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Palisades Neighborhood News

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the Palisadian-Post
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Pali Runway Auction Gala | Pali High

Palisades Charter High School Booster Club will host the fundraising Pali Runway Auction Gala on April 13 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at a private residence in Brentwood.

“We invite you to join the PCHS community on April 13 for the Pali Runway Auction Gala as we celebrate and support our students and staff,” read a note from organizers. “For the first time in Pali history, our annual auction is taking on a fabulous new twist with a spectacular fashion show, inspired by our beloved Dolphin mascot.”

Between now and the gala date, community members can purchase tickets, bid on silent auction items, donate or become a sponsor. All proceeds from the event will support Pali High students and programs.

For more information, text PALIRUNWAY to 91999 or visit go.palihigh.org/auction.

—SARAH SHMERLING

‘A View from the Bridge’ | Pierson Playhouse

Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge” opens on Friday evening, March 29, and runs through April 28 at Pierson Playhouse.

“Eddie Carbone, a Brooklyn longshoreman, makes room in his home for two of his wife’s cousins that have been smuggled into the country,” read a synopsis provided by Theatre Palisades. “When one of the men falls in love with Catherine, Eddie’s teenage niece he raised as his own, a jealousy takes hold in Eddie that can only lead to tragedy.”

The show, directed by Cate Caplin, and produced by Martha Hunter and Sherman Wayne, will be performed on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., as well as Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for students and seniors. A full review of the show will appear in a future edition of the Palisadian-Post.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrepalisades.org.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Women’s Self-Defense Class | The Village

American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 will offer a women’s self-defense course, “open to all women in the community over the age of 17,” on Saturday, March 30.

There will be two classes available, taught by Model Mugging Self Defense, to enroll in: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

According to the Model Mugging website, the workshop will cover: “five principles of self defense; four general options if confronted with a threat; boundary setting and conflict de-escalation; full force fight against frontal attack against the padded assailant; and rear attack defense that also involves learning to defend from the ground against the padded assailant.”

The classes will take place at Post 283, located at 15247 La Cruz Drive. Register at alpost283.com/calendar#!event/2024/3/30/women-apos-s-self-defense.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Guest Speaker | Palisades Branch Library

Pacific Palisades Art Association will host guest speaker Peter Carr, who will discuss his art and artistic process at Palisades Branch Library on Wednesday evening, April 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

After a 28-year career in commercial real estate, the Alphabet Streets resident retired at the end of 2017 to “pursue his lifelong passion for making art,” read his bio. Carr, who also goes by the name “Futuredog Surf,” said that he draws inspiration for his work from a variety of avenues, including his love of science, mathematics, music, poetry, spirituality, surfing and nature.

—SARAH SHMERLING

‘Aristotle/Alexander’ | Castellammare

Getty Villa Theater Lab will present “Aristotle/Alexander,” a new play written and directed by Alex Lyras, April 5 to 7 at Getty Villa, located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway.

“In 342 BC, in the wilds of northern Greece, the greatest scientific mind to grace the ancient world collided with the most formidable conqueror history will ever know,” read a synopsis provided by Getty. “A battle of wits unfolds between Aristotle, a radical Athenian philosopher, and a highly precocious, teenaged Alexander the Great, raising the question of whom, exactly, is teaching whom?”

The work-in-progress performances will take place April 5 at 7 p.m. and April 6 and 7 at 3 p.m. Tickets are free but must be reserved at getty.edu.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Crime Report

By
the Palisadian-Post
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The following includes two weeks of reported incidents.

Burglary/Theft From Vehicle

17000 Sunset Blvd, between March 3 at 8:30 p.m. and March 4 at 9 a.m. Unknown suspect removed catalytic converter from vehicle and fled location.

600 N Las Casas Ave, March 4 at 8:25 p.m. Suspect removed license plates from victim’s vehicle. Suspects replaced license plates with a pair of stolen license plates. Officers recovered and booked stolen plates into evidence.

Los Liones Drive & W Sunset Blvd, March 9 between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Suspect entered secured vehicle, removed victim’s property and fled location.

15000 Pacific Coast Hwy, March 10 between 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Suspect entered victim’s vehicle, took property and fled location.

500 Los Liones Dr, March 11 between 11:15 and 11:40 a.m. Suspect was able to unlock vehicle using unknown means. Suspect took victim’s property and fled location.

