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Real Estate Agent Loses Home and Office in the Palisades Fire

By
Lily Tinoco
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Claire and Samantha O’Connor
Photo by Reid Anderson

Claire and Samantha O’Connor Speak on Life in the Community Before and Looking Forward

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Real estate agent and principal of O’Connor Estates Claire O’Connor lost both her home and real estate office to the Palisades fire.

She and her sister, Samantha O’Connor, spoke with the Palisadian-Post of their experiences—as victims of the fire and real estate agents looking ahead.

Claire explained that she has lived in Pacific Palisades since 2017, first in Castellammare on Tramonto for three years, then the Alphabet Streets on Kagawa. She was also in the process of building a property in Rivas Canyon.

“We were drawn to the Palisades outdoor lifestyle,” Claire said to the Post. “We didn’t know what to expect at first as we moved from Venice … We love the community feel, and we were so excited to have found an amazing place to start a family when we welcomed our first son in 2021 and our second in 2024.”

Both Claire and Samantha said they loved spending time at the Village and were there multiple times per week. Of the things they enjoyed most, they recalled ordering lunch from Palisades Garden Café, hiking Temescal Canyon and going to Will Rogers State Beach.

“When I lived in Castellammare, I loved traversing the secret stairs and meandering down to the beach below the neighborhood first thing in the morning,” Claire added. “It felt like having a private beach.”

When the fire began on January 7, Claire said she was at a sales meeting at Berkshire Hathaway on Alma Real Drive. At the end of the meeting, she overheard somebody mention a fire by Las Lomas. She said her stomach sunk, thinking of the high wind warnings that had been issued in the days prior.

“No one knew what to do, but when we walked outside and saw the huge smoke plume above the Village, we knew this wasn’t going to be a normal day,” Claire said. “We could never have imagined how the day would unfold.”

Claire recalled returning to her house on Kagawa, grabbing a few items—assuming she and her family wouldn’t be able to return for a few days—and leaving for her parents’ condo in Santa Monica.

“Never in a million years did I think that would be the last time I would leave my house,” Claire said. “I thought a few houses in the hills would burn down. It wasn’t until we turned on the news and I saw the fire next to the Palisades Woman’s Club that I understood that the fire was in the Village.

“I went into shock but when I look back at text messages from that time, I was messaging people that the entire town was about to be wiped out. I barely remember anything from the next 48 hours.”

Claire and her family lost their Palisades home to the fire and have been staying in a rental north of Montana.

“It’s lovely, but it’s not home,” Claire said to the Post. “I always thought North of Montana was a goal neighborhood, but I miss having a downtown to walk to that’s not a major thoroughfare, as well as a park for my kids nearby. Pacific Palisades was a little slice of heaven that I was certainly grateful for at the time, but didn’t realize how incredible it was until it wasn’t there to enjoy anymore.”

Although Claire is dealing with the aftermath of the experience, she said she is committed to rebuilding her home and office, while helping others navigate this difficult time.

“We learned very quickly that everyone deals with crises differently,” Samantha explained. “Some clients wanted to buy something immediately, some wanted to rent, some left the state and some considered all three as an option hourly.

“While it was a rollercoaster of emotions, I had to just meet people where they were at. The leasing market was a total blood bath, so we recommended all our clients to go directly to the listing agent or owner to give them a better shot of winning the home.”

When asked about where Palisadians are currently standing—in terms of returning and rebuilding—Samantha acknowledged the lots hitting the market, but said a majority of their clients and friends are planning to rebuild.

“Claire said it best recently, ‘When you find utopia, you’re going to do everything you can to get back there,’” Samantha said. “Of course, there will be ups and downs with the rebuilding process, but we anticipate a lot of people we know returning to the area. We firmly believe the Palisades will come back and it will be better than ever.”

A Collaborative Effort

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Daniel Shemtob
Photos courtesy of Elise Freimuth

After Losing His Huntington Home, Daniel Shemtob Gives Back

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Daniel Shemtob is proof that in times of tragedy and uncertainty, individuals can make a big difference—and when companies work together, they can have an even greater impact.

