The following crime report includes reported incidents from the month of December 2024.
Burglary
16500 Sunset Boulevard, December 5 at 2:45 p.m. Suspect opened the front door and reached in and took victim’s purse from inside her residence in fled in unknown direction with victim’s purse.
16200 Shadow Mountain Drive, December 7 at 5 p.m. Suspects smashed glass door, entered, ransacked and removed safe containing money and jewelry valued at $500,000.
Theft
1000 Embury Street, December 3 at 12:05 a.m. Victim received phishing email, informing him to place money into fraudulent account. Victim lost $35,000.
Aggravated Assault
15100 Ocean Front Walk, December 26, at 2:10 p.m. Victim walking on beach and witnesses suspect knowing over trash cans. Suspect approached victim and yelled unknown Spanish. Victim told suspect to get away. Suspect brandished a large knife, made stabbing motions and approached victim. Victim had to move to avoid being stabbed. Suspect arrested.
Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.
Man Assaulted, Vehicle Stolen | Will Rogers State Beach
A group of suspects in a stolen vehicle assaulted a man and took his vehicle at Will Rogers State Beach on Friday morning, January 3, according to Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin.
“The suspects proceeded to our area in Will Rogers Beach where they assaulted and carjacked an elderly man walking his dog along the bike path,” Espin said. “As [the] victim was loading his vehicle to leave, [the] suspects approached the victim and assaulted him and took off with his vehicle.”
A 911 call was made, and officers canvassed the area for the suspects. West Los Angeles Patrol Officers then located and “gave chase to” the suspects fleeing in the stolen vehicle.
“The pursuit went through several jurisdictions of LAPD,” Espin explained. “The suspects were eventually arrested after an hour-long pursuit when they [stopped] the vehicle in Hollywood and attempted to run away.”
A LAPD helicopter kept watch and guided the officers to the suspects’ location, where they were then taken into custody.
—LILY TINOCO
January 1 Brush Fire | The Highlands
Los Angeles Fire Department reported a brush fire early Wednesday morning, January 1, near Via Las Palmas in the Highlands.
The first alert was released at 12:17 a.m., reporting approximately three to four acres of heavy brush burning under 15 mph winds. At 1:41 a.m., LAFD provided an update, revealing that the acreage increased to approximately eight to nine acres.
LAFD Air Ops launched multiple helicopters, and firefighters had structural defense in place at the southeast end of Via Pacifica and Via La Costa and coordinated directly with affected homes.
At 4:46 a.m., LAFD completed the hose line around the perimeter of the fire and declared it fully contained. The fire was held at eight acres, and LAFD reported no structural damage and no injuries.
“The cause of the fire is still undetermined as they did not see any evidence of where the fire started from,” Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin reported.
Apollo 13 monument of crew members Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert Photos courtesy of Steven Barber
Steven Barber Shares About His Most Recent Projects, Including a Statue of Incoming President Trump
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Building monuments for figures in American history is Steven Barber’s newfound passion.
He shared some of his recent projects with the Palisadian-Post, including announcing the completion of his latest brainchild, a statue of the 45th and soon to be 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
Sculptors Mark Lundeen, George Lundeen and Joey Bainer (far right) in Colorado with the Trump monument. Photos courtesy of Steven Barber
The Palisadian previously oversaw the building of the Apollo 11, Apollo 13, Sally Ride and Lowe’s Military monuments. Following the November 5 election, Barber brought his next idea to fruition.
“The project started back in July of 2016 when then-President Trump gave a speech about building a statuary park to honor 30 American heroes, and I was moved immediately,” said Barber, a Huntington Palisades resident for 10 years. “I’ve literally been working on this for nine years. I was able to receive $300,000 in funding from an anonymous donor who’s an incredible patriot and believes in America and her freedoms, and I honestly couldn’t be prouder to be working with him.”
The bronze monument was sculpted in Loveland, Colorado, by brothers Mark and George Lundeen and fellow artist Joey Bainer.
“This is my fifthcollaboration with them, and they’re the absolute best at what they do,” Barber said.“As the project leader and visionary it was my idea to do the Fight! Fight! Fight! as soon as I saw the assassination attempt on July 13 at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.”
