MVP Jack Thomas with Joe Spector and head coach Dylen Smith. Photo: Steve Galluzzo
There were plenty of handshakes and hugs exchanged Sunday afternoon in Mercer Hall where the Palisades High football program held its annual postseason awards banquet following one of the Dolphins’ most successful seasons ever.
“I’ve never had more fun with a group of players than I have this season,” second-year head coach Dylen Smith said. “I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication. This journey began back in February in the fog and cold on Saturdays and the defense kicked our butts for six or seven weeks straight, but once the offense figured it out we were pretty much unstoppable.”
Defensive POV Jake Treibatch
Palisades racked up 582 points in 14 contests (an average of 41.5 per game), notched 11 victories, finished second in the Western League and reached the City finals for only the fourth time in school history.
JV coach Christian Feathertstone presented awards to his players: Aleco Ulloa won Rookie of the Year;Fiinegan Viles was Offensive Player of the Year; Enzo Allen was Defensive Player of the Year; Tom Levias Passman was Lineman of the Year and Malachi Ross, who led the team in touchdowns, was named MVP.
After watching a slideshow/video presentation from the Pali QB Club highlighting the varsity season, Smith returned to the podium and announced senior center/guard Josh Chinchilla as winner of the Coaches’ Award for Offense. Linebackers coach Kelly Loftus gave Cash “the Money Man” Allen the Coaches’ Award for Defense. Offensive line coach Syr Riley could not help feeling nostalgic presenting the In the Trenches awards for he was an All-City lineman for the Dolphins.
Offensive POV Harrison Carter
Liam Giannantonio and Kenneth Sanchez were given the honors and senior tackle Cole Ward won the Pancake Award.
“Mad Max” Hejazi was named Offensive Skill Player of the Year after catching a team-best 49 passes for 784 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Cornerback Jayden Joch was Defensive Skill Player of the Year. Riley gave the Larry Palmer Offensive Lineman Award to senior tackle Mitch Ghotanian. Returner LeHenry Solomon and kicker Jack Malloy were Co-Special Teams MVPs; Harrison Carter was named Offensive Player of the Year and linebacker Jake Treibatch, the team leader with146 tackles, was Defensive Player of the Year. Quarterback Jack Thomas won the Joe Spector Award as Team Most Valuable Player after throwing for 46 touchdowns and running for 12 more.
LA’s leading immersive holiday event, Holiday Road, is back for the fifth year—and promises to be brighter and more enchanting than ever.
Welcoming over 100,000 people, Holiday Road includes immersive mile-long walking trail, larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and all the holiday cheer year after year.
Greater Los Angeles area residents, families, celebrities and influencers are expected to return to King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas for the annual holiday tradition. Holiday Road opened Friday, November 29, during Thanksgiving weekend and takes place through Saturday, December 28. Tickets are now on sale at HolidayRoadUSA.com.
New upgrades this season include new projection mapping and light technology, and more to be announced. Holiday Road also includes interactive photo moments, festive souvenir shop, premium holiday bars, top food trucks and more.
Guests will be transported into a winter wonderland complete with everything from the North Pole, Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane, impressive light tunnels, Christmas tree forests and countless candy canes. Kids can also take their photo with live Santa and sing with carolers on select dates.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating our fifth annual Holiday Road this year,” said Holiday Road Co-Founder Ben Biscotti. “We look forward to bringing the holiday cheer to Los Angeles again this year, with new surprises for the whole family.”
Also new for this season, Suntory Global Spirits will be introducing Maker’s Mark and Minus One Nine Six Vodka Seltzer activations, highlighting some of the best spirits to enjoy this holiday season.
What began as a drive-thru experience during the pandemic has grown significantly into the premiere holiday attraction and immersive holiday experience in LA.
