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Your Two Cents’ Worth

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Lost

I lost my Chakra Necklace from Ireland in town a couple of weeks ago. Not expensive but irreplaceable. Anyone with information can reach out to 310-454-1321.

Congrats

Congratulations to Elyse Walker for celebrating her 25th anniversary. Love that she has made her mark on the fashion industry, and it all began here in the Palisades.

Postcards

It’s so fun seeing Postcards in the Post. Seems like our neighbors took some pretty amazing trips this summer.

Happy Birthday

The happiest of birthdays to Lee Calvert.

Level UP

Thank you for running an article on Level UP LA. It’s always interesting to see what the group is up to. I am glad to see they are continuing their endeavors in 2024/2025.

Webs

Thank you to the person who wrote into 2 Cents regarding fake spider web decorations. I concur. Please consider being mindful of our smaller residents, like birds.

Concerts

Wow I didn’t realize how many concerts we have here in the Palisades. I only wish I had more time so that I attend them all, but my mid-year resolution is to make it to more.

Got something to say? Call 310-454-1321 or email 2cents@palipost.com and get those kudos or concerns off your chest. Names will not be used.

Palisades Neighborhood News

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Inaugural Flea Market | Pali High

Palisades Charter High School will host its inaugural community Flea Market on Sunday, October 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Our goal is to establish this as an annual tradition, providing an opportunity for members of the community to sell both new and cherished items,” said Johanna Minassian, an event organizer. “Notably, many of our vendors are students who are raising funds for their sports teams, charitable causes or for the benefit of Pali High.”

Food vendors slated to be at the event include Oma’s Puffers, Q Bao Dumplings and Sunset Smash. Matty Gottesman will perform live music.

At press time, more than 50 vendors had signed up. Booths are open to the Palisades community, according to a flyer. A 10×10 space is $50 for Pali High students/families, or $100 for non-Pali families. The vendor fees will go toward Pali High’s Booster Club.

The market will take place at Pali High’s campus, 15777 Bowdoin Street. For additional information, visit palihigh.onlinepartybook.com or email party4pali@gmail.com.

—SARAH SHMERLING

‘Shop for a Cause’ | The Village

Level UP Los Angeles and BOCA have partnered for an annual Shop for a Cause event on Thursday, October 17, from 5 to 8 p.m.

During the evening, 20% of proceeds will benefit Level UP LA, a Pacific Palisades-based nonprofit which operates with a mission to “strengthen under-resourced Los Angeles community schools by providing financial support that helps to Level UP the primary schools’ educational experience.”

The event is set to feature jewelry by Robin Terman: Initial necklaces can be preordered for $68 or pave diamond letters for $100.

BOCA is located at 970 Monument Street.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Kickin’ Cancer 5K, 10K and Women’s Wellness Expo | Brentwood

Lynne Cohen Foundation will host its 23rd annual Kickin’ Cancer 5K, 10K and Women’s Wellness Expo on Sunday, October 20, in Brentwood.

The event invites Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities to run, walk or stroll through Brentwood in support of the fight against women’s cancers, raising funds and awareness for ovarian, breast and other gynecologic cancers.

The Kickin’ Cancer 5K/10K is Lynne Cohen Foundation’s signature fundraising event, also featuring a women’s wellness exposition, giveaways, fitness activities, entertainment and prizes. This year, a Kickin’ Cancer Tribute Wall will honor and remember “all those touched by cancer,” and individual and team fundraising awards will be given out to the top finishers.

The event, including onsite registration and the Annual Kickin’ Cancer Women’s Wellness Expo, will start at 7:30 a.m. at 11620 San Vicente Boulevard. The race will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 12 p.m.

To register, fundraise or donate, visit lynnecohenfoundation.org/kickin-cancer.      

—LILY TINOCO

Book Drive | The Village

Girl Scout Troop 70455 will open a Free Little Library in partnership with Palisades-Malibu YMCA to earn their Bronze Award, which will be celebrated with a grand opening and book drive on Friday, October 18.