The Lowe’s “Building Memories” statue in Fayetteville, North Carolina
According to Barber the monument is seven feet high on a five-foot pedestal standing 12 feet in the air and weighs 885 pounds. It will be unveiled early this year in Florida, and Trump will be present.
In the final months of his first term, Barber explained, Trump proposed through executive orders the construction of a National Garden of American Heroes honoring what he called “great figures of America’s history,” including numerous Founding Fathers, activists, pop cultureicons, political figures and celebrities. Congress did not appropriate funding for such a garden, and President Joe Biden revoked the executive orders relating to the garden in May 2021.
“Should he revisit that, Trumpsaid he’d like to do Abraham Lincoln, Sally Ride, Neil Armstrong, Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass, and we’ve already done those,” Barber said. “There were others as well … all of them really well-known Americans.”
An award-winning Los Angeles-based filmmaker, Barber has been working with Kelsey Grammer, Josh Rolling, John Savage, Ed Harris, Dan Aykroyd and many other actors on military documentaries for several years about U.S. Marines who were lost in the Battle of Tarawa in 1943. His Vanilla Fire Productions has hit the Oscar shortlist on three separate occasions and will be debuting the Nadine Ramsey story in May at the Holocaust museum.
Barber also just unveiled the first military monument in the history of any Fortune 500 company for Lowe’s Home Improvement, and he has several monuments online for 2025 and 2026.
A statue of Sally Ride, the first American woman to travel to spaceSteven Barber pictured with the Sally Ride monument
“The most exciting part of this whole thing is the chance to build monuments for the Trump Administration’s Heroes Park, and I got an indication they’re going to let me build seven or eight,” Barber added. “My team has already built several of the monuments the president has envisioned. The opportunity to construct the monument to the greatest story in the history of the world—Apollo 11 and Apollo 13—and then the first American woman in space [Sally Ride] and now the President of the United States is beyond anything I ever dreamed of.”
Barber is the ultimate “people person” and travels year round to fundraise by himself. He said he does not let setbacks or negativity deter him from making his dreams reality.
Barber has made it his life’s mission to memorialize the men and women of NASA.
“My longterm goal is to build monuments for all of the Apollo missions,” he explained. “The first one of the Apollo 11 crew we did for the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing in 2019, and after the success of that project, I was able to raise another $750,000 to build Apollo 13.”
Barber with the then-in-progress Apollo 13 monument
Those monuments, housed at Kennedy Space Center and Houston Space Flight Center (of which four million people visit every year) were followed by Sally Ride monument unveilings in Long Island, New York, in June 2022 and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley in July 2023 honoring the first American woman in space.
Ride, who was born in Encino and died of cancer in 2012 at age 61, is buried near 14th and Pico at Woodlawn Cemetery, less than 10 minutes from Barber’s home. Reagan was in office the day Ride took her seat aboard Challenger on June 18, 1983, for the first of her two space shuttle missions.
Barber has been invited to Trump’s inauguration, which is scheduled to take place January 20 at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. He said the president-elect has not seen the monument, and he looks forward to surprising him.
Among the films Barber has made is “Unbeaten,” a 2009 documentary about the world’s longest wheelchair race from Fairbanks to Anchorage, Alaska, that featured 31 paraplegic athletes.
Two years ago Barber landed “Touchdown”—the first Super Bowl monument in history (also a George Lundeen creation)—in the foyer of The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills for two weeks leading up to the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, where the hometown Rams beat Cincinnati 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI.
“I put it on a truck and brought it out here,” said Barber, who used to live in the Highlands before moving a few miles up Sunset to the Huntington. “It was the right monument at the right venue at the right time.”
Barber met the Lowe’s CEO at the Super Bowl and made a presentation to him, as it is one of the top companies for hiring military veterans, and the monument of an active combat service woman titled “Building Memories” was unveiled on Veterans Day in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
“What I’ve realized in my journey of 63 years is that anything and everything is possible,” Barber said. “If you never quit and you overcome and you improvise and you adapt and you fight, fight, fight for what you believe in like President Trump, you cannot fail in America. It’s not possible.”
Scouts from Pacific Palisades-Based Troop 223 Share Experiences on Recent Good Turn and Career Trips
Photo courtesy of August Brancato
August Brancato Bruins Patrol
My scouts and I served by helping on the Battleship USS Iowa, a 45,000-ton ship that was the head of the Iowa class of WWII battleships, for a Good Turn Trip.
