Here are the Palisadian-Post’s fall interns, who will help with tasks at the newspaper from writing to editing, interviewing, attending events and more.
Sophia Masserat
Photo courtesy of Sophia Masserat
My name is Sophia Masserat, and I am a senior at Palisades Charter High School. A passionate writer since my childhood, I am now a second-year writer for Pali’s student-run newspaper, Tideline, where I discovered my love for journalism.
Although I have lived in Westwood my whole life, I have considered Pacific Palisades my home away from home since I started middle school at Paul Revere. I am ecstatic to join the Palisadian-Post as an intern this year, and I feel very fortunate to be part of a newspaper with such a rich history in the Palisades community.
Stories have always been very important to me, as I have been an avid reader since before elementary school, using books as a source of inspiration for my writing. I believe that journalism has the power to make change through stories.
This past year working at Tideline, I have learned valuable insights on creating influential writing, and I am really looking forward to applying these new skills as an opinion columnist there, as well as through my internship at the Post.
Beyond journalism, I am involved in Pali’s DECA chapter, where I use my writing abilities as an active member of our marketing cluster, competing in bi-annual conferences. I also actively participate in Link Crew as a mentor for freshmen, serve as a dedicated peer tutor and hold the position of secretary for Pali’s Italian Student Union.
When I’m not reading or writing, I love listening to music and cooking, along with reviewing food around Los Angeles. For the past three years, I have worked at an Italian restaurant near UCLA in the Westwood Village, an opportunity that allows me to share the joys of my culture’s cuisine. Whether it be new restaurant reviews or features on iconic Palisadian spots, I hope to be able to cover stories about food during my time at the Post.
I am excited to begin my internship at the Post, where I look forward to make new connections with people, refine my journalistic writing skills and become more involved in my community.
Michael Matlof
Photo courtesy of Michael Matlof
Michael Matlof is a sophomore at the Geffen Academy at UCLA. He loves to watch sports, ski, play tennis, act and, most importantly, write.
While GPS may indicate he lives in Pacific Palisades, Michael actually resides in the Brentwood Polo Fields, which border the area. He did, however, attend preschool at Kehillat Israel in the Palisades and has spent much of his childhood in the area. Michael has a particular affinity for the yogurt shoppe and playing tennis at Palisades Recreation Center.
Michael is a member of Congressmember Ted Lieu’s Youth Advisory Council and spends time volunteering at the Wende Museum of The Cold War in Culver City. He has performed in productions at his school and the Morgan Wixson Theater, and will be an assistant director on a production of “The Twilight Zone” at school for the first time this winter.
Michael’s interest in journalism began with his curiosity for all sorts of news, including sports, local and international events. He often gets lost in the various periodicals he reads daily. This love translated into writing for his high school paper and trying to improve his skills in the field with every piece.
Now, that passion has led him to the Palisadian-Post, where he hopes to grow his journalistic craft by covering stories in the places he has known his entire life. Specifically, he hopes to write articles on topics like high school sports and local restaurants.
He is grateful for this opportunity to learn from the esteemed journalists at the publication and use their guidance to write stories that the Palisades community will enjoy.
Pali High Grad Shay McAvoy Launches Car Wrap Business
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Recent Palisades Charter High School graduate Shay McAvoy has always been into cars—but now, he is able to turn that passion into a career through a car wrap business, which serves customers across the Westside, including Pacific Palisades.
“When I was younger, my stepdad had a garage,” McAvoy said to the Palisadian-Post. “So I was always familiar with cars.”
McAvoy described himself as a “big Porsche guy”: “I like the German cars.” He used to skateboard, and right next to the park where he would go, there was a garage he would pass by in West Los Angeles.
“One day, I decided to go in,” McAvoy said, “and I got an internship there.”
That was about two and a half years ago, McAvoy said, and since then, he has launched his own branch of the business, Ideal Wraps, working under Joshua Opheim.
“My business transforms cars that are bland or have damaged paint, into vehicles with vibrant colors and designs with the help of vinyl wraps,” McAvoy described. “This business of mine stemmed from my passion of cars.”
McAvoy, who lived in the Highlands, graduated from Pali High with the Class of 2024. In addition to wrapping cars, McAvoy is also attending Santa Monica College, so he moved near the campus.
