Parade: The

Movie. The MKPOA car is ready for the parade after being decorated by the Lachman‟s,

Lehrhoff family, Silgia Grassl, Toppel family, and the Dennis/Wakalopulus family.

AFTER: A touch of PhotoShop enhancements corrected the mistake.

MKPOA shared a good laugh over the mistake with residents.

Answer: The P in „PRESENTED‟ was accidentally omitted.



MKPOA Annual Meeting The MKPOA annual meeting, held at the Marquez Char-ter Elementary School in June was attended by nearly 100 residents. They were welcomed with music by Greg Alper’s Kids Jazz band. At intermission, his students delighted the audience.

Special guest speakers included Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, Flora Krisloff with Supervisor Zev Yarolovsky’s office, LAPD Captain Martin Baeza and Senior Lead Officer Michael Moore, LAFD Captain Art Perez and firefighters from Station 23. This year’s guest speaker, LAFD Captain Stacy Gerlich made an informa-tive presentation about disaster preparedness. She was introduced by our local expert Flo Elfant.

Several tables were set up with literature on emergen-cies, fire preparedness and security.

Top: LA City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl answers questions from the audience including the 405 Carmageddon closure, view issues, disaster preparedness, the budget crisis.

Middle: LAPD addresses the audience on crime prevention.

MKPOA Board Member Kurt Toppel opens the annual meeting, leading the audience in a sign-along to America the Beautiful with a musical accompanist by the jazz band.

Left: Greg Al-

per’s Jazz Band

plays music as

the crowd ar-

rives.

Right: President

Haldis Toppel

presents the

community ap-

preciation award

t o J o a q u i n

Macias, a district

representat ive

for Councilmem-

ber Rosendahl.

Macias has been

instrumental in

addressing is-

sues affecting

Marquez Knolls



MARQUEZ KNOLLS BUSINESS DIRECTORY MARQUEZ KNOLLS BUSINESS DIRECTORY MARQUEZ KNOLLS BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Our Thanks to the Following Neighbors for their Extra Contributions this Year

Carolyn Fank & Candace Borland William & Renee Klein

Rene & Lois Cailliet Vaughn & Lisa Mouradian

Raymond & Monica Cardenas Geoffrey & Evelyn Moyer

Leonard & Marie Csiszar Crystal Pritchard

George and Pam Douglas Ren & Monica Ridolfi

Robert & Sarah Feinerman Merrill & Carole Ruge

Walter & Nancy Howell Daniel Vo & Colleen Phuong

Brooke & Barry Josephson Grace Young & Herbert Yang

MKPOA extends its thanks to the commu-

nity for its generous support this year.

We rely on your contributions to sustain

the organization and provide the many ser-

vices we offer. Our homeowner’s associa-

tion is run solely by volunteers.

You can show your support by enclosing a

donation in the envelope or by joining at

www.marquezknolls.com/membership.

Alicia’s Place Childcare

670 Via Santa Ynez ● (310) 459-0750

Mon.-Fri. 8:00am-5:00pm

www.alicias-place.com for Loving Care

Alper Music School 707 Jacon Way ● (310) 454-0160

37 Years of Enthusiastic Students & Happy Parents

Kids Jazz Band, Private Lessons www.AlperMusic.com

Michael Edlen Real Estate

(310) 230-7373

[email protected]

Marquez Knolls Resident for More than 30 Years

Gordon Gibson Construction

310 396-9310 [email protected] ● gordongibsonconstruction.com

Don't build your house without us

Innate Chiropractic

16624 Marquez Ave. ● (310) 230-1899 Dr. Luke Cohen, D.C. www.PaliChiro.com

Knolls Pharmacy

16630 Marquez Ave. ● (310) 454-6000 Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-6pm Sat. 9:00am-4:00pm

Serving All Your Prescription Needs

Dirty Girl Organic Landcare

(310) 717-5277 [email protected]

Our organic care keeps your garden clean and green

MAX Impact Martial Arts & Fitness

16632 1/2 Marquez Ave. ● (310) 454-7105 Mon.-Sat. 9:00am-9:00pm

Call Now for Your Free Private Lesson!

Oasis Palisades

16704 Bollinger Drive (310) 454-5855 Please Call for Appointment

Spa, Massage, Acupunture, Call for MKPOA Special

Palisades Animal Clinic

16636 Marquez Ave. ● (310) 454-6503 Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-5:30pm

John T. Condello, D.V.M. - UC Davis Graduate

Palisades Plumbing

16626 Marquez Ave.● (310) 454-5548 Mon.-Fri. 8:00am-4:30pm

10% Discount (if Invoice Paid on Day of Service)

Palisades Screen & Glass

16628 Marquez Ave. ● (310) 459-3596 Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-4:00pm

Windows, Mirrors, Screens—Free Estimates

Paws ‘n Claws Grooming Salon

16634 Marquez Ave.● (310) 459-2009

Tues.-Sat. 8:00am-4:30pm Come In and Get 10% Off Your First Visit

Jim Rea Realtor

(424) 354-0790 [email protected]

Helping you meet all of your real estate needs

Ronny’s Park Lane Cleaners

16648 Marquez Ave. ● (310) 454-9789 Mon.-Fri. 7:00am-6:00pm Sat. 9:00am-5:30pm Dry Cleaning (25% off), Alternations, Notary Svc.