Books will be collected outside of Palisades-Malibu YMCA, located at 821 Via De La Paz, from 4 to 5 p.m. They will be donated to the library at Marquez Charter Elementary School.

The troop consists of sixth-graders from area schools, including Calvary Christian, Corpus Christi, Paul Revere Charter Middle School, Seven Arrows and Village School.

—SARAH SHMERLING

PPAA Event | Palisades Branch Library

Pacific Palisades Art Association will host a talk by Jeff Nishinaka on Wednesday, October 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Palisades Branch Library.

“Jeff Nishinaka is a paper sculptor from Los Angeles whose handcrafted work is commissioned around the globe by private and public companies and celebrities,” according to a bio. “From ethereal lines in a mythical creature to geometric shapes in a cityscape, Nishinaka draws from fantasy and reality to create monochromatic objects in relief.”

For more information, visit pacificpalisadesartassociation.com.

—SARAH SHMERLING

GUEST EDITORIAL

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Special Meeting Recap

The following was written and distributed by Pacific Palisades Community Council following the special meeting it hosted on the evening of October 1 with Councilmember Traci Park speaking on the Tramonto slide and related residential development project. It has been printed here with permission.

PPCC was pleased to welcome Councilwoman Traci Park, who had requested this special meeting to update the community on the slide and development project, and to hear the concerns and comments of community members. She was accompanied by CD 11 Senior Planning Deputy Jeff Khau; District Director Juan Fregoso; and Palisades Field Deputy Michael Amster.

The meeting was well attended, with many interested community members present, including Castellammare area residents who conveyed concerns about potential negative impacts of the development, the unstable geologic conditions, ongoing slide activity, impediments to ingress and egress, as well as their position that a full and independent EIR is needed for the project.

The councilwoman explained the ongoing process: The residents’ current appeals of the city’s issuance of a Mitigated Negative Declaration, rather than a full EIR for the project, will be heard in the City Council Planning & Land Use Management Committee (date TBA).

She noted three possible outcomes: 1. denial of the project; 2. granting the appeals (although not denying the project) and requiring a full EIR to replace the MND; 3. denying the appeals and approving the MND.

In the latter two cases, if approved at the city stage, the project would still be required to go before the California Coastal Commission for final approval. Park noted that residents in that case would have an opportunity to present their concerns and arguments to the CCC, who are experts in coastal matters.

The councilwoman also stressed that Caltrans has made clear that the upper portion of the Tramonto slide must first be stabilized before Caltrans (which has jurisdiction over PCH and the bottom, or “toe,” of the slide) can work on remediating the lower portion (so-called “top-down stabilization”). But, as she explained, the upper portion consists of privately owned properties, which the city itself cannot enter to remediate (nor will the city bring an eminent domain proceeding to acquire these properties).

In the case of the proposed residential project (single-family homes on Tramonto and Revello Drives, above the slide), the City Planning Department has imposed conditions of approval, and required certain public benefits and infrastructure improvements, some of which are intended to stabilize that portion of land above the slide.

However, as explained by another meeting attendee (Joon Kang, assistant district director, Caltrans District 7), Caltrans believes that stabilizing only one property is insufficient, that the entire top portion (which includes several privately owned properties) must be stabilized, and that an updated study is needed to determine what can be done to achieve the required remediation under the circumstances. It was indicated that this will be brought to the attention of the PLUM Committee.

He also stressed that Caltrans is very concerned about the possibility of additional slide activity onto PCH, which may result in closure of the entire highway at that point. Attendees discussed the fact that this would have major regional impacts due to the number of vehicles that travel on PCH not only from the Palisades but from other, farther away destinations.

Park acknowledged that “doing nothing” is probably not a good option in this case, and that all of these relevant factors and concerns must be taken into account. She advised that she would relate the concerns expressed at the meeting to the PLUM Committee (she is not a member).

