Pali High senior Dori Jamehdor hits a backhand return winner in last Friday’s intersectional match at Brentwood. Photo: Steve Galluzzo
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Aware that the playoffs are fast approaching, the Palisades High girls tennis team prepared for that challenge by traveling to Newport Coast on Sept. 27 and 28 to participate in the annual Lightning Classic. Not only did the Dolphins take first place, they broke the tournament record for points, racking up a total of 236 in singles and doubles to beat host Sage Hill (183), Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas (146) and Redlands (128). In singles, freshman Emery June Martin went 3-0 but was unable to play in the final, settling for second place, while Ella Engel took third and fellow junior Anais Israels tied for fifth. Juniors Nicole Nguyen and Anne Kelly took first place in doubles.
The Dolphins continue to roll through the Western League undefeated and last Friday they traveled east on Sunset Blvd. for an intersectional match against Brentwood and suffered their first loss since a 12-6 defeat at Mira Costa on Sept. 10.
Engel, Israels, sophomore Maya Goldenson and freshman Misha Heindel played singles while Kelly, fellow seniors Sashi Goncheva, Reese Trepanier and Dori Jamehdor, junior Alexandra Dahlberg, sophomore Penelope Michal and freshmen Charlie Roberts and Remy Trepanier all played doubles.
Palisades wraps up the regular season with four league matches against Hamilton, University, Fairfax and Westchester before competing in the four-team City Open Division playoffs, which start Oct. 28. The Dolphins want to regain the title they lost last fall to Granada Hills.
Palisadian Jaxon Bell is a rising star in auto racing.
The 2024 Toyota GR Cup Championship came to an end last weekend with rounds 13 and 14 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Jaxon Bell finished 18th in the first race and third in the second race after qualifying eighth and sixth, respectively. The finale attracted the largest field in GR Cup history—a total of 35 cars.
“I’m very excited to have a strong finish at Indianapolis to cap off a successful year on the racetrack,” said Bell, a 2021 graduate of Palisades High and the oldest son of 10-time Indy 500 particpant Townsend Bell.“I really enjoyed working with our amazing partners over the course of this season and I’m pleased to have delivered some solid results. I look forward to advancing my development and giving myself every opportunity to come back next season and win a championship.”
Jaxon placed fourth overall in the GR Cup standings with seven podium spots, including a win in Austin and a pole position in Virginia.
Jack Thomas throws on the run in the Dolphins’ 22-14 victtory Friday night at Fairfax. Photos by Steve Galluzzo
Pali High QB Throws for TD, Runs for Another in League Opener
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Despite having an extra week to prepare for last Friday night’s Western League opener at Fairfax, the Palisades High varsity football team was not as sharp as it hoped to be, but following a sluggish start the Dolphins took control with two touchdowns in the second quarter on the way to a 22-14 victory that was certainly decisive, but not dominant. Head coach Dylen Smith described the win as “ugly” and challenged his players to be consistent in practice.
“Be happy with the win, but not the score,’ Smith said. “If the goal is to just win league we’re in trouble.”
Facing a squad it beat by 23 points last season, Palisades was given an early wakeup call when the Lions picked up 38 yards on a pass play on their first play from scrimmage.
On the very next snap, though, Nico Townsley intercepted a pass near the sideline and returned it 10 yards to the Fairfax 44. The Dolphins drove to the Lions’ 10 but turned the ball over on downs. A punt fest ensued.
Palisades began its fourth drive at its own 40 and needed two plays to reach the Lions’ 43 and set up the game’s first score, a 43-yard strike from quarterback Jack Thomas to receiver LeHenry Solomon, who caught the ball in stride in the end zone. Jack Malloy’s extra point kick made it 7-0 on the first play of the second quarter.
After forcing a quick three-and-out, Palisades got the ball back at midfield and needed nine plays to double its lead. Tailback Harrison Carter took a hand-off and dragged three defenders across the goal line from four yards out. Malloy’s kick made it 14-0 at the 6:21 mark of the second quarter. Fairfax responded with its best possession of the half, converting two fourth downs while marching from its 20 to the Palisades 10. On third down, linebacker Jake Treibatch picked off a pass at the goal line and returned it 20 yards to fire up the Dolphins’ sideline and their fans. Palisades gained one first down before punting, then the Lions needed five plays to reach the Dolphins’ 30 before time ran out.
Palisades got the ball first after intermission however two penalties backed the Dolphins up and they were forced to punt. Fairfax drove to Palisades’ 18 before four straight incompletions turned the ball back over to the visitors. Thomas was unable to complete his next three throws and Malloy punted for the fifth time. Aided by a 32-yard gain on a fake punt, the Lions marched from their 38 to the Palisades 5 and from there tailback Isaac Andrews ran off tackle to get the home team on the scoreboard with 22 ticks left in the third quarter. The two-point try failed but the Dolphins’ lead had suddenly been trimmed to 14-6.
