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Baseball Season Comes to an End

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Outfielder Noah Andrews chest bumps pitcher Jett Teegardin after throwing a runner out at home against Kennedy.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

There were plenty of tears being shed and hugs being exchanged  in the visitors’ dugout last Saturday afternoon at Carson High after Palisades’ season ended in a 6-0 loss to the second-seeded Colts in the City Division I quarterfinals.

“It hurts right now, but when you look back someday on what you’ve had to endure, not having a field but finishing runner-up in league and making it to the second round of the playoffs, you’ll hold your heads high,” said Mike Voelkel, who has coached the program to 316 victories and 11 league titles in his 18 seasons. “We got beat by a better team.”     

The seventh-seeded Dolphins (18-11) were held to one hit in the first three innings but threatened in the fourth before stranding runners at second and third. Carson’s Juno Carillo hit an RBI single in the third and another run scored on an error. The Colts tacked on four more runs in the fourth and only two Dolphins reached base in the last three innings.

After a bye in the first-round, Palisades traveled to 10th-seeded Kennedy last Thursday. Palisades scored three runs in the first inning and another in the third. Center fielder Noah Andrews threw a runner out at the plate in the sixth to keep his team ahead. In the bottom half, Jack O’Brien hit an inside-the-park homer to score three runs and in the seventh reliever Ian Sullivan allowed one run but struck out to batters to nail down the 7-4 win. Jett Tegardin allowed three runs on three hits with eight strikeouts in six innings.

—– Click on any photo below to view slide show —–

Softball Third in Western League

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Amanda Brown
Photo: Steve Galluzzo

Injuries have plagued the Palisades High softball team all season long but after finishing third in the Western League the Dolphins got seeded ninth in the City Section Division I bracket and traveled to eighth-seeded Verdugo Hills on Wednesday (result unavailable at press time). If victorious, the team will take on No. 16 Cleveland or No. 1 Port of Los Angeles in the quarterfinals Friday at 3 p.m. The semifinals are  May 28 and the final is May 31 at noon at a neutral site.

Palisades has never captured a City softball title, but advanced to the Division II final in 2021 (losing at home to Gardena) and the Division I semifinals last spring.

The Dolphins (10-6) are led at the dish by junior Kharlee Sanders (.529 batting average, 22 RBIs, four home runs, six stolen bases and a 1.158 slugging percentage) and senior Amanda Brown (24 hits, 22 runs) and in the circle by freshman pitcher Sarah Feldman (51 strikeouts in 42.3 innings).

Volleyball Loses in City Quarters

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Carlos Gray
Photo: Steve Galluzzo

For the second year in a row the Palisades High boys volleyball team began the City Section Open Division playoffs on the road at Granada Hills. Last spring it was the Dolphins who swept but on May 7 the Highlanders returned the favor with a 25-21, 25-16, 25-16 quarterfinal victory, bringing an abrupt halt to Palisades’ bid for its first City title since 2022. It is the team’s earliest postseason exit since head coach Carlos Gray assumed command of the boys program in 2014.

Palisades was seeded No. 5 in the eight-team bracket after placing second in the Western League behind Venice, which was seeded No. 1 in the Open and fell in four to third-seeded El Camino Real in Saturday’s final at Birmingham.

The Dolphins finished 24-10.

Palisades has won a record 17 section titles since 1974—six more than the next closest school (Chatsworth)­—all of them in the top division. The last five of those titles have come under Gray

Eugene ‘Don’ Haselkorn

By
the Palisadian-Post
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With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Eugene “Don” Haselkorn on May 16 at age 93.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, “Uncle Donny” (as he liked to be called) was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, son, friend, mentor, pharmacist, business consultant and so much more. He loved life and showered all who knew him with his generosity, humor, fun-loving spirit, and unwavering dedication to family, friends and community.

Don moved to Santa Monica as a teenager and attended Samohi. After serving in the army during the Korean War, he was the first in his family to go to college, attending UC Berkeley where he met his adoring wife Carolyn. He graduated from UC San Francisco Pharmacy School and UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Don and Carolyn spent their first few years together in Berkeley, the San Fernando Valley and then moved to Pacific Palisades in 1964, after he bought Knoll’s Pharmacy. As a 60-year resident of the Palisades, Don often compared living there to being on a vacation.

Don loved music and played folk songs on his guitar in between filling prescriptions. He was a leader in his beloved Palisades and served the community as president of the Palisades Americanism Parade Association, Honorary Town Sheriff, Optimist Club president, Kehillat Israel and Optimist Youth Home board member, as well as a proud member of the American Legion.

He was an advisor to so many people and gave many teenagers their first job at the pharmacy. He loved the Dodgers and UCLA basketball and football. He put his full heart into everything he did whether it was fishing, boating, scuba diving, golfing, telling jokes, photography, playing poker, or making playlists and video montages for his friends and family.

In September 2023, he moved to Belmont Village – Encino, where he made many new friends and was popular with both residents and staff.