Main Attractions
Immersive Walking Trail – near mile-long walking trail filled with immersive scene after immersive scene
New Projection Mapping and Light Technology
Photos with LIVE Santa – stop by and take your photo with Santa
LIVE Christmas Carolers – listen to some of your favorite holiday songs by our LIVE Carolers as you stroll through our winter village scene
Face Painting – stop by our face painting booth and have your child’s face painted with themed and festive options for all ages
Souvenir Shop – pick up a gift full of holiday magic for the kids such as light-up toys and branded merchandise
Winter Market – check out local vendors who specialize in selling holiday gifts, decorations and apparel
Holiday Bars – stop by one of our premium holiday bars, where the grown-ups get to enjoy a savory cocktail to jumpstart their holiday spirit, lush wine to help them unwind and craft beer to keep up the cheer
Food Trucks – presenting some of the best food trucks every night
Details
Dates: Holiday Road will be open to the public November 29 to December 28
○ December 11 to December 15
○ December 17 to December 24
○ December 26 to December 28
Live Santa Dates – every Friday and Saturday night, and nightly beginning December 20 through Christmas:
○ December 13
○ December 14
○ December 20
○ December 21
○ December 22
○ December 23
○ December 24
Live Caroler Dates – every Friday and Saturday night before Christmas:
○ December 13
○ December 14
○ December 20
○ December 21
Time: 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: King Gillette Ranch: 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302
○ Each ticket will grant you access to the event at the day and time of selected slot
Holiday Road is also available for private events and corporate sponsorships and features a private 100-person VIP bar that can be closed off for private parties.
About Holiday Road
Holiday Road is a holiday event tailored for all ages. The immersive experience showcases thousands of festive lights as well as iconic holiday scenes situated throughout the stunning property at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas.
The team behind this holiday happening is a partnership comprised of television and event producer veteran Ben Biscotti, Co-Founder and President of 1iota Productions—and award-winning event producer and designer—Tony Schubert of Event Eleven.
Tickets on sale now to see the world’s most popular Monster Jam trucks and best drivers roar into Angel Stadium for three action-packed weekends on January 4-5, January 18-19 and February 15-16to battle in the Stadium Championship Series
Experience Monster Jam live and become a fan for life with an ultimate day of family fun with three action-packed weekends at Angel Stadium on January 4 and 5; January 18 and 19; and February 15 and 16, 2025.
Get ready to cheer, scream and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over Anaheim for a weekend packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts. Highlighted with the first-ever Anaheim Monster Jam event competition truck appearance for the all-new 2025 season truck Classroom Crusher appearing during Anaheim second weekend!
This isn’t just any event—it’s As Big As It Gets where 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air in competitions of speed and skill. It’s all happening at Monster Jam, where every moment is unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable.
Feel the Thrill of Full-Throttle Fun
Get ready for non-stop excitement as Anaheim roars to life with gravity-defying stunts, heart-pounding races and plenty of big air. The world’s best drivers tear up on the dirt as they battle for the Event Championship in three competitions: Racing, Skills and everyone’s favorite, Freestyle, where Monster Jam trucks defy the laws of physics and do the impossible. Fans will be right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts and saves.
Start the Fun Early at the Monster Jam Pit Party
The day of fun starts at the Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday and Sunday, where families can get up close and personal with these massive trucks, snap a selfie, meet their favorite drivers and collect autographs. It’s the perfect way to start a day of adrenaline-charged fun, packed with family-friendly activities.
Don’t Miss the Monster Jam Trackside Experience
Arrive early and get revved up with Monster Jam Trackside, happening about an hour before the event. It’s packed with driver interviews, pit crew sneak peeks and epic giveaways that’ll get everyone pumped up before the action begins. Then, watch as the opening ceremonies set the stage for non-stop Monster Jam madness.
Meet the Superstars of Monster Jam
These aren’t just any drivers—they’re world-class male and female athletes who have mastered controlling these 12,000-pound beasts. Whether pulling off insane backflips, nailing vertical two-wheel tricks or tearing up the track in all-out racing, these drivers are ready to wow fans with the most mind-blowing live motorsports action around.
The competition is fierce as 12 top drivers battle it out for the Stadium Championship Series West title and a coveted spot in the Monster Jam World Finals in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 4th weekend.
