Beat the Heat: Dinner is Covered at First Friday on Abbot Kinney This Friday, August 7th

Who wants to turn on the stove in this August heat? Skip the kitchen prep and head out to Venice Beach. First Friday on Abbot Kinney is back this Friday, August 7, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, bringing together LA’s best food trucks for the ultimate summer street food.

Whether you’re planning a casual date night, catching up with neighbors, or grabbing an easy sunset bite with the family, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the go-to.

The Official Food Truck Lineup for August 7, 2026

From classic LA staples to global street eats and cold drinks, here is who’s parked on the strip this Friday:

Salty & Savory Mains

• Kogi BBQ: Roy Choi’s original Korean-Mexican fusion taco truck.

• Cousins Maine Lobster: Wild-caught Maine lobster rolls, loaded tots, and bisque.

• Pickles & Peas: Mediterranean pitas, steak frites wraps, and fresh hummus bowls.

• Sus Arepas: Authentic Venezuelan stuffed corn cakes.

• Piruchi: Peruvian Sandos, yuca fries, and artisan appetizers.

• The Chick Truck: Hot chicken sandwiches and tenders.

• Italia on the Road: Handcrafted Italian street food favorites.

• Me So Fishy: Fresh seafood plates and fish tacos.

• Cali Craving: West Coast comfort food classics.

• Man Eating Plant: Plant-based street eats with bold, Asian-inspired flavors.

Cooling Sweet Treats & Drinks

• Kona Shave Ice: Fluffy shaved ice packed with tropical flavors.

• Sure Good Soft Serve: Classic soft-serve ice cream.

• Bernie’s Italian Ice: Authentic, ice-cold fruit Italian ice.

• Waku Food: Refreshing plant-based herbal teas and botanical drinks.

Quick Tips for the Night

• Restroom Access: Public facilities are located along the boulevard at California Avenue and Palms Boulevard.

• Seating Courtesy: The food trucks operate grab-and-go style. Please be mindful of the brick-and-mortar restaurants along Abbot Kinney and avoid using their outdoor dining tables unless you're ordering off their menu.

• Make It a Full Evening: Grab dinner early, walk down to the beach to watch the sunset, and finish the night checking out the shops along the boulevard.

The Campbell Wellman Take

First Friday is one of those simple local traditions that makes living in Venice so much fun. It’s a great excuse to get outside, meet up with friends, and enjoy the neighborhood without making a production out of dinner. If you're out on AK this Friday, enjoy the good weather and great food>>>

Coming Home: The Personal Rebuild and Final Reveal of Colin Wellman’s Palisades Residence

For any family, home is the sanctuary where life’s most meaningful moments unfold. But when the destructive Palisades wildfires tore through the hillside, that sanctuary was severely compromised for Colin Wellman and his family. The fire damaged the entire backside of the house—bringing intense heat and flame damage, a heavy tree crashing through the structure, a scorched backyard, and extensive interior flooding.

Today, after months of meticulous planning, craftsmanship, and dedication, the journey of recovery reaches its ultimate destination: the rebuild is officially complete, and the Wellman family is moving back home.

Constructed by the Spiegel Wellman Construction team, this project is a story of thoughtful design, intelligent building for fire safety, and the immense power of community collaboration on the Westside.

A Design Driven by Warmth and Modern Fire Resilience

Rebuilding in a hillside zone required a seamless balance between high-end architectural aesthetics and forward-thinking fire safety. The redesigned exterior now features Acre siding by Modern Mill—an innovative, sustainable material that delivers the rich, organic warmth of natural wood while offering the crucial fire-resistant performance demands of hillside living.

Inside, every room was curated to blend timeless coastal elegance with functional spaces built for everyday living and effortless entertaining. From custom textural wall finishes to architectural stone surfaces, the home has been completely reinvented from the ground up.

Honoring Our Vendor Collaborators

A rebuild of this caliber relies on extraordinary partners who share a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Spiegel Wellman extends its deepest gratitude to the trusted vendors and collaborators who helped bring this home back to life:

• Exterior Siding:ACRE by Modern Mill – Bringing fire-resilient, modern coastal warmth to the building envelope.

• Windows & Doors: Marvin by Sepulveda Windows and Doors– Framing natural light and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions.

