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Blanck Honored at Phoenix Dojo Gala

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Sensei Gerry Blanck has been kicking in the Palisades for over 35 years.
Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer

Gerry Blanck has been teaching karate in Pacific Palisades for well over four decades  and ever since he taught his first class in the Village in 1982 the ageless Yoshukai black belt has been a staple in the community, even after his dojo burned to the ground in the Palisades Fire.

On May 17 at Hilton Santa Monica Hotel  the Phoenix Dojo Gala, headed by  Committee Vice-Chair Shannon Factor, hosted a night in honor of Blanck’s 43-year legacy.

The evening kicked off the launch of the Gerry Blanck Martial Arts Foundation, a community-driven initiative to carry forward the dojo’s mission of discipline, empowerment, and resilience through expanded programs and outreach. While the rebuilding of the physical space remains a long-term vision, the foundation’s immediate focus is clear: scholarships for students impacted by hardship, advanced training opportunities for elite youth competitors, and wellness programs that serve the broader community. It was announced that the first scholarship will be awarded this month to 10-year-old Eden Savoian, who competed at a national tournament in Las Vegas just days after her family’s home was destroyed in the fire.

The fire January 7 left over 180 students and their families displaced, but as the May 17 event proved, the heart of the dojo still beats strong. “The Phoenix isn’t just a symbol—it’s a reality in motion,” became the unofficial theme of the evening, and nowhere was that more evident than in the students who lit up the floor. Young martial artists showed off their board breaking and weapons skills like 8-year-old Ryder Factor, who wowed the audiience with a gold-medal bo staff routine alongside world champion Allen Woodman, followed by standout performances from Savoian, Juliette Price, Ben Zamel, and Dylan Davis.

Many on the competition team lost their homes in the fire and were honored with Certificates of Achievement and surprise custom trophies presented by Sensei Blanck and new honorary co-mayors of Pacific Palisades, actors Ted McGinley and Gigi Rice. Their sons Beau and Quinn both trained under Blanck.  The couple succeed comedian and actor Eugene Levy, who was mayor from 2021 to 2024.

Among the instructors honored were Sensei Tamar Springer, Sensei Marc Lamaze and assistant coach Sensei Jake Ehrlich. Emceeing the event was Peter Madrigal of Vanderpump Rules and Reality Network Co.

Track Teams Make Marks at Section Finals Meet

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Mahagoni Sinclair cleared four feet, 10 inches to place third in the high jump.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

There were plenty of handshakes and high-fives under Palisades High’s tent in the bleachers at Birmingham High after the Dolphins took third place in the girls standings with 44 points and sixth in the boys standings with 28 points at the City Section Track & Field Championships on May 22.     

Boys 4×400 relayers Harrison Carter, Jayden Joch, Armani Lindley and Ronin Sherertz earned a trip to the state meet in Clovis, beating Granada Hills by 17 hundredths of a second in 3:23.98.

The 4×100 relay team of LeHenry Solomon, Carter, Lindley and Sherertz, clocked a PR 43.66 to finish seventh and Sherertz ended up in the same spot in the 400 meters with a time of 52.43. Justin Hart of team champion Granada Hills won in 47.45.

Andrew Razo clocked 2:01.16  to take eighth in the 800 meters and Jackson Taylor was 11th in 2:04.27. One of the most thrilling finishes of the meet came in the 3200, where Zach Cohen led for most of the eight laps before being passed at the end by Venice senior Charles Simon, who won in 9:38.77. Cohen, a junior, took seond in a personal-best 9:40.94 and advanced to the state finals.

Marley Duff was seventh in the 300 hurdles in a personal-best  41.66 and the Dolphins’ 4×800 relay team of Taylor, Odino Spadavecchia, Zach Amster and Razo    took second in a PR of 8:13.41.

The girls’ 4×800 relay earned a state finals berth after winning in  9:46.13. It was a PR for Dalia Harinck, Vitalija Schafer Gabriella Gilyard and Annabelle Refnes, who beat second-place Granada Hills by almost 13 full seconds.

The Dolphins took second to Carson in the girls 4×400 relay. The Colts won in 4:02.70 while Palisades’ foursome, comprised of Skyla Jones, Shannon Cantwell, Kalee Herd and Refnes, clocked its fastest time (4:02.77)   

In the 4×200 relay, Palisades was third in 1:54.27 on the strength of the foursome of Javayah Sole, Mikaia Solomon, Lucy Ames and Seanna Coleman. Crenshaw won the race in 1:53.51.

Jones ran the 400 in a personal-best 59.41, good enough for fifth overall (Savannah Williams of team points champion Granada Hills won in 57.22) and Refnes set the pace in the 800 meter race before taking second in 2:18.15 behind fellow junior Ananya Balaraman of North Hollywood (2:16.90). Gilyard was also in the field, finishing seventh in 2:23.68.