200 Tranquillo Road, between March 11 and March 13. Suspect entered vehicle, removed victim’s property and fled location.

500 Los Liones Dr, March 13 between 5 and 7 p.m. Suspect removed victim’s property from unsecured area of vehicle and fled location.

700 Palisades Dr, March 14 at 2:15 p.m. Suspect entered victim’s vehicle, took property and fled.

1400 Allenford Ave, March 15 between 1 and 9 a.m. Suspects gained access to victim’s vehicle, took property and fled.

Burglary

16000 Marquez Ave, March 3 between 3:35 and 3:50 a.m. Suspects broke into pharmacy and removed property, witness (security guard) arrived at pharmacy after hearing audible alarm. One of the suspects retrieved a possible unknown type handgun from awaiting vehicle and pointed it in the direction of the witness. Witness immediately fled location, as well as suspects in a grey SUV.

600 Frontera Dr, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. Suspect smashed rear glass door, making entry into residence. Suspect ransacked location and fled with property.

1000 Glenhaven Dr, March 14 at 3:09 p.m. Suspect shattered rear glass door to residence. Victim heard the glass break and yelled out. Suspects immediately fled location without making entry or taking property.

Grand Theft Auto

100 W Channel Road, March 4 between 6:30 and 7 a.m. Victim left keys in vehicle and running. Victim went inside residence and when they returned vehicle was missing. Vehicle was recovered the next day by victim a block away from residence.

500 W Rustic Road, between March 12 at 7:50 p.m. and March 13 at 8:50 a.m. Vehicle taken from street in front of residence.

Aggravated Assault

700 Wildomar St, March 13 at 11:10 a.m. Victim and suspect are related to each other. They became in a physical altercation after an argument. During altercation, suspect pointed a handgun at victim. Victim called police and suspect fled location.

Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.

Our Town

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the Palisadian-Post
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Zibby’s Bookshop—an independent bookstore founded by Marquez Knolls resident Zibby Owens along with Sherri Puzey and Diana Tramontano—recently celebrated its first anniversary on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.

“I am over-the-moon thrilled by how the community has embraced our store,” Owens said in a statement. “People have been coming in all year saying, ‘Thank you!’ I’ve loved getting to know so many readers and book club members in the neighborhood.”

In its first year, the store also hosted more than 200 events, welcoming almost 400 authors and 5,000 readers.

Photos courtesy of Zibby’s Bookshop

Italian General Consul in Los Angeles Raffaella Valentini visited Palisades Charter High School students in the Italian program, awarding a prize during the visit in Gilbert Hall.

“The AP Italian students read excerpts from the novels of Italian writer Italo Calvino and created original projects, including poems, comics and a video, interpreting the sustainability message of their selected passages,” read a description ahead of the visit. “One of the projects won the contest, and Ms. Valentini will hand the award and Italian books donated by the Consulate.”

Director of the Education Office of the San Francisco Consulate Daniela Mazza, Director of the Italian Foundation Hillary Stern and Pali High Principal Dr. Pam Magee also attended.

Photos courtesy of Arianna Strippol

Have a Heart, Save a Heart’s 11th annual Women’s Heart Symposium in February—which had a theme of “Nature Speaks to the Heart”—featured several Palisadian speakers, including Dr. Nicole Weinberg, Dr. Alexandra Lajoie and Dr. Peter Pelikan.

The event, attended by more than 500 guests in-person and virtually, featured keynote speaker Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, who gave a presentation on “Female Health Across the Tree of Life.”

The nonprofit behind the event presented the Jane Goodall Institute with a check for $10,000 to support ongoing efforts to create a “brighter, more sustainable world for all creatures who share it.”

Photos by Dlugolecki Photography

Palisadian Bill Minderhout celebrated his 93rd birthday party at The GasLite karaoke bar at the end of February.

Photos courtesy of Bill Minderhout

 

Music to the Ears

By
Lily Tinoco
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Music Guild
Photo courtesy of Tom Neenan

For the Musically Inclined, Palisadian-Post Orchestrated a Look at Upcoming Concerts in Pacific Palisades

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Sometimes it is nice to make the trek across the city to catch a concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall or the Hollywood Bowl—but part of what makes Pacific Palisades so special is its selection of award-winning musical offerings, right here in town.

Here is a look at a few options for live music, each with concerts in the near future.