• Kitchen Countertops: Module Marble – Providing stunning, durable stone surfaces for the heart of the home.

• Architectural Elements & Fountains: Olive Ateliers – Curating character-rich fountains and a distinct 1000 year old kitchen sink.

• Outdoor Landscape Features: Artlux Builders – Restoring and elevating the backyard outdoor living spaces.

• Kitchen Appliances: Snyder Diamond – Equipping the kitchen with top-tier culinary technology.

• Furniture & Rugs: Arhaus – Furnishing the interior with timeless, comfortable, and elegant pieces.

• Interior Wall Finishes: Portola Paints – Crafting depth and ambiance using Roman Clay and custom paint tones.

• Photography: @ambientlightca – Capturing the beauty and architectural detail of the final reveal.

The Campbell Wellman Take

Experiencing a fire loss firsthand gives our team a deeply personal understanding of what our neighbors are navigating across the Palisades. Rebuilding wasn't just about replacing walls and roofs—it was about creating a safer haven for our family's future. 

Whether you are navigating a fire rebuild, looking to fire-harden an existing hillside residence, or designing a custom home from scratch, having a team that understands both the emotional weight and the technical intricacies of coastal construction makes all the difference. We are beyond grateful to be home, and we are ready to help our clients do the very same.

More photos on our Instagram post>>>

The 192-Acre Canvas: What the Santa Monica Airport Transformation Means for Westside Living

When you look at a map of Los Angeles, green space is a rare luxury. Coastal land, in particular, is essentially fixed in stone. That is precisely why the pending closure of the Santa Monica Airport (SMO)—scheduled to cease all aviation operations at the end of 2028—represents one of the most significant, once-in-a-generation land-use transformations in California’s history.

For years, the future of this 192-acre parcel has sparked passionate debates across the Westside. Should it be transformed entirely into a massive, world-class "Great Park"? Should it accommodate housing to alleviate regional affordability pressures? Or can adaptive reuse deliver an interconnected blend of nature, community culture, and neighborhood commerce?

As the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) advances toward its preferred scenario framework, one thing is abundantly clear: whatever takes shape on this historic footprint will fundamentally elevate the quality of life, community energy, and real estate values across Santa Monica and Venice for decades to come.

Inside the Vision: Eight Parks in One

The city’s official draft planning framework conceptualizes the site as eight interconnected districts, designing a multi-use urban oasis that honors Measure LC’s park-first mandate.

Rather than a single static lawn, proposals envision a dynamic destination that includes:

• Immersive Nature & Native Habitat: Restoring native coastal ecosystems, tree canopies, and quiet walking reserves.

• Active Athletics & Aquatics: Organized sports fields, multi-use cycling/running tracks, and potential public swimming facilities.

• Arts, Culture & Community Hubs: Outdoor amphitheaters, creative spaces, and food halls utilizing adaptive reuse of airport hangars.

• Urban Edge Connections: Seamlessly integrating park borders with neighboring Westside communities, creating pedestrian-friendly corridors into Mar Vista and Venice.

With major initial funding already pouring in—including a $10 million Proposition 4 Climate Bond grant awarded by the state—the momentum to turn tarmac into world-class green space is very real.

The Real Estate Ripple Effect: Why Surrounding Values Will Soar

In urban real estate, proximity to premier public amenities is one of the strongest drivers of property appreciation. Just as Central Park shapes Manhattan values and Golden Gate Park elevates San Francisco neighborhoods, turning 192 acres of jet runways, noise, and aviation emissions into a lush metropolitan park is a monumental catalyst for nearby residential property.

1. Noise & Air Quality Elimination: Removing jet traffic instantly enhances the peacefulness, air quality, and desirability of homes in Sunset Park, Ocean Park, and Mar Vista.

2. Unmatched Lifestyle Access: Neighborhoods adjacent to SMO will gain direct, walkable access to almost 200 acres of curated outdoor recreation, culture, and open space—a feature practically unheard of in dense coastal Southern California.

3. Sustained Demand: As the park takes shape, surrounding single-family homes, architectural compounds, and custom remodels will sit at the doorstep of the Westside's crown jewel public space, locking in long-term demand for decades.