Three Palisades girls qualified for finals in the 1600, which was won by Balaraman in 5:03.75. Kendal Shaver (5:33.15) was seventh, Zoey Morris (third in the 1600 and first in the 3200 as a ninth-grader last year) was 11th in a time of 5:38.90 and Amelia Halpin was 12th in 5:46.20. Four Dolphins were among the 23 entries in the 3200 and Morris was the first to complete the eight-lap race, finishing 12th in 12:19.57. Shaver (12:24.93) PRd’ to finish 16th, Halpin was 18th in 12:35.43 and fellow freshman teammate Hanna Sadzik was 19th in 12:39.67.

Ava Bondar (49.33) was fifth in the 300 hurdles, Malon Rose placed third in the shot put with a throw 33 feet, and Mahagoni Sinclair cleared four feet, 10 inches to take third in the high jump. Refnes  was fifth at 4-08.  Marshall’s Oleana Taalman Koch won at a height of 5-02. No Dolphins qualified for finals in the girls sprint events.

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LA County Assessor Urges Property Owners to Update Mailing Address

By
Lily Tinoco
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By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang has requested property owners update their mailing address, as some wildfire victims’ “Notices of Assessed Value Change” and property tax refund checks have been returned due to invalid addresses.

Following the Palisades fire, the LA County Assessor’s Office has been working to provide property tax relief to impacted homeowners. However, individuals may not be receiving the fire relief due to invalid addresses and are urged to update their mailing addresses.

“Since January, the office has mobilized teams, reassigned resources, and developed streamlined processes to assess property damage and expedite disaster relief for eligible properties,” according to a statement on May 27. “[These efforts] will ensure that all qualifying property owners receive the full benefits provided for under California law, including temporary reductions in assessed value and, in many cases, property tax refunds.”

The Treasurer and Tax Collector is applying deferrals of property tax payments and cancellation of late-payment penalties. The office is also working with the Auditor-Controller to ensure revised property valuations are applied to future tax bills, and facilitate the issuance of property tax refunds to those whose property was “damaged, destroyed or negatively impacted by the fires.”

As a result, affected individuals have already received relief—however, “Notices of Assessed Value Change” and property tax refund checks are being returned to the county because the mailing addresses on record are no longer valid.

“In numerous cases, the original property—and with it, the recorded mailing address—was destroyed in the wildfires,” the statement continued. “Homeowners who have experienced property loss are urged to update their current mailing address to ensure delivery of important property assessment and tax-related documents, including property tax refunds.”

Updating a mailing address will not change the official records or status of the property’s physical location. It ensures that tax notices and documents are delivered to an address where they can be retrieved.

“Getting relief into the hands of wildfire victims is a top priority for our office,” Prang said in a statement. “We understand how devastating these fires have been, and we are committed to making sure impacted property owners receive the support they’re entitled to. But we need their help in updating contact information so that relief can reach them without delay.”

To update a mailing address, visit assessor.lacounty.gov/homeowners/change-mailing-address. For additional information on all disaster relief programs available, including the Misfortune & Calamity claim or any other tax savings programs, visit assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief.

Palisades Beautiful Plans Marquez Cleanup Event

By
Sarah Shmerling
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A photo of the area that is slated to be cleaned by Palisades Beautiful
Photo courtesy of Palisades Beautiful

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Palisades Beautiful will host a cleanup event on Saturday, June 7, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to clear “trash and burned plants” on a portion of Marquez Avenue.

“We will be picking up litter from the parkway hillside,” the group described. “This hillside burned, and there are branches and leaves (palm fronds) that we will also try to remove.”

Noah Martin is the president of Palisades Beautiful—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that he launched in February “dedicated to restoring natural spaces” in the community.

“We’re dedicated to revitalizing our neighborhood through native landscaping,” read the Palisades Beautiful website. “Our mission is to make the Palisades more beautiful and sustainable one plant at a time.”

The first event Palisades Beautiful hosted was a trash cleanup on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, along Bowdoin Street near the Palisades Charter High School campus.

Those who attend the Marquez cleanup are encouraged to wear close-toed shoes, long pants and sleeves, as well as bring water. Gloves, grabbers and trash bags will be provided.

“While our focus will be on cleaning up, we will also try to add some small native plants to help the environment recover faster and make this hillside a bit more beautiful,” the group added. “Everyone is welcome to attend and the event is completely free. We operate on donations—any contribution is appreciated and can be made through our website.”

The meeting location is listed as Marquez Avenue and Bollinger Drive, 16650 Marquez Avenue.