When it comes to wrapping cars, McAvoy said that his clients can be very particular about the final product, which, he said, makes the work satisfying and “very fun.”
“It soothes the mind because it’s very soothing to do the job,” he described. “You feel very accomplished once you finish, because you see the actual progress you made.”
McAvoy said he has a wholesale deal with a couple of name brands—like 3M and Avery—which affords him “unlimited colors.”
“We provide the options and we put it on your car,” he explained. He said that a typical car, like a sedan, takes about two to three days to wrap.
When it comes to projects, McAvoy said that Teslas are the easiest car to wrap “because they don’t have door handles.” He typically works with “more higher-end cars,” but has worked with a wide range. Recent projects include an Aston Martin DB11, GMC Denali and C300 Mercedes.
McAvoy is currently taking new clients. The best way to reach him is through his Instagram. In addition to working out of the garage, McAvoy also said he makes house calls.
“I’ll either go to their garage, if they have a home garage,” McAvoy concluded, “or they’ll come to me.”
By DAMON RASKIN, M.D | Special to the Palisadian-Post
Q:As the weather shifts, I am reminded that it seems like my joint pain increases in the fall. Is this true? Is there a reason for it? What can I do to get ahead of it and help manage it?
It is starting to get darker earlier, there are already pumpkins out in the patch and you are starting to bring down the sweaters from high up in the closet. As fall approaches and the temperature begins to drop, many of my patients who suffer from joint pain notice a worsening of their symptoms.
This phenomenon has been widely reported by my patients with arthritis, old injuries or other joint-related issues. But is there actually a scientific basis for this increase in joint discomfort or is it simply a matter of perception?
One of the most accepted theories is that changes in barometric pressure can affect the joints. As fall weather brings cooler temperatures, it also often brings lower barometric pressure. In individuals with joint problems, this decrease in pressure can cause tissues in the body to expand.
Although the expansion is small, it can increase pressure in the joints, leading to discomfort and stiffness. People with arthritis or joint injuries may be more sensitive to these changes.
When the temperature does drop (yes, even in the Palisades), the colder weather can cause the muscles, ligaments and tendons surrounding the joints to become stiffer. The body needs to conserve heat by sending more blood to the core and less blood flows to the extremities, which makes joints feel stiffer and achier.
Also, I have noticed that a lot my patients are less active in the cooler weather and engage in fewer physical activities, as there is less daylight. This decrease in activity can lead to less joint lubrication, reduced flexibility and worsened pain.
Another theory as to why this time of year make joints worse has to do with inflammatory triggers. It is this time of year when I see more patients with colds, flu, and many other viral and bacterial infections. These can act to make the whole body have more inflammation, especially in people with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
While you can’t control the weather, there are things you can do to stay ahead of the pain and manage it better as it comes. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep your joints flexible and reduce stiffness. Low-impact exercises, like swimming, yoga and walking, are excellent options that don’t put too much strain on the joints. Also strengthening the muscles around the joints can provide extra support to reduce pain.
Other easy strategies to mitigate pain would be to dress warmly during cooler weather as well as take warm baths to help increase blood flow to the joints and muscles. Staying well hydrated is crucial for joint health, as dehydration can worsen joint stiffness, and consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts and berries, are all good choices to help prevent joint discomfort.
Using heat and cold therapy can often help manage pain, but listen to your medical provider before starting supplements or medication to see if they are right for you and your condition.
Fall and winter can be fun-filled festive seasons, but more so if you take good care of your joints.
Have a question you want to see answered by Dr. Raskin in a future edition of the Post?
Send it to mypost@palipost.com for consideration.
The Creative Arts Emmy Awards and Emmy Awards were celebrated in ceremonies on September 7 and 8, culminating in a live broadcast on Sunday evening, September 15, led by hosts Dan Levy and Eugene Levy—a longtime Palisadian and honorary mayor of the community.
“Recognizing excellence in television programming and individual achievement for the 2023-24 television season,” the annual awards shows took place at Peacock Theater, with September 15 broadcast live on ABC.
