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Rebuilding Construction Begins in Pacific Palisades

By
Lily Tinoco
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Thomas James Homes shares an aerial view of work at a home on Iliff Street.
Photo courtesy of Jamie Tamkin

AI Tool Launched to “Supercharge” Building Permit Approval

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Rebuilding construction is now underway at some properties following the Palisades fire, while Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of a new AI tool to “supercharge the approval of building permits.”

Thomas James Homes announced on April 9 that it broke vertical construction in Pacific Palisades during a launch day attended by area officials, including Mayor Karen Bass.

Bass visited two sites in the Palisades that had been issued building permits by the city on April 9. The first permits were issued 57 days after the start of the fire, according to Bass’ office.

As of May 2, 31 permits for 23 addresses related to rebuilding efforts have been issued for projects in the Palisades, according to Bass’ office.

The TJH team told the Palisadian-Post there are currently two homes actively under construction in the Alphabet Streets, with several permits in the works, all pending approval.

“TJH has been deeply committed to the affected families through forums and consultations, resulting in active discussions with 300 households and 14 signed rebuilding agreements,” a representative said to the Post.

The team reported that site development work has commenced in the form of grading for one home on Kagawa Street, as well as digging the footings for another home’s foundation on Iliff Street in the coming week.

“Pacific Palisades holds a special place in our hearts for over a decade,” CEO Jamie Mead said to the Post. “We’re … humbled to play a role in restoring this resilient community. Our main goal is to help families reclaim a sense of normalcy and hope, and we are committed to delivering certainty to residents and locals.”

Since the Palisades fire started January 7, Thomas James Homes said it has worked closely with the city to navigate permitting and expedited timelines—including directly with Bass to discuss the latest in rebuilding efforts. Thomas James Homes reported the partnership between the public and private sectors has been successful to date.

The state of California will provide Los Angeles City and County with a “new, AI-powered e-check software,” free of charge, to “speed the pace at which local governments are approving building permits,” according to the governor’s office on April 30.

Created by Archistar, the software is available through a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners, including LA Rises and Steadfast LA, with contributions from Autodesk and Amazon.

“Bringing AI into permitting will allow us to rebuild faster and safer, reducing costs and turning a process that can take weeks and months into one that can happen in hours or days,” Steadfast LA Chairman Rick Caruso said. “Working with our coalition partner Mike Hopkins and Amazon, I’m proud Steadfast LA identified Archistar as the right company to develop and apply this game-changing technology. Now we can work with great philanthropic organizations, including LA Rises, to provide this critical tool at no cost to taxpayers.”

Archistar uses “computer vision,” “machine learning” and “automated rulesets” to check designs against local zoning and building codes in the assessment process for building permits, according to the governor’s office.

“This technology will allow property owners to pre-check their building plans before submission to ensure they submit valid plans, thus avoiding frustrating delays and expediting the review process once received by city or county staff,” the governor’s office continued.

Bass announced during her State of the City address on April 21 that she was signing an executive directive to “spearhead an AI pilot program” to “streamline the permitting process for Palisades residents.”

The county has also committed to using the software, according to the governor, and has passed a Board Resolution to “establish a unified permitting authority for the Altadena one-stop recovery center.”

As construction throughout the Palisades continues, Thomas James Homes told the Post it will keep providing updates on progress in the community.

“This is more than just a construction project—it’s a symbol of resilience for Pacific Palisades residents,” Mead said in a statement. “Together, we are rebuilding homes and restoring hope.”

Pacific Catch

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Miso Black Cod
Photo courtesy of Merv Hecht

120 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401
424-238-3000
pacificcatch.com

By MERV HECHT | Restaurant Critic

While chatter about restaurant closures swirls on the Westside, new openings like Pacific Catch at Second and Wilshire deserve the spotlight.

It’s not aiming for the upscale polish of Water Grill, but it nails a different vibe—spacious, relaxed, with private rooms ideal for groups or those who need a quieter corner to catch every word.

Early reviews mentioned shaky service, but my regular visits paint a different picture. The staff here holds their own against Santa Monica’s best—friendly, attentive and quick. We’ve even bonded with a server, Hannah, who goes out of her way to make every visit smooth, whether it’s a casual drop-in or a planned gathering.

Just last week, I brought friends for a small party, and Pacific Catch delivered. The fish and chips, priced at $24, came as a hearty portion, crispy and paired with a pile of fries that didn’t disappoint.