Fire Relief Skate Jam to Take Place at Stoner Park

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of Paliskates

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Paliskates will host a Fire Relief Skate Jam on Saturday, June 7, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Stoner Park, with professional and amateur skateboarders, vendors, food trucks, and more.

“There will be games of skate, best trick skate jams, autograph signings from special pros, and prizes ranging from cash to a week of Skate Camp,” according to event information.

Supported by dozens of entities, including Councilmember Traci Park, city of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department, LA Strong Foundation and more, the event is being hosted to support the Swarthmore Avenue skate shop, which was destroyed in the Palisades fire.

“This is a support your local skate shop event,” event organizers said. “Giving the skaters and kids an opportunity to connect with each other, their shop, and the greater skate community. Top professional skaters and leading brands have stepped up in solidarity with Paliskates—the nation’s longest-running, female-owned skate shop—to help ensure its future. The presence of these notable pros will make for an unforgettable and inspiring experience for all in attendance.”

Other event organizers include Heidi Lemmon of Skate Park Association International and Cindy Whitehead, sports stylist and founder of Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word. Participating brands include etnies, New Balance, Vans, The Skatepark Project and more.

Stoner Park is located at 1835 Stoner Avenue. Sponsoring brands and organizations will have booths and tables set up for the event’s duration. The Skate Jam competition will take place between 1 and 3 p.m.

California Fire Foundation Accepts Applications for Wildfire Disaster Relief & Recovery Grant

By
Lily Tinoco
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By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

California Fire Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Wildfire Disaster Relief & Recovery Grant—a funding opportunity offering up to $25,000 for fire departments, firefighter associations, nonprofits and tribal organizations in Los Angeles, including Pacific Palisades.

“When wildfires strike, they leave behind not just physical destruction, but long-lasting impacts on families, first responders and local infrastructure,” according to a statement about the program. “This grant supports long-term wildfire recovery efforts, funding projects that strengthen community resilience, help rebuild critical services and ensure our firefighters are equipped for future emergencies.”

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, local fire departments and firefighter associations, and federally recognized tribes.

Funding priorities include community relief and recovery, recovery planning, public education and community outreach, first responder training, vegetation management and fuels reduction, and more.

“Established in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing emotional and financial support to fallen firefighters’ families, active fire personnel and the communities they protect,” according to a statement. “Programs include victim assistance, community preparedness and memorial projects honoring the fallen.”

Individuals are encouraged to apply here. There is no deadline to apply at this time.

‘Venice Welcomes the Palisades’ at Colony Event

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of CD 11

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Councilmember Traci Park is hosting “Venice Welcomes the Palisades” at Colony on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where attendees are invited to “shop, support and rebuild together.”

“Join us at Colony in Venice for a powerful community benefit supporting Pacific Palisades residents and small businesses affected by the recent wildfires,” Park said ahead of the event.

The event will feature local stores, Blue Crush Artist, community charities, Palisades restaurants and Venice Paparazzi. There will also be a karate exhibition at 12 p.m. by Gerry Blanck.

Colony has two locations that house dozens of food options: Santa Monica and Venice.

“Colony Cooks provides fully-equipped commercial kitchens for food businesses, offering flexible solutions for delivery, pick-up and dine-in services,” read the company’s website. “Turn your culinary dreams into reality with our premium spaces.”

The Venice space includes Sweet Rose Creamery, Main Chick Hot Chicken, Culture Crush, King Taco and more.

Colony is located at 401 N. Lincoln Boulevard in Venice. Admission is free.

“Let’s show up, support our neighbors and stand together,” Colony wrote of the event.

CD 11, Team Palisades to Host Lunch in Rustic Canyon

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of the office of CD 11

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Councilmember Traci Park and Team Palisades have partnered to present a lunch at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center on Thursday, June 5, from 12 to 2 p.m. to honor the “strength and spirit of our elders.”

“I’m proud to partner with Team Palisades to host a special lunch honoring the strength, spirit and lasting contributions of our elders,” Park wrote ahead of the event. “Their resilience has shaped this community—and continues to inspire us every single day. Hope to see you there.”

Those who attend are invited to bring their family to “enjoy some lunch, uplifting conversation and a beautiful afternoon in one of our most cherished parks.”

“Join Councilwoman Traci Park and Team Palisades for a heartfelt luncheon celebrating our community’s elders—especially those 65-plus—whose resilience continues to inspire us all,” the flyer read.

Those who wish to attend can RSVP to Palisades Field Deputy Arus Grigoryan or here.

LAUSD to Host Series of Design Concept Community Meetings

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Palisades Charter Elementary School
Photo by Sarah Shmerling

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Los Angeles Unified School District will host a series of design concept community meetings for the three charter school campuses that sustained damage in the Palisades fire.

“The purpose of these meetings is to introduce the architectural teams and begin the important dialogue on the future design concepts for each campus,” LAUSD Community Relations Director Lorena Padilla-Melendez said.