Palisades Symphony

Palisades Symphony is a community orchestra founded by the late Joel Lish in 1966 “to foster, promote and increase the musical knowledge and appreciation of the public,” according to its website.

The symphony also aims “to provide qualified musicians with a venue to perform, and to afford contemporary composers an opportunity to have their works performed and heard.”

Lish led the Palisades Symphony for over 50 years, before his death on March 5 (A full obituary can be found on Page 4).

Going forward, Palisades Symphony will perform under Music Director Maxim Kuzin, a Ukranian-born conductor who has “garnered international acclaim in the orchestral and choral spheres.”

“This change in leadership marks a historic moment for the orchestra, celebrating the legacy of Joel Lish while embracing a new era under the guidance of Dr. Kuzin,” according to the announcement.

Palisades Symphony will host its inaugural concert with Kuzin as music director on Sunday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Palisades Lutheran Church.

The evening will feature a “captivating program,” set to include Gioachino Rossini’s “Il barbiere di Siviglia” Overture, Gabriel Fauré’s “Pavane,” Pablo de Sarasate’s “Zigeunerweisen” with violinist Niv Ashkenazi and Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No.3.”

“The evening will conclude with a reception, offering a wonderful opportunity to mingle and celebrate the music,” an announcement read. “Don’t miss this blend of classical masterpieces and the chance to welcome Dr. Kuzin to our community.”

Following the April 4 program, Palisades Symphony will then perform with Brentwood Palisades Chorale on Friday, May 5.

“The Chorale performs twice a year with the Palisades Symphony, presenting oratorios, masses and other large-scale works,” according to a description. “To date, it has appeared with the symphony in over 60 joint concerts.”

All Palisades Symphony concerts are free of charge and the public is invited to attend.

palisadessymphony.org

St. Matthew’s Music Guild

St. Matthew’s Music Guild is set to continue its 39th season on Friday, April 19, with a concert beginning at 8 p.m.

The program will feature Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Principal Clarinetist Boris Allakhverdyan, who is joining the Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s to present Wolfgang Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto.”

“The spirit of Mozart bookends this sparkling program,” according to Music Guild’s website. “Beginning with Marianna Martinez’s sparkling ‘Sinfonia in C,’ we’ll continue with David Diamond’s brilliant ‘Concerto for Small Orchestra.’ A contemporary—and competitor—of Aaron Copland, the concerto is one of many works by Diamond making their long overdue appearances on American concert stages. Completed only a few weeks before the composer’s untimely death at age 35, it offers a poignant glimpse into what might have been, had he lived a full life.”

St. Matthew’s Music Guild’s current season will come to a close on Friday, May 31, with its season finale.

“The Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s and Choir and Soloists of St. Matthew’s Parish conclude the 2023-24 season in grand style, with one of Mozart’s greatest choral works, the ‘Solemn Vespers,’” according to Music Guild. “Our season finale opens with Aaron Copland’s ‘Music for Movies.’ Drawn from his soundtracks for ‘The City,’ ‘Our Town’ and ‘Of Mice and Men,’ the suite is a quintessential example of Copland’s ‘Americana’ style.”

St. Matthew’s Music Guild wrote that it was “thrilled” to feature Concertmaster YuEun Gemma Kim in Felix Mendelssohn’s “Concerto for Violin in D minor.”

“While not as well known as the ‘E Minor Concerto,’” the statement continued, “Ms. Kim’s stellar musicianship will make this an automatic favorite.”

Free pre-concert lectures will be offered by Music Guild President Tom Neenan, beginning at 7:10 p.m.

Both concerts will take place at St. Matthew’s Church, located at 1031 Bienveneda Avenue. Tickets are $45.

musicguildonline.org

Chamber Music Palisades 

Founded in 1997 by four Palisadians, including two professional musicians, Chamber Music Palisades operates as a nonprofit, “dedicated to the promotion and support of classical music,” according to its website.

Susan Greenberg currently serves as president and artistic director, with Alice Mitchell as secretary and Sylvia Grieb as treasurer.

“CMP produces professional chamber music concerts, commissions new works and provides educational opportunities for young people by performing free concerts in local schools and venues for community families,” the website read. “Guest artists are largely drawn from the ranks of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, music faculties of regional universities and colleges, and the Hollywood recording industry.”

Next, Chamber Music Palisades will present “An Afternoon Concert of Virtuoso Trios and Quartets” on April 7 at 3 p.m. at Pacific Palisades United Methodist Church, located at 801 Via De La Paz.