Don is survived by Carolyn Haselkorn, his wife of 71 years, his daughters Mimi Haselkorn, Francine Lis and Faye Haselkorn, and grandchildren Michael Lis and Liana Lis, sister Joyce Strassberg and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by parents Fay and Murray Haselkorn and sister Marla Osband.

A funeral will be held at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 20, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Los Angeles Jewish Health, KI Community Palisades Fire Assistance Fund or the American Legion Palisades Fire Relief. 

For more information, please contact Francine at fran91436@gmail.com.

May his memory forever be a blessing.

TPY, Harvard-Westlake Upper School to Present ‘Things We Found in the Fire’

By
Lily Tinoco
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Courtesy of Theatre Palisades Youth

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Theatre Palisades Youth and Harvard-Westlake Upper School are partnering to present “Things We Found in the Fire”—a fundraising cabaret—on Sunday, May 18, at 4 p.m.

The cast includes more than 20 youth performers in sixth through 12th grade.

“Join us for an unforgettable evening of glamour, laughter and live entertainment at our cabaret show this Sunday,” TPY wrote. “From soul-stirring songs to dazzling dance and cheeky comedy, it’s a show full of charm and heartfelt moments, featuring a mix of musical numbers, solos and group performances, stand-up comedy and improv. This intimate performance offers a unique opportunity to witness the talented youth performers express themselves through various art forms and help benefit the Palisades theatre to rise from the ashes of the fire.”

The show will benefit Theatre Palisades Youth, which typically performs at Pierson Playhouse. The playhouse, also home to Theatre Palisades, was destroyed in the Palisades fire on January 7.

“Things We Found in the Fire” will take place at Harvard-Westlake School’s Rugby Auditorium, located at 3700 Coldwater Canyon. Tickets cost $20 for general admission, and $10 for seniors or students.

“This heartwarming collaboration came about thanks to TPY’s music director, gaba … who connected with their performing arts director,” according to Theatre Palisades Youth. “Driven by a desire to support those in the arts affected by the recent fires, Harvard-Westlake performing arts students, including some from our very own Palisades, enthusiastically offered to host and help produce this TPY cabaret.”

Visit the Theatre Palisades Youth website for more information or to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available for purchase on site on the day of the show.

Chamber Music Palisades Concert to Feature Cantilena Duo Performers

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Susan Greenberg (left) and Kenton Youngstrom
Photos courtesy of Chamber Music Palisades

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Chamber Music Palisades will host a free, one-hour matinee concert at Brentwood Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 17, beginning at 3:30 p.m. with Cantilena Duo performers Kenton Youngstrom on guitar and CMP Co-Founder/Artistic Director Susan Greenberg on flute and piccolo.

The concert—sponsored by the city of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs—will feature works for solo guitar and flute, as well as guitar by French, Spanish, Brazilian and Argentinian composers. The program includes Jacques Ibert’s “Entr’acte,” Gabriel Fauré’s “Sicilienne, Op. 78” (arranged by Youngstrom), Isaac Albéniz’ “Asturias” and more.

A member of LA Chamber Orchestra for 36 years, Greenberg is a “frequent soloist” on flute and piccolo. She is the principal flutist for Santa Monica Symphony and Vicente Chamber Orchestra, as well as the flute professor at Pepperdine University.

An award-winning guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, Youngstrom has performed and recorded classical, jazz and rock music worldwide. Recent recordings include “Voices of the Collection, Vols. 1&2” as well as “Jazz Roads Suite.”

Brentwood Presbyterian Church—a different venue from previous CMP evening and afternoon concerts—is located at 12000 San Vicente Boulevard. Reservations are not needed. The concert is free to attend but donations will be accepted in person as well as online.

“We are very grateful for these contributions as they enable us to continue providing these wonderful family-friendly concerts,” CMP said.

PPHS to Host Annual General Membership Meeting

By
Lily Tinoco
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Randy Young speaks in May 2022.
Photo by Rich Schmitt

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Pacific Palisades Historical Society will host its annual general membership meeting on Sunday, May 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center.

Remembered as “the clubhouse of the Uplifters,” PPHS noted that the meeting location falls outside of the evacuation zone, so attendees will not be required to pass through security checkpoints or present a pass.

“We have a lot to talk about, and not only—though importantly—sharing our personal wildfire journeys to recovery,” PPHS wrote of the meeting agenda. “The program will feature a presentation on the fire’s impact on beloved locations imbued with historical importance, and the challenge not only of salvage and restoration, but also ensuring that this precious heritage informs the rebuilding of our cherished community.”

The event will include a slideshow presentation by historian Randy Young, highlighting the history of Rustic Canyon—home to California’s first experimental forestry station—as well as an “important announcement” regarding long out-of-print books on Palisades history.

Current members will also be invited to vote on the board officers for the upcoming year.

The event is free to attend but reservations are requested. “Light refreshments” will be served.

Those who cannot make the event are invited to become a member or renew their dues online. Individual memberships are $35.

