2125 Sawtelle Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-473-0580 manpukuus.com
The corner of Olympic and Sawtelle, the beginning of the Japanese area of town and the two or three blocks to the north, has become one of the busiest food destinations in Los Angeles.
In the little shopping area in the first block, you can find my favorite Korean restaurant, where I order my favorite tofu soup. There is also a wonderful chicken take-out place—and Manpuku (meaning “full belly”).
Eating at Manpuku is not just eating, but an experience and a lot of fun. The setup is like the many Korean restaurants in town, with the grill tables, but the menu is different.
The prix fixe (meaning “fixed price”) menu looks really good to me, but it’s too much food for me at this stage of life. On that menu, for $69 per person, you get kimchi and bean sprouts appetizers, spicy beef soup, garlic fried rice, five different cuts of beef and some shrimp, all for grilling at the table, followed by ice cream.
The last time I was there I started with the roasted garlic, kimchi and slices of the Kobe filet. We cooked the filet to rare, and it was delicious, but because it was fairly thick it was hard to eat without a knife and fork.
Then we ordered the Kobe ribeye, which the waiter said was the most popular selection. There was no bone, just slices of well-marbled beef and it was perfect. Then we tried the Jidori chicken thigh, which was good, but not great.
There are a lot of dishes that I haven’t yet tried, but will in time: There are assorted mushrooms, Kurobuta pork sausage and Kobe tongue, all dishes I love. And there are lots of different ways to eat the proteins, such as getting wrapping lettuce.
The menu is much more varied than one would expect. There are three separate types of beef: American Wagyu, U.S. Prime and the Japanese “signature” beef. Then there are some pork selections, chicken thighs or breast, and seafood. There are three kinds of rice, five soups, eight appetizers and five sashimi selections.
The bottom line is that you have to come back many times to experience this restaurant. I loved grilling the beef at the table, so it is cooked just how I like it and stays hot.
There is also an extensive drink menu, taking up the whole back side of the menu, which includes Sapporo on tap, an excellent selection of wine and one of the best sake lists I’ve seen (hot and cold).
Some of what separates this from the Korean BBQ I frequent is the broad extent of the menu, the reasonable prices and the Japanese influence. I recommend it.
Merv Hecht, like many Harvard Law School graduates, went into the wine business after law. In 1988, he began writing restaurant reviews and books. His latest book “The Instant Wine Connoisseur, 3rd edition” is available on Amazon. He currently works for several companies that source and distribute food and wine products internationally. Send comments to mervynhecht@yahoo.com.
The Biggest Event of the Year in One Action-Packed Day; Tickets Are Now On Sale for Advance Purchase
Champions will be crowned and legends made when Los Angeles becomes the fourth host city for the unrivaled Monster Jam World Finals marquee event! Featuring the biggest event of the season with the largest collection of trucks and drivers ever to visit Southern California, Monster Jam World Finals XXIII races into SoCal roaring through the iconic SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on May 18.
The biggest Monster Jam event of the year brings in fans from all over the globe to see some of the best trucks and world-class drivers compete for a total of four championships in Racing, Freestyle, High Jump and 2-Wheel Skills competitions, highlighted by an unforgettable Monster Jam World Finals exclusive gravity-defying stunt that fans will be talking about for years.
This epic annual event wraps up the competition season with the five Series Champions from the Stadium and Arena Series receiving an automatic bid to Monster Jam World Finals XXIII for the Racing and Freestyle competitions. Additional world class drivers round out the competition.
Bring the whole family and gear up for all-out racing, pulse-pounding stunts, tricks and thrills as four World Champions will be crowned!
The excitement begins with the biggest Monster Jam Pit Party fan experience of the year! Fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, take pictures, get autographs, and watch driver interviews.
In addition, fans will be able to see Monster Jam remote control trucks tear up a miniature version of the World Finals track, witness intense Freestyle Motocross competitions and enjoy other family-friendly activities. All included in the price of the event ticket—it’s an unforgettable part of the Monster Jam World Finals XXIII experience!
This marquee event will continue on Sunday, May 19, with a charity event supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Monster Jam Awards Show that fans can purchase tickets to attend these special events (locations for both events will be announced later).
