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Continued Dramatic Change from Last Year

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the Palisadian-Post
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By MICHAEL EDLEN | Special to the Palisadian-Post

As of April 30, there were 66 single-family Palisades residences listed in the Multiple Listing Service, which is the same as this time last year. So far this year 46 Palisades homes have sold, which is 40% fewer sales than last year’s first four months. There are currently 36 Palisades homes in escrow.

The median sale price per square foot has fallen by 13% as compared with the same period in 2023 and is now at $1,472 per square foot. The median sales price has decreased by 28% and is currently $3,792,500, as compared to $5,275,000 a year ago.

Sales in the beginning of 2023 were unusually strong due to the interest rates being at near-historic low levels at that time. As a result, homes were selling for far more than was feasible during the same period this year.

The lowest-priced available home is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom on Sunset Boulevard asking $1,995,000. The highest-priced property is a seven-bedroom, 11-bath on Casale Road, asking $49.95 million. Both have been on the market for over 100 days. The median list price for Pacific Palisades is now $7,596,500.

The lowest sale price so far this year was a four-bedroom, three-bathroom on Las Lomas, which sold for $1.98 million. The highest sale so far this year was a six-bedroom, eight-bathroom on Alma Real, which sold for $20 million.

There are 18 Palisades condominiums/townhouses on the market now, which is an 18% decrease in the level of inventory from this time last year. They range from one-bedroom, one-bathroom in the Edgewater Towers on Sunset Boulevard offered at $575,000 to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in the same community offered at $2 million. Seven condos are currently in escrow.

There have been 15 condo sales so far this year, ranging from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom on Sunset Boulevard, which sold for $500,000, to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit also on Sunset Boulevard, which sold for $1,565,000. The current median sale price is $1,175,000, which is a 30% drop.

There are currently six pieces of raw land available, ranging from a 7,286-square-foot lot on Castellammare being offered at $775,000 to $14,995,000 for approximately six acres off Casale Road in the Riviera. So far this year, one lot sold—nearly two acres off Via Santa Ynez, which sold for $550,000.

There are currently 95 available leases in the Palisades, which is a 19% increase from this time last year. They range from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom on Sunset asking $2,600 per month to a six-bedroom, 14-bathroom home on Pampas Ricas asking $140,000 per month.

There have been 91 leases so far this year—exactly the same as this period last year. The highest lease so far this year was a six-bedroom, five-bathroom on DePauw, which leased for $60,000 per month. The lowest was $2,700 per month for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit on Sunset Boulevard, and the median leased price was $11,000 per month, up 10% from this time last year.

Michael Edlen, an agent with Coldwell Banker, has been keeping statistics on Pacific Palisades housing prices for
the last 38 years.

Garden Tips: A Trip to Franklin Canyon Orange Grove

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Franklin Canyon Orange Grove
Photo courtesy of Bruce Schwartz

By BRUCE SCHWARTZ | Contributing Writer

We recently visited Los Angeles Parks Foundation’s historical 4.3-acre orange grove adjacent to Beverly Hills: Franklin Canyon Orange Grove. Yes, that’s right—a just-over-four-acre orange grove adjacent to Beverly Hills.

It is a historical orange grove with some trees in it that are over 100 years old. LA Parks Foundation is the steward of this historically significant four acres that is a time capsule to our agricultural past.

“Under LA Parks Foundation’s Adopt-a-Park program, the David Bohnett Foundation sponsors the grove annually to support regular orchard maintenance and landscaping of the site,” according to the LA Parks Foundation website. “The trees are harvested each year by volunteers with Food Forward who distribute the fruit to local hunger relief agencies.”

We are volunteering to create an organic fertilizer program for this orange grove, and we might be looking for a few volunteers to help us. It would be an educational and rewarding project to bring the orange grove back to optimum health, using volunteers—young and old—to help us apply the amendments needed to bring the trees back to optimum health and production.

I found out about the orange grove at the Earth Day booths that were set up by Resilient Palisades on Swarthmore in April. I met Justin Yoshimaru of LA Parks Foundation at its booth, and he told me about the four-acre orange grove it takes care of at the foot of Beverly Hills.

I became so excited. Being an agricultural consultant specializing in plant nutrition for 20 years, I jumped at the prospect of volunteering to help use some of the “useless knowledge” that I have accumulated over the years that is buried deep in my head on plant nutrition.

