Home Blog Page 31

Palisades Takes Silver at Chatsworth Invitational

By
Steve Galluzzo
-
Assistant coach Phallynn Hill claps for her team at the Chatsworth Invitational.
Photo: Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Winning the Silver Division championship at last weekend’s Chatsworth Invitational was thrilling for the Palisades High boys volleyball team, but beating archrival Venice in the finals made it even sweeter.

Piloting the Dolphins in the first stage of pool play on Friday at Birmingham was assistant Phallynn Hill, a former star libero at Los Osos High in Rancho Cucamonga who went on to play collegiately at Rutgers, graduating in 2019. A P.E. teacher at Pali High, she is grateful for the tutelage of head coach Carlos Gray.

“I tell him ‘you’re like my Yoda,’” Hill said of her mentor, who she started working with during the girls season in the fall. “I watch how he analyzes the game and adjusts to what he sees.”

Palisades opened the tournament with a sweep of Cate, then outlasted Cleveland to set up a showdown with Canyon to determine the winner of Friday’s pool. The teams split the first two sets by identical 25-19 scores before the Cowboys took the third, 15-10.       Assistant coach Jeff Nakamura guiding the squad on Day 2 at Calabasas, where the Dolphins finished 1-2 in pool play and dropped to the Silver bracket. They beat Calabasas and Oak Park to set up a finals meeting with the Gondos, who had beaten Palisades twice in Western League play. Venice led 25-24 before the Dolphins reeled off three straight points (the last on a block by Kirill Deev) to prevail 27-25.    

On the Rise

By
Steve Galluzzo
-
Jack (left) and Chase Zucker at the Callaway FCG Championships in Auburn, Washington last October.
Courtesy of Eric Zucker

Jack and Chase Zucker Hope to Lead Revere Golf Team to Repeat 

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The sport of golf is challenging, but identical twins Chase and Jack Zucker sure make it look easy at times. The 13-year-olds are in seventh grade and in the Magnet Program within Paul Revere Middle School. Both get stellar grades on the course and in the classroom.

Amazingly, both play guard for their AAU basketball team called Bucket Boys that recently received the distinction of being an Adidas sponsored program.

Jack and Chase play either golf or basketball almost every day of the week. For them, there is no such thing as “time off” for the offspring of proud parents Eric and Dr. Lanvi Do-Zucker.

Chase has been on a tear on the links of late, earning medalist honors after shooting 1-under par 26 with three birdies on the nine-hole layout at the 2024 Delphic League Championships last May. at Sinalloa Golf Course in Simi Valley. He was only in sixth grade then and his effort also led Revere to the team title with a cumulative score of 174. Chase vaulted into the lead with three consecutive birdies on holes 6, 7 and 8.

Jack also contributed to the team crown, tying for 11th overall at +3. Under the guidance of coach under the watchful eye of Coach Jeremy Alpert, Revere went 9-1 in Delphic League regular season matches against all private schools, gled by the Zucker boys’ steady low scores.

In October, Chase gained national recognition after winning the Future Champions Golf Callaway World Series Golf Event in Auburn, Washington with a two-day total of two under par. Chase was handed the Husky Trophy, as the tournament is hosted by the University of Washington, and automatically qualified for the Callaway World Championship in Palm Desert in July—an event reserved for the top 100 juniors in the world.

Chase’s hot streak continued November 23-24 when he tied for first in the Ventura County Junior Golf Association event at Alisol River Course in Solvang, where he carded a 75.

Chase got his first hole-in-one at the Santa Barbra County Junior Championship in December,, placing fourth with a 79.

On January 14, playing a US Kids Los Angeles Tour event at Los Robles Golf Course in Thousand Oaks, Chase fired a 77 to tie for first and last month in yet another Ventura County Junior Golf Association event at one of Chase’s favorite courses—Monarch Dunes Golf Course in Nipomo—he was absoultely thrilled to shoot a 77, which was good enough for second place.