We thank the councilwoman for initiating this important informational meeting, listening to the community and providing these updates.

Green Tip: Pali Veg Fest and Pali High Flea Market

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Photo courtesy of Sara Marti

The Palisadian-Post has partnered with locally founded environmental organization Resilient Palisades to deliver a “green tip” to our readers in each newspaper. This edition’s tip was written by Sara Marti, social media lead for Resilient Palisades.

Hey, neighbors: Resilient Palisades is thrilled to announce two events happening soon in our community.

First up, mark your calendars for Pali Veg Fest on Sunday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Palisades Village Green. This is an opportunity for plant-based enthusiasts to gather and celebrate all things vegan.

California Native Plant Society will be joining us for a native plant sale, with experts on hand to answer your questions. Fall is an ideal time to plant native species.

But that’s not all: On Sunday, October 20, Palisades Charter High School will host its very first flea market, which is open to the community. Swing by the lower campus parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a fun day with the community.

Resilient Palisades will have a booth set up with the goal of raising funds for a variety of projects aimed at making our community greener and brighter.

One of our highlights at this event is the Pali High Environmental Advocacy Awards scholarship program, designed to support Pali High students who want to pursue environmental studies.

In addition to the Vegan Solutions team and their Pali Veg Fest, our Zero Waste team is working hard to promote sustainable practices with their Choose to Reuse initiatives. You may have seen them periodically handing out free reusable produce bags at Pacific Palisades Farmers Market, or perhaps you’ve attended an event that opted for our metal cutlery and cups.

Our Water Sages are expanding local water harvesting efforts and remain committed to planting more native plant species.

Our Clean Air team continues its mission to eliminate gas leaf blowers, while our Solar team is busy securing the lowest rates on solar panels through our group purchasing program.

Plus, we’re encouraging our neighbors to embrace composting. It’s all about creating a healthier environment for everyone.

So, don’t forget to join us at both events. Visit our booth at the flea market to find cool stuff, learn more about our initiatives and help support our work. Can’t wait to see you there.

Our Town

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Palisades Charter High School students—in conjunction with the global Fridays for Future movement—participated in a Climate Strike on the afternoon of September 28 along Swarthmore between Sunset and Antioch. The afternoon, described as a “fun event raising awareness about climate change,” included face paint, birdhouse decorating, voter registration, food and more.

“Archer students also came to the protest, and Pali students marched after school with the band,” according to an event organizer.

Pali High’s EAST class partnered with Resilient Palisades to bring the event to fruition.

Photos courtesy of Pali High EAST Class

The National Charity League Westside Chapter hosted a kick-off meeting at United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades in September—which was described as a “wonderful gathering of young women and their mothers, excited to support our philanthropy partners.”

The Patronessess and Ticktockers participated in a “meaningful philanthropy project” during the meeting, which included writing handwritten notes and assembling snack bags for NCL Westside Chapter’s partner, Ronald McDonald House.

“The core of the NCL program is for mothers and daughters (grades seven to 12) to participate together in activities that foster philanthropy, leadership and culture,” according to a statement about the event. “Through this program, members give back to their communities while creating unforgettable bonds with their mothers.”

Those who attended also saw a presentation by guest speaker Jules Hirst, who is an etiquette coach and co-author of “Power of Civility.”

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Hranek

The Summit at Palisades Highlands hosted an end of summer event in September, which featured an In-N-Out truck and raised funds for Los Angeles Fire Department.

The two-hour celebration was attended by nearly 400 members of the community, who gathered for “family fun, delicious food and support for a great cause.”

“A standout feature was the LAFD fire truck, providing families with fantastic photo opportunities and giving kids a hands-on experience with the vehicle,” an event organizer said. “Amplified Entertainment’s DJ kept the energy high with great music and fun games for the kids, ensuring everyone had a blast. Guests enjoyed mouth-watering In-N-Out burgers, paired with refreshing drinks, cotton candy and popcorn.”