A celebrity chef and the co-founder of Snibbs, a Los Angeles-based work shoe brand, Shemtob lost his Huntington house in the Palisades fire, but the 36-year-old is using his ingenuity and resources to help the community he has grown to love recover.

Snibbs launched its first culinary collaboration February 7 with another LA-born kitchen and lifestyle brand, Hedley & Bennett, which is known for its apron line.

Their collaboration, the Orbit SE, is a sneaker designed to be multifunctional and lightweight. It is certified slip-resistant, water resistant, and made with 100% vegan and nearly 100% recycled materials. This newly imagined take on Snibbs’ bestselling Orbit design aligns with four core values the two brands share: functionality, comfort, durability and style.

Ellen Marie Bennett

“Helping, for me, is healing, and this charitable initiative is merely the latest in ongoing wildfire relief efforts from both of our businesses,” Shemtob said. “At the heart of this collaboration is the spirit of LA—resilient, creative and always looking out for each other.”

A percentage of proceeds from sales of the Orbit SE will be donated to Restaurant Care—a nonprofit run by California Restaurant Foundation that has established grants for food and beverage workers impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

“This isn’t just about making great shoes, it’s about supporting all the hardworking chefs and service workers who keep this city running,” Hedley & Bennett Founder Ellen Marie Bennett added. “We’re proud to give back to the community that’s given us so much.”

The companies have mobilized by offering free shoes, food, aprons and kitchen gear to aid workers, volunteers and displaced individuals. Additionally, pairs of the Snibbs x Hedley & Bennett Orbit SE are being donated to the employees at Holy Smokes Kosher BBQ and Piccalilli, two catering operations that have been feeding firefighters and fire victims.

Bennett’s mom lost the home she grew up in, while Shemtob and his wife, Elyse, were just beginning to get comfortable in their home before everything changed January 7.

“We moved to the Huntington neighborhood in April … we liked the proximity to the Village,” said Shemtob, who grew up in Orange County but relocated to LA when he was 18. “My wife’s parents were building two blocks down on Toyopa. I was resistant at first, but about one month in, I fell in love with the Palisades.”

He recalled how January 7 unfolded.

“It was 11:07 a.m. and I was on a weekly call when my wife came running in to tell me that Lachman Lane was on fire,” Shemtob said. “Her parents were staying with us. I didn’t think the fire would get near us, so I went back to my call. They all packed up and left for my sister’s place at around 11:35. I walked outside to see my neighbor across the street putting paintings in his car, so I grabbed my laptop and homemade meatballs and left at 12:10.”

That night, his home burned to the ground. As shocking as it was for him, Shemtob’s instinct to assist however he could kicked in. A few days later, he posted this statement on Instagram:

“On January 7, my family and I lost our home in the 2025 Palisades fire—but even in the midst of heartbreak, I knew we had to step up. Partnering with World Central Kitchen, our team at The Lime Truck has been out there feeding first responders, evacuees and anyone who needs a hot meal. I’m so grateful to Eater for sharing our story with a wider audience, furthering our mission—because it’s partners like these that stand behind our city when we need it most. It’s in moments of great challenge that you remember how you showed up. I’ve been humbled by the kindness and support of so many … My footwear company is also doubling its giveback this quarter, giving away 1,000-plus shoes, and with a special release coming soon where profits will go directly to families and first responders.”

The Snibbs x Hedley & Bennett Orbit SE is a non-slip work shoe that features a high-stretch, breathable fabric and quick-lace technology on the top, with a strong support structure and wide toe box for extra comfort.

Two colorways are available that meld Snibbs’ modern approach to traditionally sturdy and functional footwear with the bold pops of color that have become synonymous with Hedley & Bennett—Illy, featuring deep saturations of black and dark blues with red accents; and Foliage, shades of sage, tan and cream inspired by raw vegetation and complemented by a dash of burnt orange.

This joint venture has been over a decade in the making, as Shemtob and Bennett both have chef backgrounds and established companies three blocks away from one another.

From riding bikes together through downtown to championing each other’s scrappy businesses—Daniel was launching his Lime Truck fleet and Ellen was hand-delivering aprons to chef friends—both were determined to make their mark on the industry. Today, they are each successful business owners, inspired to craft culinary attire that stands up to the chaos of a kitchen.