To punctuate his stellar play of late, less than three weeks ago, Chase resumed his remarkable striong of Top Five finishes by becoming the runner-up with rounds of 77 and 73 at a California Junior Golf Tournament in Diamond Bar.

Chase’s next goal is to defend his Delphic League title and help Revere repeat as team champion.

Pitchers Hold Lions Hitless

By
Steve Galluzzo
-
Caleb Gitlin
Photos by Steve Galluzzo
Roman Hawk
Jett Teegardin
Ian Sullivan

 

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

In all his years coaching baseball, Palisades High coach Mike Voelkel cannot recall a more bizarre box score than the one from Monday’s game at Fairfax. The Dolphins were supposed to make quick work of their Western League rivals, yet it did not quite go according to the script.      

Palisades won 11-5 to improve to 8-6 overall, 7-3 in league, but it was hardly a clean outing. On the positive side, pitchers Roman Hawk (four innings) and Caleb Gitlin (three innings) combined to no-hit the host Lions, with each recording four strikeouts. The Dolphins racked up 11 hits and stole a season-high 12 bases. On the negative side, however, they committed nine errors—their most in a game in Voelkel’s 18-year tenure. Gifted numerous extra outs and a pair of walks in the bottom of the third, Fairfax loaded the bases then proceeded to plate five unearned runs, pulling to within two before its rally was squelched.

Watching from the dugout, Voelkel called his team’s defense “really bad” and likened it to “scratching on the chalk board.” Fortunately for Palisades, the Lions had fielding and throwing issues also, making eight errors of their own. In all, the teams combined for 17 miscues in seven innings.     

Fortunately for the Dolphins, their offense had no trouble scoring. It was a productive day for Jack Kurland, who had a double, a single, one RBI, two runs scored and three steals. Ian Sullivan had three hits, including a double, and two runs scored; Andreas Konnari had two hits, two RBIs and one run scored; Jett Teegardin had a single, a triple and a run scored; Logan Bailey had one hit, one RBI and one run scored; Isaac Buenrostro had one run and one hit; Hawk and Noah Andrews each scored a run; and Sammy Dunn and Gitlin each drove in one run.   

Last week, Palisades beat Westchester 20-1 and 11-1 (both ended in five innings) and outscored University 13-4. Relief pitcher Yamato Yukimoto struck out the side in the fifth inning of the first game against the Comets while Gitlin and Hudson Ramberg each had two hits and three RBIs and Hawk added two doubles and three runs scored. In the second game versus the Comets, Gitlin had two hits and four RBIs, Kurland hit a two-run double and Hawk scored four runs. On the mound, Teegardin tossed a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts. Andrews led the way against the Wildcats with two doubles, a pair of RBIs and two runs, Hawk blasted a two-run homer (the team’s third of the season), Kurland had a double and three runs scored and Bailey added an RBI double.

The Dolphins play at Fairfax today (varsity at 2, JV at 4:15)  before tournament games with North Hollywood on Saturday, Taft on Tuesday, Verdugo Hills on Thursday and a nonleaguer April 19 at Granada Hills.

Cinque Terre West, DELIzioso Cinque Now Open at The Colony in Venice

By
Sarah Shmerling
-
Photo courtesy of Cinque Terre West

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Chef Gianbattista “Gianba” and Marlo Vinzoni are now serving a full menu at The Colony in Venice through Cinque Terre West and DELIzioso Cinque, which opened on March 18.

“Our Palisades community’s resilience and strength continue to inspire us,” the Vinzonis wrote in a statement. “It’s the connections we share that keep us going, and we’re so grateful to all of you.”

The Vinzonis owned and operated Monument Street eatery DELIzioso Cinque, which was open at the time of the Palisades fire, as well as Cinque Terre West and Enoteca Cinque, which had previously closed in June 2024.