We arrived at the Iowa by 8:30 a.m. and reported to the top deck. There, Sue Schmidt taught us how to tie a few knots, such as the flying bowline and the figure 8. From there, we went with longtime volunteer Greg Garnet to the second deck and started cleaning the cabins.
Just for some reference, the ship is massive. This was the second of seven decks, and on top of that, there are 12 floors, so 19 levels total.
We originally only expected to get the two rooms before it was time for lunch, but we actually managed to make it to five. The first two spaces that we cleaned were hallways leading into other rooms, but as we completed more, we eventually made it to the crew’s quarters, where the sailors used to sleep.
The quarters were much bigger than we expected with lockers and bunks for about 25 people per room. When we were cleaning the lockers, one of our scouts discovered boots and uniforms from a movie shoot. We tried to place the outfits to one of many films that have been shot on the Iowa but we weren’t able to figure it out.
Along with the cleaning of the boat, Garnet also showed us some important landmarks within the boat. We went to the workshop that was within the Iowa and saw the names of sailors that were on the Iowa the day that Japan surrendered to America in WWII. The USS Iowa and her sister ships—USS New Jersey, USS Wisconsin and USS Missouri—were all present that day, and all the crew had their name stamped on the metal similarly to the USS Iowa.
After witnessing this monument of the sailors, we walked through many doorways to arrive at the “Pit of Death,” as the Iowa crew refers to it. This pit was a direct way to get from the second floor all the way down to the fifth.
While we were in the room that the pit was held in, we got a brief description of the artillery on the Iowa, as well as some interesting facts, like that the Iowa holds the record for the ship that has the most accurate shot over the furthest distance.
The crew that worked on the Iowa during WWII once shot a cannon 26 miles and hit their target. Just for reference, the last point of visibility after shooting a cannon is five miles, so the Iowa was able to quintuple the visible distance of a shot.
After our trip on the boat, we went to the war room and spoke to U.S. Navy veteran Lloyd Glick, a 100-year-old man that had played trumpet in the band on the USS Missouri and was there in WWII. We discussed many things with Glick, including the difference between the blue and white navy uniforms (blue is for everyday attire, white is for special occasions).
While Glick was discussing some of the reasons why sailors would wear their white uniform, he mentioned that when the Iowa class ships docked, it often warranted the visiting of majors and officials in the places that they docked. Some famous American leaders, such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush, have all visited and boarded the Iowa.
Roosevelt used the Iowa as a transport ship to meet with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin. These visits are how the Iowa earned the nickname “Battleship of Presidents.”
Glick also mentioned that the members of the band were not only there for entertainment, but also had stations during battle. Most band members were assigned to damage control.
He also discussed the training that band members had to go through to be admitted on the battleship. They had to already have musical experience with their instrument, and then attend a music school for a year before being accepted as a performer in the Navy.
Photo courtesy of Maxton Flaherty
Maxton Flaherty Kahunas Patrol
On Saturday, October 26, me and my patrol went to the office of Harvard-educated vascular surgeon Dr. Allan Tulloch for a Career Trip. We walked into his office with smiles on our faces ready to learn about vascular surgery.
Dr. Allan Tulloch showed us around his office, which boasted plenty of certificates showing his great achievements in the fields of general and vascular surgery.
We learned about how to conduct a vascular surgery using devices known as “stents” in the medical field.
It was great. My scouts and I learned a lot.
Photo courtesy of Addison Hartsell
Addison Hartsell Owl Patrol
On Monday, November 18, the Owl Patrol visited businesswoman Angel Vu for our Career Trip.
Vu is an entrepreneur who started her own business located on Main Street in Santa Monica. She specializes in making her own candles to sell, but also sells products from other small brands in her store.
Vu decided to start this business in 2020 during the pandemic, and her products have only grown more popular since. She realized that everyone could use a little more joy in their lives during this difficult time, so she decided to share her candles with everyone.
During the Career Trip, we were able to ask Vu questions about what it is like being an entrepreneur. She told us all about some challenges she had faced and the solutions she thought of to overcome them.
Whenever she made a new product and wondered whether people would like it or not, she tried to sell it anyway. Vu said that even if it wasn’t a popular product, at least she tried a new idea.