“Ellen’s one of my oldest friends in the industry, and we’ve always talked about collaborating someday,” Shemtob said. “It was simply a matter of timing and finding the right thing. As my team laid out our plans to update our popular Orbit shoe, we knew we had to partner with the best kitchen outfitter out there, and that’s Hedley & Bennett.”

“At Hedley & Bennett, we don’t just create gear—we craft tools that work as hard as you do,” Bennett said. “This collaboration with Snibbs is all about function at its core, designed for the hustle, in the kitchen and beyond.”

Snibbs is the brainchild of Shemtob (chef and two-time winner of Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race”), his high school best friend and entrepreneur Halik Zadoyan, and well-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jason Snibbe (LA Lakers and Clippers).

Opened in 2015, Snibbs offers four styles–Spacecloud, Rovr, Orbit and Clog—and implements a Community Giveback Program, giving financial assistance and a free pair of shoes to those experiencing financial hardship.

Ellen founded Henley & Bennett in 2012. It has produced aprons and kitchen gear that are “stylish” and “built to last.” Pro grade and pro-chef tested, Hedley & Bennett was born out of a need for something better: an apron developed hand in hand with talented, obsessive chefs.

Shemtob launched The Lime Truck in 2010 with a simple mission: create the best possible dining experience for its guests, introduce a surprisingly elevated food truck concept and to have fun while doing it.

For three years in a row, it was selected one of the top five food trucks in America by Yahoo! Last year, the company started the Food Truck Mogul Academy—an online community for learning everything there is to know about building a successful food truck empire.

“It’s hard to put into words how these wildfires have changed my life,” Shemtob said. “I know I’ll be processing it for a long time. I’m deeply grateful for everyone who’s shown up with donations, volunteer help and kind words.

“Surprisingly, the toughest part hasn’t been losing the clothing or items I’ve collected over the last 35 years. Instead, it’s the dream my family and I had of living on the Westside together—walking to the market, strolling to local schools and enjoying nature just steps away. Now that dream is either gone or on hold, and it’s hitting me harder than I expected. Still, I’m committed to staying in service—running a purpose-driven business, caring for those around me and cherishing each relationship in my life.”

After a long family talk, Shemtob said he does plan to return to the Palisades and is looking for a lot to build on. He moved three times in the first month and a half after the fire, but he and his wife are currently staying in Beverly Hills, where Daniel used to live.

“I want to give back,” he said. “This is an opportunity to help people who are helping others … Our goal is to continue our aid as long as we can.”

Solid Facts About the Current Palisades Real Estate Market

By
the Palisadian-Post
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By MICHAEL EDLEN | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Several articles have recently been distributed that included some inaccuracies in the information and conclusions reached. This is to clarify the nature of the current local market—the actual data as of April 2—and explain how some of it may be interpreted more accurately.

Because so few houses or condos have sold after the fire, nearly all of the activity in the Palisades has involved the listing and selling of vacant lots. However, the same economic factors are involved in land sales as in home sales. Supply and demand will ultimately determine whether a market favors buyers or sellers and, therefore, help determine how to proceed in selling or purchasing property.

As many people know, a real estate market is generally considered a “seller’s market” when the number of properties on the market in that area would take five or fewer months to sell at the current sales rate. In the Palisades, for example, most of the period between 2015 and 2024 was characterized by an average of three to five months of inventory of single-family homes for sale.

With a relatively greater number of people wanting to buy homes here than those willing to sell, prices tended to increase throughout almost that entire decade. In fact, in most cases, the value of homes had doubled up to the month before the massive fires.

When the inventory level in an area would take six or more months to sell at the rate of sales, it is usually classified as a “buyer’s market.” The last time that occurred in the Palisades was due to the savings and loan industry collapse in 2007, and prices fell steadily until 2010 when increasing demand finally stabilized prices in 2011 to 2013.

The inventory level in the early part of that period grew to between 15 to 18 months in some neighborhoods. That meant that most people would have to wait a very long time to sell their homes, and the prices would be lower than anticipated.