The concert, which will feature Greenberg (flute and piccolo), Zachary Borowic (oboe and English horn), Michele Zukovsky (clarinet) and Pierre Long-Tao Tang (piano), will be free to attend, though donations will be accepted online and at the door.

Chamber Music Palisades’ 27th season began in September 2023.

“Alan Chapman of KUSC-FM will … be our host for each concert in the beautiful chapel of St. Matthew’s Parish,” according to the season brochure. “Thank you for joining us for this exciting season.”

The final Chamber Music Palisades concert of the season—called “Piano Night”—will take place on Wednesday, April 24, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

The concert will feature a four-hands piano duo and woodwind quintet, as well as sextets by Richard Strauss and Theodor Blumer, and four-hand works by Rossini and Dvorak.

Tickets will be available for $35 online or at the door at St. Matthew’s Parish.

cmpalisades.org

Catching Up With Leading Realtor Michael Edlen

By
the Palisadian-Post
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The Edlen Team
Photos courtesy of The Edlen Team

Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to where you are today in the real estate industry.

Michael Edlen

I learned the value of being of service to others from age 13 when I began earning my own money by mowing lawns and delivering newspapers. Working in a variety of jobs and social science research projects over 20 years helped me develop an understanding and empathy for people with diverse backgrounds and unique circumstances.

Having a strong interest since college in positive thinking and mental energy has been of immeasurable value to buyers and sellers I am fortunate to work with. Lessons learned through many years in a family business and in investment analysis have benefited more than 1,800 clients.

I continue to strive to learn more, help our team raise the bar of performance every year, and gain a broader understanding through networking groups with other top agents all over the country.

What advice would you give for first-time home buyers trying to move to Pacific Palisades?

Find a seasoned agent who ideally lives in the community and has a solid track record of success working with buyers. Do not be hasty in committing to work with someone until you have compared at least a few agents to be reasonably sure they will be a good fit for you. See how they approach the initial stages of developing a relationship that you feel most comfortable and confident with.

Be willing to take the time to also interview a few loan sources and then follow the procedures required to obtain an underwriter’s loan approval, which will be subject only to a purchase contract, clear preliminary title report and appraisal sufficient for the loan being made.

Be patient with the process, willing to be decisive when you have found a potential future home you rank at least eight on a scale of one to 10, and keep your focus on the goal in mind.

Also, keep things in perspective: Palisades’ home prices have increased about 6% on average over many years, and the long-term average home interest rates are about 6.5 to 7%.

Has anything about the past five years in real estate come as a surprise to you?

Yes, a lot of things! The long-expected correction in home prices has been delayed for years by the unprecedented flood of low-interest rate money induced by the dramatic events early in the Covid years.

The increased demand to live in the Palisades has resulted in a strong “seller’s market,” despite the great diminishment in affordability as prices escalated from 2020 to 2023. Owners who might have put their homes on the market and capitalized on the high prices decided not to do so. This was partially because of the very low interest rates they refinanced into, the capital gains taxes they did not wish to incur or simply because they did not know where they would move to.

Recent events affecting nationwide brokerage practices have been a shock to many real estate agents, even though the underlying issues were no surprise for those who could readily see the changes that would have to be made in buyer representation.

Where do you see the market in Pacific Palisades heading in the next year or two?

There is some concern that the market is beginning another 20 to 25% adjustment, which would be in line with the last 40 years typical pattern. Having experienced three down markets, though, there are several reasons I do not think that is likely for the next two years.

Expert prognosticators in groups and networks I follow are generally expecting this year to be on average 3 to 4% increase in nationwide property values. The Palisades is in the most desirable tier, so logically would perform at least at that level.

The main reason for this is that the inventory of available properties for sale is still far below a level where our market would clearly favor buyers. Most local owners either have no financing on their homes or they now enjoy loans in the 3 to 4% range—well below current interest rates. Because of this, few are highly motivated to sell their current properties even at historically high market values.

What are some of the biggest factors you see that are currently affecting the real estate market in the Palisades?

As just mentioned, probably the greatest impact on the current market is the significant shortage of homes available for buyers who are well qualified to purchase them and often willing to pay a premium price in order to win in bidding situations.