The Campbell Wellman Take

Opportunities like this happen once in a century. Replacing an active runway with 192 acres of world-class parkland, art, and community space is going to redefine what it feels like to live on the Santa Monica-Venice border. If you own property near the airport footprint or are looking to invest in surrounding neighborhoods like Sunset Park or Mar Vista before the 2028 closure, you are positioning yourself ahead of a major historical shift. Reach out to us at Campbell Wellman for strategic real estate guidance or Spiegel Wellman Construction to discuss how to optimize your nearby home to capture this unprecedented lifestyle wave.

The Ultimate Wealth Accelerator: Real Estate Remains America’s #1 Long-Term Investment

When market headlines shift, interest rates fluctuate, and daily economic news creates noise, smart investors step back and look at the macro picture. Year after year, despite short-term economic cycles, one asset class consistently holds the crown as the preferred vehicle for long-term wealth building: real estate.

According to Gallup’s annual financial survey, 37% of Americans name real estate as the best long-term investment. That isn't just a one-off trend; real estate has topped the list for 12 consecutive years—outranking gold (23%), stocks and mutual funds (16%), savings accounts (13%), bonds (5%), and cryptocurrency (4%).

In a world where stock portfolios can swing wildly overnight and paper assets can feel abstract, real estate offers a unique blend of financial mechanics and physical security that simply cannot be duplicated.

The Four Pillars of Real Estate Wealth

Why does real estate consistently outperform other asset classes in the hearts and minds of everyday Americans? It comes down to four fundamental drivers:

• 1. Tangible Security: Unlike stock certificates or digital tokens, real estate is a physical asset you can see, touch, live in, or rent out. It provides immediate intrinsic utility while growing in value over time.

• 2. The Power of Financial Leverage: Real estate is one of the very few investment vehicles where you can put down 10% to 20% of the asset's cost, yet capture 100% of the property's appreciation. If a $1,500,000 home appreciates by 5%, you gain $75,000 in equity—yielding a massive return on your actual initial down payment.

• 3. Forced Savings & Automatic Equity: Every monthly mortgage payment is a structured, disciplined contribution to your net worth. A portion of every check directly pays down loan principal, automatically building wealth over time whether you're actively thinking about it or not.

• 4. Flexible Capital Preservation: The equity built in real estate is actionable. It can be leveraged for future acquisitions, tapped to fund life milestones, or passed down as a tax-advantaged generational legacy.

The Coastal Advantage: Westside & South Bay Real Estate

While real estate across the country provides a proven hedge against inflation, coastal real estate on the Westside and South Bay of Los Angeles amplifies these advantages tenfold.

In high-demand coastal pockets—where land is strictly finite, supply is structurally constrained, and geographic barriers prevent urban sprawl—home appreciation rates historically outpace national averages over multi-year horizons. Whether you're purchasing a coastal lot to build a custom home in Manhattan Beach or securing an architectural estate in Pacific Palisades, you aren't just buying square footage; you are acquiring an irreplaceable stake in one of the world's most desirable geographical footprints.

Secondary Assets: Unlocking Higher Yields with ADUs & Strategic STRs

In today's market, smart real estate ownership goes beyond just holding a single-family home. Investors and homeowners on the Westside are actively turning primary residences into multi-stream income engines through secondary real estate assets:

1. The ADU Multiplier (Accessory Dwelling Units)

With California's streamlined ministerial permitting laws (including the state's 60-day review mandate), building an ADU has become one of the fastest ways to add immediate equity and cash flow.

• The Math on the Westside: Building a detached custom ADU or converting a garage in coastal pockets like Santa Monica, Venice, or Culver City often costs between $150,000 and $350,000. In return, high-demand coastal Westside ADUs are commanding $3,000 to $4,200+ per month in long-term rental income, generating strong yields while boosting total property valuation by up to 1.5x the construction cost.

2. Differentiated Short-Term & Mid-Term Rentals

While basic, un-amenitized short-term rentals have faced tighter local regulations, boutique, high-design secondary spaces are thriving. Tailoring an ADU, guest house, or secondary unit for executive stays, visiting film/tech professionals, or coastal vacationers yields significantly higher nightly rates than traditional long-term leases. Adding premium amenities—like private outdoor showers, custom plunge pools, and high-end design—allows homeowners to capture peak coastal demand.

