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).
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.
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.
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, 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 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, 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.
Giada Rice passes on the run during a 12-3 triumph over host El Camino Real—the girls’ third consecutive section crown under coach Dexter O’Connell and fourth in the last six years. Photos by Steve Galluzzo
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
The numbers ‘3’ and ‘9’ were themost pertinent last Wednesdayin Woodland Hills, where PalisadesHigh’s boys and girls lacrosse teamsonce again proved they are the best in the City. For a third straight year the Dolphins swept the finals, bothwinning by nine-goal margins, and claimed the school’s first section titles since the Palisades Fire.
In the nightcap, the boys outscored host El Camino Real 14-5 to seize their 10th championship, ninth in 10 years and fifth straight under head coach Dave Bucchino, who got rewarded with a bucket of ice water dunmped over his head.
“This ranks top one or two for me since we didn’t expect to even have a season,” he said. “We practiced mostly at Brentwood School and kids were spread out so it was a matter of who’s going to show up, there was inconsistency but all they wanted to do was play.”
Will Fishman had four goals, Gavin Zuniga and Dylan Wong each had two and Maddox Walker made eight saves for the top-seeded Dolphins, who made it six in a row over ECR in the finals.
Riley Donner and Will Fishman dump a bucket of ice water on coach Dave Bucchino in celebration of the Dolphins’ 14-5 victory in the City championship game last Wednesday night.
“Our goal every year is to win City to keep the streak going, but this year the fire got us fired up,” said Fishman, a senior headed to Ohio State. “Half our players lost their homes but it’s a great way for me to go out… winning a championship with my best friends.”
The first game of the doubleheader saw Palisades’ girls cruise to a three-peat under head coach Dexter O’Connell with a 12-3 victory, also over ECR. Freshman middie Elexus Ray led the charge with nine goals, Emma Yoffe had two and Amanda Wexler scored off a rebound in the first quarter as the top-seeded Dolphins claimed their fourth title overall.
“I was on today and my teammates were looking for me,” said Ray, who began playing the sport in kindergarten and who proved to be unstoppable in the postseason, netting 17 goals in two playoff contests to finish the spring with 113—a new school single-season record. “I was aiming for a lot of goals this season but I didn’t think I’d get over 100.”
Sarah Finestone made eight saves to up her season total to 145.
Mick Lohr shoots on El Camino Real goalie Brando De La Rosa in the third quarter.
“For two whole quarters they didn’t put the ball in the goal and they only had it in our zone three times in the first half,” O’Connell said. “Our re-defending was tenacious. I feel lucky to be coaching this group. It brings me joy. I’ve tried to make Pali a fun place that the girls can come back to.
Both the boys and girls squadshave made the finals every year since the City sanctioned lacrosse playoffs in 2014. The girls lost to Birmingham five times in a row before breaking through in 2019, beating the Patriots in the finals. The 2020 season got canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Neel Joshi and Zach Stuffmann congratulate William Selna after his tiebreak win. Photos by Steve Galluzzo
Pali High Boys Tennis Beats Granada Hills to Extend City Title Streak
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
As his opponent’s ball landed out to end a dramatic tiebreaker in last Thursday’s City Section Open Division boys tennis final, William Selna was congratulated by his teammates as if he had just clinched the championship. In actuality, the Dolphins had settled the issue a full hour before, yet they lined up along the fence outside the court to cheer theirlast player to victory— a testament to the pride and passion permeating the most successful program in all of Los Angeles.
Palisades dominated in singles and doubles to win its 16th straight City title, the longest active streak by any team in any sport in the section, and 41st overall with a 23-6.5 triumph over Granada Hills.
“I felt some pressure, but I was excited to be out there for that last set,” said Selna, who rallied from a 4-2 deficit to force a tiebreaker, then won it 7-5. “I had a knee injury most of the year and didn’t get a chance to play much. Today I played hard and came back after being down.”
The schools were facing off in the finals for the 10th straight time, the last seven in the Open Division, and the Dolphins dominated fromthe get-go, sweeping all seven matches (four singles and three doubles) in the first rotation. In fact, No. 1 Palisades reached the 15-point threshold needed to win before the third-seeded Highlanders got their first.
“To win 16 in a row is hard to believe,” said coach Bud Kling, who was doused with water while raising the trophy after collecting his record 53rd City title (32 with the boys, 21 with the girls) since taking over the program in 1979. “Granada Hills has been a formidable opponent over the last decade or more but every team has a down year here and there. We’ve been the underdog three or four times during this run and managed to find a way to win.” Kling lost his home in the Palisades Fire but for the winningest high school tennis coach in California history every championship is unique.