At Monster Jam, world champion athletes and their larger-than-life monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill. Monster Jam drivers are trained, world-class male and female athletes who have mastered not only the physical strength and mental stamina needed to compete, but the vital dexterity to control 12,000-pound machines capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and racing at speeds up to 70 miles per hour to push all limits to produce jaw-dropping, live motorsports action seen around the world.
When:
Saturday, May 18
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Largest Pit Party of the year
2 to 3 p.m.: 2-Wheel Skills and High Jumps
5:45 p.m.: Never-before-seen Monster Jam World Finals stunt
6 p.m.: Racing competitions begin
7:30 p.m.: Freestyle competitions begin
Sunday, May 19
Charity event supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Monster Jam Awards Show
Sunday event locations to be announced later
Where:
SoFi Stadium: 1001 South Stadium Drive, Inglewood, CA 90301
Tickets:
Tickets are affordably priced for the whole family! Tickets and Pit Passes are now available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices subject to change—additional venue/ticketing fees may apply.
How to Road trip from Pacific Palisades to Mendocino
By MIKE SCHIBEL | Contributing Writer
With today’s hustle and bustle, finding moments to escape and reconnect becomes essential for all of us.
I embarked on a road trip from Southern California to Mendocino for a celebratory birthday getaway, seeking adventure, good food, fantastic wine and quality time together with my wife and dog. With Barbara—our fur baby who loves road trips—accompanying us, we set out on a journey filled with endless breathtaking landscapes, delicious cuisine and cherished memories.
Secret Tips for Creating Our Road Trip
This road trip is the perfect four- to five-day getaway with a special someone or a great friend. For this birthday celebration getaway, we had some guidelines we wanted to stay within to make this the best road trip possible:
Under a 10-hour drive from home. This can easily be broken up into two manageable days of driving with a fun stop.
Stunning natural beauty.
Open roads.
Variety of local places to stay and eat.
Activities and experiences unique to the destination.
A Memorable Stop in San Francisco
We stayed at one of the most iconic hotels in the city, atop Nob Hill: The InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. San Francisco is a city rich in history, and the Mark Hopkins Hotel has been a part of many years of fascinating stories.
Perched on the corner of California and Mason Street—with trolley cars passing by the front door and 360-degree city views—the once-mansion was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and opened as a hotel in 1926. A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2011, the hotel has hosted some of the most noteworthy people in history, from Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland and Betty Grable to Elvis Presley.
Stepping into the lobby, the hotel’s rich history surrounded us with its opulent decor and classic charm. Our room was a spacious suite adorned with luxurious furnishings, with spectacular views of the city and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. It was a perfect blend of modern comfort and classic elegance.
The hotel’s dog-friendly policy was a massive plus for us, and the staff went above and beyond to make Barbara feel like the queen she is. From a warm welcome to a photo session for the VIP (Very Important Pet) wall and yummy treats, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel truly understood the importance of making every family member feel special.
No visit to the Mark Hopkins is complete without visiting Top of the Mark, a legendary rooftop lounge on the hotel’s 19th floor. Note: You don’t need to be a hotel guest to visit Top of the Mark.
Our Stays in Mendo
Photos courtesy of Mike Schibe
With under 1,000 people, one could call Mendocino a hidden gem in California. Known for its rugged cliffs, walking trails, active sea life and expansive beaches, it was the heaven we needed and the Shangri-La we sought.
Nestled along the enchanting Mendocino Coast, Little River Inn emerges as a timeless gem, offering a warm embrace to travelers seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For over 80 years, Little River Inn has welcomed guests to its coastal paradise, creating a haven that is a testament to the region’s rich history and commitment to hospitality.
Our two-night stay at Little River Inn began with settling into a cozy room featuring a welcoming fireplace. The sound of waves crashing and seals barking in the distance provided a soothing backdrop as we relaxed on our porch, absorbing the breathtaking views.
The evenings at Little River Inn were nothing short of magical. Opening a bottle of wine from Lula Vineyards in Philo, a delightful stop on our way to Mendocino, we witnessed the sun dipping below the ocean horizon.