The event was organized by Rebecca Wade, Kim Lang and the Recreation Committee.

“A special thanks to Carla Davidson for the beautiful flower arrangements, Jackie for her help with setup, and JodieLynne and Ana for keeping the welcome sign-in table moving smoothly,” organizers said. “Lastly, a big shout out to the rest of the committee for their hard work in cleaning up afterward.”

Photos courtesy of Rebecca Wade

 

Garden Tips: Pumpkin Updates and Tomato Crops

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

By BRUCE SCHWARTZ | Contributing Writer

As I mentioned in my last column on September 12, the results of the largest pumpkin grown in the USA would be coming in. As I write this column on October 4, the pumpkin weigh-offs around the country are not ready, as in the next couple of weeks, the results will be in.

I do have some results from Ogle County, Illinois: Theresa Miller set a new state record by growing a nearly 1,900-pound pumpkin. Her pumpkin is named “Miss Impressive”—impressive indeed.

Growers from all over the country will be bringing their pumpkins to Half Moon Bay (San Mateo County) on October 14 to see if last year’s 2,749-pound pumpkin grown by Travis Gienger of Minnesota can be beat. Stay tuned.

On another note, I want to touch on the processing tomato crop grown here in California. Whether it is pizza, pasta, ketchup, crushed, sauced, stewed, chopped, pureed or made into paste, the processing tomato is a part of our culinary life.

According to the USDA, 226,000 acres were planted this year in California, down 11% from last year. Yields were down this year due to extremely hot temperatures during the middle of the growing season.

The harvest season begins in the southern counties (Imperial, Kern) in late July and finishes up in the Sacramento Valley in October. The state average for yields are approximately 50 tons per acre. Multiply that by 226,000 and you will get 11.3 million. That is a lot of tomatoes.

I like to write about agriculture because, as many of you readers know, I was an agricultural consultant for 20 years, specializing in plant nutrition. I have consulted on 1,000s of acres of processing tomatoes in my career.

I like to inform my readers about these things that we take for granted. Hooray for agriculture!

Bruce Schwartz is a 24-year resident of the Palisades Highlands. He was an agricultural consultant for 20 years, specializing in soil nutrition for crops grown in the Central Valley. He was named Pacific Palisades’ Citizen of the Year in 2017 and a Golden Sparkplug award winner in 2013, and is a member of several community organizations. To reach Schwartz, call 310-779-1773 or email bruceschwartz@rodeore.com.

Thinking of Selling Soon?

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Michael Edlen

By MICHAEL EDLEN | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Someone asked: “Is it a bad time to sell your house before the holidays and during an election year?”

When considering selling a home, timing can be one of the most critical factors affecting your success. Both of these periods come with unique challenges and opportunities, and this year will surely be interesting.

The Holiday Housing Market: Opportunities and Risks

The real estate market tends to follow seasonal patterns, with spring being the most active time for home sales. However, selling your home before the holiday season can offer unique advantages that may outweigh the conventional wisdom of waiting for warmer months. There are some benefits and potential drawbacks of selling during the holiday period.

Advantages of Selling Before the Holidays

  1. Lower Competition from Other Sellers
    The most significant benefit of listing your home before the holidays is less competition. Many homeowners prefer to wait until after the new year to list their property, which means that fewer homes are available on the market during November and December. This can work in your favor, as your property is more likely to stand out to potential buyers in a less crowded marketplace.
  2. Motivated Buyers
    The holiday season may attract fewer buyers, but those who are searching for a home during this time tend to be highly motivated. Many potential buyers have pressing reasons for wanting to move, such as relocating for a new job or securing a property before either prices or interest rates may increase again. This urgency can work in your favor, as motivated buyers are more likely to make quick decisions and competitive offers.