We looked around the store and even saw how Vu makes her candles. She showed us the machine she uses to melt the wax, as well as some candles that were in the process of being made.
Afterward, we were all able to choose a candle to take home with us. This was an amazing experience that helped our entire patrol bond and learn about entrepreneurship.
Tour and join Palisades Scouts BSA Troop 223 by emailing Greg Frost atfrostfamily@frostinvestigations.com (Boys Troop) or Larry Kirven at troop223girls@gmail.com (Girls Troop).
By Damon Raskin, M.D | Special to the Palisadian-Post
Q:With the New Year here, there is a lot of talk about change. As we move forward with new habits and goals and big life decisions, I was thinking about how it all affects our body, mentally and physically. When it comes to change, what are the benefits for our mental and physical well being? Does the stress of making a big decision—like getting a new house or job—also affect our mental and physical self? How do we balance the good and the bad?
This is not only the time of year for sleigh bells, holiday parties and gift exchanges, but also the time for self-reflection.
Many of us want to figure out how to make the upcoming new year the best possible for our bodies and minds. I speak to many of my patients around this time of year about setting goals with weight loss, fitness, smoking cessation and following up on routine cancer screenings, for example.
Embarking on new habits, setting goals or making big life decisions can have profound effects on both mental and physical well-being. These changes—whether prompted by personal growth, career aspirations or lifestyle improvements—often represent significant shifts in our routines and mindsets. While the benefits are immense, the accompanying stress and challenges must also be addressed to maintain balance.
When we adopt new habits, such as regular exercise, mindful eating or meditation, our bodies and minds undergo noticeable transformations. Physically, new healthy habits can improve cardiovascular health, enhance immunity and increase energy levels.
For instance, consistent physical activity releases endorphins, which reduce stress and boost mood. Similarly, nutritious diets can improve brain function, focus and overall vitality.
Mentally, pursuing meaningful goals creates a sense of purpose and accomplishment. When we challenge ourselves, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward. This can create a positive feedback loop, encouraging continued effort and resilience.
Over time, these new habits can enhance self-confidence, reduce anxiety and foster a more optimistic outlook on life. However, starting and sticking to new habits can also be mentally taxing. The discomfort of change, fear of failure and initial resistance from ingrained routines can create stress and self-doubt.
Big life decisions, like buying a new house, changing jobs or moving to a new city, often carry a mixture of excitement and stress. Mentally, the uncertainty and pressure to make the “right” choice can lead to overthinking, anxiety or decision fatigue. Physically, this stress may manifest as disrupted sleep, headaches, muscle tension or even changes in appetite.
While these decisions can be stressful, they are also opportunities for growth. A new job might bring professional fulfillment, while relocating to a new place can open doors to enriching experiences and relationships. To navigate this, it’s essential to focus on the potential benefits rather than dwelling on fears of the unknown.
To reap the benefits of new habits and big decisions while minimizing stress, it’s crucial to maintain balance. One strategy is to start with small changes and break goals into manageable steps. For example, if a new exercise routine feels overwhelming, begin with 10-minute daily walks and gradually increase intensity. Acknowledge that setbacks are part of the process, and instead of criticizing yourself, focus on learning and adjusting.
It is also crucial to have a good support system and use it. Sharing your journey with friends, family or mentors who can provide encouragement and perspective can help immensely.
Professional advice, such as financial planning for a house or career counseling, can also ease decision-making stress. Getting massages, practicing yoga or deep breathing exercises to manage anxiety and promote relaxation are all good techniques to help with the stress of change. Do not forget to recognize and reward yourself for milestones, big or small, to stay motivated and positive.
Moving forward with new habits and life decisions inevitably affects our mental and physical selves. While challenges and stress are part of the journey, the rewards—enhanced well-being, personal growth and a sense of fulfillment—far outweigh the difficulties.
By balancing the positives and negatives, and adopting strategies to manage stress, we can embrace change with confidence and create a healthier, more satisfying life.
Now go have a very happy and healthy 2025!
Do you have a question you want to see answered by Dr. Raskin this year? Send it to mypost@palipost.com for consideration.
Former Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades Kevin Nealon has wrapped on the film “Maybe We Should,” by director A.J. Tesler and producer and writer Jeremy John Wells.