A culinary journey awaited us at the Little River Inn restaurant, where the menu boasted freshly caught fish and locally sourced vegetables. The meal, service and overall vibes were exceptional, providing a gastronomic experience highlighting the region’s commitment to quality and flavor.
We enjoyed breakfast at Little River Inn sitting on the patio eating pancakes, eggs and fresh OJ with the most priceless view.
The Little River Inn also offers spa treatments, a golf course with incredible views and tennis—a great spot also for family celebrations from weddings to reunions.
For our next two-night stay, we chose the magical Brewery Gulch Inn, a true hidden gem, inviting travelers to indulge in a tranquil retreat surrounded by natural beauty. This charming 11-room inn captivated us with its unique character and warm hospitality.
Situated just a few minutes outside of town, Brewery Gulch Inn is a well-kept secret offering an intimate and secluded getaway. One of the highlights of Brewery Gulch Inn was its stunning porches that overlook the bay. Spending moments on these porches, whether sipping on a morning coffee or enjoying the evening breeze with a glass of local wine, became integral to our experience.
Brewery Gulch Inn served us the best breakfast of granola, yogurt, fruit, bacon and homemade baked goods.
One unique aspect of our stay was the evening happy hour with the best of locally sourced wine and beer, where the Inn served light meals in bento boxes featuring worldly cuisine using sourced local produce and meats.
Beaches and Walks
Just below the Little River is Van Damme Beach, a peaceful beach with a beautiful cove. Babs loved strolling off-leash on the beach and meeting other dogs. This is a smaller beach than others in the area, and even though it’s next to Highway 1, it’s still a fantastic beach and an incredible stop.
One of the more popular beaches in the area is Glass Beach, which is 15 minutes north of Mendocino, just outside of the town of Fort Bragg. Glass Beach is named for the abundant sea glass created from years of dumping garbage into an area of coastline near the northern part of the town. There’s an effortless walk from the parking lot to gorgeous, expansive beaches with tons of sea glass to pick.
Our favorite beach on Mendocino coast was Jug Handle Beach—a short walk down a path surrounded by trees and lush greenery. Once you’re on the beach, it feels like a secluded paradise.
Returning Home
Our recent escapade along the enchanting Mendocino coast left us spellbound, and we’re convinced you’ll feel the same. California never fails to surprise and delight, offering endless possibilities for unforgettable getaways even if you call this state home.
Born and raised in Marquez Knolls, Mike Schibel is the host of the Travel With Meaning podcast and a travel journalist. For help planning your next meaningful adventure, reach out to Schibel via hello@travelwithmeaning.com.
LACO performs at the April 6 gala celebration. Photos by Ben Gibbs
Riviera Residents Receive LACO ‘Heartstrings Award’ for Their Support of the Arts
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Riviera residents Shaheen and Anil Nanji were honored at the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Gala Celebration on Saturday, April 6, at Skirball Cultural Center.
Founded in 1968 by cellist James Arkatov, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra began as an artistic outlet for musicians in the recording industry. Arkatov had a vision for an ensemble that would allow artists to balance studio work and artistic collaboration.
“Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through intimate and transformative musical experiences which exemplify and foster artistic excellence, education and innovation,” according to the organization. “Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra seeks to be a cultural force in Los Angeles and recognized as a premier orchestra worldwide.”
The orchestra presented longtime LACO advocates and philanthropists Shaheen and Anil with the LACO Heartstrings Award, celebrating their commitment to and support of the arts.
Anil and Shaheen Nanji
Anil made the move from Kenya to England to attend boarding school at Malvern Boys College, where every student learns the music of English composer Edward Elgar, according to a press release from LACO. Anil went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy from the University College London, and an MBA from the London Business School. In 1981, he and his family emigrated to LA.
Shaheen emigrated from Tanzania to Vancouver in 1971 with her family, where she went on to attend Simon Fraser University and earn her bachelor’s degree. She also obtained an LLB from the University of British Columbia. Shaheen practiced as a civil litigator before moving to LA in 1988, when she and Anil were married.