The Campbell Wellman Take

When you look at twelve straight years of Gallup consumer data, the sentiment is crystal clear: real estate isn't a speculative play—it’s the cornerstone of lasting financial security. While short-term market noise will always exist, the long-term fundamentals of land ownership on the Westside and South Bay remain unmatched.

If you are looking to deploy capital strategically, build equity, or curate your legacy home, having a team that deeply understands local market dynamics and custom construction makes all the difference. Reach out to Campbell Wellman or Spiegel Wellman Construction to explore how we can help you build real, lasting wealth on the coast.

Goldenvoice Brings Big Sound Back to the Shore: Ocean Way Festival Debuts in Santa Monica

If you’ve lived on the Westside long enough, you know its relationship with live music runs deep. From legendary late-night sets at the old Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to the iconic Twilight Concert Series out on the pier, music has always been built into the fabric of our city.

This fall, that history gets an incredible new chapter.

Goldenvoice—the powerhouses behind Coachella—just announced the debut of Ocean Way Festival, a massive two-day event taking over the sand right between the Santa Monica Pier and Bay Street on September 26 and 27, 2026.

It isn't just another weekend festival. It’s a full-circle homage to our local culture that’s set to send some major positive energy across the entire Westside economy.

A Lineup Built on Coastal Legacy

The event takes its name directly from Ocean Way, the beachfront street where sound pioneer Allen Sides first established the famous Ocean Way Recording Studios. To match that pedigree, Goldenvoice put together a heavy-hitting, genre-spanning bill:

• Saturday, Sept 26: A rock-heavy lineup headlined by The Killers and Jack White, with performances by Sublime, Alvvays, and SG Lewis.

• Sunday, Sept 27: A smoother, soulful vibe featuring Olivia Dean, Khruangbin, Durand Jones & The Indications, and Hiatus Kaiyote.

• On-the-Sand Hospitality: VIP ticket holders will get access to the "Proper Beach Club"—a curated enclave on the sand created in partnership with Proper Hotels, featuring high-end lounge spaces and premium mainstage viewing.

Planning Note: To keep the neighborhood moving smoothly, the festival will have zero on-site parking. Organizers are encouraging rideshares, biking the strand, or taking the Metro E Line right into Downtown Santa Monica.

The Bigger Picture: What Events Like This Do for the Westside

Beyond the music, landing a major festival like this is a huge win for Santa Monica’s ongoing revitalization.

1. A Direct Shot in the Arm for Local Business: Late September is usually when the summer travel rush starts to quiet down. Bringing thousands of visitors directly to Ocean Avenue and Downtown Santa Monica injects immediate revenue into our local boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops right when they need it most.

2. Refueling Santa Monica’s Culture: Santa Monica has been making intentional moves to boost public safety, clean up commercial corridors, and bring back civic energy. Partnering with a premier operator like Goldenvoice puts a global spotlight back on the city as an exciting, safe, and world-class place to visit.

3. The Real Estate Ripple Effect: Great neighborhoods aren't defined by housing stock alone—they’re defined by lifestyle. When a community consistently hosts top-tier cultural events, exceptional dining, and vibrant public gatherings, it creates a place where people actively want to live and stay. That sustained desirability is what keeps Westside real estate values so uniquely resilient over the long haul.

The Campbell Wellman Take

This is exactly the kind of energy we love seeing in Santa Monica. It’s about being able to walk down to the beach, catch world-class artists, grab dinner at your favorite local spot, and walk back home. When city leadership and local businesses collaborate to pull off events of this scale, the whole community wins. It keeps our neighborhood fun, supports our local economy, and reinforces the incredible quality of life that makes buying a home here such a smart long-term investment.

Concrete & Salt Air: The 4th Annual Swirl Surfskate Fest Returns to Venice This Saturday

If there is one neighborhood on the Westside that truly understands the seamless transition between the ocean waves and the pavement, it’s Venice Beach. On Saturday, July 25, 2026, the absolute birthplace of surfskate culture is shutting down the streets for a massive, all-day party: the 4th Annual Swirl Surfskate Fest.