Thomas scooted 27 yards to pick up a crucial first down, then threw back-to-back passes to sure-handed tight end Augie Evans to give the Dolphins a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line. Thomas’ sneakcapped the 75-yard game-winning drive and when the point-after snap was mishandled, Malloy improvised and alertly tossed the ball high into the end zone, where Evans outmuscled two defenders for the jump ball to successfully complete the two-point play and put Palisades back up by two scores, 22-6, with 8:01 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Fairfax went 80 yards in 14 plays and scored on quarterback Donovan Shirley’s one-yard sneak and subsequent two-point toss to Andrews with 1:28 left, but it was too littletoo late as a pair of kneel downs by Thomas ran out the clock.
Palisades (5-1) hosts Westchester (6-0) at Stadium by the Sea on Friday (JV at 4, varsity at 7:30). The Comets blanked Uni 48-0 last week.
Tight end Augie Evans dives for extra yardage after making a catch in the second half.
Kaia Kanan (right) talks to setter Christie Turner. Photo: Steve Galluzzo
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Should the Palisades High girls volleyball team capture its 31st City championship this fall it will do so in part because of the wisdom and guidance of a player who helped the Dolphins win their last two section titles—four-year varsity lettermen Kaia Kanan—who is assisting head coach Carlos Gray as a proud alumwho wants to give something back to the program that enabled her to play at the Division I college level.
Gray is over the moon having her on the bench just as he was having her quarterback the offense as the starting setter for three seasons.
“It’s meant the world to me,” he said. “Kaia’s an incredible person, coach and player. She understands the system because she played in it and she’s one of the best players I’ve ever coached, hands down.”
After leading the Dolphins to theOpen Division crown and earning City Player of the Year honors in 2020, Kanan spent two seasons at Cal State Northridge, appearing in
15 matches as a freshman in 2022 and 19 matches as a sophomore last fall when she contributed 265 assists (4.08 per set), 17 aces and 61 digs for the Matadors in the highly competitive Big West Conference.
“I had an injury during the second month of the season last year and had trouble with my spine—three bulging discs. So I was going to the chiropractor and getting acupuncture just to keep me playing.”
Sure, she misses being in uniform, but she is a natural when it comes to coaching. She began coaching while playing club for Actyve (based in Santa Monica) and likes going back to her roots where she can put her 11 years of knowledge to good use while finishing up her degree.
Kanan commutes to CSUN from the Palisades (she lives with her parents Christine and James) and she also works as a greeter at Duke’s in Malibu where her older brother Kobe is a manager and bartender.
“My schedule’ s kind of hectic,” she admitted. “I have clases from 8 a.m. to 12:45, but coming here to Pali after is very rewarding for me. The hardest thing is having to sit and watch. When I was playing I had so much control. It’s so much more stressful now that I can’t be in their head but I can motivate them and pass on what I learned. The sport is draining physically and mentally in Division I. In high school you play teams you know you’ll beat. In college there are no gimmes. I started out third string. You’re constantly fighting for a spot. Often it came down to who practiced better. You can never get too comfortable.”
Kanan wants to work in pro sports one day, ideally the NFL. She was the only freshman on varsity when Palisades won City in 2018 and nowshe wants the present Dolphins toexperience the same thing.
“We’ve got a lot of talent and it’s fun working with these girls,” the 20-year-old said. “I coached some of them when they were 12 or 13. I’m still undecided whether I’ll help with the boys team in the spring.”
Those looking for a chance to win frightfully good prizes are invited to enter the Palisadian-Post’s 11th annual Creep Your Crypt Halloween home decorating contest.
Prizes from local businesses will be awarded in three categories: Creepiest Crypt, Best Theme and DIY/Originality.
Entries to the contest are open October 1 to 31, with voting by the community beginning October 24 through November 1. Winners will be revealed in the November 14 print edition of the Post.
The contest is open to all residences across Pacific Palisades—from Castellammare to the Riviera, the Highlands and beyond. People are invited to enter their own home into the contest or to nominate a neighbor.
Deborah and Randy Nonberg won the prize for Creepiest Crypt in 2023, with Kimber and Chuck Peil taking home Best Theme and John Trousdale winning the prize for DIY/Originality.
Installing the donation drive sign Photo courtesy of Cathy Salser
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Restoration and revitalization efforts of a Temescal Canyon mural are underway, spearheaded by one of the original artists, Kat Kozik, alongside Palisadians Cathy Salser and Cindy Simon.
Over 40 years ago, a group of Palisades Charter High School students embarked on the creation of the nearly 500-foot public mural, with inspiration drawn from public art and the history of Pacific Palisades. The mural was painted between 1983 and 1990, entirely funded by local donations.