“Maybe We Should” tells the true story of a family “who refused to give up,” according to its website. The feature-length film was shot on location in York, Pennsylvania, and follows the story of Leg Up Farm—a therapy center built by the Castriota family to serve children with special needs and their families.
During the early stages of planning, Louie and Laurie Castriota’s daughter Brooke was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder, causing cognitive and motor function delays.
“Determined to create a place where she—and children like her—could not only receive care but truly thrive, they set out on an extraordinary journey,” according to the film’s synopsis. “On a farm in rural Pennsylvania, they built something rare: a center dedicated to groundbreaking therapies, tailored care and a community that celebrates resilience. Along the way, their resolve was tested as they navigated the challenges of creating a world-class space for healing in the face of uncertainty.”
Leg Up Farm opened in April 2010. Inspired by this story, filmmaker Wells worked with Louie in 2017 to adapt it into a feature film.
“Their partnership, rooted in a shared passion for storytelling and advocacy and a common bond of raising type 1 diabetic daughters, resulted in ‘Maybe We Should,’” according to the website. “This film captures the heart of Leg Up Farm’s mission and celebrates the extraordinary journey of the Castriota family.”
Nealon takes on the role of Lou Sr. Castriota, accompanied by Heather Graham as Laurie and Jeremy John Wells as Louie.
“Such an amazing experience to be part of this beautiful film,” Nealon wrote on Instagram. “‘Maybe We Should’ is so moving, impactful and uplifting.”
Producers on “Maybe We Should” include Wells, Carl Effenson, Autumn Bailey-Ford and Doug Henderson.
“It’s about showing up,” Tesler shared to the website. “Even in the most heartbreaking scenarios, joy and hope are there—just waiting to be found.”
A release date for the film has not been set. For more information, visit maybeweshouldmovie.com.
Toward the end of the year, people tend to eat out more often. As a result, I often get asked: “What’s your favorite restaurant?”
The truth is, I don’t have a single favorite restaurant. If I had to name the ones I admire most, it would be Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France, or La Grande Cascade in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris.
But, of course, that doesn’t help much when it comes to finding a great local spot. That said, the food at the recently opened MUSE in Santa Monica Canyon reminds me of those legendary places.
Rather than having a favorite restaurant, I have favorite dishes.
Every Sunday, we have brunch at Fromin’s Deli on Wilshire, where we start with matzo ball soup, followed by lox and bagels. At least once per week, we head to Lares on Pico for their chile relleno. I also have a soft spot for the fish sandwich at McDonald’s—it’s surprisingly hard to find a comparable one anywhere else.
When it comes to burgers, I enjoy the hamburger at Cafe Vida, and if I’m especially hungry, I’ll get the taco plate. For pasta, nothing beats the sea urchin pasta at Angelini in Palisades Village.
When we’re in the mood for an upscale dinner, we often go to the Water Grill for its seafood platter, the Dover sole (the best in town) or the cioppino. A bonus: there’s no corkage fee.
For steak, we love the filet mignon at The Golden Bull, but if the expense account allows, we’ll splurge at BOA for its famous tableside Caesar salad and a perfectly cooked filet.
We’re big fans of Japanese food, often visiting Sasabune Express sushi for its exceptional quality, fresh ingredients and reasonable pricing. It’s a go-to spot for amazing sushi that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. The chef prepares each piece with precision and freshness, making it a culinary experience that’s always worth it.
We also love Thai food and sometimes dine at Thai Dishes on Wilshire.
To round out my list of favorites, at least once per month, we treat ourselves to a pizza at Beech Street in the Palisades. After all, good pizza is surprisingly hard to find.
Merv Hecht, like many Harvard Law School graduates, went into the wine business after law. In 1988, he began writing restaurant reviews and books. His latest book “The Instant Wine Connoisseur, 3rd edition” is available on Amazon. He currently works for several companies that source and distribute food and wine products internationally. Send comments to mervynhecht@yahoo.com.
When it comes to selling a home, landscaping is often an overlooked yet highly impactful element.
A well-thought-out landscape not only enhances the visual appeal of a property but also adds tangible value. From creating inviting spaces to offering ecological benefits, landscaping plays a crucial role in boosting a home’s marketability.
Here, we explore the many reasons why investing in landscaping upgrades is a wise decision for homeowners.