Disadvantages of Selling Before the Holidays

  1. Fewer Buyers in the Market
    While the buyers who are actively searching during the holidays may be motivated, there will likely be fewer of them overall. The holiday season tends to distract many potential buyers, who may prefer to wait until after the new year to restart their search. This reduced buyer pool can limit your options and may make it more challenging to generate competitive offers for your property.
  2. Seasonal Home Staging Challenges
    Another downside of selling during the holiday season is the challenge of staging your home. While holiday decorations can add warmth and charm, they can also clutter your space or detract from your home’s features. Over-decorating can make it harder for potential buyers to envision themselves in the property.
  3. Holiday Disruptions
    Lastly, selling your home during the holidays may interfere with your own plans. Between showings, open houses and negotiations, the sales process can be time consuming and stressful. If you value uninterrupted time with family or prefer to focus on holiday festivities, the timing might not be ideal for you.

Selling During an Election Year: Navigating Uncertainty

Election years bring an added layer of complexity to the real estate market. Historically, election years have caused uncertainty in various sectors, and real estate is no exception. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that selling your home in an election year is a bad idea. Let’s explore the pros and cons of selling during a politically charged time.

Advantages of Selling in an Election Year

  1. Motivated Buyers Amid Uncertainty
    One of the primary benefits of selling during an election year is that buyers may feel pressure to close a transaction before political changes take place. The uncertainty surrounding elections—particularly regarding economic policy and interest rates—can drive buyers to make decisions faster to avoid potential financial shifts after the election.
  2. A Historically Resilient Market
    Despite concerns about election-year volatility, historical data show that the housing market remains relatively stable. While there may be a slowdown in the weeks before the election, the overall impact on home prices and sales volume is usually minimal.
  3. Post-Election Market Stability
    Following the election, market uncertainty tends to dissipate, especially if interest rates and policies remain stable. This can result in a renewed sense of confidence among buyers, which can be advantageous if you’re selling in the weeks immediately following the election.

Disadvantages of Selling in an Election Year

  1. Increased Uncertainty and Hesitation from Buyers
    One of the primary disadvantages of selling during an election period is the increased uncertainty among buyers. Many people prefer to wait until after the election to make major financial decisions, as they want to see how the results will impact the economy, interest rates and housing policies.
  2. Market Slowdowns in November
    Historically, the housing market tends to experience a slowdown in the weeks leading up to the election, particularly in November. Buyers may be more cautious during this time, leading to longer listing periods and fewer offers. If your goal is to sell quickly, this seasonal slowdown could be a disadvantage.
  3. Post-Election Economic Shifts
    While the housing market generally remains stable during election years, there is always a possibility of significant policy changes that could affect home values, taxes and mortgage rates. If you sell during an election year, you may be taking a gamble on how the political outcome will affect the market in the long term.

Making the Decision: Should You Sell Before the Holidays or During the Election Period?

Deciding whether to sell your home before the holidays or during an election year ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and risk tolerance. If you value the opportunity to stand out in a less competitive market and attract motivated buyers, listing your home before the holidays can be a smart move. However, you should be prepared for fewer buyers overall and the potential disruptions to your holiday plans.

On the other hand, selling during an election year requires you to navigate uncertainty but offers the potential for motivated buyers looking to close deals quickly. While the market may slow down temporarily, historical data suggests that election years don’t have a lasting negative impact on home prices.

In either case, working with a local real estate expert who is familiar with your unique situation can help you assess the current market conditions and determine the best timing for your sale.

Michael Edlen has handled hundreds of real estate transactions during eight election periods and 36 winter seasons. Contact him if you would like to explore the pros and cons of either buying or selling in the coming season: 310-600-7422 or michael@edlenteam.com.

Slower Sales, Softer Prices, Growing Inventory & More Homes Leased

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

By MICHAEL EDLEN | Special to the Palisadian-Post

As of September 30, 84 single-family Palisades residences were listed in the Multiple Listing Service. The current level of inventory is 10% higher than last year’s September 30 available inventory.