Hosted by @grlswirl—one of the world's largest women-founded, grassroots skate collectives—and presented by Hydro Flask, this completely free festival takes over the heart of Venice right under the iconic Venice Sign on Windward Avenue.

Whether you are a seasoned bowl rider, a longboard enthusiast, or simply love the great, creative energy of coastal LA, this is where you want to be this weekend.

Your All-Day Schedule: From Ocean Swells to Street Beats

The festival spans from 8:00 AM until late into the evening, transforming Windward Avenue and the beach front into an interactive, multi-stage block party. Here is how the day unfolds:

• 8:00 AM – Morning Paddle Out: Kick off the day at the water’s edge. Grab your surfboard and meet the crew north of Lifeguard Tower 26 (just at the Santa Monica/Venice border). Coffee and pastries are provided for all participants as hundreds paddle out together in a celebration of community and coastal heritage.

• Public Pop-Up Skateparks (All Day): Carver Skate is erecting a full custom pop-up skatepark right on the asphalt for the public to ride all day long. Bring your board, helmet, and enthusiasm—all skill levels are welcome!

• 1:00 PM – Surfskate Competition & Vendor Market: Watch top progression riders carve up a one-of-a-kind ramp setup built by Carver. The competition features legendary Dogtown-era judges, major prizes, and even the coveted "World's Okayest Skater" award. While watching the comp, browse the local artisan market featuring art booths, food vendors, and a Carver board-tuning station.

• Evening Concert (Under the Venice Sign): As the sun sets, Windward Avenue closes down entirely for a massive street concert featuring live music, including a special set by guitar phenom Grace Bowers, leading up to a surprise headlining artist!

• Late Night After Party: The energy shifts directly to the historic Townhouse Venice for an official dance party to wrap up the night.

Grassroots Roots & The Swirl Skate Foundation

While Swirl Fest draws thousands of attendees, it remains fundamentally a grassroots labor of love. Organized by GRLSWIRL to honor the living legends of Dogtown and empower a new, diverse generation of skaters, the festival is completely free to attend.

To help keep community programming alive, organizers encourage a $7 suggested donation when you RSVP. 100% of these donations go directly to the Swirl Skate Foundation, supporting global skate mentorship programs, youth outreach, and inclusive community events year-round.

The Campbell Wellman Take

GRLSWIRL and Swirl Fest embody the authentic, creative soul of Venice. Events like this remind us why coastal Westside real estate is so uniquely special. It’s not just about the incredible homes—it’s about the culture, the walkability, and the fun that happens when neighbors close down the street to skate, dance to live music, and support the local community. If you're out and about this Saturday, pop over to Windward Ave, support the local vendors, and take in this Venice summer event.

Green Light for Rebuilding: LA Waives Permit Fees for Palisades Wildfire Recovery

In the eighteen months following the devastating January 2025 wildfires, Pacific Palisades has been defined by grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to rebuild. Today, property owners across Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, Archer, and Sunset fire zones just received one of the most significant financial tailwinds to date.

Mayor Karen Bass officially signed a landmark urgency ordinance—which officially took effect on July 16, 2026—waiving a comprehensive suite of building permit and clearance fees across multiple Los Angeles city departments.

For families who have been navigating the emotional and financial labyrinth of rebuilding, this move removes tens of thousands of dollars in upfront friction, clearing a direct path from architectural blueprints to breaking ground.

What the Permit Fee Waiver Means for You

Passed as an urgency measure to remove immediate financial barriers, Ordinance No. 188985 provides significant fee relief capped at an aggregate $90 million over three years. Here is what homeowners need to know about qualifying for fee waivers and project planning:

• The 110% Floor Area Threshold: The City of Los Angeles will waive permitting and clearance fees for repairs or rebuilds up to 110% of the original structure’s floor area. If you choose to expand your new footprint beyond that 110% mark, standard city fees will only apply to the square footage exceeding the threshold.

• Who Qualifies: To ensure this relief directly benefits affected neighbors, the waivers apply strictly to individuals or entities that owned the property on January 7, 2025.

• Retroactive Refunds: For proactive homeowners who have already paid plan check or clearance fees to pull early permits, LADBS is establishing formal procedures to process full refunds for all qualifying projects.

