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‘Jimmy Dunne Says’

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Photo courtesy of Jimmy Dunne

The Palisadian-Post presents an homage to Will Rogers’ column, “Will Rogers Says,” with a column by Palisadian Jimmy Dunne—on life in the “greatest town in America.”

The Gift Inside Christmas Cards

I finally got around to going through our Christmas basket of cards tonight.

It always has to be just the right moment.

I was reminded of an old frat brother, Frank Ramsey. From Madisonville—a town smack in the ribs of Kentucky.

Frank’s dad was an absolute legend Kentucky basketball player who also won seven championship rings with the Celtics. In the heartland of Kentucky, Frank’s dad was a christened saint.

Winding down my senior year in college, he was our guest speaker at some dinner event at our fraternity house for all of us knuckleheads.

To start his toast, in an incredibly thick, relaxed, confident, real-deal Madisonville, Kentucky accent, he said, “Boys, listen good. You are who your friends are.”

I just wish I could describe the way and the pace he said that sentence.

It took longer for him to say the word “friends” than for me to slug down my third Rebel Yell and Diet Coke.

He went on to say the friends you choose in your life become, in many ways—a mirror of who you are.

Because you borrow a little bit from all of them, and because they borrow a little bit from you.

I think he was right.

It’s easy to look back at those childhood pals, or early girlfriends who meant the world, or those friends along the way that may not be close anymore—they were wonderful shooting stars.

They were there with us—for a precious moment along the way.

On the flip side, I’m sure some friends along the journey didn’t show you who you wanted to be—but showed you who you didn’t want to be.

They all mattered.

They all add up. They’re all a little bit in the soup of you.

Some just a smidgen of seasoning, but they’re all in your soup.

Shaping your beliefs. Your passions. Your dreams. Your style.

They challenge you. They hurt you. They inspire you. They root for you. They warn you. They test you. They believe in you.

Friends.

—————

It’s funny how Christmas cards keep trying to come up with some new, clever, hipper, funner way of saying “Merry Christmas.”

The truth is, I kind of wish the cards didn’t have any words on ’em at all.

Just the pictures. Just that one-liner on the card where your buddy handwrites something like, “Thinking of you.”

Doesn’t matter what they say. They’re really saying that no matter how far away they are in this world—we matter to them.

Out of all the friends along the way in their life, one of their cards—is for us.

Wrote our name out on the envelope. Licked a stamp. And stuck it in their town’s mailbox.

Just so we could have a moment, a little moment, remembering those days. Those days. Those wonderful days with them.

When we open up their card—when we look deep in their eyes on that card, I think they know …

We’ll remember.

We’ll remember when we were on the same beautiful road. That same road, taking it all in—but looking ahead.

Goodbye, my Christmas cards.

Goodbye, till we meet again.

Jimmy Dunne is a modern-day Renaissance Man; a hit songwriter (28 million hit records), screenwriter/producer of hit television series, award-winning author, an entrepreneur—and a Palisadian “Citizen of the Year.” You can reach him at j@jimmydunne.com or jimmydunne.substack.com.

Your Two Cents’ Worth

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Draycott I

What’s going into the old Draycott space? Hope it’s a quick turnaround.

Editor’s note: See Page 3 for full story.

Draycott II

Aw man, I was sad to see The Draycott closed. I loved the vibe of the restaurant, it has been one of my favorite spots since Palisades Village opened.

Year in Review

It was fun to read the year in review paper. I forgot some of the things that happened or were covered in 2024, so appreciate the wrap up.

Casa Nostra

Sad to read about Casa Nostra’s Highlands closing.

Temescal

Does anyone know the cause of the constant water for the last month at least on Temescal? I’m thinking it has something to do with the water filtration system located underneath the playground that’s leaking? Could start a landslide?
Editor’s note: We are looking into this for a future story as well.

Newsletter Format

Happy New Year, please change the format back and get rid of the light blue background.
Editor’s note: We are looking into this. For those who want to sign up for our newsletters, visit palipost.com.

Crime Report

By
the Palisadian-Post
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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.

Palisades Neighborhood News

By
the Palisadian-Post
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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.        

—LILY TINOCO

Monumental Achievements

By
Steve Galluzzo
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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 fifth  collaboration 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 culture  icons, 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, Trump  said 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 space
Steven 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.”

Taking Trips

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Photo courtesy of Addison Hartsell

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 at  frostfamily@frostinvestigations.com (Boys Troop) or Larry Kirven at troop223girls@gmail.com (Girls Troop).

The Doctor Is In

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

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.

Reel Pali: ‘Maybe We Should’ to Feature Former Honorary Mayor Kevin Nealon

By
Lily Tinoco
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By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

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.

My Favorite Restaurants

By
the Palisadian-Post
-
Deli counter at Fromin's
Photo by Merv Hecht

By MERV HECHT | Restaurant Critic

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.

The Importance of Landscaping on Residential Real Estate

By
the Palisadian-Post
-
Michael Edlen

By MICHAEL EDLEN| Special to the Palisadian-Post

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.

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