John Atwill, from Grow More, and his daughter Adelaide, freshly graduated from Iowa State University’s agricultural program, and myself met with Yoshimaru and Tony Budrovich of LA Parks Foundation at the orange grove on Thursday, May 2. I must say that we were impressed with the overall health and stewardship of the grove. We are going to build a program using compost and trace nutrients that will impress.

If any readers of this column are interested in volunteering or donating to the orange grove, contact me or LA Parks Foundation. It will be rewarding to be involved in preserving a piece of agricultural history in Los Angeles.

Bruce Schwartz is a 24-year resident of the Palisades Highlands. He was an agricultural consultant for 20 years, specializing in soil nutrition for crops grown in the Central Valley. He was named Pacific Palisades’ Citizen of the Year in 2017 and a Golden Sparkplug award winner in 2013, and is a member of several community organizations. To reach Schwartz, call 310-779-1773 or email bruceschwartz@rodeore.com.

Martin Short Expands Real Estate Portfolio East to Brentwood

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo by Rich Schmitt

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

One former honorary mayor of Pacific Palisades has expanded his real estate portfolio slightly east.

Emmy- and Tony-winning actor, comedian and author Martin Short has purchased a $2.27 million home in Upper Mandeville Canyon, according to Robb Report.

Short’s new Brentwood digs—which were listed for $2.5 million—feature four bedrooms and three bathrooms, with 1,859 square feet of living space.

“Nestled at the top of serene Mandeville Canyon, on a lush parcel over a secluded bridge, sits this truly lovely and updated retreat,” read the listing. “An environment of serenity and tranquility meets an opportunity for play and entertaining.”

The home, which was built in 1961, has new flooring, as well as a remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, that were part of 2024 updates. The floorplan—described as “fun and functional” in the listing—offers bright and light spaces.

A “soothing” backyard features a pool and jacuzzi, as well as a firepit conversation area and outdoor bar. Additional features are a “seasonal waterfall” and “incredible verdant mountain vistas.”

A detached apartment, with a separate entrance, includes a kitchenette.

“A special setting that feels far from the city, yet rests only a few minutes north of Sunset Boulevard,” the listing concluded. “This divine property really has it all.”

Short—who served as honorary mayor of the Palisades beginning in 1998—was the first guest at the Pacific Palisades Library Association’s Writers, Artists and Musicians Series in December 2022. In a conversation moderated by Tim Schneider, Short spoke of his life in the Palisades.

“I love it here,” he said at the time. “The ocean in front of me, the mountains behind me, the weather, the village of it all. I love this place. It’s like heaven … I go through the McClure Tunnel, going on PCH and look to the left and see that ocean. It’s been 35 years and I still can’t get over it.”

Kenneth ‘Ken’ Mark Hardgrove

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Kenneth “Ken” Mark Hardgrove, 72, passed away peacefully on April 15 after a courageous battle with PSP. He was a longtime Palisadian and parishioner at Corpus Christi.

Ken was born in Somerville, New Jersey, on December 31, 1951, and is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Frances, his sister, Barbara, and brother, Richard. Ken is survived by the love of his life and wife of 41 years, Holly, his daughters Allison (Charlie) and Lauren, and his grandson, Owen Kenneth. Ken was overjoyed to meet his grandson and namesake, who was born in March.

Ken graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a B.A. in 1976 and received his J.D. from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1979. Ken was one of the founding partners of Sherwood and Hardgrove, where he practiced real estate law for more than 35 years.

He took great pride in his career and mentored many attorneys over the years. His longstanding clients became dear friends. Ken maintained an AV rating his entire career, awarded to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence by their peers.

He had many interests: Ken enjoyed cheering for his favorite sports teams, including the Dodgers, Packers, UCLA and each of his daughters’ schools. He had a passion for airplanes, cars (especially red convertibles) and traveling.

An avid reader and lifelong learner, he had a deep knowledge of many diverse topics and loved sharing that knowledge. Going back to New Jersey every summer to visit family and spend time at the shore brought him great joy; he was immensely proud of his Italian and Jersey roots.

Family was everything to Ken, and his three girls were his world. Even in his final days, his priority was making sure that they would be OK.

Ken was our rock and the kindest, wisest, most loving and best person you could have in your corner. As personable and charming as they come, he could have a conversation with anyone about just about anything. We will forever cherish our memories with him and will carry his legacy forward, remembering all he taught us and striving to live up to the example he set.