“The nearly 22,000 voting members of the Academy nominated an abundance of inspiring talent and a robust selection of diverse program offerings,” read a statement by Television Academy in July when the nominees were revealed. “In a year marked by significant challenges and changes in the television landscape, the nominations recognize the excellent work of performers, producers, writers, directors, craftspeople and professionals above and below the line on television programs from the 2023-24 eligibility year.”
Palisadian Jamie Lee Curtis won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role of Donna Berzatto in the “Fishes” episode of “The Bear.” The category also included Olivia Colman in “The Bear,” Kaitlin Olson in “Hacks,” Da’Vine Joy Randolph in “Only Murders in the Building,” and Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig as hosts of separate episodes of “Saturday Night Live.”
“For me, the work and the words and my creative partners in the chaos and every specific individual contribution from words to sound effects made it the most satisfying of my professional life,” Curtis wrote on social media following the win.
Photo courtesy of HBO | Max
Palisadian Conan O’Brien was awarded Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program for the “Ireland” episode of “Conan O’Brien Must Go”—which has since been picked up for a six-episode second season by HBO | Max—alongside Jessie Gaskell, Matt O’Brien and Mike Sweeney. The category also featured the “Scotland: My Mother’s Country” episode of “The Reluctant Traveler” with Eugene Levy, though he did not have a writing credit on the Apple TV+ show.
“I want to give it up to my hardworking team on ‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ and to my wife Liza, who always encourages me to leave the country,” O’Brien said following the win.
Both Levy and O’Brien were nominated for executive producing and hosting their respective shows in the Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special, a category that went to “My Next Guest” with David Letterman and John Mulaney for Netflix.
Two shows starring Palisadians—“Only Murders in the Building” (former honorary mayor of Pacific Palisades Martin Short) and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (Larry David)—were nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, though the award went to HBO | MAX’s “Hacks.”
David and Short were also nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for their respective roles in their shows—David as himself in the 12th and final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and Short as Oliver Putnam. Jeremy Allen White took home the award for his role of Carmy in “The Bear.”
David was nominated previously for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for the role, most recently in 2018 and before that in 2012, while Short was nominated for his role in 2023 and 2022.
When it comes to Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, Palisadian Robert Downey Jr. received a nomination for a role in HBO’s “The Sympathizer.” The award went to Lamorne Morris for his role as North Dakota Deputy Witt Farr in “Fargo.”
“The Morning Show”—which stars Palisadian Reese Witherspoon—was nominated in the Outstanding Drama Series category, which went to “Shōgun.” Witherspoon was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role of Bradley Jackson in the show, with the award going to Anna Sawai for her role of Toda Mariko in “Shōgun.”
Palisadian Kevin Feige—president of Marvel Studios—has been nominated in the Outstanding Animated Program category for executive producing the “Remember It” episode of “X-Men ’97” for Disney+. The award went to Netflix’s “Blue Eye Samurai” for “The Tale of the Ronin and the Bride.”
When it came to presenters throughout the live show, Palisadians were featured as well, including former Honorary Mayor Billy Crystal and Short.
St. Matthew’s Music Guild will open its 40th season of concerts with the Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Dwayne Milburn, on Friday, September 27, beginning at 8 p.m. with “renowned saxophonist” Jan Berry Baker.
“The Chamber Orchestra and Music Guild began in 1985 when a group of professional musicians came together to play in the newly erected St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades,” read a statement from Music Guild. “Realizing that the building by famed architect Charles Moore was both visually striking and acoustically ideal for music, concerts began to attract a larger audience and soon a subscription season was offered.”
Baker—professor of saxophone and head of woodwinds at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music—will perform Jacque Ibert’s “Concertino da Camera” and William Grant Still’s “Romance for Alto Saxophone and Strings.” The saxophonist performs with LA Philharmonic, Chicago and Atlanta symphonies, and a “variety of new music ensembles throughout the U.S. and Europe.”
The September 27 program will also feature a new Music Guild commission: “Celebration Triptych” by Milburn, which was composed for the occasion.
“Milburn promises a sonic spectacular that will fill every corner of St. Matthew’s stunning interior space as members of the brass and woodwind sections perform from various locations around the church,” the statement continued. They will be joined by the church’s 2,000-pipe C.B. Fisk pipe organ, also celebrating its 40th anniversary season.”