I switched things up with the clam chowder, expecting the usual creamy standard. Instead, it was a briny, clam-packed surprise—light, fresh and maybe even better than the traditional kind.

My standby, the $35 miso black cod, was as stellar as ever, its delicate umami flavors hitting all the right notes. We added Thai Brussels sprouts for a spicy kick and split a pineapple upside-down cake that disappeared fast.

The Mexican corn and Japanese glazed eggplant sides—grilled with a soy glaze, sesame-pepita crumble and wasabi aioli? Those are must-orders, bursting with bold, balanced flavors.

Pacific Catch is a welcome addition to Santa Monica—big enough to handle a crowd, inviting enough to feel like your own find. I’m not worried my praise will pack it out; there’s plenty of space to go around. Absolutely worth a visit.

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.

Pali Spotlight: Seniors Enduring an Unprecedented Final Semester

By
the Palisadian-Post
-
A look at the temporary Pali High campus in Santa Monica.
Photos courtesy of Pali High

By SOPHIA MASSERAT | Tideline Staff Writer

The Palisades Charter High School Tideline journalism class is coordinating the submission of a series of pieces the Palisadian-Post is publishing from the school’s periodical. A version of this piece originally appeared in Tideline on March 19. Students have since returned to in-person learning at the former Sears site in Santa Monica on April 22.

The culmination of high school marks the cusp of adulthood and the end of childhood; teenagers finally graduate, starting the next chapter of their lives.

Coming-of-age movies like “High School Musical 3” and “Grease” have idealized senior year to be the peak of their adolescence, creating high expectations for many seniors as they begin their last semester of high school.

However, for Palisades Charter High School’s Class of 2025, reality has been far from this cinematic dream.

Due to the temporary unavailability of the Pali campus following the Palisades fire, the Class of 2025 has faced the unexpected transition to online learning, hindering their opportunity to experience a “regular” spring semester. Students who have been eagerly anticipating senior milestone events that have traditionally been held on campus, such as the senior picnic and the graduation ceremony, faced a final semester full of unknowns.

As the senior class president and previous freshman class president, Taylor Beljon-Regen shared the sentiment many seniors are experiencing about missing this semester in person.

“I feel like such a key part of everyone’s high school experience that they dream about is prom and graduation and having that final semester where you’re done with college [applications],” she said. “There’s a lot less stress on you, and you’re having a lot of fun experiences in person with your friends.”

After experiencing nearly half of middle school online, the Class of 2025 entered their freshman year of high school in person after the height of the pandemic. Like Beljon-Regen, this has made seniors feel like these current unprecedented changes to the school year have been especially challenging.

“It’s just been really shocking, and I think obviously no one expected this, but it’s been really hard to adapt,” Beljon-Regen said.

In addition to the lack of a typical senior year, Beljon-Regen said she believes that online learning has intensified the symptoms of senioritis, a colloquial term to describe the decline in motivation toward academic performance, which has affected many senior students, including herself.

The Class of 2025 graduation will take place at Hollywood Bowl.
Photo courtesy of Hollywood Bowl

“Senioritis is a really real disease, and I have it very badly,” she said. “I think being online only exacerbates it.”

To counteract these challenges, Beljon-Regen and senior advisor Logan Milburn have been working closely with Pali administration to give the senior class a memorable end to their high school experience.

“Something that I don’t think has been spoken enough about is that we’re going to have all of our usual events,” Beljon-Regen said. “[Events] have been impacted by the fire, because of the lack of Pali space, but no events have been canceled.”

According to Beljon-Regen, events that have traditionally been held on campus, such as the senior picnic and the Senior Dating Game, have become more difficult to plan. However, she hopes to find alternative locations for these events to ensure the senior class remains satisfied. Furthermore, Milburn confirmed that all of the long-awaited events, including prom and Grad Nite, would occurring, despite the circumstances.

Additionally, other activities that are not affiliated with Pali, such as the Night in Las Vegas dance, also provide opportunities for students to connect during this fragmented semester.

A positive aspect of the situation has been the introduction of new senior events and the reenvisioning of others. Pali’s annual senior breakfast was held on Saturday, March 8, at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Associated Student Body and administration also planned a Senior Movie Night at La Cienega Park.

Beljon-Regen explained that a major struggle in the process of planning her class’s senior year has been securing locations that can sufficiently accommodate Pali’s large senior class.