Shaheen is known for dedicating most of her free time to philanthropy and activism. She has served on the Board of Artwallah—an organization that showcases South Asian musicians, dancers and artists in Southern California. She has also been active with the Aga Khan Development Network and served on the Board of Curtis School for eight years, “with a focus on diversity and inclusivity,” according to the press release.
Anil is currently president and owner of Integrated Magnetics, and a founding partner of NextGen Solawazi, a company that develops and operates utility-scale solar plants. The company supplies electricity to isolated mini-grids in Tanzania.
Shaheen and Anil were first introduced to LACO’s Silent Film series by a family friend nearly three decades ago.
“From concertgoers, they became volunteers and supporters, and in 2014, Shaheen began serving as a member of LACO’s Board of Directors,” the press release read.
Over the last four years, Shaheen has co-chaired the LACO Board Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
“LACO is delighted to salute Shaheen and Anil Nanji for their deeply impactful support of LACO,” LACO Board Chair Anne-Marie Spataru said in a statement. “In addition to their generous philanthropic support, they are both ardent volunteers who have helped introduce the orchestra to new audiences. Shaheen has also been a valued member of LACO’s Board of Directors for the past decade.”
When accepting their award, Shaheen and Anil expressed gratitude for LACO and its presence in their lives.
“Every great city has a beating heart made up of its cultural institutions, and here in LA, we are very lucky to have so many incredible organizations and patrons that make our city’s cultural landscape so rich,” the couple said. “Among these treasures, LACO occupies a very special place for us because it’s boldly adventurous in its programming, because it takes music directly to communities across our city, because of the tremendously talented virtuoso musicians who make up the orchestra, and because it is up-close and personal in a way that other world-class institutions find it hard to be.”
The sold-out gala celebration drew over 360 attendees and raised a “record-breaking” $1 million to benefit LACO, and its artistic and educational initiatives.
The Palisades fire, captured in May Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
By SAMANTHA SONNETT | Intern
Once an occasional natural disaster in our community, wildfires have become incredibly common and a regular by-product of climate change. Brush fires plague much of Los Angeles, often near the California Incline, the Palisades Highlands, by the 405 freeway and in our neighboring mountains.
I remember evacuating our home here in the Palisades on more than one occasion in elementary and middle school, having to decide on the most important things in my life that I could pack into a little suitcase.
Besides the risk of property damage and severe injury, if the current wildfire crisis is left uncontained, the resulting greenhouse gas emissions would reverse much of the progress being made by a recent rush of state, federal and international greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.
The federal government announced plans in February to use $179 million to help contain the situation, according to a report by California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force. However, this won’t solve the problem. As citizens, it is our duty to continue calling on our government to take action to reduce environmental pollution and climate change.
In addition to an influx in carbon emissions, forest fires cause methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and effectively warms our atmosphere 86 times more than carbon emissions, as reported by Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
As discussed in an article I authored for the Palisadian-Post last month, California recently convinced several states and countries to join in its goal of reducing methane levels by 40% by the year 2030. But, according to a study published last year in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, the amount of emissions from California fires in a recent year equaled nearly 14% of the state’s total emissions, compared to an average of 1% in years past.
Further, a UCLA study concluded that the wildfires in 2020 released approximately 127 million megatons of greenhouse gases, which is twice the amount of total emissions that California had managed to cut from 2003 to 2019. This statistic is sobering, and facts like these should incite a need to encourage more awareness and action by our community members.
Climate change is a top issue for voters, not just because they necessarily care about the environment, but because they feel the effects of climate change daily. Twenty-five million acres—which make up a quarter of the state—are considered very high or extreme fire threat regions, according to California Air Resources Board, and more than 25% of California’s residents live in those areas.
Six of the largest wildfires in California have occurred in the last four years, as reported by Reuters. The Dixie fire is the most recent one, and the largest single-source fire in our state’s history. PG&E claims the fire may have started from its equipment, which quickly spread due to drought-causing brush and burned for almost an entire month in 2021.
What can we do to address the wildfire crisis? First, the environment must continue to be a focus in government policy making, as there are more wildfires due to climate change.