The program will conclude with “one of the most beloved symphonies in the repertoire,” Felix Mendelssohn’s “Italian” symphony.
The concert will take place at St. Matthew’s Church, located at 1031 Bienveneda Avenue. Tickets are $45 or available as part of a Music Guild season pass, which is available for all eight concerts beginning at $285.
“Our 40th Anniversary Season touches every corner of the classical canon and offers new works by outstanding composers, all presented by musicians of exceptional artistry in an intimate and casual setting and at an affordable price,” Milburn said. “No need to drive across town when you have ‘World-Class Music Close to Home.’ Save money by subscribing today—and don’t miss a single note.”
Longtime Tahitian Terrace Resident Lee Calvert Celebrates Her 100th Birthday
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Lee wearing her favorite color: blue
Lee Calvert has long been known as Pacific Palisades’ “Golden Girl.”
On August 15, she reached a milestone very few people do—turning 100 years old—and 10 days later, she was joined by family, friends and neighbors for a celebration in the clubhouse at Tahitian Terrace, where Calvert has lived for over six decades. Guests wore blue—Lee’s favorite color—and shared stories and sentiments.
“Lee is a Tahitian Terrace treasure, and the fact that this many people are here is a testament to this woman,” said Leslie Campbell, who organized the event. “The first time I met her was 22 years ago during exercise class on the deck where she doing push-ups—real push-ups.”
Lee with her son, Jeff
Push-ups and sit-ups have long been part of Calvert’s daily routine. That along with what in her senior years turned into an unprecedented run of success in badminton and, later, table tennis.
The longtime Optimist Club member and USA Badminton Hall of Famer became a master in the sport, earning upward of 200 medals in a span of 30 years before undergoing knee replacement surgery when she was 87. Not one to let age dampen her competitive spirit, she switched to table tennis and participated in the Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah, where she increased her medal count.
“Thank you all for coming,” the birthday girl said, looking svelte in a velvet blue outfit, a multi-colored candle crown and a gold-lettered sash fit for the occasion. “At the time I moved I was the only one here and didn’t know Temescal Canyon would be made a road. I love my ocean view. We’re all so lucky to live here.”
Calvert remembered living through the stock market crash of 1929 and the Long Beach earthquake in 1933. She attended four different elementary schools and at the age of 11 was hired as a young actress for a program called Juveniles on Parade.
With party host Leslie Campbell
When she was 16 she auditioned for a show at the Grand Theater and got the part, playing seven shows to make $10 to $15 per week. Once everyone in the play became unionized, thanks to initiative taken by new lead actor Robert Mitchum, her pay increased to $60 per week, but when the show went on the road, her mother forbid her from going because her younger sister needed to go to school.
After graduating from Santa Monica High she went to Santa Monica City College, and while she was there, her brother died in a B-24 in World War II.
“I married a man who gave my mother a job, which she kept until she retired,” Calvert said. “We had two children and lived a typical post-war, middle-class life in West Los Angeles. I had a chance to play badminton at night at Santa Monica High. I loved it as a teenager when it was introduced as a new sport, and I joined the Santa Monica Badminton Club. In the decades that followed, I played in local tournaments and kept improving. My marriage ended when our children were grown, so I was free to pursue the sport and that included international travel.”
Needless to say, her passion for badminton was ignited.
The youngest resident of Tahitian Terrace, Reyna Rose Gabor, with parents, Marc and Mirela, and Calvert
“I started working for Wolper Productions, where I learned dialogue continuities, a script used for dubbing TV shows and movies into foreign languages,” Calvert continued. “After all, the U.S. produced the most popular shows. Soon I was doing these dialogue continuities for other companies. I ended up marrying my second husband, Larry, a national badminton champion and an excellent engineer, so he helped with the sound tracks and the equipment I needed. My company became Calvert Continuities.”
Some of the shows that they worked on included “The Lucy Show,” “Star Trek,” “Mission Impossible,” “Cheers,” “Mork & Mindy” and “Happy Days.”
“I also worked on scripts of historical pieces and documentaries like ‘Shogun,’ ‘Gold Meir’ and ‘Winds of War,’” Calvert said. “I ended up working until I was 88.”