• Department-Wide Coverage: The waiver spans fees across Building and Safety (LADBS), Fire, City Planning, Public Works, Housing, Transportation, Cultural Affairs, and Recreation & Parks.

A Crucial Clawback Clause: Except for townhomes or condominiums, if a property receiving a fee waiver is sold before a final Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the seller is required to reimburse the city for the full amount of the waived fees. This ensures the incentive stays tied directly to long-term community recovery rather than speculative lot flipping.

Streamlining the Blueprint to Move-In Pipeline

Waiving permit fees is about momentum. Combined with existing executive orders that streamline plan checks (with LADBS expediting initial reviews far faster than pre-fire averages), the timeline to get shovels in the dirt has been condensed significantly.

Homeowners are strongly encouraged to register for the direct updates list by contacting the city’s dedicated concierge team at palisadespermitconcierge@lacity.org.

The Campbell Wellman Take

This ordinance is a massive win for our neighbors. The financial toll of a rebuild extends far beyond raw materials and labor. When you eliminate thousands in municipal clearance fees across six different city departments, you allow homeowners to put that capital right back where it belongs—into higher-quality building materials, enhanced fire-resilient design, and better finishes.

Navigating city ordinances and zoning nuances can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. That is why having a team like Spiegel Wellman Construction in your corner is such an advantage. With over four decades of custom building experience right here on the Westside, their design-build team understands how to maximize these city incentives, navigate the 110% threshold seamlessly, and turn this administrative green light into a seamless construction process.

The Blank Slate: Building Your Legacy on the Coastal Westside and South Bay

There is a unique kind of optimism that comes with staring at a vacant lot on the Southern California coast. While the broader real estate headlines can feel noisy and focused on temporary market shifts, those of us who have spent years in this market know that the true value of our coastal neighborhoods has never been about the daily news cycle—it’s about the land, the salt air, and the rare opportunity to build a home that will stand for generations.

Whether you are looking to build a custom modern architectural marvel along the walk streets of Venice, a sprawling family compound on a quiet lot in Manhattan Beach, or secure a generational ocean-front homesite in the Pacific Palisades, building from the ground up remains the ultimate expression of permanence.

Navigating the design and construction process across the Westside and the South Bay requires clarity, realism, and a focus on the long game. Here is your roadmap to getting the foundation right.

1. What to Expect: The Coastal Reality

Building along the Southern California coastline means navigating some of the most sophisticated regulatory, environmental, and engineering landscapes in the country.

• The Timeline: A quality custom build on the Westside or South Bay typically spans 18 to 30 months from initial architectural concept to move-in day.

• The Coastal Commission & Local Jurisdictions: Depending on how close your lot is to the sand, you may fall within the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission. Navigating Coastal Development Permits (CDPs), local city design reviews (such as in Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach), and Los Angeles city planning can add anywhere from 6 to 12 months to your pre-construction phase. Working with a team intimately familiar with these localized municipal nuances is absolutely non-negotiable.

2. How to Hire the Right Builder for Your Vision

Do not hire a custom builder based on a spreadsheet or a low-ball estimate alone. In high-end residential construction, the relationship is just as important as the bottom line.

• Vetting for Partnership: You are essentially entering a two-year marriage. Look for builders who operate with complete financial transparency—specifically utilizing "open-book" accounting. Ask to see how they handle change orders, and request to tour their past projects to inspect the quality of their framing and finish carpentry.

• Aligning Budget & Design Early: The biggest friction point in custom building is "feature creep" (letting design elements slowly balloon costs). Ensure your architect and builder are actively collaborating before your plans are submitted for permits. A great builder acts as a practical budget filter, showing you where to value-engineer structural elements without compromising the home's aesthetic integrity.

3. The Financial Strategy: Land + Construction Financing

Many buyers assume they need to pay cash for land and fund the construction entirely out of pocket. In reality, luxury financing offers highly sophisticated leverage tools.

• Construction-to-Permanent Loans: This is the gold standard for custom residential projects. A specialized lender packages your land acquisition and your construction costs into a single loan.

• How it Works: During the active build phase, you pay interest-only payments based solely on the funds drawn to pay subcontractors. Once the city signs off on your final certificate of occupancy, the loan automatically converts into a traditional, long-term fixed mortgage—streamlining your capital and preserving your liquidity.

