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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
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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
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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.

Joel B. Lish

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

March 11, 1935 – March 5, 2024

Joel B. Lish, founder and former music director of Palisades Symphony, passed away quietly on March 5, surrounded by his family. He would have turned 89 on March 11.

Joel was born in Brooklyn, but moved to California with his family at an early age. His father was a musician, and Joel and his brother Merrill were given music lessons.

While attending Verdugo Hills High School, Joel wanted to play in a string quartet that was being formed. However, he was one of three violinists wanting to play in that quartet, so Joel was persuaded by a teacher to try the viola. As it turned out, he excelled on the viola.

After graduating from high school when he was just 16, Joel enrolled in the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music. Later he enlisted in the United States Air Force after being told that he would be able to join the Air Force Symphony. This turned out to be a false promise, but he still made the most of his four years in the Air Force.

While stationed in Denver, Joel studied viola and played with an orchestra. During his last two years in the Air Force he was stationed in Okinawa. At the request of some of the local musicians he started a small group of string players and taught himself to conduct. They played several concerts for the locals and the service members.

When he left Okinawa, another service member continued his work. Joel was surprised to learn many years later that this group eventually evolved into the Okina-wa Symphony and that he was considered the founder of that orchestra.

After his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1957, Joel attended CSUN and earned a master’s degree in teaching. He taught music at Nobel Junior High School in Northridge for several years, and then in 1965 he was invited to teach music at Palisades High School, which had opened only four years earlier. In 1970 Joel became chair of the Music Department of Palisades High School, where he remained until he retired from teaching in 1995.

While still in his first year of teaching at Palisades High, Joel started Palisades Symphony in early 1966. He had some very good music students at Palisades High, and he started the orchestra in order to provide them with an additional opportunity to play orchestral music.

In this endeavor, Joel was incredibly fortunate to meet Eva Holberg, a Pacific Palisades music-lover and volunteer, who eventually became the president of the orchestra and ran it successfully for more than 50 years until her death at age 91 in 2022.

Palisades Symphony continues to thrive in the community. The orchestra presents seven concerts every year, which are always free and open to the public. Two of these concerts are in collaboration with the Brentwood-Palisades Chorale, and one is a showcase for young local artists. The orchestra welcomes community members who enjoy playing orchestral music.

Joel’s retirement from full-time teaching allowed him to devote more time to his other career as a professional violist. Joel has performed casual, strolling, chamber and orchestral music with many ensembles throughout the Los Angeles area.

For many years he was an entertainer at the Jewish Home for the Aged in Reseda. He sometimes worked on cruise ships as a solo violist, taking requests from passengers as they were enjoying their dinner. He especially enjoyed his work with Murray Korda’s “Monseigneur Strings”—a group of musicians who were renowned in the Los Angeles area for playing for high-end society functions for presidents and Hollywood royalty.

Joel was an expert at hearing the harmony and creating his own inner lines on the viola, weaving in and out of the music as the other string players played the melody. Joel also participated in many studio recordings and films for motion picture and television.

His teaching and conducting led him to work with performing organizations of all age groups. For several years he conducted the Los Angeles Mandolin Orchestra, producing a recording of that group. He also mentored student groups at Crossroads School for several years. He loved conducting the Floating Strings, a group of musicians, both amateur and professional, who enjoyed the chance to gather in various locations during the summers to read through music for string ensembles.

In early June of 2011 Joel received a very unexpected call. The Casa Italiana Opera Company desperately needed him to conduct its performance of “Pagliacci” the next day. Joel had never conducted that opera before. He spent that evening studying the score. The next day, with only a minimum amount of time for a quick run-through of the music with the orchestra, he led a very successful performance of the opera. He continued as the conductor for Casa Italiana Opera Company for several years, conducting several major operas.

In addition to all these activities, Joel created Middle Fiddle Music, a small music publishing company, that sold his wonderful arrangements of classical works for small string ensembles—duets, trios and quartets.

Joel was an essential, deeply connected member of the Los Angeles classical music community. His leadership of Palisades Symphony always stood at the center of his activities.