“It’s been impossible to get locations for 750 people,” she said. “I think people [believe] it’s a lot easier than it actually is, like we can just snap our fingers and a venue will appear. But that’s just not what happens.”

Beljon-Regen expressed that organizing events to everyone’s satisfaction has been challenging. While she has received support from Pali parents who have generously donated spaces and services, she has had trouble working with laws and regulations.

“People have definitely been very generous, but with that generosity comes permits and health codes and all these rules we have to follow naturally just by getting these services,” Beljon-Regen said.

One of the most significant concerns of students and parents was the plan for graduation, which has historically been held at Pali’s Stadium by the Sea. It has since been announced that it would take place at Hollywood Bowl on June 4.

“We are excited to share some amazing news with our school community,” Pali High wrote across social media. “After a thorough search and months of planning, we are proud to announce that the Class of 2025 Graduation will be held at the Hollywood Bowl.”

Details like time, tickets and logistics will be announced closer to the date, Pali High wrote.

Even before knowing the location, Beljon-Regen was certain that graduation would be a special and memorable day for everyone.

“We’ve gotten some really amazing Pali alumni who are very famous in the worlds of sports [and] the worlds of film, reaching out and offering to speak at graduation,” she said.

Additionally, Beljon-Regen is working to ensure that students have a voice in graduation plans. She sent out a form to the senior class for requests and said she received ideas to enhance the experience, including having more student speakers during the ceremony and smaller details like confetti or a larger screen.

Even among the uncertainty, Beljon-Regen maintained hope that the class of 2025 will be able to have an enjoyable end to their senior year.

“Even if we’re only back for six weeks in person, I think our class is really great at bonding and we’re all such a tight-knit group, so I’m confident that we will leave [our senior year] with a lot of memories, both good and bad,” she concluded.

Huskies Complete Good Turn Trip at Westside Food Bank

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Photo courtesy of Kim Morera

By KIM MORERA | Huskies Patrol Leader

On Saturday, March 8th, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., my patrol—the Huskies—met up at the Westside Food Bank in Santa Monica for our Good Turn Trip. Our goal was to sort and package food for those in need, including fire survivors. It was part of our commitment to service, and honestly, it turned out to be way more eye-opening and rewarding than we expected.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Sean, the warehouse manager, who got us started on packing cereal and breakfast foods into 10-pound boxes. My mom, Carolina Morera, took charge of assembling the boxes while Marisol and I organized and filled them. We couldn’t stop laughing at how many Apple Jacks we had—probably around 50 boxes! Meanwhile, Kate and Jaylnn became our “scavengers,” searching the warehouse for extra breakfast items and sorting through bins of donated goods from schools and companies. Even Marisol’s grandma, Pamela Busbee, came along and pitched in, which was awesome.

After the cereal round, we moved on to sorting canned food into labeled categories: tomato products, ready-to-eat meals, vegetables, soups, beans, and fruit. One thing we learned quickly was how important it is to check expiration dates—some donations were really old. We even found a can from 2013! People mean well, but it’s easy to forget how long something’s been sitting in the back of the pantry.

We took a quick break to eat strawberries and packaged crepes, chatted a bit, and then got right back to it. By the end of the morning, we’d sorted over 1,000 cans and lots of miscellaneous items. What started out kind of chaotic turned into a smooth system, with all of us moving confidently around the warehouse. It felt great to be so productive as a team.

This was my last Good Turn Trip as Patrol Leader, and I’m really proud of how it went. We didn’t just show up to check a box—we learned how much work goes into getting donated food ready for people who need it. There’s a whole other side to helping that most people never see, and it felt genuinely meaningful to be a part of it. Supporting the Westside Food Bank made us feel like we were doing something real for our community. Food should be a basic human right, and I’m glad we got to support a place that believes that too.

Parents of fifth- or sixth-graders who want to learn more or visit a Troop 223 meeting, contact Greg Frost at frostfamily@frostinvestigations.com (for boys)

or Scoutmaster Larry Kirven at lkirven@gmail.com (for girls).

Mastering Vacant Land Pricing

By
the Palisadian-Post
-
Michael Edlen

How to Set the Right Listing Price and Avoid Costly Mistakes in an Uncertain Market

By MICHAEL EDLEN | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Pricing Land in An Uncertain Market

With more than 160 vacant lots currently for sale in Pacific Palisades, setting the right price has become more critical than ever. Since January 7, only 30 lots have sold and about 22 are in escrow as of April 28. At this pace, it would take more than 19 months to sell the current inventory.