Second, priority should be given to proper forest management, as we’ve seen with the recent $179 million funding from our U.S. Forest Service. The money will be used to further California’s action plan to—among other things—create more beneficial fires, increase monitoring of electric utility equipment that could cause fires, encourage private landowners to properly maintain their trees and brush, and create fuel breaks, which are corridors of land that have been cleared of smaller trees, brush and twigs to stop fires from spreading.
It is worth noting that almost 70% of Gen Z voters (currently 18 to 27 years old) rank climate change as a top issue to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations, according to Pew Research Center. More and more of these young voters are running for office in the future, according to a 2022 study by Tufts University.
I hope the voices of our future elected officials will be heard and echoed by voters across the country so that later generations of children can enjoy our beautiful community.
Samantha Sonnett is a student at Palisades Charter High School and passionate about saving the environment. She is an activist with the American Conservation Coalition. She can often be found at the beach or strumming on her guitar. Sonnett hopes that the world can continue to fight for a more sustainable future, in order to preserve the planet and avoid further climate change.
Maureen Anne O’Sullivan, a one-woman force field of creativity, mindfulness, humor and compassion, passed away on February 28 in Santa Monica. She was 78 years old.
Maureen, or “Mo” to her many friends, was born May 29, 1945, in Lakeland, Florida. She is survived by a sister, Cathy Shorr, and three brothers, James, Michael and William. She was pre-deceased by one sister, Barbara, and a brother, John.
For many years, she made her home in the Santa Monica area, but she was also an avid traveler, residing for a time in London and Paris, and sailing out of Nantucket to the West Indies. Her many passions, including photography, prompted travel to far flung places, from Moscow to Morocco.
Maureen graduated from Syracuse University with a B.A. in 1972 and later received a J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law in 1994. Prior to moving to California, she worked as a video and radio producer in New York, hosted a radio program on WOCB in Nantucket, and hosted a weekly television program in which she interviewed Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush, and Ted Kennedy.
She moved on to a career in marketing and public relations at Friedman-O’Sullivan Communications where she produced television and music specials, as well as events such as “A Rock ‘N Roll Summit” for Showtime. She was a cofounder of MusiCares with Michael Greene. She served on the board of directors for the Institute for Cinema Studies and the LACMA Photographic Arts Council.
In her last job, as an attorney for Disney Interactive, Business and Legal Affairs Division, she negotiated production, development and entertainment agreements.
When she retired in 2017, she was looking forward to more traveling. Her cancer diagnosis derailed those plans, but her spiritual journey took flight. A longtime devotee of Buddhist meditation and teachings, and sober for over 40 years, Mo’s ability to celebrate each and every moment of every single day was inspirational.
“We’re all going over those falls eventually,” she told friends, “and I am enjoying the ride.”
Mo loved collecting fine art photography and scarves. Her greatest pleasure, says her brother Michael, came from helping others.
“She was happiest making connections,” he added, “and helping people be their true selves.”
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford Avenue.
Rob Hockley takes a break from practice on the Carl Lewis Track at Stadium by the Sea. Photo: Steve Galluzzo
Palisades High Cross Country and Track Coach Rob Hockley Specializes in Physical, Mental and Spiritual Training
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
It is no wonder Rob Hockley has made a name for himself. He has dedicated his life to training and coaching young athletes and now the Palisades High cross country and track coach has a new website dedicated to Tri Core Coaching.
Originally from Bermondsey, a tough, working class part of Southeast London, he arrived in the United States in the late 1980s, doing commercials like Adidas, Coke, Nike, Coors Lite and playing soccer with the SoCal Champions and at the LA Coliseum and Rose Bowl.
In the mid-1990s he began to immerse himself in movement, training and coaching education and by the end of the decade he was training soccer players, runners and then female pro beach volleyball player Elaine Roque. He coacheds his son Jack at Pali High and the testimonials from individuals he has trained are plentiful.
“His training made a huge difference in my speed and strength as a runner,” says former Dolphins runner and Palisadian-Post Cup Award winner Ava Baak, who now attends the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “He always motivated me to stay consistent and push my limits, even when I felt like giving up. More than that, he cared about the health and well-being of both me and others he coached. Rob allowed me to see my full potential as a runner and I’m so thankful I was able to work with him.”