Joel leaves behind his wife, cellist Jan Kelley-Lish. Their paths had crossed probably hundreds of times over the last 60 years, and they married almost 10 years ago.

Joel was her perfect partner. Together they played duets, worked on Joel’s arrangements, and enjoyed spending time and playing chamber music with their friends. During Covid they collaborated with their close friends Judy, Jeff and Denisa and new friend Josh, and as the “DJs” they presented more than 40 patio concerts in Studio City.

Joel also leaves two sons—Dr. Benjamin Lish (Gigi) of Ventura and Michael Lish (Kristin) of Bend, Oregon. He also leaves one grandchild, Noa Lish, of Olancha, his sister-in-law Marganit Lish, and three nieces—Dina Reisman, Tamar/Tammy Lish Spencer, and Etsuko Yoshida. Joel’s first wife, Kyoko Lish, passed away in 2006.

Joel also leaves hundreds of devoted friends and admiring former students who seemed to turn up almost every place where he went. And although he has gone from his beloved Palisades Symphony and is greatly missed by all of the musicians, he left his orchestra in the very capable hands of the new President Denisa Hanna and the new permanent conductor Dr. Maxim Kuzin.

There will be a memorial service held for Joel in the next few weeks. Details will be posted on the orchestra website.

Contributions in Joel’s honor can be sent to Palisades Symphony: P.O. Box 214, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 or palisadessymphony.org.

Dr. Michael Kajeton Barnoski

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

A 47-year resident of Pacific Palisades, Dr. Michael Kajeton Barnoski passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on February 23.

He was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on August 19, 1940, and spent his formative years in Elmira, New York, with his loving parents, Olga and Joseph Barnoski, his brothers, John and Robert, and a very supportive extended family.

As a young man, he proudly became an Eagle Scout and a graduate of Notre Dame High School where he excelled in academics and sports, especially basketball. His college years found him at University of Dayton where he received his BS in electrical engineering and where he met the “love of his life,” Barbara, his college sweetheart.

Soon after their graduations, they married and moved to Ithaca, New York, and Cornell University where Michael received his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering with majors in microwave electronics and applied physics, respectively.

During those Cornell years, he and Barbara became the proud parents of a son, Kenneth Kajeton. (Little did they know that in later life, Ken would become a renowned chef who would cater his dad’s company parties.)

Michael then embarked upon an extremely prolific career—first in Boston at Honeywell and then 10 years at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, where he became a pioneer in the field of fiber optics. While there, he led all fiber-related activity for Hughes Aircraft and managed a large team of scientists, engineers and technicians worldwide.

In 1976 while collaborating with other pioneering scientists internationally, most notably a team at Corning Glass Works led by Bob Maurer, he invented the optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) that detects breaks in fiber optical cables. This instrument is still widely used throughout the world today.

Little did these young scientists realize at the time that they were laying the communication groundwork to “connect the world” that we all enjoy today. (Little did he realize also when he and Barbara became the proud parents of Laura Michele, during his Malibu years, that she would in later life do all of the PR for two of his companies.)

By 1980 his good friend and mentor, Ted Maiman, inventor of the laser, lured him from Hughes Labs to TRW to create a world-class research laboratory. The attraction for him was to be able to bridge his love of science with business by entering the commercial world.

In 1980 he did just that by founding PlessCor Optronics (PCO), an integrated electrical-optical interface supplier, financed by investments from Corning Inc., Plessey, Plc. and IBM. Under his leadership, PCO became a recognized leader in its market by achieving rapid growth and profitability, in addition to becoming second in global market share in its product category.

When his father became ill and could no longer run his tool, die and stamping company in the 1990s, Michael took over the reins and re-invigorated the aging company, transforming the business into an ISO 9001- and QS 9000-certified supplier to major corporations worldwide.

From this experience he gained the insight and know-how to found nanoPrecision Products, Inc. in 2002. The company became the world leader in ultra-precision 3D stamping with nanometer tolerances and accuracies.