The menu includes items from DELIzioso Cinque and the previous Cinque Terre West iteration, including cornetti (chocolate and plain croissants), soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta and main courses, with items like Pollo al Limone and Branzino alla Mediterranea. Saffron Seafood Paella—“Chef Gianba’s special”—is also available with 48-hour notice.

“After a challenging time for us all, reconnecting with the Palisades through food has been our goal—and we couldn’t be happier to serve our friends, family and neighbors once again,” the Vinzonis said. “Whether you’re craving your favorite Cinque Terre West or DELIzioso Cinque dishes, we’re here to bring a taste of home to you.”

For anyone who would like to see Marlo at The Colony when picking up food or eating, she recommended emailing to let her know in advance. She envisions offering the space as a meeting ground for Palisadians.

“The people in town, those are the people I hold close to my heart,” Marlo said. “If somebody wants to meet, I’m happy to come and say hello.”

Cinque Terre West and DELIzioso Cinque are available for dine-in, pickup and delivery. In addition to the restaurant, Gianba also continues to be available for catering.

“Chef Gianba will collaborate with you to craft a personalized menu that perfectly reflects your tastes and fulfills your event’s needs,” read information about catering. “From dietary preferences to highlighting your favorite dishes, every detail is meticulously curated.”

They are also able to host catering event at The Colony—whether it’s a meeting, book club, etc.—for no additional charge.

Cinque Terre West, known for its “regional Ligurian dishes … reminiscent of the small Mediterranean coastal villages of the Cinque Terre region Gianba grew up in,” opened in May 2019. The wine bar—Enoteca Cinque by Cinque Terre West—followed in August 2021. DELIzioso Cinque opened in January 2023.

Cinque Terre West and DELIzioso Cinque are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Colony, which is located at 401 Lincoln Boulevard.

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do what we love—bringing you the flavors and experiences we’re passionate about,” the Vinzonis wrote. “We’re thrilled to be back and can’t wait to serve you again.”

Pali High Class of 2025 Graduation to Take Place at Hollywood Bowl

By
Sarah Shmerling
-
The Hollywood Bowl
Photo courtesy of Hollywood Bowl

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Palisades Charter High School announced on March 28 that its graduation for the Class of 2025 will take place at the Hollywood Bowl.

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

The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 4. Details like time, tickets and logistics will be announced closer to the date, Pali High wrote.

“Thank you for your patience and support during this process,” the post continued. “A special thank you to everyone who helped make this dream a reality. We look forward to celebrating our seniors and giving them the send-off they deserve at this iconic venue.”

The school, whose campus has been closed since the Palisades fire started on January 7, also recently announced that it had secured a lease for a temporary learning center at the former Sears building in Santa Monica.

“We plan to have an all-staff day on Monday, April 21, with students reporting for classes on Tuesday, April 22,” Principal Dr. Pam Magee wrote on March 29.

The build-out is “on schedule,” according to Magee, and “many classrooms have already been constructed.”

An informational town hall, “Transition to Pali South @ Sears Santa Monica,” is being planned for Wednesday, April 9, at 6 p.m. Additional details, including a link to the Zoom, will be available before the meeting, Magee confirmed.

Assemblymember Irwin to Host Rebuilding-Focused Webinar

By
Lily Tinoco
-
Photo courtesy of Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and the Contractors State License Board will host a live webinar to support people affected by the Southern California wildfires on Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The webinar is designed to assist individuals navigate the rebuilding process, covering topics like hiring and working with licensed contractors; understanding contracts, change orders and protections; and fraud prevention and how to avoid project delays.

“Fire victims are understandably concerned about being taken advantage of by unethical contractors during the process of rebuilding of their homes and businesses,” Irwin said in a statement. “They have suffered enough already, and nobody wants them to be further victimized during the rebuilding process. The purpose of this seminar is to provide information that will further protect them during the process of engaging with and hiring a contractor.”

The Zoom capacity for the webinar is set to 500—those who receive a message that the room is full are encouraged to join the Facebook Live feed on Irwin’s page. The presentation in its entirety will be available on the assembly website in the days following.