Calvert’s son Jeff, who lives in Santa Cruz and turns 75 in November, visits at least once per month and has vivid memories of his youth, much of which was spent playing sports to his mom’s delight.
“What I remember most is the way she was passionate about badminton at the time,” Jeff explained. “She got me into it when I was 9, and I played solidly for three years. When I was 12, I went to Nationals and won a silver medal in doubles. I ran cross country at Palisades High and got real into gymnastics. Then, at UC Santa Cruz I spent all my time playing ping pong at Stevenson College.”
Calvert addresses guests
Local yoga instructor Alison Burmeister recalled her first meeting with Calvert.
“I met Lee when I found out she was doing 15 push-ups after she almost fell at CVS,” Burmeister said. “I was giving a talk at the Woman’s Club and asked her to speak. She got down on the floor and did push-ups. She was about 90 at the time.”
“She’s been the anchor and star of our table tennis team, and if she brought all of her medals she wouldn’t be able to walk up the hill,” Cynthia Cuza joked. “Lee and I went to the Senior Games in Utah together and it was an incredible experience.”
“I once asked: ‘Lee, how do you keep in such good shape?’” Tahitian resident Susan Strauss said. “She said those three words: ‘Just keep moving.’”
After fulfilling her promise to do 15 push-ups against the wall with Burmeister, blowing out all the candles on a plate of cupcakes and reflecting on her playing days, Tahitian Terrace’s oldest resident posed for a picture with its youngest—Reyna Rose Gabor—who was born July 12. The infant’s parents, Mirela and Marc, live in the mobile home park overlooking Will Rogers State Beach. Marc has known Calvert for three years.
“Like so many of us here, I play ping pong with Lee,” said Marc, who grew up in Rustic Canyon. “I get the emails and texts, and I play with her maybe once a month. She’s an amazing lady.”
The August 25 celebration was preceded by a similar party a week before, spearheaded by Calvert’s daughter Nancy, who is three years older than Jeff and started attending Pali High when it opened in 1961.
“I’ve known her a long time and play ping pong with her, in fact she walks by my place to get up there,” another Tahitian resident, Scott Simril, said. “Some people are born to be superstars, and she’s one of them.”
Also a Palisades Americanism Parade Association member, Calvert has kept making friends—many of them lately through table tennis—and has hundreds of admirers.
“I met Lee on the street about two and a half years ago,” said her neighbor Margie Otto. “I love her vitality and her energy. She’s sharp and a great storyteller.”
“The fact that she’s 100 and she’s still going strong says it all,” 12-year Tahitian Terrace resident Philip Alderton commented.
“Traveling in the badminton world was my favorite part of my senior life,” Calvert confessed. “I was in the World Games in Denmark and Australia, playing for the U.S. in my age category. When I stopped competing in badminton and decided to take up table tennis, I enrolled in a class at Santa Monica College, which was taught by an excellent instructor who was a great player. I’d always played ping pong over the decades, but I could see that this was a completely different level of play and required my developing new skills.”
In 2018, at the age of 94, Calvert won the 90-and-over singles division, paired with 86-year-old Leurene Hildenbrand of Ohio to capture the doubles and then paired with 92-year-old Joe Jenkins, also of Ohio, to win the mixed doubles at the Huntsman Games for her last gold medal. She was the oldest player, male or female, in the competition.
Calvert revealed her secret to a long, healthy and happy existence during a talk at Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club last July: “You can’t help getting older, but the best thing, if you can, is to stay fit into your later years. It has made a difference in my life.”
Palisades Charter High School senior and avid cyclist Zachary Shapiro organized a bike-a-thon that raised more than $30,000 for El Nido Family Centers on Sunday, September 8. The 100-year-old nonprofit operates with a mission to “empower families in low-income communities of Los Angeles County to break the cycle of poverty, child abuse, violence, academic failure and teen pregnancy through outstanding educational, youth development, health and therapeutic services.” Shapiro also volunteers through the organization as a tutor.
Photos courtesy of Danielle Samulon
Those who attended the bike-a-thon participated in 10-, 20- or 30-mile rides along the bike path at Will Rogers State Beach. Fifteen riders collectively rode more than 250 miles and raised more than $32,000 through 80 sponsors. Additional Pali High student riders included Willa Browne, Alex Halpin, Owen Lewicky and Ilan Shapiro.
