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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.

Runners Shine at Bell-Jeff Invite

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Zoey Morris
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The Palisades High girls and boys cross country teams were in fine form Sept. 28  at the Bellarmine/Sacred Heart Invitational in Griffith Park. The varsity girls won the Large Schools race with 52 points, six fewer than runner-up Sant Monica, and were led by sophomore Zoey Morris, who was third individually in 19:34.9 on the three-mile course. Coming in second in 19:22.6 was Granada Hills’ Samantha Pacheco, who ran second to Morris at last year’s City Championships. Dolphins junior Louisa Mammen was fifth in 19:40.6, sophomore Gabriella Gilyard was 10th in 20:47.9, freshman Eleanor Mammen was 15th in 21:07.3, sophomore Kendal Shaver was 19th in 21:20.5, junior Mar Henderson-Maclennan (21:34.6) was 24th and Palisades’ seventh runner was freshman Amelia Halpin (21:35.7).

In the boys’ varsity race, Zach Cohen was third in 15:56.1 and fellow junior Blake Sigworth was two spots behind in 16:04.6 as the Dolphins (66 points) placed second in the team standings behind Loyola (55). Senior Owen Lewicky (16:31.1) was 16th, junior Andrew Razo (16:40.6) was 19th, freshman Theo Mayeda (17:00.8) was 23rd, freshman Sebastian Funk (17:20.7) was 30th, and junior Jackson Taylor  (17:36.5) was 38th. Ridgecrest Burroughs senior Zion Ortiz was the individual winner  in 15:29.8.

Zachary Cohen

Palisades’ JV girls won the Large Schools division with a score of 31, paced by freshman Lucy Amos (third overall in 22:35.3), sophomore Violet Cash (fifth in 23:11.0), freshman Hanna Sadzik (sixth in 23:11.4), freshman Ruba Gneid (eighth in 23:21.1) and junior Tallulah Younger (ninth in 23:21.9). The JV boys were sixth with 155 points and the frosh/soph boys won the Large Schools race with 37 points, as Mako Holt was first in 17:08.7, Ethan Funk came in second in 17:11.8 and Justin Funk was third in 17:15.5.   

In the Girls Varsity Small Schools division, Palisades resident Amelia Sarkisian won by almost five full seconds. The Brentwood School sophomore clocked 18:45.6                

Sailors Seek Revenge at Sierra Canyon

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Declan Eastman
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

When it comes to high school volleyball, one of the fiercest rivalries in California the last several years has been between Marymount and Mission League rival Sierra Canyon, two of the premiere programs in the state and perennial CIF champiosnhip contenders. The teams face off today at 5:30 in Chatsworth for the second of two league meetings and the Sailors are looking to avenge a five-set loss on their home court Sept. 24. Both teams are ranked in the top five in the CIF Southern Section.

Coached by Palisadian Cari Klein and paced by junior starting libero Declan Eastman (a Rice commit), Pepperdine-bound senior hitter Ryan Gilhooly, junior middle blocker Jordan Johnson and sophomore defensive specialist Karys Campos (all four girls play for Sunshine Volleyball Club), the Sailors have won 10 section crowns under Klein since 1998.

Karys Campos

Court Aces

By
Steve Galluzzo
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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.   

Bell Finishes Fourth in GR Cup Series

By
Steve Galluzzo
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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.

Thomas Tames the Lions

By
Steve Galluzzo
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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’ sneak  capped 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 little  too 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.
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