The company’s products, manufactured with volume scalable processes at low cost, were designed for use in multiple market segments, including telecommunications, data communication, military/aerospace, consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive, oil/logging and supercomputing industries. Under his leadership as CEO and CFO, the company achieved ISO 9000:2015 and AS9100D quality certification and earned certification by Verizon.

In addition to all of his accomplishments noted above, he was able to complete the Executive Program at the Graduate School of Management at UCLA; study the Fundamentals of Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Executives at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; teach at University of California, Santa Barbara in the summers for 20 years; write and edit three books (one of which was translated into Russian); receive over 60 patents awards; write and publish 65 technical papers; travel the world as guest lecturer at numerous universities, companies and technical conferences; and do consulting, including for the chairman of Polaroid in Boston for five years.

Throughout his distinguished career he received numerous honors and awards. The award he prized the most was the Tyndall Award that he received in 1988 for his invention of the OTDR and for his extensive contribution to the field of fiber optics, presented jointly by the Optical Society of America (OSA) and the Lasers and Electro-Optics Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (LEOS/IEEE).

The Tyndall Award is the highest award in the optical fiber communications field. He was the second in the world to receive it. He is listed in Who’s Who in Technology Today, Who’s Who in the West, Strathmore’s Who’s Who and National Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals.

Michael was very proud of his professional contributions to the world, but he was even more proud of his beautiful family. His greatest joy was to travel the world with his wife Barbara, and spend time at home with her and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, participating in all of their activities.

His love of entertaining is legendary, with his friends calling their house “the party house,” as was his love of sports, especially basketball. The Lakers and Clippers were never to be missed, especially during the playoffs.

A lifelong devout Catholic, he served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Monica’s Catholic Community for 30 years, supported numerous Catholic and philanthropic causes, and was founder of the West Los Angeles Chapter of Legatus, a Catholic CEO organization.

He is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 60 years, his son Kenneth Barnoski (Paulette), his daughter Laura Nobles (Charles), granddaughters Audrey and Genevieve Richester (Linonn), great-grandchildren Ophelia and Theo, and step-granddaughter Elizabeth.

A funeral mass and celebration of his life will take place at St. Monica’s Catholic Community in Santa Monica on Monday, April 15, at 4 p.m., with his long-time friend Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson, pastor, as presider. This service will be livestreamed so that extended family, friends and colleagues around the world can participate and honor his rich and vibrant life.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in honor of Michael’s memory, the family asks you to consider: St Monica’s Parish Community, 725 California Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403 and/or FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), which is dedicated to “inviting college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization, discipleship and friendship in which they lead others to do the same.” Since its inception in 1998, it has been instrumental in creating over 1,000 vocations. See donations@focus.org or P.O. Box 17408, Denver, CO 89217.

Region Champs

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Palisades’ girls raise the trophy after defeating Cheviot Hills 30-11.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

Pali Rec Center Minors All-Star Basketball Teams Advance to Citywide Tourney

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

They may play in the Minors Division but what the Palisades Recreation Center’s 9 and 10-year-old All-Star basketball teams accomplished on Saturday morning in Westwood was no minor feat. First, the Co-Rec squad beat Mar Vista 34-22 and one hour later the girls defeated Cheviot Hills 30-11. The skill and sportsmanship both teams exhibited made their community proud and earned them championship banners which will be hung on the wall of the gym.

Under the guidance of head coach Vijay Srinivasan and his assistant Brian Hansen, the Co-Rec team consisting of Jace Hansen, Ben Ahdoot, Milo Irwin, Sina Naiem, Arjun Srinivasan, Justin Eghbal, Dylan Kroeger, Jackson Moore, Remy Moore and Levi Westgren began its March Madness run with pool play victories over Penmar and Westchester, then beat Palisades’ No. 2 team 40-24 in the quarterfinals and Cheviot Hills 46-24 in the semifinals.

On Saturday, Irwin turned back-to-back steals into layups at the other end to give his side a 17-7 lead at halftime. He finished with a game-high 12 points, Srinivasan added nine, Naiem and Kroeger each contributed four points, Westgren and Jackson Moore each made one basket and Ahdoot sank a free throw.