The Build Spectrum: Choosing Your Path

To help guide your budgeting, we've outlined the realistic costs of construction across the Westside and South Bay.

Note on Soft Costs: These ranges reflect construction hard costs. Remember to budget an additional 25% to 40% for soft costs, including architectural fees, soil and structural engineering, geological reports, interior design, and city permit fees.

A Generational Opportunity: 15363 Via De Las Olas

While there are beautiful building sites sprinkled across our coastal pockets, truly legendary ocean-view land is finite. In the Pacific Palisades—which is currently undergoing a beautiful, post-fire neighborhood renaissance—we are proud to represent 15363 Via De Las Olas.

Positioned directly on the front row of the prestigious Via De Las Olas bluffs, this rare 6,463-square-foot homesite offers completely unobstructed, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline. Situated just blocks from the newly restored Palisades Village, it represents a blank canvas where you can build a custom contemporary masterpiece or a timeless coastal retreat in one of Los Angeles' most protected real estate pockets.

The Campbell Wellman Take

Building a home on the Westside or South Bay is more than just a real estate investment; it is an act of world-building for your family. When you are ready to stop searching for the perfect home and decide to build it, we are here to help you secure the perfect dirt and the right team to bring it to life.

That is why we partner closely with Spiegel Wellman Construction. With over 40 years of hands-on experience crafting some of the most iconic, complex custom estates on the Westside and throughout the South Bay, their design-build team brings unparalleled expertise to navigating the precise soils, coastal permits, and high-end details your legacy project deserves. Together, we ensure your forever home is built on a flawless foundation.

Conquer the Pier 5K Returns to Venice Beach This Saturday

This Saturday, July 18th, one of the most uniquely scenic athletic traditions on the Westside returns. Conquer the Pier Venice Beach 5K is officially back, offering runners, walkers, and local families the rare opportunity to race directly over the Pacific Ocean.

If you have been looking for an upbeat, active way to soak in the mid-summer morning sun while giving back to our coastal parks, this is your perfect weekend plan.

The Race Experience: Running Across the Water

What separates this event from a standard 5K is the route itself. The fast, flat, and entirely paved course begins next to the historic Muscle Beach area at Windward Plaza. From there, runners will navigate the iconic Venice Beach boardwalk before making their way out onto the historic Venice Beach Pier.

Covering the entire length of the pier, you are quite literally starting and finishing with nothing but salt air, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views surrounding you.

• Conquer the Venice Beach Pier 5K

• The Top Dog Division 5K: No need to leave your favorite training partner at home. This year features the popular Benny’s Top Dog Division. Registered pups get their very own dog bib and a dog-specific finisher medal to wear proudly on the walk back home!

• The Finish Line Festival: Crossing the finish line at Windward Plaza drops you right into a full beach celebration featuring a live DJ, a vibrant sponsor and vendor expo, and plenty of post-race giveaways.

• REGISTER HERE

Your Race Week Playbook

1. Early Packet Pickup & Shake-Out Run

Beat the Saturday morning rush by heading down to Marina Del Rey early.

• When: Thursday, July 16th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

• Where: REI, 4655 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

• Bonus Event: Don't miss the new REI Shake-out Run starting right from the store at 6:30 PM to get your legs loose before the weekend.

2. Race Day Schedule (Saturday, July 18th)

• 6:30 AM: Day-of Packet Pickup opens at Windward Plaza

• 8:00 AM: 5K Race Start (Arrive early to warm up and soak in the energy)

3. Parking Tips

Venice beach lots fill up incredibly fast on mid-summer weekend mornings. If you want to secure a spot close to the start line, aim to arrive early. Recommended parking lots include:

• South Lot: 2100 Ocean Front Walk

• North Lot: 300 Ocean Front Walk

• Pier Lot: 3100 Washington Blvd (closest to the pier portion of the run)

Running for a Better Venice

Beyond the medals and the scenic miles, registering for this weekend's run represents a direct investment in the very community we love.

100% of the event proceeds go directly to the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, specifically earmarked to support local youth sports, community programs, and upkeep at the Venice Beach Recreation Center. Every registration helps preserve and protect the public parks, basketball courts, and skate parks that make our coastal community a globally recognized hub of culture and athletic history.