We realize that it has been scarce for a vacant and readily buildable Palisades lot to be available since nearly all those sites had been built on by 2000. Now, suddenly, the tables have reversed. In just three months, the inventory has grown from several marginal or very costly sites to 116 lots for sale. Most of them have not even had Phase 2 debris removal done.

When our team analyzes the Palisades every week, we include some properties that have long been considered part of this market, such as Sunset Mesa and Rustic Canyon. We also exclude a few very large acreages that were for sale long before the fire and a few odd parcels in inaccessible areas.

Here are some observable and current facts:

At the current rate of both new escrows reported and actual sales that have closed, there is now a 29-month level of inventory with 116 vacant lots for sale.

Sixteen percent of the active land listings as of April 2 have had price reductions.

We are often asked how it can be considered a “buyer’s market” when the average sales of lots have been higher than they were listed at, which would imply a market that favored sellers. The answer lies in looking carefully at nine of the 12 lots that have sold so far.

Three were priced well below market value because the owners just wanted to sell them at whatever price the market would bear, resulting in many offers. Three lots sold above list price because they were larger than average size and included building plans for much larger homes than average.

This was of premium value to buyers who wanted to benefit from the city’s allowing of “fast-tracking” the building permit process for anyone planning to build up to 110% of the previous size house on that lot. The other three were larger-sized lots in particular locations that the buyers sought.

It is true that the average price per square foot of land sold in the Palisades is $336, and the average price per square foot of listed land for sale is now $333. However, the full range of prices per square foot of sold land was $120 to $520 per foot. The range of lots for sale now is from about $175 to $1,000 per foot.

So when an owner calls to verify if their property might sell for $2.5 million or more because they feel it is probably an average lot, it may be based on a generalization someone suggested. That is the average list price in the current market, but with the tremendous buildup of inventory, we can already see at least a 20 to 25% downward price movement.

The process of arriving at an effective and realistic listing price is still an evolving art, and after a few more months of experience, we will all better understand what it takes to succeed.

Michael Edlen and his seasoned team of experts have been analyzing the local market trends for more than 25 years. They are available for consultation at team@edlenteam.com or 310-600-7422.

Owls Patrol Takes a Good Turn Trip

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Owls Patrol
Photos courtesy of Alicja Morawiec

By ALICJA MORAWIEC | Owls Patrol Leader

On Saturday, March 15th, the Owls Patrol from Scout Troop 223G got together for our third and final trip, the Good Turn Trip.

The Good Turn Trip is a service trip organized once a term by each patrol leader to give our Scouts opportunities to live out the BSA motto of helping others. For this, we volunteered for the Hand to Hand Hunger Project, run by Executive Director Kevin Glover.

Hand to Hand is an organization dedicated to caring for those who are unhoused in Santa Monica and surrounding communities to provide people with a better quality of life. It was first started in 1987 by Robert Myers and is currently run by Mr. Glover who has been involved with the organization for over 10 years. Many of the current volunteers were once guests and were assisted by the Hand to Hand Hunger Project.

As the Owls’ patrol leader, I chose the Hand to Hand Hunger Project for our Good Turn Trip because it connected me and my patrol to our community more than any other volunteer opportunity would. We get to talk to the people experiencing homelessness and we get to see the effect of our help firsthand.

Addison, who is my Assistant Patrol Leader, and I got to the Salvation Army building in Santa Monica where Hand to Hand holds their weekly Saturday volunteer event at 7:30am to help with set up. We wiped down tables and chairs in the dining hall before setting out flowers and hand sanitizer in the middle of each table.

Following that, we took boxes of crackers, assorted cookies, water, and apple juice to put into grab-and-go snack bags. We made over 100 bags in our assembly line.

By 8:30am, the rest of the patrol had arrived. Everybody helped sort out clothes by separating shirts, pants, and dresses in piles to hand out later when the guests arrived.

Tables were set out in a circle in the courtyard. UCLA Health came as well to give medical check-ups to those who needed it and set their own table. Other tables included the snack bags we had packed, personal hygiene products such as soap, toothbrush and paste, and a table for spiritual connection.

When all the preparation had been finished, Mr. Glover had all volunteers introduce themselves, and as an icebreaker, share their favorite actor. Duties and table assignments were made, and a prayer was shared.