Many property owners are beginning to realize that it may not be possible to achieve the prices they had initially hoped for. About 25% of sellers have already lowered their asking prices, and 20% of the sold lots underwent price reductions before finding a buyer.

One common mistake is pricing based on other active listings, many of which may themselves be overpriced for today’s market. While setting an asking price higher than comparable listings can sometimes be effective in a strong seller’s market, it carries significant risks when inventory levels are rising and buyers have more options.

Key Factors to Consider

When determining a listing price, it is important to weigh several factors carefully:

  • Location within the community
  • Size of the lot
  • Size of the prior home
  • Buildable area and topography
  • Quality of any views
  • Available alternative lots buyers will compare with
  • How quickly the owner would like—or needs—to sell

It is also essential to account for any other elements that could impact desirability, such as access difficulty, traffic noise or unusual lot shape.

How to Set Listing Price on Vacant Land

In a more typical market, the time-tested method of determining an optimal listing price is a detailed analysis of the most comparable properties that have recently sold. Ideally, there would be enough recent sales of similar lots within close proximity to guide valuation.

However, in today’s environment, the community’s 30 recent lot sales have been widely dispersed, with no single area having more than a handful of transactions. As a result, direct comparisons are often unreliable without adjusting for key variables like location, lot size and view quality.

Some agents are maintaining close communication with others who have lots currently in escrow. This enables them to anticipate upcoming comparable sales, providing better insight into the latest market trends beyond the closed sales already on record.

Other Key Considerations

  • City-permitted square footage: It is crucial to find out the size of the burned structure previously permitted on the site. In many cases, a lot where a larger home existed enables faster approval for rebuilding—a major advantage for buyers.
  • Buildable potential: Evaluating whether it would be practical and cost effective to build up to 110% of the prior structure’s size can influence a lot’s desirability and thus its market value.
  • Inventory analysis: With a surplus of lots on the market, studying active listings becomes another important tool. Factors such as days on market, how many relatively similar lots are available and any special issues affecting unsold properties should all be part of a thoughtful pricing strategy.

Avoiding Mistakes in An Uncertain Market

Several common mistakes are being made today in setting prices for vacant lots. Among them are:

  • Relying on online evaluation systems like Zillow: These automated systems often base their estimates on the previous structure’s value—an obviously irrelevant metric when a lot is now vacant. Some even disclaim that their valuations may be unreliable due to the wildfire damage in the area.
  • Using overly broad averages: Some sellers assume that multiplying their lot size by the $322 per square foot average of recent sales is sufficient. However, sale prices have ranged from $119 to $520 per square foot—even within specific neighborhoods like the Huntington, where some lots have commanded nearly $100 per foot higher than others.
  • Anchoring to unrealistic listing prices: Looking at one or two other lots priced optimistically can mislead sellers into setting uncompetitive prices. A quarter of the current active listings have already undergone price reductions in an attempt to attract buyers.
  • Using outdated valuations: The highest value per square foot was achieved within the first month after the fire. Since then, there has been a noticeable softening in the market. Pricing based on the early post-fire optimism may now be significantly out of touch with buyer expectations.

Choosing an effective pricing strategy is critical. About half of the lots that sold so far did so at or above the asking price—a clear indicator that well-positioned properties are still commanding strong interest. By contrast, many that started at unrealistic price points have struggled and required reductions.

As the market continues to evolve, sellers who remain flexible, realistic and well informed will be in the best position to achieve optimal results.

Our team is dedicated to helping property owners navigate these challenges thoughtfully and strategically, ensuring that each lot is positioned to attract the best possible buyer interest.

The Edlen Team has been monitoring the local market at least twice every day since early January and consults with dozens of fire victims weekly to help them realize the best path forward. They have distributed dozens of newsletters with current information about the post-fire issues and resources. They can be reached at team@edlenteam.com or 310-600-7422.

What Businesses Have Reopened in Pacific Palisades?

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

Here is a list of businesses that have reopened in some capacity in Pacific Palisades.