“It’s not too late to enjoy the camaraderie of Palisadians at heart who share an appreciation for our community’s legacy,” PPHS wrote. “It’s important for us to gather in person as Pacific Palisades gets back on its feet.”

Applications Open for LA Area Chamber Foundation Wildfire Recovery Grants

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of LA Area Chamber Foundation

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The application period for a Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation wildfire recovery grant is open now through June 6 at 5 p.m. for small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

“The Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund grant program is designed to support qualified small businesses impacted by the catastrophic Los Angeles County wildfires beginning January 7 throughout the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Area,” according to information available on the website.

To qualify for the program, the authorized signer (owner or officer) submitting the application must be at least 18 years old. The business or nonprofit must have had $10 million or less in annual revenue for 2023. Eligible zip codes in the Palisades fire area include 90049, 90263, 90265, 90272 and 90290.

The entity must also be “currently open and operating within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Area” or plan “to reopen and resume operations within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Area.” They must also meet both of the following criteria: “is/was physically located within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Area” and “50% or more of its business clientele base is/was located within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact and Evacuation Areas.”

A complete list of eligibility requirements is available here. The application period, which opened May 7 at 9 a.m., is subject to change.

“Through our Small Business Recovery Fund and other efforts, we’re empowering entrepreneurs to restart and reimagine,” the LA Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation wrote. “We’re rallying residents to support their neighborhoods, and reminding the world that when Los Angeles comes together, there’s no limit to what we can rebuild.”

Paliskates Launches Limited Edition Sweatshirt With Avril Lavigne

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of Paliskates

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Paliskates has partnered with pop-punk musician Avril Lavigne for a limited-edition sweatshirt drop—with 100% of proceeds going to support the rebuilding and reopening of the Swarthmore shop.

“In the wake of the devastating Palisades fire that destroyed iconic local skate shop Paliskates, global music superstar Avril Lavigne is stepping up to help the shop rise from the ashes,” read information shared from Paliskates.

The female-run small business, with Erica Simpson at the helm, has roots in the community that date back 25-plus years.

“The shop has become more than a retail space—it’s a second home for generations of skaters and surfers,” Simpson said. “What began as a hub for local kids has grown into a multi-generational community, with parents now bringing their own children to share in the vibe and values they grew up with. We are proud to support up-and-coming skaters, sponsor local events and give young people a safe place to hang out and create.”

The sweatshirt, “designed with love” by Lavigne and team, is constructed from “premium” fleece, designed with an “oversized fit, drop shoulder and no drawcord for a deconstructed modern style.” It launched on May 6 and is available while supplies last at the Paliskates website for $188.

Lavigne and Paliskates first collaborated earlier this year for the Grammy Awards, where Lavigne made an appearance in a commercial for the shop that aired throughout the show to promote local businesses that were affected by the January fires.

“Paliskates is more than a store—it’s a place where skaters and artists have called home for over 25 years,” Lavigne said in a statement. “After meeting Erica and hearing her story, I knew I wanted to continue our relationship further. It’s going to take years to rebuild the community that was lost, but I know the community is strong, and with businesses like Paliskates leading the way, it will come back stronger. Doing this merch drop is one piece of helping them regain what the fire took away.”

Palisades Symphony to Present ‘A Monumental Evening of Music and Spirit’

By
Lily Tinoco
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Courtesy of YouTube

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Palisades Symphony and Brentwood Palisades Chorale will present a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Messa da Requiem”—“one of the most profound and majestic works in the choral-orchestral repertoire.”

The concert will take place Sunday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. at The Church of Latter-day Saints, located at 3400 Sawtelle Boulevard.

“This performance takes place under exceptional circumstances,” read a statement from Palisades Symphony. “Earlier this year, devastating wildfires severely impacted the Palisades Symphony community—destroying the homes of 16 orchestra and chorale members, and displacing the ensemble from its primary venue at Palisades Lutheran Church. Even more tragically, another permanent concert space, the Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades, which traditionally hosted our large choral-orchestral productions, was completely destroyed by the fire. In the face of these hardships, we are especially grateful to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for opening its doors to us.”

Brentwood Palisades Chorale joins the symphony under the direction and preparation of Susan Rosenstein. The concert will be conducted by Dr. Maxim Kuzin.

“A passionate and visionary leader, Dr. Kuzin has been the driving force behind this ambitious collaboration,” read a statement. “His leadership has ushered in a new chapter for the symphony, even as the ensemble faces unprecedented challenges.”

The performance will feature a “distinguished quartet” of soloists: soprano Diana Farrell, mezzo-soprano Alexis Wesley, tenor Wi Young Oh and bass-baritone Ben Lowe.

Admission to the concert is free, but donations are being accepted to support Palisades Symphony’s transition through this “challenging post-fire period.”

“Donations are gratefully accepted and will help the Palisades Symphony organization transition through this challenging post-fire period, and return even stronger to its permanent place in the cultural heart of the Pacific Palisades,” Palisades Symphony wrote. “Come be part of this evening of remembrance, resilience and renewal—through the universal power of music.”

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