“Rebuild with confidence,” Irwin said in a statement, “don’t miss this important discussion.”

To join the webinar or submit questions, visit a42.asmdc.org/event. For more information, contact the District Office at 805-370-0542.

Irwin is also hosting a Sidewalk Session in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, April 5, from 12 to 2 p.m. at The Five07 Coffee Bar + Eatery (2036 Avenida de los Arboles).

“Come join a discussion on local issues in a relaxed, informal setting,” read information about the session. “District Office staff will be available to take information to address questions or community concerns, and schedule future meetings as time permits. Be sure to sign in upon arrival to get on the list for a conversation with Assemblymember Irwin.”

St. Matthew’s Music Guild Season Continues With ‘Premiere Vocal Ensemble’ Stile Antico

By
Lily Tinoco
-
Stile Antico
Photo by Eduardus Lee

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

St. Matthew’s Music Guild will continue its 40th anniversary season of concerts with a performance featuring Stile Antico—one of the world’s “most accomplished and innovative” vocal ensembles—on Friday, April 4, beginning at 8 p.m.

“The Golden Renaissance: A Journey Through Some of Stile Antico’s Favorite Music” is slated to present diverse styles of choral music that flourished around Renaissance Europe.

The program will feature masterworks by Englishmen William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons, Thomas Tallis and John Taverner, as well as seasonal and ceremonial music by Michael Praetorius, Francisco Guerrero, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Gregorio Allegri, Josquin des Prez, Cristóbal de Morales and Tomás Luis de Victoria.

The concert will close with a new work, commissioned by Stile Antico from Huw Watkins: “The Phoenix and the Turtle.”

“‘Stile antico’ is an Italian term that means ‘old style’ or ‘ancient style,’ and describes a style of musical composition that was popular in the 16th century,” according to Music Guild. “Based in London, Stile Antico’s 12 members have thrilled audiences on four continents with their fresh, vibrant and moving performances of Renaissance polyphony.”

Stile Antico has been invited to appear at Europe’s leading festivals. Since the group’s 2009 debut, the ensemble has frequented the United States and Canada.

Stile Antico is celebrating 25 years as a professional ensemble in 2025 with gala performances at Wigmore Hall, The Boston Early Music Festival and AMUZ Antwerp.

“The group also marks the 500th birthday of Palestrina, the quintessential master of the ‘stile antico,’ with a series of concerts and the release of a new album for Decca Classics,” according to Music Guild.

Due to the Palisades fire, the April 4 concert will take place at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church in Santa Monica—located at 1227 Fourth Street. Parking will be available at the Santa Monica Public Parking Structure 1, located across the street from the church. Tickets for the concert are $45.

Music Guild will return to St. Matthew’s Church in the Palisades—where it typically hosts its concerts—“when it is deemed safe to do so,” according to a statement.

Pali High Presents Second Weekend of ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ Performances

By
Sarah Shmerling
-
Photo courtesy of Pali High

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Palisades Charter High School will continue its two-weekend run of “Legally Blonde the Musical” with performances April 3 through 5 at Santa Monica High School in the Humanities Center, located at 601 Pico Boulevard.

“A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams,” read a synopsis from Pali High. “Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances—this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal.”

Woods’ life is “turned upside down” when her boyfriend, Warner, breaks up with her to attend Harvard Law.

“Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school,” the synopsis continued. “While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.”

Performances will take place April 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. on April 5. Tickets are available on gofan.co at $10 for students, $18 for general admission and $25 for VIP.

Intergenerational Sages & Seekers Program Spring Enrollment Open

By
Sarah Shmerling
-
Photo courtesy of Sages & Seekers

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Enrollment for the Sages & Seekers spring program—which begins in mid-April—is now open.

The intergenerational program is designed to help build meaningful relationships between Sages (adults 60 years and older) and Seekers (students ages 15 to 24 years old). The deadline to enroll for spring sessions is April 9.