“Painted by students, [the mural] is a love letter about the Pacific Palisades, inviting the viewer to stroll its wild landscape, witness its first peoples and contrast how they inhabited the land with how modern society does,” according to project details. “The mural belongs to us all. While it has been patched-up before, it now needs serious attention to address its chipped paint and peeling clear coat so the art will shine for future generations.”
Salser told the Palisadian-Post the project’s mission is to professionally restore the Temescal Canyon mural and “elevate its use as a teaching and creative space.”
The project bid is $105,000. As this story published, nearly $60,000 of the project’s goal had been collected. Area nonprofit, A Window Between Worlds, will serve as the fiscal recipient of funds, so donations can be tax deductible.
The project’s first deadline is approaching on Tuesday, October 8, Salser said, which is the deadline to sign the contract needed to begin the project.
“Any and all donations received … make a tremendous difference in us knowing if we are ready to begin,” Salser said. “Donations of all sizes matter and all donor names will be recognized on the wall, as has been the tradition since the beginning—except, of course, where folks wish to remain anonymous.”
She said though not all funds are needed by the October 8 deadline, without enough community support, the project may be delayed.
“We invite you to pitch in once again to help restore this enduring gift,” according to the donation page.
The deadline to apply to be an alternate representative on the Pacific Palisades Community Council is Sunday, October 6, at 5 p.m.
“Interested and eligible Palisadians are encouraged to apply to become an alternate PPCC area or at-large representative,” read the PPCC website.
There are eight area representatives and one at-large representative on the PPCC Board—the primary representatives are elected by community vote. Alternate representatives apply and then are selected by the board.
Up to two alternates—1st and 2nd—will then be selected to serve a two-year term, which begins in October.
“Applicants for alternate area representative must live within the specified boundaries of the area for which they are applying,” according to PPCC. “Applicants for alternate at-large representative must either live, own property or operate a business within Pacific Palisades.”
Those who are interested in applying are required to submit a statement of any length that indicates which position they are applying for: area or at-large, 1st or 2nd alternate, or both. Applicants may apply for both area and at-large alternate positions.
“The statement of each area alternate applicant shall include the number of years residing in Pacific Palisades, the number of years as a resident of the area and the number of years at the current address,” PPCC wrote. “The statement of each at-large alternate applicant shall include the number of years residing in Pacific Palisades or running a business or owning property in Pacific Palisades, and the applicant’s current residence, business or property address. All applicants’ statements shall include the position on issues the applicant believes are of importance to the community or the applicant’s area. The statement may also include a few biographical facts including any skills that the applicant would bring to PPCC.”
Candidates will then be reviewed and nominated by the PPCC “Three Chairs” Committee, which consists of three former PPCC Chairs who are not currently elected representatives.
Statements can be emailed to info@pacpalicc.org, which is also where questions can be directed.
“Ancient Cosmos: How the Greeks and Romans Saw the Sky” invites the community to Getty Villa’s auditorium for an exploration of the night sky—past and present—with Marchant, a science writer and journalist, on Saturday, October 12, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
“From Homer’s poetry and Archimedes’ models to Roman emperors who read their fate in the heavens, learn how the stars influenced mythology, politics, timekeeping and navigation,” according to the event description. “Then head outdoors for a stargazing session with the astrophotographers of SkiesAway who will guide you through the night sky with telescopes.”
Attendees will be able to enjoy after-hours gallery access, complimentary refreshments, astrology readings and more. Advance tickets for this event are required and cost $15.
Marchant will return to Getty Villa on Sunday, October 13, for “How the Stars Have Shaped Humanity” at 2 p.m.—both in person and via Zoom.
“Drawing from her widely celebrated book, ‘The Human Cosmos,’ science writer Jo Marchant explores how our intimate relationship with the stars throughout history has shaped our religious beliefs, power structures, scientific advances, art and even our biology,” according to the event description. “She encourages us to rediscover the universe we inhabit and experience the awe-inspiring power of the stars.”
The October 13 event is free, but advance reserved tickets are required.
Photo courtesy of Santa Monica College Art Department
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
The Santa Monica College Art Department will host its annual glass pumpkin sale at the Palisades-Malibu YMCA pumpkin patch on Sunday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“The SMC glass pumpkin sales are wonderful opportunities to buy handcrafted glass pumpkins,” read the SMC website. “Each pumpkin is a truly unique work of art that can enhance fall-season home and office decor, as well as satisfy holiday and year-round gift needs.”
Proceeds from the sale will benefit the SMC Art Department and Palisades-Malibu YMCA.
The patch is located in Simon Meadow, which is at the intersection of Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard. It is open Monday to Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October 31.
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