Those who wish to contribute can do so at givebutter.com/52MSjH/zacshapiro.
Forty members of the Corpus Christi School Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th reunion at the home of Gail and Peter Dwan on Saturday, August 31. Festivities included live music and “lots of reminiscing,” according to alum Dr. Patrick Whelan. The group then met for Sunday morning mass at Corpus Christi to remember the eight deceased members of their class, followed by a private tour of Will and Betsy Rogers’ house, led by a sister of one of the classmates who had died.
Annual Garden Party Allows Community Members to Meet and Greet Local Elected Officials
By MARYAM ZAR | Contributing Writer
Cron and Joe Halper
Pacific Palisades Democratic Club hosted its 2024 Garden Party on Sunday, September 8, at a home in the Riviera—a tradition that’s become a way to meet local elected officials and other VIPs in a casual setting.
Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvre and wine, hearing first from Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who detailed her legislative priorities as she looked ahead to serving her last term.
Irwin is spearheading initiatives to expand and democratize car charging stations, mandate informed food-labeling standards for expiration and safe consumption dates, and develop fire mitigation strategies by helping people harden their homes and prepare for emergencies.
City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto spoke of her Puerto Rican roots and offered a review of her work combating trafficking and child sex abuse citywide, walking the audience through the challenges of prosecuting these crimes.
Councilmember Traci Park spoke of the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics and her role as chair of the Olympic Committee. She told partygoers about her trip to Paris accompanying Mayor Karen Bass, noting the “magical” nature of the games.
Park said she returned to LA more eager than ever to spearhead the ’28 games, but also confessed to some manageable, not-quite “panic” that conveyed the urgency of putting plans in place and thinking through the details of a historic moment for LA.
The councilmember also touched on her other work, including the way in which she and her office are tackling homelessness and showing that results are achievable. Park spoke of collaboration between city and county offices to commit resources to solving the unhoused crisis in LA.
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin
County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath spoke at length about the 2024 elections, describing the “supercharged” energy she experienced at the Democratic National Convention.
The supervisor went on to note the many achievements of her office as a result of her leadership on homelessness solutions. She also touched on the reforms to the Board of Supervisors proposed in Measure G—a package, co-authored by Horvath, that expands the board and crafts new ethics rules. Horvath urged Palisadians to support it.
Congressmember Brad Sherman delivered a video message recorded exclusively for PPDC’s Garden Party, and special guest Bill Burton, former senior advisor and deputy press secretary to President Barack Obama, gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the 2024 political landscape.
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin Photos by Henry Simms and Chloe Krasnow-Lahita, courtesy of Rick Steil
In addition to the electeds who spoke and took questions, guests also heard from LA County Democratic Party Chair Mark Ramos, elected in 2024. The LACDP is the largest Democratic central committee in the United States, representing over 3.1 million Democrats.
Ramos addressed the election cycle, including volunteer efforts—doorknocking, postcarding, phonebanking and textbanking.
The event concluded with calls to action from the two nationally influential Get Out the Vote operations: the Grassroots Dems HQ, co-founded by two members of the PaliDems board, with its newly opened election office at 1027 Westwood Boulevard in Westwood, and the Westside Dem HQ, founded and co-run by PPDC, with its own election hub at 1241 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica.
“Mark your calendars for next year’s Garden Party,” said PPDC President Steve Cron. “After yet another successful one, we’ll try to top ourselves for 2025.”
With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, real estate consultant Michael Edlen answers questions from readers.
Do we still have to hire a broker to buy a house or can we do it ourselves?
I heard the rules changed.
Yes, a buyer can purchase a house without hiring an agent. They always could. However, considering the procedures around real estate transactions have evolved, and with no more seller offers of buyer-broker compensation, more buyers might choose to represent themselves in the future. However, here are some key points to consider:
Self-Representation: Buyers can navigate the home-buying process independently, handling tasks like searching for properties, negotiating offers and managing paperwork. They would also need to be responsible for arranging and being fully involved in the inspection process, resolution of any issues or concerns arising out of seller disclosures, and various inspections.