Fans can cheer on their favorites, like Adam Anderson in the legendary Grave Digger; fierce and fearless Kayla Blood driving Sparkle Smash, a six-ton unicorn with a bold attitude; Tristan England driving JCB DIGatron, which was designed in conjunction with JCB’s engineering team and inspired by JCB’s iconic construction equipment; plus more.
Plus the January 18 and 19 events will feature a completely different driver line-up as part of the Stadium Championship Series East, including Tyler Menning in the legendary Grave Digger; Armando Castro, who makes his Stadium Championship debut behind the wheel of El Toro Loco; Monster Jam World Finals High Jump champion Cynthia Gauthier in Lucas Stabilizer; and more.
WHEN: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Event Time – 4:30 p.m.
Pit Party open from 12:30-3:30 p.m. (Event Ticket and Pit Party Pass required for entry)
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Event Time – 2:30 p.m.
Pit Party open from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Event Ticket and Pit Party Pass required for entry)
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Event Time – 6:30 p.m.
Pit Party open from 2:30-5:30 p.m. (Event Ticket and Pit Party Pass required for entry)
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Event Time – 2:30 p.m.
Pit Party open from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.(Event Ticket and Pit Party Pass required for entry)
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Event Time – 6:30 p.m.
Pit Party open from 2:30-5:30 p.m. (Event Ticket and Pit Party Pass required for entry)
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Event Time – 2:30 p.m.
Pit Party open from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.(Event Ticket and Pit Party Pass required for entry)
WHERE:Angel Stadium – 2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806
TICKETS: Gravity-defying action, down-to-earth prices! Tickets and Pit Party Passes are now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.
Truck/Driver Lineup (January 4-5 and February 15-16):
Grave Digger driven by Adam Anderson; Sparkle Smash driven by Kayla Blood; JCB DIGatron driven by Tristan England; Son-uva Digger driven by Ryan Anderson; Megalodon driven by Todd LeDuc; El Toro Loco driven by Jamey Garner; TBA driven by Bryce Kenny; Wild Side driven by Zack Garner; Black Pearl driven by Cole Venard; Jester driven by Matt Pagliarulo; Kraken driven by Nick Pagliarulo; and Excaliber driven by Michael Pagliarulo.
(January 18-19)
Grave Digger driven by Tyler Menninga; Zombie driven by Bari Musawwir; ThunderROARus driven by Colt Stephens; Classroom Crusher driven by Camden Murphy; Megalodon driven by Kevin Crocker; El Toro Loco driven by Armando Castro; Lucas Stabilizer driven by Cynthia Gauthier; Avenger driven by Jim Koehler; Monster Mutt driven by Chris Koehler; Axe driven by Joe Foley; Vendetta driven by Mike Christensen; and Jurassic Attack driven by Dalton Widner.
Temescal Canyon Association will host its annual meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, December 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.—which will include three guest speakers.
“Guest speakers will be Bill Hamm from Will Rogers State Historic Park,” according to information shared by TCA ahead of the meeting. “Miroslava Munguia Ramos from National Parks Service discussing the effects of the Woolsey fire on the plants and animals in the Santa Monica Mountains. CD 11 Field Deputy Michael Amster will talk about city projects such as the dog park in Temescal Canyon.”
Founded in 1972, Temescal Canyon Association is “dedicated to the preservation of the Santa Monica Mountains,” according to its website. Throughout the year, the organization participates in community events, hosts hikes throughout the Palisades, and helps build and maintain area trails.
Entries are now open for the Palisadian-Post’s 11th annual Deck Your Halls holiday home decorating contest.
Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best Decked Out Hall, Best Theme and Greenest Decor, which was launched in 2023 to honor a home with environmentally sustainable decorations.
This year’s sponsors include McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Alfred, Theatre Palisades, Porta Via Palisades, Palisades Gas & Wash, and Roku Sushi.
“Shop, stroll and be merry this holiday season with our festive community gathering featuring a special farmers market, strolling entertainment, Champagne Chalet and more,” read information on the Palisades Village website.
There will also be live entertainment, complimentary kids’ activities, and “delicious festive” bites and drinks from retailers at the holiday market, including Jemma Pizzeria, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams and more. Other participating brands with “special promotions and holiday treats” are Saint Laurent, Favorite Daughter, A.L.C., Cult Gaia and AERIN.