Landscaping is the first thing prospective buyers see when they arrive at a property. A well-maintained yard with lush greenery, colorful flowers and clean pathways immediately creates a positive first impression.
Strategic landscaping can also frame the house in a way that highlights its best features while minimizing less attractive elements. Features such as well-placed lighting, decorative accents and neatly trimmed shrubs add to the charm and create an inviting atmosphere.
Additionally, landscaping can make the interior of a home feel brighter and more open. For instance, pruning overgrown trees or bushes can allow more natural light to enter the home, enhancing the perception of space inside.
Investing in landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a financial strategy. Studies consistently show that homes with attractive landscaping sell faster and for more money than those without.
Depending on the quality and extent of the upgrades, homeowners can expect a return on investment of 100% or more. Curb appeal is one of the key factors influencing a buyer’s decision, and landscaping is an essential component of that.
A landscape that looks great year-round is a major selling point. Combining evergreen plants with seasonal blooms ensures that the yard remains attractive no matter the time of year. Hardscaping elements—like stone paths, water features or fire pits—can also provide year-round interest and functionality.
A well-designed landscape does more than look good—it enhances the functionality of outdoor spaces. Features like patios, fire pits and seating areas extend the living space beyond the home’s walls, making the property more versatile.
Privacy screens made of hedges or trees can create secluded areas, while pathways and fences can guide movement and define boundaries. Landscaping also improves the usability of the yard, whether it’s for entertaining, gardening or relaxation.
Thoughtful landscaping can reduce energy costs significantly. Shade trees planted on the south or west side of a home can lower cooling costs in the summer, while windbreaks, like evergreen trees, can reduce heating costs in winter. The placement of plants and hardscaping elements can influence the home’s microclimate, making it more energy-efficient year-round.
Green spaces are known to improve mental and physical well-being. A yard filled with greenery can reduce stress, increase happiness and create a serene environment for relaxation.
Homeowners and their families can benefit from the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, engaging in physical activities or simply enjoying the fresh air. This aspect of landscaping adds an intangible but deeply valuable dimension to a property.
Landscaping also has an ecological role to play. Incorporating native plants into the design supports local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies. Drought-resistant plants and xeriscaping techniques can conserve water, while rain gardens and permeable pavers help manage stormwater runoff. Sustainable landscaping practices, such as composting and minimizing chemical use, further contribute to environmental health.
Many buyers appreciate landscaping that is visually appealing yet easy to maintain. Options like perennial plants, automated irrigation systems and durable hardscaping materials can create a stunning yard that doesn’t require constant upkeep. Low-maintenance landscaping appeals particularly to busy families or retirees looking for beauty without added work.
Different buyers have different preferences, and landscaping can be tailored to meet their needs. For example, families with young children may appreciate a spacious lawn for play, while young professionals might prefer modern minimalist designs. Edible gardens, vertical gardens and other trendy features can also attract niche buyers.
Consider this: A homeowner in a suburban neighborhood invested in a modest landscaping upgrade, including new sod, a flower bed and a flagstone path leading to the front door. The result? Their home sold in just three weeks, compared to the neighborhood average of two months, and at a price 10% above similar properties. Real-life examples like this demonstrate the powerful impact of landscaping on home sales.
Landscaping is more than an aesthetic choice; it’s an investment that pays off in multiple ways. From enhancing curb appeal and functionality to providing ecological and energy-saving benefits, it offers a holistic upgrade to any property.
For homeowners looking to sell their homes faster and at a higher price, or simply to enjoy their space more, landscaping is an essential consideration. By incorporating thoughtful design and sustainable practices, you can transform any yard into a valuable asset.
Michael Edlen and his team include landscaping consultation as a critical part of the preparation process for any home that will be put on the market. They may be reached at 310-600-7422 or michael@edlenteam.com.
As of December 31, 2024, 45 single-family Palisades residences were listed in the Multiple Listing Service. This inventory level is 10% higher than last year’s December 31 available inventory.
A total of 226 homes were sold in the Palisades in 2024, which about the same as the number of homes sold in 2023. Median sale prices were down 16% from 2023, and the price per square foot was 3% lower. The median list price is currently $6,195,000, which is a 12% increase over last year at this time.
At the current rate of buying in the Palisades, overall there is less than a three-month level of inventory. Below the $5 million range, we have less than a two-month inventory available as of January 1. As a reminder, the market will not be in relative balance between buyers and sellers until that level reaches five months.