Retail/Grocery

Anawalt’s Palisades Hardware
15130 Sunset Boulevard

Vons
17380 Sunset Boulevard

Dining

Palisades Garden Café
15231 La Cruz Drive

Chipotle
15207 Sunset Boulevard

Moku Sushi
524 Palisades Drive

Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar
538 Palisades Drive

Prima Cantina
15246 Sunset Boulevard

Taco Bell
17299 Pacific Coast Highway

Caffé Delfini
147 W Channel Road

The Golden Bull
170 W Channel Road

MUSE Santa Monica
108 W Channel Road

Giorgio Baldi
114 W Channel Road

Canyon Square
169 West Channel Road

Services

Highland Postal Center
528 Palisades Drive

Wells Fargo
15249 Sunset Boulevard

Citibank
15215 Sunset Boulevard

Gas + Car Wash

Palisades Gas & Wash
890 Alma Real Drive

Village 76
15400 Sunset Boulevard

76
17299 Pacific Coast Highway

Chevron
14791 Pacific Coast Highway

Medical

Dr. Gary Polan
Optometrist
970 Monument Street, #102

The Palisadian-Post maintains an updated list at palipost.com/businesses. We recommend calling or visiting the businesses’ websites for the most up-to-date hours of operation. Updates can be sent to sarah@palipost.com.

Kathy S. Martin

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

It is with a sense of profound sadness that we inform you of Kathy S. Martin’s passing on April 15 at her home in Pacific Palisades. She was at peace and secure in the knowledge of the love of her family and dear friends.

Kathy was born in Nashville, Tennessee, to parents Paula and Lee Roy Plummer on July 21, 1950. She and her sisters, Jeana and Patricia, were raised in Arkansas and Arizona. She subsequently moved to Los Angeles where she was employed by Coldwell Banker Management Corporation as an accounting supervisor. She progressed to Accounting Manager of its Asset Management Division. It was here that she met and wed her husband of 44 years, Vincent Martin.

They were blessed with three wonderful children, Christopher, Paige and Vincent III (Trey). She is survived by her husband, children, three grandchildren (Sienna, Cooper and Camryn), daughter-in-law Kimberly, sisters, sister-in-law Lori (Tsiantar), and many nieces and nephews.

She was devoted to her family and supported it in every way possible. They always came first in her life. Youth sports were of particular interest to her whether it be volleyball, baseball, basketball, soccer or football. She and her big, fire engine red Chevy Suburban, full of kids, could always be found at various sports venues.

When the West LA Pony League was in danger of collapsing, she took over and built it back up to a widely respected program. “No” was not in her vocabulary. One of her more heroic adventures involved volunteering to chaperone a group of 40 young ladies to a week-long volleyball tournament in Sacramento. When she finally arrived home, the shocked look on her face clearly said “never again.”

When one of her children’s companies ran into accounting problems, she jumped in without question and served as Chief Financial Officer for six years. Again, when her husband started a new company, she became its Comptroller for several years to ensure it had a solid foundation. The salary for all this work? A set of luggage and a fur coat.

Somehow she also found time for many community social service organizations such as Catholic Charities and the National Charity League.

A mass will be celebrated in her honor by Msgr. Gregory Cox, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, at her parish church, Saint Martin of Tours, 11967 W Sunset Boulevard, LA 90049, at 10:30 a.m. on May 10. A reception will follow at the Martin residence.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name at catholiccharitiesla.org.

Bud Petrick

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

Bud Petrick, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and pillar of the Pacific Palisades community, passed away at the age of 91.

Bud was far more than a local businessman—he was a foundational presence in the town he proudly called home for decades. As the founder of Bud Petrick & Associates, a successful residential real estate firm, Bud helped countless families put down roots in the Palisades. But it was his character—his warmth, integrity, and steadfast commitment to others—that made him truly unforgettable.

A tireless community leader, Bud served in numerous civic roles that helped shape the Palisades. He was a longtime member and multiple-time president of the Optimist Club, where he championed youth programs and community initiatives. He also played a key role in organizing the town’s iconic Fourth of July celebrations through his leadership in the Palisades Americanism Parade Association (PAPA). Bud later served as president of the Palisades Chamber of Commerce—a distinction made even more special when his son, John, later held the same title, making them the only father-son pair to do so.

Bud lived a life of service, optimism, and dedication—values he carried into everything he did, whether leading an organization, mentoring others, or cheering on his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his children—his son John and his daughters Julie and Kimi; and his cherished grandchildren: David, Delaney, Austin, and Riya. To his family, Bud was a constant source of wisdom, pride, and unwavering love.

Bud Petrick’s legacy will live on through the community he helped shape, the family he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and heart. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Kent Sather

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

Kent Sather passed away peacefully on April 10 in Santa Monica, California.