“We graduate 10 players, including seven starters, so next spring’s going to be a rebuilding year,” Kling said. “We’ll need four or five guys to step up over the summer and see if we can keep [the streak] going.”
UC Santa Barbara-bound Lorenzo Brunkow won his first three sets, 6-2, 6-0, 6-0, before being subbed out for Tucker Salser-Meyers in the last rotation. Six days before, Brunkow advanced to the semifinal round of the CIF singles division at Ojai.
“It’s the last time we seniors will do it,” said Brunkow, who swept his four sets at love in the semifinals against Sherman Oaks CES. “We all knew what it meant for Coach Kling to cement his legacy so weren’t going to let him down.”
No. 2 player Neel Joshi also won his first three sets, 6-1, 6-1, 6-0, before he was replaced by Rocco Weinberg and the No. 1 doubles team of Caleb Scott and Max May took their first two sets easily, including the crown-clincher, then watched freshmen Bennett Murphy and Josh Glaser prevail in a tiebreaker in round three. The No. 3 duo of Tristan Kiperman and birthday boy Zach Stuffman picked up an unexpected one and a half points in the second rotation by upsetting Granada Hills’ No. 1 tandem of William Stanfield and Ashton Park, 6-3.
“This is my last year at Pali so it’s great to get the Sweet 16,” said seniorOwen Chin Rust, who won two of his three sets at No. 3 singlesbefore being replaced by Sam Salser-Meyers for the final round.
Dash Hansford beat Granada Hills’ Leo Duvison 6-2 at the No. 4 singles spot but lost to the No. 1 and No. 2 players before getting subbedout for Selna against the Highlanders’ No. 3 player Ceferino Dolatre.
“This is my second time playing [Granada Hills] in the finals,” Hansford said. “Last year I was subbing but this year I’m starting and it feels better knowing I contributed. The pressure’s on me next year.”
Zach Cohen and Ben Babikian, Palisades’ No. 2 duo, beat Granada Hills’ No. 2 and No. 3 doubles teams before being subbed out for freshmen Shane Fox and Cameron Vahidi.
Christian Camarillo, winner of the last two City Individual doubles tiles with different partners, lost to Brunkow (the defending City singles champion) but swept his last three singles sets, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1. He was in the No. 1 position because Granada Hills’ best player, junior Kristian Sharma, was ineligible.
“All credit to Palisades … they were the better team today,” Highlanders coach Troy Aiken said during the medal ceremony. “We always enjoy playing them because you know it’s going to be good tennis.”
Palisades’ current dynasty started back in 2009 with a 26.5-3 rout of Granada Hills but the teams did not meet in the finals again until 2015.The Highlanders have never won a City boys tennis title.
“Our school’s won it every since year I was 2 years old,” Selna said. “It’s generational at this point.”
Much of Kling’s time and energy in the near future will be devoted to rebuilding his house, but he hopes a few more City titles before he is finally done coaching. He is aided by two of his former players, Robert and Joe Silvers.
“To get through a year like this I’ve had to do more delegating than usual but it was all worth it,” he said.
***Click on any photo below to view slideshow***
Lorenzo Brunkow shakes hands with Granada Hills’ top player Christian Camarillo.
Dash Hansford
Zach Cohen
Ben Babikian
Owen Chin Rust
Neel Joshi
Max May
Caleb Scott (above) and No. 1 doubles partner Max May notched the title-clinching point with a 6-2 victory.
Coach Bud Kling (left) with the championship trophy and Athletic Director Rocky Montz with the plaque.
Braun Levi won the Mission League doubles championship with partner and fellow Palisadian Cooper Schwartz last week, becoming the first player in league history to win the doubles title four years in a row. Photo: Steve Galluzzo
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Braun Levi was much more than simply a talented high school tennis player with a bright future ahead of him. He was respected by his peers and loved by everyone who knew him. He was only one month away from graduating from Loyola High and was all set to go to the University of Virginia but all that changed in an instant when he was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while walking with friends on South Sepulveda Boulevard in Manhattan Beach early Sunday morning, sending shockwaves through the Pacific Palisades community where he grew up as well as the South Bay, where his family had relocated after losing their home in the Palisades Fire.
“Everyone says Oh, he’s the tennis player and a smart kid but he was way more than that,” his father Dan said in an interview with Fox 11 News the following day. “His personality was off the charts. Everybody loved him, not just the athletes or cool kids, but everybody.”