“Sages & Seekers’ mission is to develop empathy, combat social isolation and dissolve age-related segregation within our communities, while meeting the universal and compelling need of both young adults and elders to make sense of their lives,” according to its website. “This is achieved by creating a sense of intergenerational community in our programs, through the art of authentic conversation.”

There are several online programs available, which each take place over the course of six weeks, including Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A complete list is available at the Sages & Seekers website.

Previously, Sages & Seekers has offered in-person sessions at Palisades Charter High School. For its spring session, there is an in-person program available at ONEgeneration Senior Enrichment Center in Reseda on Tuesdays beginning at 10 a.m.

Sages & Seekers is also offering two one-day programs for Seekers to meet with middle school students on May 14 at Waverly School in Pasadena and May 22 at Wildwood School in Los Angeles.

“You will meet with middle school students, sharing your life story, life lessons and your experience as an older adult,” according to the program. “The discussions are designed to break down barriers between the generations and educate students about aging and ageism.”

FEMA Extends Deadline to Submit Right of Entry Forms for Debris Removal; Expands Eligibility

By
Sarah Shmerling
-
USACE CA Wildfire Debris Mission update map, as of Friday, March 28
Courtesy of USACE

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

FEMA has extended the deadline to opt in or out of the government-run fire debris removal program to April 15, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath announced on Friday, March 28, and has expanded eligibility.

“FEMA has responded to our request—condos, townhomes and multi-family mobile home parks are now eligible for federally funded debris removal,” Horvath wrote. “The deadline to submit your right of entry form has also been extended to April 15.”

Residents have two options for Phase 2: opting in to the government-run debris removal program, which is being led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Colonel Eric Swenson, at no out-of-pocket charge, or opting out and hiring a private contractor.

Speaking with the Palisadian-Post Monday morning, March 31, Constance Farrell, communications director for Horvath’s office, confirmed that mobile home parks fit FEMA’s criteria for “case by case” basis, but she is “extremely confident” that they are going to be included.

Farrell reported that Horvath’s office has been in touch with the owners/managers of Tahitian Terrace and Palisades Bowl, as well as Councilmember Traci Park and the state, to advocate for their inclusion in the government-run debris removal process.

Phase 2 involves removing visible fire debris, such as chimneys, hazardous trees, ash and—if specified on a right-of-entry form by the owner—foundations.

The form can be completed online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal or in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center, with the Westside location at 10850 West Pico Boulevard.

The announcement to extend the deadline and expanded eligibility came one day after the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services urged FEMA on March 27 to expand the debris removal program.

“Regarding residential commercial properties, I have determined residential commercial properties that contain at least one owner-occupied home will be treated in the same manner as approved residential properties for the entire structure,” FEMA Regional Administrator Robert Fenton wrote in a letter dated March 28. “This will include most condominium and other multi-family buildings, even where there may be a mix of owner-occupied and rental units within the same building. This approval does not include multi-family rental properties entirely owned by for-profit entities, such as apartment buildings, which will continue to be treated as commercial properties.

“Commercial properties, including multi-family rental properties entirely owned by for-profit entities, will continue to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any requests to include commercial properties in Private Property Debris Removal operations must include a justification based on the following factors: An immediate threat to public health and safety due to debris; Barriers to the commercial entity completing debris removal independently; Insurance coverage and status of claim; Economic impact of debris removal on the commercial entity and community.”

When it comes to multi-family properties, according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, each owner of a destroyed unit in a condominium or duplex needs to submit an ROE form, as well as the homeowner’s association.

“This allows the county, state and FEMA to assess the property for eligibility,” the statement concluded.

Farrell confirmed that each tenant of the mobile home parks should fill out the ROE, as officials are working on “packaging” them for FEMA to review.

Editor’s note: This story was updated on March 31 to reflect information regarding mobile home parks.

1...303132...2,545Page 31 of 2,545
© Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272