Another factor that has had some impact on the sale of homes above $5 million is the significantly higher transfer tax that was imposed by the city of Los Angeles last year. On the other hand, though, a relatively larger number of new residents who are younger generations have brought into the community a broader range of diversity and gradual changes in the real estate landscape of the Palisades.

You are part of a real estate team. What makes your team stand out and what are some of the benefits of working with a team?

Our team is unique for the Palisades in its composition and systems. Rather than being a loose-knit collection of individual licensed agents as are most other teams, ours gradually evolved over a 30-year period and was modeled after medical or legal practices with specialists in each function necessary to provide all services.

With a business background rather than sales, I wanted clearly defined roles with detailed systems and procedures that would ensure the highest level of service. Four team members have been together for nearly 25 years, which gives us the added value of experience in diverse and transitioning markets.

Some of the benefits clients receive are more consistent guidance and support, stronger negotiation and escrow management skills, broader and deeper expertise in pricing strategies and the entire marketing and pre-marketing process, and more accessibility and availability for property showings and responding to inquiries.

What are some of the marketing strategies The Edlen Team uses to effectively showcase properties?

We make every effort to perceive and analyze each of our listings as a unique product, with owners who have their own individual priorities, issues and concerns to be taken into consideration with them collaboratively. Our team believes in the broadest possible exposure of each listing, even if there is strong interest in it before we have gotten into the marketing phases.

We are in the minority of agents who include the full gamut of a robust marketing program that includes careful preparation of the property before photography, printed ads, emailed flyers to hundreds of targeted real estate agents, social media boosts, regular open houses and any other ideas that might further enhance the showcasing of our listings.

What are some of the things you have learned while serving on the board of the Pacific Palisades Community Council?

I have learned that there are many different ways to be of service in this community. The council meets twice per month for about 90 minutes, and the agenda is usually full of opportunities for involvement regarding issues ranging from land use questions, safety concerns, quality of life matters, public parks, controversial projects and developments, city control of water runoff and street maintenance, etc.

Our community has a rich history of activism whenever there are perceived threats to its environment, business growth and even the appearance of signage in commercial sections.

Trading Sunsets for Sunrises

By
the Palisadian-Post
-
Photos courtesy of David Grinsfelder

Contributing Writer David Grinsfelder Reports on Some of the Differences He’s Noticed Living in New York vs. Los Angeles

By DAVID GRINSFELDER | Contributing Writer

I’ve been a Palisadian my whole life, and I know that Southern California is (and hopefully always will be) my ultimate home. But now that I’m a New York State ID-carrying 20-something with a knack for adventure, I’m trading sunset for sunrise. At least for now.

I decided in September 2023 to make my temporary move to New York a little more permanent by signing a year-long lease on New York’s Upper West Side. It’s quiet, safe and one of the few places where you can still find reasonable rents in this city.

I’ve learned enough in my short time living here that I feel confident giving a synopsis of the unique differences between Los Angeles and New York to my Palisades community.

For those who have not actually lived in the city that never sleeps, these go beyond the basic differences in weather, transportation and population density. Instead, I want to highlight some of the more subtle, yet distinctive, contrasts between America’s first and second most populous cities. And maybe share a few fun anecdotes along the way.

So, without further ado, please enjoy my breakdown of three of the main differences between Los Angeles and New York. Three additional differences—apartment hunting, population densities and late-night life—were published in the February 22 edition of the Palisadian-Post.

Apparel

LA has a reputation for dressing down. New York picks up the slack.

One of the most stark differences I noticed immediately upon arriving to New York was in clothing choices. Los Angeles is dominated by athleisure brands like alo, lululemon and Athleta. New Yorkers dress to impress, and their apparel choices balance competing needs for practicality and fashion.

Because New York is always on the go, with no car in which to keep outfit changes, I find that whatever I’m wearing needs to work for a morning coffee meeting, as well as evening drinks or a party.

Within a few months of moving, my wardrobe evolved from a lot of sweatpants and T-shirts to leather jackets and black jeans. An unexpected side effect was that my attire also went colorblind—it is now almost exclusively black, white and grey.

Transportation

Car vs. subway: A tale as old as time.

In LA, to not have a car is to subject yourself to skyrocketing Uber charges and constant inquiries from people asking if you need a ride, when really you’re just out for a morning stroll.

In New York, the inverse is almost true. Owning a car in New York, particularly Manhattan, is likely to make people give you a sideways glance incredulous stares. I have friends who pay $500 per month to garage their car.