Braun’s mother Jennifer feared the worst when she got the dreaded call and echoed her husband’s sentiment that “everyone thinks they were his best friend.” His older sister Adelle was visibly moved by the outpouring of love and support—a testament to the lives her brother impacted.
“I’ve gotten countless messages from people I’ve never even met before just telling me stories and sending me photos,” she said.
Levi was extremely proud tobe a Cub, going to numerous sporting events, sitting in the bleachers and cheering his fellow athletes on. He was a regular at volleyball matches—a sport Loyola has long excelled in. He met many of his friends through tennis and despite his competitiveness on the court, when a match was over he was the first to shake his opponent’s hand. To those who knew him best, his positive attitude was what stood out most.
Loyola High released the following statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Braun Levi, a cherished member of our Loyola High community. Braun was a young man of integrity, kindness and strength. He was admired by faculty, respected by his peers, and beloved by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Levi family during this devastating time.”
A vigil was held Sunday night on the Loyola campus and among the hundreds of students, parents and faculty in attendance were Palisades High tennis players Lorenzo Brunkow and Neel Joshiand Jack Thomas, quarterback of the football team,whotransferred to Pali High from Loyola after his sophomore year.
“He was so cheerful and present in every step,” said Joshi, who was devastated upon hearing the news that his friend was gone. “He made each memory I hold with him so bright, not only because of his outgoing charisma, but because of the compassion he carried with him. He was goofy and joyful, even in times where our heads were screwed on tight (during a doubles match), we still found laughter in each element of our friendship. We’d joke about the wins and losses we had over one another over the eight plus years we’d been competing with one another, whether it be in USTA tournaments or high school matches. In the summer of 2023 I saw Braun almost single every day, going to tennis training in Burbank with Lorenzo, sweating our guts out in the valley heat for four hours followed by a gym workout. Braun always walked in with the same contagious grin on his face, causing all of us to smile no matter what mood we were in. Braun’s life was action packed and exciting. Each weekend a new activity to enlighten himself, whether it be dressing up in a pink suit for a derby race, being the manager (sometimes player) of Loyola’s exceptional volleyball team, or helping orphans getting medical help with his family, Braun juiced his life to the max.”
Brunkow added: “Braun was the best guy I know. He was one of the smartest, funniest and nicest guys all in one. The spirits were always very high when he was around and he made training and playing tennis very fun together.”
Loyola principal Jamal Adams wrote : “Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family,” Adams wrote, “bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched.”
Tennis coach Brian Held, who coached Levi for four years and also got to know him as a student, having taught several of his classes.
“He was a four-year starter who played both singles and doubles for us,” Held told the Post. “He was such an unusual leader as a freshman and I made him a captain as a sophomore. He wasunique the way he interacted with everyone on the team, from the best players to the last players… he earned everyone’s respect. Everyone mattered to him. All of his opponents felt special too. He won the Mission League doubles title four years in a row and his list of accomplishments for Loyola tennis is vast. He’s probably the most decorated player to ever play for the school. We’re all stunned and heartbroken for this tragedy. He was the most amazing all-around kid and leader you could possibly imagine. Everyone loved Braun. He was just that type of kid. As one of his classroom teachers as well, I witnessed how he brought joy to every group of people he was part of—a sentiment I’m confident will be shared by many.”
Braun’s doubles partner at Loyola the last two years and one of his best friends growing up has been fellow Palisadian Cooper Schwartz, who also lost his home in the Palisades Fire. The two advanced to the semifinals of the prestigious Ojai Tournament less than two weeks ago.
“In our last match, all I had to do was look at him and he knew the play we were going to use,” Schwartz shared. “Braun was everyone’s best friend on and off the court. All you had to do was look at him and his smile was the promise that he would do anything for you. I love you Braunny.”
Cooper’s mom Suze enjoyed seeing her son and his partner play: “Watching Braun on court was an adrenaline rush. He never gave up, going after balls you’d think were impossible to reach and somehow turning them into winners. His mom and I would nervously watch every point like it was match point, constantly moving around thinking our energy made an impact. He was amazing, powerful and laser-focused but what I admired most wasn’t his talent, but his sportsmanship. I often saw him clap for the other team when they made a great point.And, whether he won the point or lost it, whether it was his fault or Cooper’s, they would tap hands after every single point. It was their way of saying ‘We’re in this together.’ Braun played with power, heart, grace and had fun doing it. He was genuine, nice and smart. On the last day of his life, Braun was doing what came naturally to him—serving others. He was feeding the homeless on Skid Row. The Loyola motto is ‘Men for and with Others’ and that was Braun to his core. If tennis begins with “love all”—Braun truly lived that way. He loved all and we all loved him.”
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