To Hockley, health and and performance must be thought of as partners. The mother of another athlete trained by Hockley added: “My daughter did soccer specific speed training with Rob with great results on the field. Her ball skills, fitness and speed all improved.”
Hockley teaches that simplicity is on the other side of complexity.
“We all think we know about training and the human body, but nothing in comparison to what we don’t know and don’t worry about… the one to two percent, if not nailing the 98. Super shoes, thera guns, etc. are no good if sleep and nutrition are poor. my goals for athletes.”
Rob Hockley with his son Jack, who ran cross country and track and played soccer at Palisades High. Photo: Steve Galluzzo
When it comes to speed, Hockley offers the following words of wisdom:
“Before we ever offer a solution to the puzzle of improving athlete performance, we must first identify the correct problem. When assessing movement, consider not only the athlete’s body but also, the task and environment they perform in.Knowing KPI’s (key performance indicators and inhibitors and considering both content and context are crucial to this process.”
The secret is assessing postures, shapes and rhythms from multiple viewpoints qnd working on them to help improve speed. So when SPEED training is viewed as skill acquisition, rather than a grind to exhaustion, small doses can be done more frequently.
“The goal is to get athletes to their most efficient and effective movement given their specific and unique constraints,” says the four-time Iron Man and 11-time Escape from Alcatraz finisher, who has led the Dolphins to great success, including multiple City cross country titles and state finals appearances and assisted in the boys’ first ever track and field team championship by half a point in 2019.
A USTA Level II coach, Hockley ran the Leona Divide 50-mile race in Lake Hughes in 12:05:39 in 2013 and ran the 50K in 6:57:40 the next year. In 2010, he did the Bulldog 50K Ultra Run and 25K Trail Run in Calabasas.
Coach Rob Hockley with Palisades’ boys cross country team at the Woodbridge Invitational. Photo: Steve Emery
“Having always been an avid student of past distance coaching legends like Arthur Lydiard, Mihaly Igloi, Gordon Pirie, Percy Cerutty and the like…the lastfour or five years have taken a deep educational dive on all things “speed” and use of critical thinking, from the world class sprint coaches at ALTIS, who have ccached 120 Olympians,” Hickley adds. “It’s been an incredible experience and it’s still ongoing and has given me another lens to view training through.”
“Responsive coaching is a holistic practice, where the entirety of the unique individual and his or her surroundings must be considered, constantly observed and adjusted to,” Hockley says. “Health and performance must be thought of as partners. Athletes will not perform at their best if health is compromised.”
For the last 15 years, Hockley has focused predominantly on high school athletes, coaching hundreds of teenagers in multiple sports to fulfill their potential and help them win numerous individual and team titles.
Core principles he teaches are:
1. Coach the unique individual
2. Observe, observe, observe
3. Repeat frequently with variability
4. Elevate health and performance
Hockley is a certified coach with more than 25 years of experience in multiple sports and has studied with
incredible resources, including Pete Egoscue (posture, alignment, movement); Bobby McGee (distance running); world class coaches at ALTIS (distance, sprinting and sports speed); and a 30-year marriage and learning from former professional and world champion dancer Lisa Nunziella (rhythm, coordination and performance under pressure).
“The journey has always been an endless search for fluid efficient and effective movement,” he adds.
With a background in semi-pro soccer (he was once teammates with singer Rod Stewart), running, martial arts and triathlon, he has trained soccer and female pro beach volleyball players, runners and triathletes since the late 1990s in addition to being a conditioning consultant to the Hofstra University women’s volleyball
team and being invited as a trainer and presenter at two U.S. Olympic Training Centers while sending multiple qualifiers to the Ironman World Championships.
“Train to improve the five basic bio motor abilities: coordination, speed, endurance, strength and flexibility,” Hockley says. “Fostering adaptability, confidence, resilience, emotional and psychological wellness, elevating health and performance and preparing athletes not only for now, but importantly for what comes next.
The human body is a dynamic complex system, but this doesn’t mean simplicity in training won’t work; you have to nail the fundamentals and repeat frequently. To coach is to speak and teach, but more importantly it is to listen & learn.”