In all honesty, however, I didn’t recognize the benefits of owning a car until I started commuting regularly via subway. There are small luxuries in driving your own car that you don’t fully appreciate until they’re gone. Climate control. Comfortable seats. Endless compartments for the weird little things that make you happy.

Sure, you have to sit in mind-numbing traffic on a daily basis. But the truth is, a subway system has its own version traffic. Track maintenance, weather delays (in November 2023, there was so much flooding that they shut down much of the subway system for several days) and the dreaded “12-9” (transit code for a passenger under a train) all wreak havoc on commuter schedules. I’ve taken advantage of New York’s unspoken 15-minute grace period more times than I can count.

Drinking Culture

LA likes alcohol. New York loves it.

Angelenos are no strangers to crafty cocktails. In general, though, I think that the access to outdoor activities year-round, plus the general calm of the drinking scene on most weekday nights, creates less emphasis on alcohol as a vehicle of social interaction.

If I do go out drinking with friends, it’s less about where we are and more about the quality of the drinks in hand. A few of my closest buddies swear by their favorite microbrews. One heated debate about the ultimate California beer (Modelo or Corona?) almost caused an all-out brawl at The Waterfront in Venice one sunny summer day.

New York, on the other hand, is a city that revolves around its alcohol. Much to my chagrin, I quickly realized upon arrival that booze is the lifeblood of the city.

Every new person with whom I’ve interacted has ended our initial conversation with “Let’s grab a drink sometime,” and it’s infuriating. Alcohol permeates every layer of social interaction, and it can be hard to avoid liquid calories if you are to have any kind of social life.

I attempted “dry January” this year, and after two sober weekends filled with questions about my health from concerned friends, I relented and ordered a glass of white wine while on a date in Brooklyn. The new trend, by the way, is known as “damp January,” a semi-dry ritual that is more virtue-signaling than anything else.

David Grinsfelder is a graduate of Palisades Charter High School (2015) and UC Berkeley (2019). He currently lives in New York and is writing a series of travel stories for the Palisadian-Post. The Grinsfelders have been Highlands residents since 1989.

Palisadian-Post Welcomes Spring Intern Parker Keston

By
the Palisadian-Post
-
Photo courtesy of Parker Keston

My name is Parker Keston and I am a junior at Archer School for Girls. I am 16 years old, and I have had a passion for writing since I was young.

For three years, I have been a staff member on my school’s yearbook, Hestia’s Flame, and photography editor for two. I love the diversity of journalistic content I get to create, ranging from photography and graphic design to writing and broadcast videos.

Last summer, I participated in a unique food culture and creative writing course with the School of the New York Times in Manhattan, where I got to explore the restaurant industry and popular landmarks across the city.

Additionally, I have been writing for the Palisadian-Post since I was 7 years old as a junior reporter. I wrote about everything from turning 9 to the Los Angeles Rams returning to LA. The Post has been a constant throughout my journalism experiences.

I have also been featured in other publications such as The Jewish Journal, which recently posted an article I wrote about my experience at the Pan-American Maccabi Games last winter.

I love writing about food and sports, but I also enjoy writing about community events and lifestyle, such as new concerts, music or other activities.

Outside of journalism, I am a varsity tennis player, avid tennis and football fan, country folk music listener, and sushi-enthusiast. 

I am grateful to have been able to grow up in the supportive community of the Palisades—I attended Marquez Charter Elementary School before Archer—and explore my interest in writing with the Post while growing up.

I am enthusiastic to join the news team as an intern, and I look forward to gaining a different type of journalistic experience from a myriad of talented, professional journalists.

The Doctor Is In

By
the Palisadian-Post
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By Damon Raskin, M.D. | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Q:I have watched my parents suffer through chronic knee pain and am hoping to avoid this as I age. Can you provide guidance on preventive measures individuals can take to reduce the risk, including proper footwear and injury prevention techniques?

Your question is extremely timely and personal for me as I have also been watching my elderly father suffer with knee pain over the past few years, which culminated in his undergoing a knee replacement just last week.

Chronic knee pain can significantly impact daily life, limit mobility and reduce our ability to enjoy the activities we want to do as we age. Benjamin Franklin once wisely stated: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” So, what measures can help prevent the development of chronic knee pain to allow us to maintain an active and pain-free lifestyle?