Resources Available: There are numerous online platforms and resources to help buyers with market research, pricing and legal documents. Buyers can also find information about the inspection process, obtaining of insurance and financing, etc.
Considerations: While saving on agent commissions can seem appealing, buyers should be aware of the complexities of real estate transactions. Professional agents provide valuable expertise and negotiation skills, and may minimize the making of any costly mistakes or omissions. Also, sellers may be quite concerned about being in escrow with a buyer who does not have their own representation.
Legal and Financial Guidance: It may be wise to consult with a real estate attorney or financial advisor to navigate specific legal and financial aspects. Unless one is experienced in residential home sales and purchasing, having someone in your corner can be invaluable.
Ultimately, whether to hire an agent depends on the buyer’s comfort level with the process, their knowledge of the market, and willingness to take some personal, legal and financial risks.
How common are bidding wars in today’s market, especially in the Palisades?
While multiple offers are fewer today than they were a couple of years ago when interest rates and prices were lower, bidding wars are still common in competitive real estate markets like the Palisades, especially for desirable properties. Factors contributing to this include:
High Demand: Limited inventory and strong demand still lead to multiple buyers vying for the same property, resulting in upward pressure on prices. This is especially the case for homes selling below $4 million today.
Desirable Location: Pacific Palisades is known for its attractive family lifestyle, coastal views, and proximity to schools and recreational amenities, which intensifies competition.
Market Conditions: Economic factors, interest rates and buyer sentiment play significant roles. More than 25% of the sales are all-cash buyers, and even though interest rates are nowhere near as low as they were a few years ago, they are once again below the long-term average. Lenders have evolved solutions to creatively help more potential buyers become approved for financing, which, in turn, keeps the pressure on buyers to compete with others.
Luxury Market Dynamics: The luxury segment often experiences bidding wars due to affluent buyers looking for move-up properties.For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting a local real estate expert can provide insights specific to current market trends and neighborhood differences in Pacific Palisades.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting a local real estate expert can provide insights specific to current market trends and neighborhood differences in Pacific Palisades.
We are thinking of selling our home in the next two years. What are the most
important things we can do in the meantime to potentially raise the value?
Here are some effective strategies to potentially raise your home’s value before selling:
Enhance Curb Appeal: Improve the exterior by maintaining landscaping, painting the front door and ensuring the property looks inviting.
Update Interior Spaces: Consider minor renovations, such as fresh paint, updated fixtures or new flooring. Kitchens and bathrooms typically yield the highest returns on investment.
Energy Efficiency Improvements: Upgrade windows, doors, insulation or appliances to make your home more energy-efficient, which can attract eco-conscious buyers.
Declutter and Depersonalize: Clear out personal items and unnecessary clutter to help potential buyers envision themselves in the space.
Regular Maintenance: Keep up with regular maintenance tasks, like servicing the HVAC system, fixing leaks and addressing any cosmetic issues.
Smart Home Technology: Adding smart home features, such as smart thermostats, security systems or lighting, can appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
Outdoor Living Spaces: Enhance outdoor areas with patios, decks or landscaping to create attractive, usable spaces.
Research Local Market Trends: Stay informed about market conditions and buyer preferences in the Palisades to make strategic improvements.
Taking these steps can help you maximize your home’s value when you’re ready to sell. Going beyond these types of actions may not have a positive return on your investment, though. It is highly advisable to consult with a local expert a few months before you plan to sell your home, so you have professional guidance on what could really make differences to do.
Are there any trends standing out in terms of what buyers are looking for in the Palisades now?
In Pacific Palisades, there are several key trends regarding what buyers are looking for:
Proximity to the Village: The village center has become an increasingly strong magnet, especially for young families wanting to live within a mile if at all possible.
Move-in Condition: Unless the price is quite attractive, buyers will pay a premium to feel that the home needs no work other than cosmetic.
Home Office Space: With remote work now more common, dedicated office spaces or flexible areas that can serve as home offices are in demand. Even a converted garage for this purpose will add to the desirability.
Open Floor Plans: Buyers prefer open layouts that create a spacious feel and enhance natural light, making homes more inviting.
Sustainability: Eco-friendly features, such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels and sustainable building materials, have become more appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.