At 9:00am, the front doors were opened and guests began filing in. They first went to the dining hall for a warm meal and coffee. Bread rolls, potatoes, scrambled eggs, and a sausage patty were served. However, if they preferred a vegetarian meal, there was roasted zucchini and avocado. I estimate that we served over 100 guests over the 2 hour time period.

While the guests ate, Addison and I walked around to pass out water and apple juice. Simultaneously, Alanna and Alaia offered coffee with cream and sugar if the guests wanted it. Avery and Alexis helped serve food to those eating there in the dining hall.

When the crowd had finally slowed down, Alexis and Avery stood by the door to hand out plates with food and water out when guests entered. At 10:30am, the dining hall was closed and we began to help with the clean-up.

We removed the flowers and hand sanitizers from each table, as well as cleaned all leftover trash. Then we wiped down all tables and chairs to make sure they were clean for next time. The chairs were then stacked up on the tables to let other volunteers wipe the floors.

We were all very satisfied and happy to be able to help within our community. I learned that there are so many people in Los Angeles and the surrounding area who are struggling with homelessness and many gather at Hand to Hand for a warm meal and a sense of family.

Pacific Palisades Post-Fire Land Values: Beyond the Basics

By
the Palisadian-Post
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By RICHARD LOMBARI | Contributing Writer

In the aftermath of the recent Palisades fire, the landscape of real estate in the area has changed dramatically. While the standard factors that influence land value—location, views, lot size and proximity to town—still apply, they no longer tell the full story. In a post-disaster environment, new considerations emerge that significantly impact property values, making it essential for buyers, sellers and investors to look beyond traditional real estate principles.

One of the most important factors in determining land value after a wildfire is the extent of destruction in the surrounding neighborhood. In areas where only a handful of homes burned, the rebuilding process will likely be smoother and property values may recover quickly. However, in neighborhoods that suffered widespread devastation, the reality is much more complex.

Large-scale reconstruction efforts will lead to prolonged construction congestion, with heavy machinery, noise and road closures becoming part of daily life for years. This alone can deter potential buyers who may be unwilling to endure the disruption.

Another significant issue is that not all homeowners will rebuild immediately. After receiving insurance payouts for their structures, some may choose to hold onto their vacant lots rather than start construction, either as an investment or due to the overwhelming costs of rebuilding. This can result in patchy redevelopment, where some homes rise quickly while others remain empty lots, impacting neighborhood cohesion and long-term desirability.

The history of what stood on a lot before the fire also plays a crucial role in valuation. Two identical parcels may be priced very differently depending on the size and style of the home that previously occupied them.

The city of Los Angeles has implemented streamlined permit approvals to encourage rebuilding, but with a major caveat: Homeowners can only expand their previous home’s size by 10% to take advantage of the expedited process. Those who wish to build larger structures will likely face significantly longer permitting delays, particularly given the overwhelming demand for approvals following a fire of this scale. This means that a lot that previously housed a large estate may be more valuable than one where a smaller home once stood, simply because it sets a precedent for a larger build.

The Mansion Tax factor will discourage builders and developers from buying homes even at the already reduced values. Measure ULA, dubbed “The Mansion Tax,” implemented in April 2023, imposes a 4% transfer tax on property sales over $5 million and a 5.5% tax on those exceeding $10 million.

This additional tax burden can discourage potential buyers, especially developers and investors, from purchasing high-value lots, as it dramatically increases transaction costs. This financial deterrent could slow the pace of rebuilding and redevelopment. As a result, land values may be affected, with some investors opting to wait or redirect capital elsewhere, despite ongoing demand for prime coastal real estate.

Environmental concerns may delay major influx of buyers. Beyond zoning and permits, environmental concerns add another layer of complexity. The intense heat and loss of vegetation due to the fire may have compromised soil stability, increasing the risk of erosion and requiring additional geotechnical work before rebuilding can even begin. Older homes that burned may have released toxic materials, necessitating costly cleanup efforts. Families may delay buying lots to build on while other lot sites are removing potentially toxic debris.