An avid traveler, bike rider, skier, racquetball and tennis player, and scuba diver, Kent dove into life with excitement and courage. Born and raised in San Anselmo, California, Kent learned the value of hard work from his father, an engineer who was also a master carpenter. His mother was a musician and painter who sold her work throughout Marin County, California.

An only child, Kent grew up in San Anselmo surrounded by a close family of aunts, uncles and cousins, and he always stayed in touch with them and knew the importance of family staying together.

Kent put himself through U.C. Berkeley. While a college student, he and his father built a cabin in Mt. Lassen, near the lake where his father loved to fish and one day Kent would bring his children to waterski.

After college, Kent earned an M.B.A. at U.C. Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. He met his loving wife Joan Morse at Berkeley. On their first date, he picked her up in a red Thunderbird convertible and they drove over the Golden Gate Bridge to hear jazz in Sausalito, California.

Shortly after they married, they moved to Los Angeles, and he began to manage real estate with Joan’s love and support. They built a life in Pacific Palisades, forged many close friendships and raised a family.

They both loved to travel and took many trips across the globe together and with their friends, including the Ski Club, and many bike trips. They were also very involved in the local community, including the Jonathan Club and St, Matthew’s Parish Church.

Kent touched many people with his sense of humor and unique charm, always able to relate through his witty stories. He was a kind man who truly cared for others and looked forward to visiting his family, especially his six grandchildren.

A fixture in the Palisades community, he loved to ride his bike and could be seen on weekends riding around or enjoying breakfast accompanied by his trusty companion, his dog Hank. After Joan’s passing, Kent continued Joan’s tradition of the 4th of July Palisades house decorating contest and recruited his granddaughter to help last year.

Kent will truly be missed. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of over 55 years, Joan Morse. He leaves behind his daughter Kelly Sather of Washington, D.C., and his son Peter Sather of Bethesda, Maryland; his daughter-in-law Rose Sather, and six grandchildren: Amelia, Wyatt, and Oliver Browne; and Cole, Carina, and Ellie Sather.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Matthew’s Parish (St. Augustine By-the-Sea in Santa Monica) on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Sven Bollaeren Svendsen

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

Sven Bollaeren Svendsen, beloved father, grandfather, civil engineer, business leader and decorated WWII hero, died on April 11 in Palm Desert, California. He was 103. Sven’s life and career were exceptional. A long and unusually rich life has come to an end.

Sven was born on November 23, 1921, in Kristiansand, Norway, to Sverre and Ragnhild Svendsen. The second of four children, Sven and his three sisters, Liv, Helga and Ester, enjoyed a close family life. In school Sven excelled in math and competed in soccer, long distance cross-country skiing, and the biathlon.

At age 19 Sven began his university studies in structural engineering at NTH, Norway’s premier technical institute in Trondheim. That year the Germans invaded Norway. Sven immediately joined the Resistance movement, using a radio hidden in his student apartment to notify Resistance headquarters in London of German ship and troop movements.

He also saved the life of David C. Besbris, a Jewish-American U.S. Air Force navigator, who had been shot down over Norway. Sven took David on a treacherous winter trek by train and through the woods on skis to Sweden. For his exceptional service during the war, Sven was later awarded medals by the Norwegian Government and Military, and by the U.S. Air Force.

In 1948 Sven immigrated to New York City, where he met and married Wanda Faith Corbin. Their loving marriage lasted until her death in 2009.

Sven’s distinguished career included structural engineering work on iconic projects such as the St. Louis Gateway Arch and the first cable-hung roof in America. In the 1950s he was in Thule, Greenland and in Spain, where he built ports and airports. Sven spent four years in Caracas, Venezuela, building a nuclear reactor and managing a scientific research institute.

Later Sven worked on civilian and military facilities in Japan, Korea and Vietnam before moving to Los Angeles in 1965. There Sven rose to Principal of AECOM Design of AECOM, a multinational infrastructure consulting firm with 51,000 employees and over 700 offices around the world.

Sven was deeply committed to his family. He regularly took Wanda and their daughters, Liv, Berit, Mia and Randi, to visit his Norwegian family. Sven was very proud of his grandchildren Chrix, Annika, Kirstin, Tia, Kai and Finn.

Sven will be sorely missed. A Memorial of his life will be held July 11 at Dignity Memorial, 520 W. Raye Street, Seattle, WA 98119.

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