To contact Hockley, email rljhockley@msn.com or call 310-628-3346.
The City Section Open Division boys tennis finals will feature two familiar teams. Palisades High will try to win its 15th title in a row when it takes on Granada Hills at 11 a..m. next Wednesday at Balboa Sports Center in Encino.
The Dolphins secured their annual spot in the final with a 21.5 to 8 win against Eagle Rock on Monday while the Highlanders beat Marshall 18 to 11.5 in the other semifinal.
“Granada Hills will be a formidable opponent,” Palisads coach Bud Kling said. “We had to
replace five players who were three or four year starters. We have uncertainties at key spots so a couple guys will have to step up and play better.”
The teams have met in the finals every year since 2015.
Freshman Amelia Sarkisian won the varsity girls 3200 meter race last
Friday at the Gold Coast League Finals. Photo: Steve Galluzzo
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
For Palisadian Amelia Sarkisian, running is not merely a recreational activity, it has become a way of life.
The 15-year-old freshman is off to a fast start at Brentwood School, having won the Gold Coast League cross country championship in the fall, earning the girls Most Valuable Award and qualifying for the CIF state meet. Last Friday, she won her heat in the 800 meters in 2:32.25 and lapped several of her competitors on her way to first place in the 3200 meters in 12:06.36 at the league track prelims.
In the finals Wednesday at Brentwood the Eagles’ rising star completed the sweep of the distance races by winning the 800 meters by over one second in 2:39.34 and winning the 1600 meters by almost 11 full seconds in 5:30.07.
Growing up in the Alphabet Streets with athletic siblings, Sarkisian went to pre-school at United Methodist Church on Via de La Paz and has attended Brentwood School since kindergarten. She played basketball at the Palisades Recreation Center as a youngster but had to stop during the coronavirus pandemic and decided running was a nice, safe alternative. She has competed in cross country since sixth grade and took to the sport like a fish to water.
Although she knows some of the Palisades High runners and thinks they are amazing, Brentwood was a natural choice for her because her parents Keith and Trisha both worked there (her dad is still a geometry and algebra teacher) and her older brother Wyatt (who ran cross country at Brentwood and just graduated from NYU) and older sister Sadie (who played soccer at Brentwood and is now a junior at Stanford) are both Eagles alums.
“They’ve taught me to always do what makes me happy and about the importance of prioritizing,” Amelia says. “I’ve been able to stay focused on running. I honestly love it and I’ve made lots of friends being on the team.”
Sarkisian considers herself more of a cross country runner and averages 30 miles per week.
“I like cross country because of the terrain and the hills but I like track too,” she says. “I talk a lot with my coaches about strategy, whether to go out hard and take the lead or sit back and wait to make my move.”
Sarkisian likes to run on the bike path to Santa Monica, she goes to the Farmers Market on Sunday mornings she enjoys walking her beloved mountain dog Boone and eating at Cafe Vida. “I love their sweet potato fries!” she says. Not too worry, she burns off the calories fast!
“In the 800 I’ve hit 2:21, which surpassed my season goal,” she says. “For the mile, 5:20 is my goal and for the two-mile 11:40 is my goal.”
Van Buck goes on the attack. Photos by Steve Galluzzo
The Palisades High boys and girls lacrosse teams won City titles on the same day last year and now they are poised to do it again.
The boys routed University 16-2 on Friday and the girls handed the Wildcats a 21-2 thrashing Saturday to advance to Tuesday’s finals at Birmingham High in Lake Balboa. Both were seeded No. 1 and took on No. 2 El Camino Real for the title.
Dominic Zuniga takes a shot.
The boys were vying for an eighth straight section crown and ninth in 11 years (there were no playoffs in 2020 due to COVID) while the girls were seeking their second straight and third overall. Last spring, the boys took care of El Camino Real 19-2 after the girls doubled up their nemesis Birmingham 18-9 in a doubleheader at Stadium by the Sea. The girls won their initial City title in 2019, ending Birmingham’s five-year reign.
By continuing to use our site, you understand that we use cookies to improve your experience and collect analytics data. To find out more, read our privacy policy here.