First and foremost, it is imperative to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put undue stress on the knees, increasing the risk of injury and chronic pain. By maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, this will help alleviate pressure on the knees, the largest joints in our body. Incorporating low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling or walking into your routine can help strengthen the muscles around the knee without exacerbating existing pain.

Incorporating strength training and a flexibility program will also help address muscle imbalances and improve joint function. If you have weak muscles and tight ligaments, this can contribute to knee pain and instability.

If you are new to exercise, it may help to get a fitness trainer to demonstrate proper technique for exercises that target key muscle groups such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and hip abductors. Additionally, flexibility exercises, such as yoga or Pilates, help improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.

Remember when your mom always told you to stand up straight? She was right! Proper posture and body mechanics are also key elements in preventing unnecessary strain on the knees.

When lifting heavy objects, for example, bend at the knees and hips rather than the waist to avoid knee injury. Warming up before exercising and cooling down after are both imperative, and can help prevent knee injuries and post-exercise soreness.

Choosing the right footwear is essential for preventing knee injuries and maintaining overall joint health. Proper footwear can help provide the support, stability and cushioning our knees need to stay healthy. This includes the right arch support to help distribute your weight evenly and maintain the correct alignment of the feet.

Choose shoes with enough cushion to minimize risk of injury during high-impact activities, like running and jumping, and select shoes that are tailored to the type of physical activity you do most. Don’t forget to replace old, worn-out shoes, and consider consulting a specialist, like a podiatrist or orthopedist, if you have specific foot or gait issues that contribute to knee pain.

Finally, listen to your body and rest when needed. Your body sends you signals when your knee is being overused or used in the wrong way, and you should listen.

Refrain from activities that aggravate your knee pain and incorporate rest days in your routine, which allow the body a chance to repair and rebuild muscle tissue. Always speak to your healthcare professional for further individual advice.

The Scoop Behind Frozen Fruit Co

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Photo courtesy of Gavin Alexande

By GAVIN ALEXANDER | Junior Reporter

From a very young age I’ve been interested in business. I love learning the stories behind the products I personally enjoy.

I’m a big fan of Frozen Fruit Co on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, so I wanted to learn more about Co-Founders Michael and Victoria Philippou.

What inspired you and Victoria to transition from being lawyers to creating plant-based ice cream?

During the 2008 recession, the law firm Michael was working for in the UK sent him to get his MBA. This is where he met his wife and business partner Victoria. Michael liked the idea of starting a business, and neither he nor Victoria loved their jobs as lawyers.

They both loved sweet treats but after they would eat ice cream late at night, they didn’t like how they felt. The desire for a healthier ice cream led them to start experimenting with different flavors.

Michael and Victoria knew nothing about making ice cream. They paid to take an ice cream-making course in the UK where they learned to make traditional ice cream and sorbet.

They initially started doing business in the UK. Their initial flavors were fruit based. They sold pints into grocery stores. However, they always felt that the States, and LA in particular, would be a better market for their product.

Moving from London to LA is a huge change. Can you share what it felt like to make such a significant life and career shift?

Moving from London to LA was a big move. Victoria had been to LA once, but Michael had never even visited. They owned a home in London and in order to move to LA, they had to get visas and sell everything they owned.

In addition, they had to figure out how to start a company in the U.S. and how to find the right location to lease. They had to accomplish all of this in only three months.

How did you decide on Santa Monica and Montana Avenue in particular?

Michael and Victoria spent days looking at different areas of LA. They spent time in Venice, Pasadena and downtown.

They would walk around the area in order to try and get a feel for it. The location on Montana Avenue was one of the first places they saw. They dismissed it initially but kept coming back to it. They wanted something small, and they wanted a great location. Their space on Montana proved to be exactly what they were seeking.

Frozen Fruit Co has been open in the same location on Montana Avenue for over eight years. When the business first started, Frozen Fruit Co served a soft serve style product. However, it was challenging to make soft serve using their formulation. Two and a half years into the business, they changed from soft serve to a hard scoop-based product.

Your ice creams have a simple, natural ingredient list. Can you walk us through the process of developing your recipes?

Michael and Victoria’s rules for their recipes are simple. The recipes must have minimal ingredients, the ingredients can only contain things you’ve heard of and there can be no refined sugars.

They use dates to sweeten many of the flavors or organic agave if they are working with fruit-based flavors. The creaminess of their product comes from the use of a coconut base. Developing the perfect flavor combination has been the result of a lot of trial and error.