Santa will be available for photos in The Park from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and then again from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. There will be two Story Times with Santa, in partnership with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.
“Festive deals and offers” will be available at “favorite boutiques and eateries” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Champagne Chalet will be open for Caruso Signature Members between 2 and 7 p.m.
The evening will conclude with a “magical tree lighting ceremony” and the first snowfall of the season at Palisades Village beginning at 5:30 p.m. The white fir tree is 50 feet tall, with 3,000 lights and more than 1,500 ornaments.
“The Holiday Stroll is a non-ticketed event open to the public,” the event description read. “Bring the whole family and make memories that will last a lifetime.”
George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon in March Photo by Chuck Larsen Photography
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
David Card—a local landscape designer and president of Palisades Forestry Committee—will lead a guided tour in George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon on Saturday, December 7, beginning at 10 a.m.
Participants will meet at Veterans Gardens at Palisades Recreation Center, where Card will begin with explaining how the canyon became a city park, according to Palisades Branch Library, who is hosting the event.
“He will then lead a walk the one-mile length of the park and back, and talk about the park and answer your questions,” the description continued. “Set your own pace and feel free to turn around whenever you need to. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, and bring a water bottle and sun protection.”
The program is designed for teens, adults and seniors.
George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon officially opened on Saturday, December 10, 2022, with a celebration attended by local officials, community members and the Wolfberg family. The 46-acre passive park features riparian landscaping and ocean views.
Nonprofit Sages & Seekers is seeking sages—adults ages 60 and older—and seekers—students between 15 and 24 years old—to participate in its upcoming winter program, beginning in January 2025.
The seven- to eight-week intergenerational program, which is offered both online and in-person, is described as an opportunity to build meaningful relationships.
With a mission to combat social isolation and “dissolve age-related segregation,” the program has been implemented across the country, in private and public schools, universities, senior centers, and beyond.
“Sages & Seekers has launched many long-lasting friendships that have transcended age and geographic boundaries,” according to the program. “We provide both students and seniors an alternative to isolation: a sense of purpose and a connection to the larger picture of society and the world.”
Sages & Seekers will be hosting a program at Palisades Charter High School on Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, January 29. Subsequent meeting dates are February 5, 12, 19 and 26, and March 5, 12 and 19.
The deadline to enroll for Sages & Seekers’ winter program is Thursday, January 9. An informational Zoom session will take place on Thursday, December 19, at 10 a.m.
Palisadians looking for a way to give back this year have the chance: The West Los Angeles Community Police Station is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive and accepting donations.
The Toy Drive will run through Tuesday, December 17. Donations can be dropped off at 1663 Butler Avenue in the front lobby.
LAPD is requesting “unwrapped and new toys for kids 8 [to] 12 [years old],” according to a flyer. The toys will be given away on December 18.
Max Hejazi catches a 21-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter for Palisades’ first score in November 30’s City Division I final versus King/Drew. Photos by Craig Weston
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
The Palisades Charter High School football team enjoyed a storybook season—only the final chapter was not what the Dolphins envisioned.
King/Drew scored the first 21 points and went on to a 56-35 victory in the City Division I championship game Saturday night, November 30, at Birmingham High in Lake Balboa in a prime-time matchup between two programs seeking their first section title.
The Dolphins were making their second appearance in the Division I final in three years, and as was the case in 2022 when they were unable to stop running back Dijon Stanley—who rushed for 367 yards and five touchdowns in Granada Hills’ 44-7 win—this time they had no answer for Jahmir Torres, who rushed for three touchdowns, had two touchdown catches and returned a kickoff for another score, amassing 431 all-purpose yards.
Torres was living in Maryland with his mom but decided to come to California to play for his dad, Golden Eagles head coach Joe Torres, for his senior season. He had to sit out the first four games due to transfer rules but once he became eligible King/Drew’s offense had another dimension.