A total of 167 homes were sold in the Palisades in the first three quarters of 2024, which is a 6% decrease from 2023’s three quarters. Median sale prices ($3.75 million) were down 16% from 2023’s third quarter. The median list price is currently $5,537,500—9% lower than this time last year. There are currently 13 escrows open in the Palisades, which is 23% lower than the end of the third quarter last year.

The lowest-priced residence available is a three-bedroom, two-bath home on Sunset, which is being offered at $1,849,000. The highest-priced available property is a seven-bedroom, 11-bathroom on Casale, which is listed at $49.95 million.

The most affordable area so far in 2024 is the Highlands, with a median price of $3.25 million. The highest priced areas are the Riviera and Rustic Canyon, with average prices above $8 million.

The lowest sale price for the third quarter of 2024 was on Chalet Terrace ($1,395,000). The highest sale ($32.3 million) so far this year was on Chautauqua.

There are 15 condominiums/townhouses on the market, which is 6% fewer than what was available at the end of the third quarter in 2023. They range from a two-bedroom, two-bath on Sunset being offered at $820,000 to a three-bedroom, three-bath on Palisades Circle for $1,388,000.

Forty-seven condominiums were sold in the Palisades since the start of the year (a 2% decrease from last year), ranging from a one-bedroom, one-bath on Sunset, which sold for $500,000, to a two-bedroom, three-bath on Sunset, which sold for $2.5 million. The median sales price for condos at the end of 2024’s third quarter was $1,355,000, which is down 10% over 2023 third-quarter median sales prices.

There are currently 10 pieces of raw land available, ranging from $525,000 for a 985-square-foot lot off of PCH to $8.25 million for nearly one and a half acres on Marquette. One lot has sold so far this year—approximately 2.3 acres off Via Santa Ynez for $550,000.

There are currently 82 available leases in the Palisades (an 18% decrease over the third quarter of 2023), starting at $2,600 per month for a one-bedroom guesthouse on Glenhaven and asking as high as $80,000 per month for a six-bedroom, eight-and-a-half-bath house on Minorca.

There were 232 Palisades leases done in the first three quarters of 2023 (a 12% increase from this time last year), ranging from a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit on Sunset, which leased for $2,300 per month, to a six-bedroom, 10-bath on Anoka Drive, which leased for $76,000 per month. The current median lease price is approximately $12,000 per month.

Michael Edlen, an agent with Coldwell Banker, has been keeping statistics of Pacific Palisades housing prices for the last 38 years.

Melody Hyde Morgan

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

Melody Hyde Morgan, beloved matriarch, died of natural causes on July 7 in Coronado, California. She was 94.

Melody was raised in Coronado, which her great-grandfather Heber Ingle co-founded. She rode horses on the beach, played tennis and was an accomplished pianist. Named “Miss Beachcomber” in 1947, she graduated from Coronado High in 1948 and studied French at USC.

While home on break she met and fell in love with naval aviator William T. “Bill” Morgan. They were married for 67 years until his passing in 2019.

Melody and Bill raised their family in Southern California, living primarily in Mandeville Canyon in Brentwood, bookending a residence in Kansas City while Bill served as CEO of financial services firm Waddell & Reed.

The Morgans have deep ties to the Palisades: Their daughter taught at St. Matthew’s; and their eldest son Bill, a filmmaker, attended Pali High and has lived and worked with his wife Elizabeth in the Palisades for over 30 years.

Melody and Bill were devoted parishioners of Christ Church of Coronado; their ashes will be interred there together in the memorial garden.

She was a long-time volunteer at National Charity League, Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas City and other organizations.

Melody is survived by her children Bill Jr. (Elizabeth), Mark (Valerie), Paul (Susie), and Melody Ann aka “Cee-Cee” (Dan); eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church of Coronado, Elizabeth Hospice, Coronado Historical Society or a charity of your choice.