We will celebrate Ken’s life on Friday, May 17, at Corpus Christi Church. A reception will immediately follow. If you wish to make a donation in Ken’s name, the family requests that donations be made to CurePSP: psp.org.

Nancy Jo Van Vlack

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Nancy Jo Van Vlack of Pacific Palisades passed away on Tuesday, April 16.

She was born on December 23, 1939, in Los Angeles. Her family owned the first retail store in Pacific Palisades: The Village Store. There Nancy discovered her love of fashion and people.

Nancy grew up in Pacific Palisades and attended University High School, where she was a member of the cheer squad, the Adonnas and the ROTC. After graduation, Nancy studied fashion merchandising while modeling.

She met her future husband, Dale, while working for Hughes Aircraft Company.

They were married at the Palisades Presbyterian Church on July 23, 1960, and spent the following 63 years together. Following the birth of their two daughters, Kat and Kristin, Nancy returned to her family store, where she worked until retirement.

In her later years, Nancy stayed active in the community through volunteer work. She and Dale enjoyed serving the veterans at the American Legion, and frequently attended social events there. A Deacon in her church for many years, Nancy loved helping with Vacation Bible School and being part of the Lamplighters.

She enjoyed gardening and cooking, and had a deep love for animals.

Nancy is survived by her daughters Kat and Kristin of Pacific Palisades, and her two grandchildren Tyler and Alex Hill.

A public memorial service will be held on June 1 beginning promptly at 1 p.m. at Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, 15821 Sunset Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Nancy’s favorite charity, Ironwood Pig Sanctuary (iron
woodpigs.org).

Claire Joyce Clein Weiner

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Claire Joyce Clein Weiner was an exquisitely beautiful and marvelously intuitive person.

Born in Seattle on February 9, 1930, Claire passed away at her home in Los Angeles on April 5, surrounded by love. She graduated from the Bush School in Seattle and the San Francisco College for Women.

Claire’s sense of style was magnificent, with a superb “eye” for detail and milieu, including classic as well as contemporary French, Asian and American culture and design. She loved small dogs and majestic cats, with leopard and tiger prints adorning favorite accessories and furnishings.

Claire had an exceptional ability to “see” things as well as people. She was creative, clever, curious and caring. A dutiful daughter and inspiring sister for many years, Claire enjoyed a fabulous life as an adoring wife, glorious mother, proud Nani and impeccable homemaker. She was also a talented interior designer who loved to collect beautiful objects, paint, knit, garden and cook.

Claire and her late husband Steve shared a true love story for 65 years, marrying the week they met in Chicago and cultivating a wonderful, lovely life in Beverly Hills for over 60 years. Together they loved to travel the world, vacation in Hawaii and raise their daughter Cynthia.

Over the years they were members of several clubs, including the Outrigger Canoe Club, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, Riviera and Hillcrest Country Clubs, American Legion Yacht Club, and Beverly Hills Tennis Club. Raised beside lakes, Claire and Steve loved beaches and oceans where they will both rest in peace and forever be part of everything, everywhere.

Claire is survived by her grateful daughter Cynthia Hirschhorn; son-in-law Charles Hirschhorn; and treasured grandchildren Jason, Nicole and Adam. She loved visiting them in the Palisades.

Dr. Robert Mendez

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Dr. Robert Mendez, a pioneering figure in the field of organ transplantation and organ donation, passed away on March 29, leaving behind a legacy of medical innovation and compassion.

Along with his twin brother, Dr. Rafael Mendez, Dr. Robert Mendez was a worldwide pioneer in kidney transplantation and organ donation, who revolutionized the field with his expertise and dedication.

Dr. Mendez cherished his family. He married Valerie Rosemunde Mendez in 1973, and together they raised three children. Valerie passed away in 2010, preceding Dr. Mendez in death. He is survived by his children Danielle Mendez, Robert Mendez and Alexandra Clark, and his grandchildren Dylan, Sasha, Jasper, Hudson, Paxton, Harper and Chloe.

Dr. Robert Mendez’s impact on the world of organ transplantation, organ donation and medicine at large are immeasurable. His dedication, compassion and groundbreaking work have saved countless lives and will continue to influence future generations of medical professionals.

A memorial service to honor Dr. Robert Mendez’s life and contributions will be held on May 11 at 11 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church in Pacific Palisades. The reception will take place following the service at Jonathan on the Beach in Santa Monica.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mendez National Institute of Transplantation in Dr. Robert Mendez’s memory.