Additionally, insurance is now a major concern for homeowners in Pacific Palisades, with many seeing dramatic increases in premiums—or, in some cases, struggling to secure coverage at all. The cost and availability of insurance will have a direct impact on future land values, as buyers weigh the long-term financial burden of rebuilding in a fire-prone area.

The Pacific Palisades real estate market is also experiencing a shift in buyer priorities. Homes and lots that offer defensible space, fire-resistant landscaping and upgraded building materials will be more desirable in the years to come. The character of neighborhoods may also change, with some longtime residents returning to rebuild, while others sell to investors or developers. These shifts will shape the community’s recovery and influence property values well into the future.

Ultimately, the impact of the Pacific Palisades fire on land values is multifaceted. While traditional factors like location and lot size remain relevant, the realities of rebuilding, neighborhood recovery, environmental hazards and insurance challenges all play a role in determining what a property is truly worth.

For those navigating this uncertain market, the key question isn’t just what a lot is worth today—but what it will be worth in five or 10 years as the area rebuilds. The long-term value of fire-affected properties will depend on how quickly the neighborhood recovers, how well new homes are designed to withstand future risks and how the community adapts to the new realities of living in a fire-prone region.

Richard Lombari, a displaced Pacific Palisades resident, has been a real estate broker for over 30 years, an author, a speaker and a real estate wealth advisor.

Kevin Michael Prongay

By
the Palisadian-Post
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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kevin Prongay on January 1. Kevin’s life was a testament to love, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to both his family and the law.

Born on December 30, 1945, in Hoboken, New Jersey, Kevin was a man of integrity, loyalty and kindness. He embraced life with curiosity and a deep appreciation for education, always seeking to learn and share knowledge.

He was ambitious, working hard to achieve success for himself and his family. His keen intellect and passion for life were matched only by his compassion and love for those around him.

Kevin was a people person and loved to learn about those he met. Everyone who knew Kevin will remember him as a gifted storyteller, weaving wisdom and humor into tales that brought people together. Whether recounting family history, sharing insights or making people laugh with his sharp wit, Kevin left an indelible mark on many people.

A long time, and proud, resident of the Palisades, Kevin and Nan rebuilt their home on Ocampo Drive and spent many happy years there, raising their family and were parishioners at Corpus Christi. He also proudly served the Optimist Club in the Palisades and enjoyed marching in the 4th of July Parade each year.

Kevin was a devoted husband to Nan, a loving father to Lauren, Robert and Gianfranco, and a proud grandfather to Ella, Airlie, Jayce, Winston and Margot. He is also survived by his brother Brendan, and a host of extended family and dear friends. He is reunited in peace with his father Robert, mother Sally, brother Bob, sisters Kathleen and Ann Marie.

His family was his greatest joy, and he found endless happiness in fostering their accomplishments. Kevin was also an adventurer and loved to travel with his family; he visited every continent, including Antarctica.

Kevin dedicated much of his life to the law as a securities and business litigator. His words and actions inspired those who knew him, and his legacy as a fighter for justice will continue to inspire future generations.

A celebration of Kevin’s extraordinary life took place on Saturday, February 1, at American Martyrs Church in Manhattan Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Kevin ’73 and Nan ’74 Prongay Endowed Scholarship Fund, which can be made by sending a check (payable to Seton Hall Law School) to Seton Hall Law, c/o Bank of America, P.O. Box 419852, Boston MA, 02241, or online at law.shu.edu/prongayscholarship. Also gifts in Kevin’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.

Kevin’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Though he is no longer with us, his light continues to shine brightly in the many lives he touched and those who continue to love and cherish him.

Dr. Dan F. Didden

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Dr. Dan F. Didden, DVM, a beloved and highly respected veterinarian in West Los Angeles, passed away on March 22. A longtime resident of Pacific Palisades for 57 years, he was known for his dedication to animal care, his love of the outdoors and the joy he brought to those around him.

Born in Bakersfield, California, to Viola Mae Anderson and Fred Didden, Dan spent his early years in La Crescenta. He graduated from Glendale High School and Glendale Junior College, where he was voted Outstanding Graduate of his class by his peers. He went on to earn his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis.