“I was balling in Maryland but I wasn’t getting the looks I needed so I wanted to show that I can ball on both sides of the country,” Torres said. “My dad’s been trying to convince me to come here since my freshman year. In this game, it was important not to underestimate Palisades at all. We knew they have a good offense, and we had to go out and match that.”
King/Drew marched down the field on its first drive but came away with no points when a 27-yard field goal attempt hit the upright. After Palisades failed to pick up a first down on its opening series, the Golden Eagles got the ball back and proceeded to drive 51 yards in five plays, scoring on Torres’ nine-yard reception from Keenan Jackson to make it 7-0 with 2:55 left in the first quarter.
The Dolphins punted again and this time Jackson found receiver Damico Martin in stride along the sideline for a 61-yard touchdown that increased King/Drew’s lead to 14-0 early in the second quarter. Palisades went three-and-out on its third possession, and Jackson threw to Jayden Mitchell for a 32-yard touchdown to end the Golden Eagles’ ensuing drive.
Palisades head coach Dylen Smith and his captains with the runner-up plaque after their 56-35 loss in the City Division I final at Birmingham High.
Harrison Carter returned the kickoff 57 yards to the King/Drew 43, and four plays later, the Dolphins got on the scoreboard when Jack Thomas found Max Hejazi in the end zone from 21 yards out to pull Palisades with 21-7 with 4:47 left in the second quarter.
Palisades’ defense almost held the Golden Eagles on their next possession, but on fourth-and-13 from the Dolphins’ 26, Jackson lofted a pass to the back of the end zone and Torres made a leaping catch that gave King/Drew a 28-7 lead with 35 seconds left in the first half.
Thomas completed three passes and back-to-back personal foul penalties put Palisades in position to score at the Golden Eagles’ seven-yard line with a second left, but Thomas’ toss into the end zone was incomplete and the margin was 21 points at intermission.
Palisades got the ball first in the second half and was determined to cut into King/Drew’s lead, but Thomas was hurried into throwing from his own end zone and Roberto Salazar intercepted for the Golden Eagles at the Dolphins’ 42. Eight plays later, Torres scored from one yard out to put the sixth-seeded Golden Eagles ahead 35-7 midway through the third quarter.
The Dolphins’ offense found its rhythm and Deveron Kearney capped their next drive with a two-yard run. However, Torres returned the ensuing kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown to make it 42-14.
Carter caught a 29-yard touchdown pass from Thomas to pull the Dolphins back within three scores but Torres capped the Golden Eagles’ next drive with a 35-yard touchdown run up the gut and Palisades found itself trailing 49-21 entering the fourth quarter.
Palisades—seeded fifth in the 16-team draw—would not go down without a fight, marching 73 yards in 17 plays and scoring on Thomas’ one-yard sneak with 7:46 left. On the second play of King/Drew’s next drive, though, Torres lined up in the Wildcat formation, took a direct snap and sprinted 45 yards up the middle for his last touchdown with 6:38 left.
Showing the determination and pride that defined their season the Dolphins moved 77 yards in 13 plays, scoring on Thomas’ 14-yard strike to Hejazi with 1:24 left to create the final margin. Three kneel downs later the Golden Eagles celebrated their first City crown in only their third year.
Thomas, a junior transfer from Loyola, completed 17 of 46 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns, and added 30 yards rushing to bring his season totals to 3,369 yards passing with 46 touchdowns and 570 yards rushing with 12 more touchdowns.
Shilo Beavers had 51 yards rushing in seven carries and caught two passes for 54 yards. Hejazi caught six passes for 80 yards, Carter had three receptions for 65 yards, LeHenry Solomon had three catches for 36 yards and King Demethris had three grabs for 53 yards.
Nico Townsley had 11 tackles in the game. Fellow linebacker Jake Treibatch added 10 and finished the season with a team-high 146 tackles.
King/Drew, which improved to 11-3, advanced to the Friday, December 6, Southern California Regional Division 6-AA bowl game against Portola at Harbor College. Palisades finished 11-3, but under second-year coach Dylen Smith the future of the program is bright.
“I’m proud of every single one of you guys,” Smith said after the trophy presentation. “We demand a lot from you guys. Remember this feeling because we’ll be back next year.”
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