Awesome Angler

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Oliver Chang with his prize catch, a 737.5-pound marlin.
Courtesy of LeAnne Thrasher

Palisadian Oliver Chang Reels in Monster Marlin in Honokohau Bay

When 11-year-old Oliver Chang was asked what he did on his summer vacation the answer he gave to his sixth-grade class at Brentwood School was not just another fish story.

Already known around the Palisades as an ace angler, he shared that he had reeled in a 737.5-pound blue marlin in Honokohau Bay in Maui on August 15. It had taken three experienced deck hands to help him wrestle this once-in-a-lifetime catch onto the boat. Amazingly, the monster marlin was not even his first trophy catch.

Chang’s passion for fishing began following a health emergency. In January 2019, after having been  treated for Kawasaki Disease at Los Angeles Children’s hospital, his grandmother, author Paula Blackman, helped care for him and during his convalescence she read him books about fishing, they played fishing games and she promised to take him on a fishing charter after he recovered. Five months later, they boarded the New Del Mar fishing charter in Marina Del Rey. On a boat full of experienced fishermen, Chang caught the most fish and won the charter’s prize—a free fishing trip. On the subsequent complimentary trip he once again caught the prize-winning trophy, a rare trigger fish, which earned earned him yet another free charter. By this time, the boy was hooked.

Upon returning to school Chang described his “special moment.” Beneath a drawing of a fishing boat, he wrote: “My special moment was fishing. I was fishing with my grandma. We were on a boat in 2019. Fishing is a busy thing. I will always remember this day.”

The sport has since become an integral part of he and his family’s life as both Oliver and his younger brother Cade have become fishing celebrities in Blackman’s hometown of Bonita Springs, Florida, where photos of the boys and their catches adorn the walls of the local bait shop, Master Bait and Tackle.

This summer’s “special moment” was even memorable and it was not the size of the fish, the set of the hook or the three mighty men it took to haul the marlin onto the deck. No, the most memorable moment came afterwards when the boat had docked at the marina. The captain asked Oliver what he wanted to do with his catch. A deck hand suggested donating the fish to a local boy Oliver’s age who was being treated for brain cancer.

“Well, that’s a no brainer,” Oliver replied. “Let’s give the fish to the boy’s family.”

Following his own health scare, Oliver became a seeker of special moments and he already has another one planned. Next summer, when the Chang family returns to Hawaii, he is hoping the boy given the marlin will be recovered enough to join him on his annual Hawaiian fishing excursion.

    Two weekends ago Oliver and his family spent several days fishing on the New Del Mar in the marina to celebrate Cade’s birthday.    

    “Our boys are very into fishing,” mom LeAnne Thrasher-Chang said. “Wherever we go, they hope they can fish! From lakes, to Oceans, even golf course ponds, they ask if they can fish. Oliver discovered fishing at a young age from my mother and grandfather. I’d say around 4 or 5 years old. Cade was in diapers when he first held a pole. Our vacations typically revolve around whether the boys can fish or not. We try to fish in Los Angeles on the New Del Mar, we’ve fished off of the docks, the piers, in the ocean— you name it.”

    The boys’ favorite fishing spots are in Naples, Florida, where their mom’s family lives, and Kona on the big island of Hawaii, where their father Blair’s family lives. All of their school breaks have been spent in Hawaii and Florida visiting family and fishing.    

     “During COVID we spent over a month straight in Florida, living on the beach, where they fished so I still have dreams of scales covering my hands,” LeAnne joked. “The boys have tremendous enthusiasm and passion for it.”

   However, Oliver does not spend all of his free time on the water. He is also the star quarterback on the school football squad, plays for a travel baseball team, Top Level, and regularly attends  pitching, batting and golf lessons. He is at his best and happiest though, with rod in hand.

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