Upon graduating in 1964, Dan began his career at the California Animal Hospital on Sepulveda Boulevard in West Los Angeles. There, with his partner, Larry Lippincott, they built a hospital renowned throughout Southern California for its advanced techniques in veterinary medicine. He took great pride in mentoring the many veterinary technicians who passed through his practice, many of whom went on to become veterinarians themselves, carrying forward the skills and ethics he instilled in them.

A true outdoorsman throughout his life, Dan’s love for nature began in childhood, hiking the hills behind his home, raising homing pigeons, fishing in Baja and bird hunting with his grandfather, father, and brother. He cherished the time spent passing on his passion for hunting to his sons, Brant and Craig, alongside their loyal black Labradors.

Dan was an active member of several clubs, including the Riviera Tennis Club, Los Angeles Country Club, La Grulla Hunting Club and the Bel-Air Bay Club, where he enjoyed playing paddle tennis and bocce ball for over 40 years.

He will be remembered for his deep love of family and friends, his unwavering commitment to his profession, and his infectious laughter that brought joy to so many lives.

Dan is survived by his wife of 61 years, the love of his life, Gail; their children, Brant and his partner, Jacinta Ryan, and Craig and his wife, Lara; and his four grandsons, Diego, Henry, Niko, and Ry, of whom he was immensely proud. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Didden, and his wife, Donna; his sister-in-law, Lorraine; his nieces, Nicole and her husband, Frank, and their son, Dylan; and Kimberly and her husband, Brad, and their son, Haydan. He also leaves behind dear friends, extended family, and his beloved black Labrador Retrievers, Sam and Willow.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited or the Lange Foundation.

Hall of Famers

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Palisades High Alums and Coaches Honored at City Section Induction Ceremony in Granada Hills  

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

More history was made on Sunday afternoon at Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills, where four accomplished individuals joined the distinguished list of Palisades High inductees into the CIF City Section Athletic Hall of Fame.

Niot only was Pali High well represented—no surprise given that Palisades is the winningest school in Los Angeles—but Dolphins alum Sam Lagana, stadium voice of the LA Rams, served as master of ceremonies and kept the ceremony moving with his flare for the dramatic.

Volleyball player Dave Saunders (Class of 1978) with Commissioner Vicky Lagos at Sunday’s induction ceremony.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo
LA Lakers President Jeanie Buss (Class of 1979) with Commissioner Vicky Lagos at Sunday’s induction ceremony.

“There were only 49 City schools when I went to Palisades and today I’m told there are 156… that’s a lot of growth in five years,” joked Lagana, who graduated in 1980. “This event is all about bringing us together people together and today we get to unify more people.”     

The Legacy Group was introduced first via video presentation and among the 15 honorees was Harold “Bud” Ware. A founding member of the Pali High faculty, he was a math teacher and coached boys and girls tennis in addition to football and basketball. Ware built the tennis program into a dynasty, piloting the Dolphins to nine City boys crowns from 1965-77 (including a then-record five straight from 1969-73) along with six City girls titles from 1975-84. Before the playoffs in 1979, Ware turned the boys’ program over to current coach and fellow Hall of Fame inductee Bud Kling, who attended Sunday’s festivities with his wife Cheryl and Pali High assistant coach Robert Silvers. Upon retirement, Ware lived in Topanga Canyon until he passed away in the summer of 2012 at the age of 86. Receiving the award on his behalf was Harold’s son John.

The Los Angeles City Section Ahletic Hall of Fame will honor its 2025 class at a ceremony from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills and among the 35 recipients are four individuals from Palisades High.

John Ware accepted the Legacy award on behalf of his father Harold (nicknamed “Bud,” Pali High’s first tennis coach.
Lifelong Palisadian Sam Lagana served as master of ceremonies for the CIF City Section’s eighth Hall of Fame Class.

One of the three 2025 inductees in the  Contributors category was none other than 1979 Pali High alum Jeanie Buss, now the President and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. A master at multi-tasking, Buss checked her phone periodically for updates on the game (the Lakers were playing in Oklahoma City) while enjoying lunch and chatting with Lagana and fellow inductee Dave Saunders, who was a year ahead of her at Palisades.