The lowest-priced residence available is a four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home on Calle De Sevilla, which is being offered at $2,299,000. The highest-priced available property is a seven-bedroom, 11-bathroom on Casale Road listed at $49.95 million.
The most affordable area in 2024 was the Lower Marquez/Bel-Air Bay Club neighborhood with a median price of $3,093,500. The Riviera had the highest median sales price ($9.5 million) with Huntington Palisades a close second having a median sales price of $9,085,000. The Riviera and Upper Marquez/Bienveneda neighborhoods currently have the largest number of homes (eight and six, respectively) for sale in the Palisades.
The lowest sale price for the fourth quarter of 2024 was on Chalet Terrace ($1,395,000). The highest sale ($32.3 million) was on Chautauqua Boulevard.
As of December 31, there were 13 condominiums/townhouses on the market, which is a 62% increase from the end of 2023. They range from a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath on Sunset being offered at $950,000 to a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath on Palisades Avenue for $1,296,000
Sixty-five condominiums were sold in the Palisades in 2024 (6% fewer than 2023), ranging from a one-bedroom, one-bath on Sunset, which sold for $500,000, to a three-bedroom, three-bath on Palisades Drive, which sold for $2,824,000. The median sales price for condos at the end of the fourth quarter was $1,399,000, which is 7% lower than at the end of 2023’s fourth quarter.
There are currently 64 available leases (28% lower than last year) in the Palisades, starting at $2,990 per month for a one-bedroom, one-bath unit on Chautauqua Boulevard and asking as high as $450,000 per month for a furnished six-bedroom, 18-bath house on San Onofre in the Riviera.
There were 300 Palisades leases done in 2024 (a 14% increase over 2023), ranging from a guesthouse on Glenhaven, which leased for $2,200 per month, to a six-bedroom, eight-bath home on Amalfi Drive, which leased for $80,000 per month. The current median price for homes leased in 2024 was $11,400 per month—up 14% over 2023.
Michael Edlen, an agent with Coldwell Banker, has been keeping statistics of Pacific Palisades housing prices for the last 38 years.
Michael (“Mike”) Leb, 72, passed away on December 29, 2024, surrounded by his family and closest friends.
Born in Miami, Florida, to Mickey and Sam Leb, he grew up in North Miami Beach enjoying his early years with his older brother Stephen, younger brother Robert and sister-in-law Wendy.
Mike was an extremely loving man of great devotion to everyone in his life. He first met his wife, Fran, when he was 12 years old and knew very quickly that he wanted to dedicate himself to making a wonderful life with her.
In 1972, at the ages of 19 and 20, they got married and spent 52 amazing years building that wonderful life together and, in 1987, made their home in Pacific Palisades. He always made it clear that he had no regrets and would not have changed a thing because if he had done anything differently, he might not have ended up with this perfect life with Fran.
Mike was a devoted father to his daughter, Lauren, and son, Alex, and later welcomed their spouses, Noah and Alaina, into the family with enthusiastic and open arms. In his last 11 years, he became “G” to his four grandchildren, Jack, Rhys, Lily and Blake, who will always remember him for the overpowering love and affection he showed them.
Devoting his working life to being an incredible OB-GYN, in 1987, Mike took over the only OB-GYN practice in Pacific Palisades before moving it to Santa Monica years later. Simultaneously, Mike ran a clinic focused on the most under-served communities in Los Angeles, which he would continue to do throughout the entirety of his career.
His dedication to his patients went so far as to spend his free time becoming fluent in Spanish to communicate better, and finding gifts to give to patients and their children. He was also dedicated to his employees, whom he considered family, working with some for as long as 35 years.
Mike also had many friends who became family. With them, he enthusiastically hosted and cooked, traveled around the world, and spent quality time inquiring about their lives and interests. He truly loved and thought the world of everyone that he called “friend” and would have done, and did do, anything for them.
Mike will always be remembered for his incredible sense of humor, great intelligence, awe-inspiring inquisitiveness, surprising artistic talent, and truly empathetic and genuine nature.
His family would love to welcome all to a memorial in his honor, which will take place at Kehillat Israel in Pacific Palisades on Sunday, January 12, at 2 p.m.
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