The Campbell Wellman Take

Events like the Conquer the Pier 5K highlight exactly why people fall in love with the coastal Westside lifestyle. It blends physical wellness, unmatched natural scenery, and a the best vibes. It’s a chance to run alongside your neighbors, support local parks, and celebrate the active lifestyle that makes our real estate markets so incredibly desirable. Whether you’re gunning for a personal record on a flat course, walking it with your family, or running with your dog, we highly encourage you to head down to Windward Plaza this Saturday. It’s community engagement at its best.

Welcome Back to the Ridge: Temescal Gateway Park Reopens This Friday!

For anyone who calls Pacific Palisades home, our connection to the landscape isn't just about the ocean views—it’s about the dirt under our boots. For the last 18 months, our community’s outdoor heartbeat has felt a bit quiet. Following the devastating Palisades Fire of January 2025, one of our absolute favorite trailheads and gathering spaces was forced into a long, necessary slumber.

But this week, we have the ultimate milestone to celebrate.

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) officially announced that Temescal Gateway Park will reopen to the public this Friday, July 17, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. It’s a moment of profound joy, relief, and deep appreciation for the massive, collaborative effort that brought this beloved canyon back to life.

Your Weekend Playbook: What’s Open?

While the mountain is still healing, our most iconic ridge-lines and connector trails are pristine, safe, and ready for your weekend footsteps. Whether you're looking for a challenging morning run or a peaceful family picnic, here is where you can head this weekend:

• The Rebuilt Rivas Trail: This beloved trail has been fully restored, offering hiker access up to two breathtaking scenic overlooks of the coastline, as well as its historic connection directly over to Will Rogers State Historic Park.

• The Sunset Trail: Fully open and offering its signature, panoramic transition into the wider Topanga State Park trail network.

• Picnic & Rest Zones: Both the Sycamore Grove and Rubell Picnic Areas are completely cleared, safety-checked, and ready for summer afternoon gatherings.

⚠️ A Crucial Trail Note: The popular Temescal Canyon Trail to the waterfall remains closed until further notice. The fire damage in the deeper canyon created hazardous, highly unstable conditions that require extensive engineering and restoration before hikers can safely return. Please respect the trail closure signs—staying on the open, designated paths is vital for both your safety and the delicate habitat recovery currently underway.

The Power of Community & Smart Local Solutions

What makes this reopening so inspiring is the sheer scale of the community defense and recovery that made it possible. When the fire first tore through the canyon, the MRCA Fire Division mounted an incredible stand that literally saved the park's historic buildings from destruction.

From there, the park pivotally transitioned into the central logistics hub for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, serving as the command center for the massive regional cleanup effort across the Palisades. Once the heavy lifting was done, a true army of local volunteers and organizations—including the California Conservation Corps, the Sierra Club, and our own local champions at Resilient Palisades—stepped in to clear hazardous trees, plant native flora, and rebuild the trail steps we'll be stepping on this Friday.

A Win-Win for Park Funding & Infrastructure

To keep the momentum going, the MRCA recently approved a temporary land-use agreement with the LADWP. A 65,000-square-foot dirt overflow lot (located north of Simon Meadow) will be used over the next three years to stage the critical reconstruction and undergrounding of power lines damaged in the fire.

Because the site is remote, it won’t impact your public trail access. Even better? LADWP is paying fair market rent to use the site, with 100% of those lease payments being funneled directly back into Temescal’s ongoing restoration and park operations. And once the utility project wraps up, LADWP is contractually obligated to fully restore and improve the site for the community’s long-term enjoyment.

The Campbell Wellman Take

"This is the news we’ve been waiting for," says the team.

Temescal Gateway Park is more than just a park—it’s where we clear our minds, walk our dogs, bump into neighbors, and teach our kids to appreciate the outdoors. Having this gateway back open is a massive victory for our local quality of life. When we talk about what makes Westside real estate so uniquely valuable, it always comes back to our relationship with the natural environment. To have world-class trailheads quite literally in your backyard is a luxury you can't put a price tag on. As you head up the trail this weekend, take a moment to look at the new green shoots emerging from the soil. Our canyon is coming back, and we couldn't be more proud of the community that rallied to protect it. See you on the ridge!