“I played JV basketball and was the stat keeper for the boys team, which served me well for the job I have now,” began Buss, one of the most respected and successful executives in professional sports. “In 10th grade my P.E. teacher said ‘you’re on the golf team.’ I’d never played before in my life but she said we need a girls team to meet Title IX.”         

Buss grew up on Ranch Lane in Rustic Canyon and won the Miss Palisades Pageant when she was 17. Two years later she began her career while enrolled in Business classes at USC. She took ownership of the Lakers upon her father’s death in 2013 and seven years later became the first female owner to guide her franchise to an NBA championship.

When he learned he was included in the City’s eighth Hall of Fame class, former Pali High aquatics coach Dave Anderson was overcome with joy and he shared the moment Sunday with his wife Mary Lou, his longtime co-coach John Apgar and members of his first City championship teams. Anderson coached for 22 years (1971-93), leading the Dolphins to six straight boys water polo crowns in the 1970s, eight boys swim titles and 11 girls swim titles.

Former Palisades swim and water polo coach Dave Anderson (right) with 2017 inductee, tennis coach Bud Kling.

“The best part is the interaction I’ve had with everyone who helped me those first few years… the parents were really involved back then,” said Anderson, who lives in Woodland Hills. “I was in a time capsule.”     

As the only volleyball player among this year’s inductees, Saunders gave the last acceptance speech last and shared how his destiny changed forever when he drew the attention of Pali High coach Howard Enstedt.    

“I was a baseball player until my junior year at Pali when Howard walked by and saw me playing mixed doubles volleyball on the outdoor courts next to the gym,” Saunders reminisced. “He said ‘you;’ve got a great arm swing… how come you’re not on the volleyball team?’ I grew nine inches, played JV as a junior and practiced all summer before my senior year.”       

Saunders became of the best to ever don a Dolphins uniform. After leading his varsity team to City glory under Enstedt (a 2015 City Hall of Fame inductee) he played on three NCAA title teams at UCLA and joined fellow Pali High alums Chris Marlowe and Steve Salmons on the USA’s gold-medal-winning indoor team at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He won gold again at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and represented his country at the Pan American Games in 1983 and 1987.

Dolphins Strike Lightning Classic

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Dashiel Hansford
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

The Palisades High boys tennis traveled to Newport Coast for the Lightning Classic last Saturday and emerged victorious, sweeping the team, singles and doubles titles.

In the schools competition the Dolphins defeated JSerra, Ayala and host Sage Hill. Lorenzo Brunkow met teammate Neel Joshi in the singles final and Brunkow prevailed. Owen Chin Rust took fourth place. Caleb Scott and Max May won the doubles competition while fellow Dolphins Zach Cohen and Teddy Brainard took fifth.

Palisades was in danger of dropping its second league match of the season April 3 but rallied to win two of the last three matches to beat Venice, 4-3. Dash Hansford won a champion’s tiebreaker  at No. 3 singles to notch a crucial point after Rocco Weinberg fell in three tough sets at the No. 1 spot.   

Tristan Kiperman
Ben Babikian
Sam Salser-Meyers

Vasquez Is SCIAC Pitcher of Week

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Briana Vasquez
Courtesy of La Verne Athletics

A year ago, Briana Vasquez was racking up wins and strikeouts at Palisades High. Now, she is doing it at the University of La Verne.

On March 10, the Leopards freshman was selected Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week after throwing a three-hitter with five strikeouts in a six-inning, 10-1 triumph over Bethel.

Vasquez improved to 2-1 and lowered her season earned run average to 3.71. Entering Friday’s game versus conference rival Pomona Pitzer she is 5-5 with a 3.50 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 20 strikeouts and four complete games in 56 innings in the circle.

A Kinesiology major, Vasquez  had a stellar varsity career at Palisades, earning All-City honors as a senior last spring when she recorded 165 strikeouts in 118.2 innings and allowed only eight extra base hits. She led the Dolphins to the Division I semifinals and threw a perfect game against Hamilton, striking out 13 of the 15 batters she faced.

As a sophomore, Vasquez had 83 strikeouts, posting a 3.01 ERA and a 7-5 record in 72 innings. In her junior year she went 3-3 with 72 strikeouts in 39.1 innings.   

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