Dan Urbach Prudential CA Realty

(310) 230-3757

www.ExclusiveRealtor.com, [email protected] I Represent PEOPLE, not Properties!

Vittorio’s Restaurant

16646 Marquez Ave. ● (310) 459-9316 Tues.-Sun. 4:00pm-10:00pm

Join Us for Dinner or Take Your Meal Home

Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association

supports local businesses located within the

Marquez Knolls Community. Please contact [email protected] for your listing.

http://www.marquezknolls.com/membership.htm

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.gordongibsonconstruction.com





Over the past few years we've heard from a number of Marquez Knolls residents that they'd like to have our polling site moved back to our neighborhood where we used to vote at Marquez Charter Elementary School. In recent years, there's been a reduction in the number of voting sites in the Palisades with several precincts being as-signed to one location. This was probably done to reduce costs and make election operations more efficient. For the 2008 presidential elec-tion, Pacific Palisades had seven voting locations: American Legion Hall, Bel-Air Bay Club, Calvary Christian Church, Palisades Lu-theran Church, Palisades Recrea-tion Center, Rustic Canyon Recreation Center, and the Summit Club in the Highlands. For residents, it has meant more driving but the trade off has been convenient off-street park-ing at the polling place. Marquez Knolls voters have been voting

at the Bel-Air Bay Club and Calvary Christian Church on Palisades Drive. Before your board investigates the feasibility for Marquez Knolls voters to move back to Marquez Charter Elementary School, we'd like to hear from about your preference in voting locations even if you have no preference.

It’s been very busy at the Pacific Pali-

sades Community Council (PPCC) this

summer. One of the biggest issues was

trying to prevent the closure of one engine

company at Station 69 and the related is-sues associated with a Los Angeles City

budget deficit.

We supported the recommendation that

the city streamline and improve its process

for collecting monies that are due which

could increase collections by millions of

dollars. Similarly, we opposed the sale or

long term leasing of city parking facilities

(the P-3 proposal) as an ineffective way to

address the city’s budget problems.

We opposed an ordinance that would

have increased the allowable number of dogs and cats to a total of 10 animals per

household, an issue where MKPOA past

President Haldis Toppel led the opposition.

This is still being studied by the city’s

Planning and Land Use Committee.

We supported an effort to install bike

racks around the community, including one

installed in the Marquez business district at

the corner of Marquez and Bollinger.

We made the community aware of de-

tails related to a DWP rate hike of nearly $1.9 billion over the next three years.

We opposed a proposal to allow on

street parking in front of driveways because

on certain streets, it would limit access by

emergency equipment and would be almost

impossible to turn around in mid-block, if

allowed.

I’m building an online resource

(www.JimRea.com/community) to keep

track of various community issues, includ-

ing summaries of PPCC meetings, articles

and documents related to high profile is-sues, such as DWP rate increases. You can

also find community disaster preparedness

information assembled by Flo Elfant, our

Advisor for Disaster Preparedness.

That’s a brief rundown of some high-

lights from the PPCC. If you have an issue

that you would like brought to the PPCC,

please give me a call: (424) 354-0790.

Jim Rea

Area 3 Representative

Rea Report

News from Your

Community Council

Representative

MKPOA Meetings 6:00 (pre-social)

6:30pm –8:30pm Meeting

St. Matthews Church:

Music Room

September 26

October 17

November 21

Contact MKPOA:

Web: [email protected]

Hotline:

310 454-7678

Mail

P.O. Box 1307

Pacific Palisades, 90272

MKPOA Board

Christy Dennis President

Haldis Toppel Vice President

Jim Rea Secretary

Sylvia Boyd Treasurer

Jon Boyd Advisor

Lou Del Pozzo Realtor Relations

Sid Galanty Event Technology

Silgia Grassl Corresponding Sec.

Amy Greenwood IT Technology

Louise Martin Membership

Robert Martin Advisor

Jamie Schloss Legal Advisor

Kurt Toppel Advisor

Janet Turner Special Advisor

George Wakalopulos Advisor

Voice Your Opinion on Our Voting Location By Christy Dennis

MKPOA President

Before we pursue

this issue, please

let us know where

you’d like to vote

via phone or email:

Move back to Marquez Charter Elementary School

Prefer current polling locations at Bel Air Bay Club and Calvary Christian Church

Satisfied with any of these locations

Phone: 310 454-7678

Email: [email protected]

http://www.jimrea.com/community


MKPOA Quarterly Newsletter Newsletter Editor: Christy Dennis Fall 2011

MKPOA P.O. Box 1307

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Presort Standard

US Postage Paid

Permit # 20

Pacific Palisades, CA

BLOCK PARTY: JOIN THE FUN ON SUN. SEPT. 18

LAPD Capt. Evangelyn Nathan greets

Whirlie the Clown and her rabbit

Top Left: Kids have fun with balloon art. Bottom Left: Whirlie the

Clown presents a “heart” to the pie eating dad. Above: Gregory Alper

and his students jazz up the crowd.

Photos: Courtesy Jim Rea and Christy Dennis

LAFD stages its trucks and gives kids a peek inside the

fire trucks.

ACS Security serves about 200 hot dogs to a hungry crowd

in the Marquez Business District.

Join us at our

annual Block Party

Sunday, Sept. 18

11am-3pm

Marquez Business

District

Free ACS Hot Dog BBQ

Whirlie the Clown

Balloon Art

Bounce House

Alper Jazz Band

Dignitaries

Doggy Costume Contest

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