What are your personal favorite flavors, and which ones are the most popular with your customers?

Michael’s favorite flavor of all time is Vanilla Raspberry. It is made up of vanilla ice cream (coconut cream, organic dates and vanilla) plus raspberry jelly swirl, which is whole raspberries and agave. It reminds him of his favorite flavor from the UK, the Raspberry Ripple.

Salted Chocolate and Mint Chocolate Chip are fan favorites, and Chocolate Peanut Butter, the Tuesday special, is very popular.

Frozen Fruit Co always has five core flavors available. Additionally, there is a flavor of the week and a special flavor of the day. Chocolate Peanut Butter was the start of the daily specials. Other daily specials include Coffee Chocolate Chip on Mondays, Strawberry Cheesecake on Wednesdays, Cookies and Cream on Thursdays, and Vanilla PB Salted Caramel on Fridays.

How do you and Victoria divide responsibilities?

When they first started, they were both in the store full time. However, as time went on, they had two children and the pandemic to deal with.

Michael handles the store operations, including managing the team, making the ice cream, and ensuring they have adequate supplies and ingredients on hand.

Victoria is responsible for the finances and back-of-house operations. Together they work on marketing and developing the flavors.

Palisadian-Post readers are likely familiar with Sweet Laurel given they have a location in the Palisades Village. How did you decide to partner with Sweet Laurel?

Laurel, the founder of Sweet Laurel, would come into Frozen Fruit Co as a customer. Michael was looking for another special flavor. Cookies and Cream is popular, but Oreos don’t fit with Frozen Fruit Co’s brand.

Michael started talking to Sweet Laurel and realized it would be a perfect fit to make a Cookies and Cream flavor using Sweet Laurel Cookies. Michael loves using Sweet Laurel cookies and doughs, and even makes ice cream sandwiches sold at both Frozen Fruit Co and Sweet Laurel.

What has been the hardest experience thus far?

Covid was really tough. In addition to the business, he and Victoria had a newborn daughter at home. They were worried about the safety of their team members. Their strategy was to stay open as much as possible and as safely possible.

During Covid they took a lot of phone orders, and would take payment over the phone and walk orders to people’s cars. He said Covid was all about being adaptable and cautious.

Are there plans to open up additional locations?

Michael is asked this question a lot. Right now, they are focused on getting their brand right. In 2025 they will start to think about expansion within Los Angeles.

What advice would you give to someone, especially young people, who are inspired by your story and want to start their own business?

Michael’s advice is as follows:

  1. Focus on your finances. Make sure you have a business that will work.
  2. Be adaptable and open to change. Just because you have one vision doesn’t mean it will work in the future. If something isn’t working, be willing to change it.
  3. Get going. You will never have the perfect product or strategy.

Finally, what is the best part about making and serving ice cream to your customers?

Michael loves seeing the reaction on people’s faces when they try the product. Ice cream makes people happy.

Frozen Fruit Co is located at 729 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Find more information at frozenfruitco.com or on Instagram @frozenfruitco.

Sandra Lynn Powell Espe

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

Sandra Lynn Powell Espe lost her long battle with breast cancer and passed away peacefully on January 26 at Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica.

Sandra was born on February 23, 1957, to Norman and Ann Powell in Ithaca, New York. Her family moved to Los Angeles later that year. She attended Palisades schools and graduated from Pali High in 1975.

Sandy was married in 1979 to Paul Espe, and they moved to Seattle, Washington, where they lived until 2001 when they returned to Southern California. She worked for many years as a horticulture technician, which helped her develop her talent and love for floral arrangements and gardening.

Sandy was very artistic and creative. She enjoyed many arts, crafts and interior design. She had a great love for animals, especially dogs, and had many over her lifetime.

Sandra, known by family and many as Poonar, is survived by her loving family, mother Ann Traub, brother, Scott Powell, sister-in-law, Laurie Powell, brother, Matthew Powell, step mom, Ellen Levine, cousin, Joanie Haywood, and aunt, Ellen Powell. She is predeceased by her sister, Stephanie Powell Murphy, her father, Norman Powell, and her former husband, Paul Espe.

Sandy’s courage and witty, playful attitude as she battled cancer for many years was inspiring and admirable. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be on April 7 at Paradise Cove Recreation Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Anyone wishing to make a donation in her honor can give to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or an animal charity of their choice.

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