Luxury Amenities: High-end finishes, smart home technology, and luxurious kitchen and bathroom upgrades are popular among buyers looking for a premium experience.
Modern Design: Contemporary aesthetics with clean lines and minimalistic designs are trending, aligning with buyers’ preferences for stylish living spaces.
More Affordable “Fixers”: Many buyers would rather get a discounted price and then remodel to suit their own tastes and preferences. Often they succeed in outbidding investor-developer buyers because for them it is a future home, and usually the structure has significant value that a builder would tear down.
These trends can guide sellers in making targeted improvements to attract potential buyers in the area. If you are thinking of benefitting from some of these trends in ways that could be done with your property, check with an agent who has sold many homes around the area yours is located to be sure the changes would be cost-effective.
Michael Edlen has been a leading consultant in real estate for 30-plus years and is available for a complimentary and confidential conversation upon request at 310-600-7422 or michael@edlenteam.com. Have a question you want to see answered in a future column? Send it to mypost@palipost.com for consideration.
Pacific Palisades-Based Nonprofit Level UP LA Celebrates Student-Led Initiatives
By ALLIE YANG | Intern
When it comes to giving back to schools in the area, Pacific Palisades-based nonprofit Level UP LA had no shortage of success as it wrapped up its fourth year in operation at the end of the 2023-24 academic year.
In addition to fundraisers and school clinics that members facilitated throughout the year, Level UP LA capped it off with an End-of-Year Celebration and Career Day at one of its partner schools, Coliseum Street Elementary.
Level UP LA was founded by a group of teenagers in the Palisades, including Zach Haas and his mother Claire, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the organization has been largely student-run, with teams consisting of Palisades Charter High School, Marymount High School, Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences, Brentwood School, The Archer School for Girls, Windward School and Marlborough School students.
As a result, to execute its mission of “[strengthening] under-resourced Los Angeles community schools by providing financial support that helps to Level Up the primary schools’ educational experience,” Level UP LA has adopted long-term volunteer partnerships with Coliseum Street Elementary and Maple Primary Center.
At Coliseum Street Elementary, Level UP LA’s Career Day introduced classes to members of a variety of professions, including clothing design, sports management, architecture, law and medicine. Claire believed the event expanded students’ perspectives on their future goals, giving school administration hope as well.
“It’s been a huge opportunity … because a lot of times these kids don’t have access to other career paths and this gives them some understanding of different opportunities in the world,” Claire said. “There were several teachers that were brought to tears having the exposure for these young kids to the different opportunities out there. A lot of times you’re taught what’s in your bubble, so we’ve had amazing feedback from the school on how helpful that is.”
In order to host these experiences at their partnered schools, Level UP LA works to meet yearly fundraising goals. For 2023-24, Level UP LA’s ultimate goal was $120,000. Co-President and Crossroads senior Harry Bryan said the fundraising strategies ranged from local word of mouth to large business pitches.
“Sometimes … we’ll be going, like Claire said, and doing pitches to large corporate companies asking for multiple years of sponsorship,” Bryan said. “All the members send letters to their family and friends and people they know, spreading awareness about Level UP, and we get donations from there too.”
In addition to Coliseum’s Career Day, Level UP LA also hosted an End-of-Year celebration that consisted of a schoolwide art project as well as stations for activities like basketball, baseball and dance. This effort supported students in finding their extracurricular interests, some of which were newly introduced options to the school itself.
“It’s a way for students to make friends after school and delve more into their own interests because maybe the school hasn’t touched on that,” said Darby Rastegar, a graduating senior at Pali High and 2023 Level UP LA president. “Only recently we got a dance teacher, so it’s really exciting for them to participate in something that’s really personal to what they like after school.”
As Level UP LA moves forward to its fifth year, it will continue prioritizing schools’ needs based on administrative recommendations in order to gain a comprehensive idea on how to enhance student experiences.
“I don’t want to lose sight of what the primary goal Level UP LA is, which is always to go first to the principal and the teachers and to hear from them what their most important needs are,” Claire said. “It could be adding new partner schools, they might need computers first, they may need smartboards first, they may need more reading materials. It’s hard to know until we connect directly.”
For more information or to support the efforts of Level UP LA, visit leveluplosangeles.org.
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