The Palisades Charter Elementary School meeting will take place Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. followed by Palisades Charter High School on Thursday, June 5, at 6 p.m. and Marquez Charter Elementary School on Friday, June 6, at 6 p.m.

The Pali Elementary meeting will take place in-person at Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet in the Multi Purpose Room, located at 740 South Gretna Green Way, and via Zoom. Its architectural firm is PRACTICE, which is “nationally recognized for its innovative, sustainable and community-centered design.”

For Pali High—whose architectural firm is DLR Group—the meeting will take place virtually via Zoom.

“For over 25 years, DLR Group has been a trusted partner to LAUSD, and has collaborated with schools and communities to create learning environments that are not only safe and sustainable, but truly transformational,” read information shared by LAUSD.

Marquez’ meeting will take place in person at Nora Sterry Elementary in the Multi Purpose Room, located at 1730 Corinth Avenue. It will also take place virtually via Zoom. The school’s architectural firm is NAC, a “national leader in K-12 educational design and architecture.”

Anna Fulop Sorotzkin

By
Sarah Shmerling
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1932 – 2025

Anna Fulop Sorotzkin, a 30-year resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away on January 24 at age 92 with her beloved family by her side.

Anna (Panni) was born in Budapest, Hungary, on June 13, 1932. She narrowly survived the horrors of the Holocaust in Europe during World War II with her parents, Paul and Ilona, and her brother, Egon. She and her mother were saved by the Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who miraculously pulled them from a line destined for extermination camps by vouching for them as Swedish citizens. They were able to survive until the end of the war in the ghetto in Budapest.

Anna and her family were forced to live under communism until the student-led Hungarian Revolution in 1956, when she heroically escaped across the border and ultimately to America to begin a new life. Through the utmost perseverance and hard work, Anna forged a path from Miami, to Detroit, and then to Penn State, where she completed a degree in horticulture. She eventually fulfilled her life-long dream to come to California, having secured a job at Burpee Seed Company in Santa Paula.

Anna met her husband, Joshua Sorotzkin, a new immigrant from Israel, who was working as a chemical engineer for Shell Chemical in Ventura. Josh volunteered with the Jewish Agency with a desire to help Jewish refugees and met Anna. The young immigrants were soon engaged. They married on the 8th of May to commemorate Victory Day in Europe, a symbol of the end of World War II.

Anna decided to pursue a teaching certificate, and she entered the field of education as a middle school teacher. As a civics lesson, Anna invited her students to attend her citizenship ceremony at the courthouse in Ventura. With a deep appreciation for their new homeland, Anna and Josh created a beautiful life in Ventura, rich with family and good friends.

After moving into their first new home, Anna and Josh soon welcomed their first daughter, followed by twin girls a year later. With Josh’s expertise needed at other Shell locations, the couple briefly relocated to Northern California, followed by a transfer to Houston for the next 15 years.

While raising their young family, Anna was a deeply involved mother, enjoying all of her children’s activities and interests. She also pursued her own advanced learning with a Master’s in Education, returning to teaching. She continued to be an active member in the synagogue, establishing and teaching various Jewish educational programs.

Following Josh’s retirement from Shell, the couple returned to their beloved California and resettled in Ventura to be close to Anna’s parents. They eventually moved to Pacific Palisades to be close to their daughters and grandchildren.

Anna taught science in the early years at Village School and actually started the school’s first science fair. She cultivated many deep friendships in the community, including the Chabad of Pacific Palisades, where she was honored with the Woman of Valor award.

After decades of not wanting to talk about her experiences during the Holocaust and her life under communism, Anna published her autobiography, “Panni’s Quest for Freedom,” as a family legacy and a tribute to the lives lost. She also hoped that her book would serve as a cautionary lesson of how crimes against humanity can unfold.

A private family burial was held in Ventura, California. Her family cherishes her memory, with her husband, Josh Sorotzkin (z”l) preceding her in death; daughters Ruth (Bert) Sorotzkin Mandelbaum, Aliza (Ira) Astrachan and Dalia Sorotzkin; her grandchildren, Rachel (Landon), Jordan and Ava Mandelbaum, Talia and Arielle Attia; and her great-grandchildren, Aaron and Miles Polakof.

Anna’s legacy is one of a heroic and indomitable spirit, a pride in her Jewish heritage, a deep gratitude for America, and a charming wit. She will be remembered as a gardener extraordinaire, an avid reader, a connoisseur of classical music and operas, a wondrous baker of delectable pastries, and above all, a profound love for her family.

The names and pictures of Anna’s relatives who perished in the Holocaust are listed at Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, Israel, and at the Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C. Anna’s testimonial can be accessed through the Shoah Foundation’s website.

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