The Moore brothers, Ahdoot and Naiem were also teammates on the Pali FC Warriors, an AYSO Region 69 Extra team that reached the West Circuit playoffs last winter.

Pali Rec Senior Facilities Director Jasmine Dowlatshahi and Recreation Assistant Justin Weddle were there to congratulate the boys, who were presented medals and a two-foot tall trophy.

“This is a wonderful group of kids who played their hearts out,” Coach Srinivasan said. “All they’ve been talking about is putting up a banner.”

Irwin started playing basketball only a year and a half ago and plays flag football too.

“We were very confident,” said Irwin, a fourth grader at Calvary Christian School who named the Lakers as his favorite team and D’Angelo Russell as his favorite player.”All of our games were blowouts.”

Added Eghbal, who started playing basketball at the age of 3: “We were talking about getting a banner with our names on it in every practice.”

Remy Moore, a fifth grader at Marquez Elementary, said: “My brother [Jackson] and I play all sports together, we like being on the same team and it’s amazing to win this together.”

The girls took a 13-2 lead into halftime and widened the margin gradually in the second half en route to winning the Minors title for the third year in a row.

Head coach Shelia Martin and assistant coach Sean Cudzil’s talented roster was made up of Nyla Smith, Emily Cudzil, Noe Snyder, Ella Edwards, Maggie Walsh, Coco Partovi, Olive Hyland, Charley Chou, Catie Sterparn and Piper Green.

Smith, Martin’s daughter, led the way with 12 points, Hyland, Sterparn and Snyder each had four, and Chou, Cudzil and Edwards added two apiece.

“My mom makes us do three-hour practices so we worked really hard,” said Smith, a fifth-grader at Warner Avenue. “I’m proud of myself and my team.”

Sterparn, the only player returning from last year’s region championship team, thanked her parents for giving her motivation: “It’s really satisfying when we win. Coach Shelia helped me improve a lot.”

Hyland, a fifth grader at Kenter Canyon, has only played basketball for four months but is already a rising star.

“My mom used to play in high school and college and wanted me to try out and it’s really fun,” she said.

“My mom will be coaching me soon for spring league.”

Martin, who played high school hoops in Seattle, previously coached her sons’ Majors and Rookies Rec League teams. She guided Palisades to first place in its pool with wins against Penmar and Cheviot Hills, followed by a 35-20 semifinal win versus Westwood on March 19 to set up a finals rematch with Cheviot.

Both local teams advance to the Citywide Tournament, which will be held April 2-6 at Obama Sports Complex in Baldwin Hills. The girls were CItywide champions last year.

*** click on any photo below to view slide show ***

Dolphins Split Western League Baseball Matchup with Venice

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Noah Andrews singles to center field in the sixth inning of last Friday afternoon’s 8-4 win at Venice.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

The season is not even half over, but the Palisades High baseball team treated last Friday’s matchup versus Venice like a playoff game—and for good reason.

Conor Greene throws to first.

Two days earlier the Gondos had rallied for six runs in the last three innings to prevail 8-6, snapping the Dolphins’ 72-game Western League winning streak dating back to March 20, 2017. Palisades needed a victory to pull even with its archrival atop the standings and keep its hopes of a sixth straight league title alive.

After spotting Venice a three-run lead in the first inning, the Dolphins got two hits apiece from Roman Hawk, Conor Greene and Isaac Buenrostro while starting pitcher Reece Frankel scattered four hits with six strikeouts in five innings as Palisades went on to win 8-4 to split the series and seize first place based on head-to-head run differential.

The Dolphins began their comeback in the third as Buenrostro hit an RBI double and scored on a grounder. In the fourth, Greene scored on an error and Buenrostro hit an RBI single to give Palisades a 4-3 lead.

Hawk had an RBI single and Ramberg drew a bases-loaded walk to force home another run in the fifth.

Venice had two runners on when Hawk scooped up a hard-hit grounder at third, whirled and fired to first for the final out.

“It’s one of those that takes a tricky hop where you just spin, throw and pray it gets there,” Hawk said.

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