Special Olympics Southern California Dream Big Raffle 2024 Campaign

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Southern California

Grand Prize Winner to Select Multi-Million Dollar Custom Calabasas Home or $1 Million

Chance of Winning a Prize is 1 and 25

Now underway is the Special Olympics Southern California Dream Big Raffle, where thousands of prizes—ranging from a luxury home, vehicles, exotic vacations, electronics and cash—will be awarded to hundreds of winners. Ticket prices start at $150 and are available in multiples, at discounted prices, to increase the chance of winning a prize.

The Dream Big Raffle will benefit thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities and has become SOSC’s biggest and most impactful fundraiser.

“Campaigns such as the Dream Big Raffle enable SOSC to continue to grow and offer additional services for our athletes and communities,” CEO Kelly Pond said. “It’s remarkable to watch how the power of sports transforms the lives of our participants, as they build self-confidence, a sense of belonging, independence and leadership skills, preparing them for a lifetime of success. We have seen a remarkable expansion of our Unified Champion Schools program focused on creating school environments where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included resulting in a marked drop in bullying.”

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to fund training programs and competitions, health screenings, leadership classes, venue rentals, sporting equipment, uniforms, coach training, travel expenses, meals and more. For most families, participation in sporting organizations would be financially impossible. Since its inception in 1968 by Rafer Johnson, SOSC has been free of charge.

The 2024 Grand Prize is an exquisite custom-built, 5,000-square-foot home nestled in the exclusive Calabasas community of The Oaks. This coastal inspired Mediterranean residence is an architectural masterpiece featuring six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, hardwood cherry floors, a chef’s kitchen built with custom cabinetry, imported Italian Carrera marble countertops, vaulted ceilings throughout, upstairs loft space and sweeping canyon views.  Step outside to the backyard to discover a beautiful swimming pool, entertaining space, a variety of mature fruit trees and an organic vegetable garden.

Celebrating its 15th year, the Dream Big Raffle has netted more than $26 million for Special Olympics Southern California.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 800-816-6108 or visit socalraffle.com for additional details.

Dolphins Keep City Streak Alive

By
Steve Galluzzo
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No. 1 player Lorenzo Brunkow digs out a half volley.
Photo: Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO  | Sports Editor

When Lorenzo Brunkow decided to join the Palisades High boys tennis team this season he wanted nothing more than to help the Dolphins keep their record City title streak intact.

Thanks in large part to Brunkow’s four points at the No. 1 singles spot, Palisades defeated Granada Hills 20 to 9.5 in the Open Division final last Wednesday at Balboa Sports Center in Encino to claim its 40th section title and 15th in a row—the longest active championship reign by any team in any sport in the City.

“The trips with the team were fun and it helps to see a little of what the college environment will be like,” Brunkow said after sweeping his four sets, 6-2, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0. “It was important to continue our coach’s legacy and keep the streak going. That was the goal when the season began.”

Liam Findley is pumped after he
and his partner Eli Konecke upset
the Highlanders’ top doubles team
7-4 in a tiebreaker.

An early commit to UCSB, where his brother Gianluca is a junior on the Gauchos’ men’s squad, Brunkow reached the finals of the CIF singles division at Ojai four days prior. The 11th-grader also established himself as the favorite to win the City Individual tournament after defeating Granada Hills sophomore Kristian Sharma 6-2 in the first rotation. Reigning City singles champ Neel Joshi won his three sets, 6-1, 6-0, 6-0, but was subbed out before facing Sharma. Playing No. 3 singles, Luc Jesuele beat the Highlanders’ No. 4 player Advait Kamal 6-0 and Owen Chin Rust also beat Kamal, 6-1, before reserves Tristan Kiperman and Rocco Weinberg each won a set to give the top-seeded Dolphins 10 out of a possible 16 points in singles.

“He played the exact same lineup I would’ve if I were him,” Pali High coach Bud Kling said of his counterpart Troy Aiken. “Unfortunately, his singles players didn’t come through the way he hoped they would.”

Already the winningest coach in section history, Kling added his 31st boys title to his collection. Add to that the 21 he has won with the girls and he has a total of 52 since taking over the boys program in 1979 and the girls in 1985.

Sophomore Zach Cohen poaches at the net in doubles.

“It’s always a pleasure you—it’s exciting tennis and we look forward to it every year,” Kling said to the Highlanders before handing out first-place medals to his players. “I’m sure we’ll see you guys again in 12 months.”

Palisades and Granada Hills have met in nine straight finals—three in Division I and the last six in the Open Division—and 10 times total in the Dolphins’ current dynasty, which started with a 26.5 to 3 over the Highlanders in 2009.

Granada Hills has yet to win a City boys title.

Junior Owen Chin Rust hits a forehand return winner.

The Dolphins ensured that the Highlanders’ drought would continue by taking six of the nine doubles sets (each worth one and half points). Palisades’ No. 1 tandem of Caleb Scott and Max May lost head-to-head to the Highlanders’ top pair of Aydan Fatu and Aiden Moufarrege but rebounded to win their last two sets, 6-2, 6-1. Zach Cohen and Teddy Brainard beat Granada Hills’ No. 3 pair 6-0 and the No. 3 team of Liam Findley and Eli Konecke won two sets, including a tiebreak victory over Fatu and Moufarrege.

Once his team surpassed the 15 points needed for victory, Kling began replacing his starters. Dash Hansford and Jeff Ren secured the last doubles point with a 6-0 victory.

Splashing the Party

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Alexis Burrell anchors the 400 freestyle relay.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

Palisades High Girls Tie Granada Hills for City Section Swim Title; Boys Finish Second

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Entering the last event, Palisades High’s girls team was leading the City Section swim championships by six points, but head coach Maggie Nance knew that her team needed to finish strong to gain at least a share of the title. Fortunately, the Dolphins rose to the challenge and took second in the 400 freestyle relay to tie Granada Hills with 371.5 points thanks to the heroics of freshman Alexis Burrell. She trailed Venice sophomore Lily Wu, in the lane next to her, by almost two seconds at the start of her anchor leg, but gained ground with every stroke and edged her Gondos adversary by 59 hundredths of a second to ensure that her team would not leave the Valley College pool empty handed on Saturday.

Noa Levertov swins the breaststroke at City finals.

Granada Hills won in 3:41.27 to earn 40 first-place points, but Palisades’ foursome of Sabrina Kim, Noa Levetrov, Bailey Gair and Burrell clocked 3:44.83 to pick up the 34 points they needed to create the girls’ first tie in finals history. The only other time two teams finished deadlocked was in 1974 when Palisades and Chatsworth tied for the boys team crown.

“I knew we had to get second and on my second 50 I went as fast as I could and started catching her,” said Burrell, who clocked a personal-best 1:56.60 to win the 200 freestyle, then won the 500 freestyle by almost five seconds earlier in the meet. “The last 25 I gave it everything I had. Yeah, I was tired but the adrenaline kicked in and took over the pain.”

Alexis and her twin sister Claire, who went to Paul Revere Middle School and live in Brentwood, were welcome and surprise additions to the squad this spring.

Genessis Zuniga swims in the 200 freestyle relay.

“I don’t recruit but I’m super excited to have the sisters,” said Nance, who watched the boys and girls teams both finish second last year. “Alexis is fierce! She closed a second anad a half faster than she’s ever gone in the relay.”

Venice, Granada Hills and Palisades went 1-2-3 in the first event, the girls’ 200 medley relay and the Dolphins’ 200 freestyle relay of Mika Mertzel, Emma Canter, Genessis Zuniga and Levertov was fourth in 1:49.42. Nance made sure her swimmers knew what was at stake before the last relay.

“I didn’t know until after the breaststroke finished but after the 200 free I did the math and saw that Granada Hills was closing. Venice was favored and if they’d won we would’ve been first outright but Granada Hills winning forced us to have to get second. So I told the girls if they [Granada Hills] get second you can get third and you’ll win. There just can’t be a gap of more than one spot.”

Coach Maggie Nance knows her team is No. 1 again.

Granada Hills’ boys also won the 400 Freestyle Relay en route to their first team title since 2001. Palisades was the runner-up for the second straight year with 358 points. The girls added to their record total with their 31st City title and 15th udner Nance, who took the helm of her alma mater in 2004. Since then, she has also coached the boys to nine titles, giving her 24 overall.

Owen Grant jumps off the block for the 50 freestyle.

“It’s nice to be back on top,” she said. “The culture of the team is really good and that makes it fun to coach them. We have so many young swimmers so we should be strong again next year.”

Riley Amis was second in the boys 100 freestyle in 49.45. Owen Grant, who led the boys’ water polo team to its 11th straight City title in the fall, was fourth in the 50 free in 22.77 and the 200 medley relay of Gabe Atkinson-Mann, Amis, Avery Grant and Roi Levertov was third.

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