The Victory Lap: Registration Opens for the 2nd Annual Venice Beach Half Marathon

(Photo courtesy of Venice Paparazzi)

If last year’s sold-out debut was any indication, the Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K has officially claimed its spot as the Westside’s premier spring athletic tradition. On Sunday, May 17th, over 5,000 runners and families will take over the streets for a race that feels less like a track meet and more like a rolling block party.

Founded by local Generic Events duo Brennan and Michelle Lindner, the 2026 edition (presented by goodr) is doubling down on its "Venice-first" ethos, with a goal to raise $25,000 for local schools.

The Course: A Love Letter to 90291

This isn’t just a flat run, it’s a scenic tour of the landmarks we call home. The route winds through:

• The Classics: Ocean Front Walk and the Venice Canals.

• The Hubs: Abbot Kinney Blvd and Venice Blvd.

• The Finish: A high-energy finish line directly beneath the iconic Venice Sign on Windward Ave.

Beyond the Miles: The Festival Atmosphere

The race itself is only part of the story. Generic Events has curated an experience that stretches from the "Rydell High" (Venice High) celebration to a VIP beer garden at Belle’s Beach House.

• For the Kids: The "Grunion Run" and Junior Dash ensure the next generation of Venice athletes gets their moment in the sun.

• The After-Party: Windward Circle will be transformed into a post-race festival with live performances and shop discounts along the Blvd.

Capturing the Fun

No Venice event is complete without our friends at Venice Paparazzi. Once you cross that finish line on Windward, make a beeline for their very cool photo and video booths. Whether you’re hitting a personal best or just finished the Family Dash, they’ll be there to capture your post-race glory in true Venice style.

The Campbell Wellman Take: This event captures the exact energy we talk about when we describe the Venice lifestyle. It’s high-energy, it’s charitable, and it utilizes our iconic streets in a way that brings everyone together. Whether you’re running the Half or just cheering from Abbot Kinney with a coffee, it’s a weekend that makes you proud to live here.

Ready to lace up? Registration is officially open at RunVeniceBeach.com. See you at the Venice Sign!

The Palisades "Rebuild" Milestone: Opportunity in the Highlands and Beyond

It has been roughly 15 months since the blazes touched the Santa Monica Mountains, and the data shows that Pacific Palisades is currently in the middle of a massive building boom. As of April 2026, the City of Los Angeles has issued over 2,100 permits for fire-related rebuilds, with another 1,700 currently in the pipeline.

While the "red tape" was a concern early on, the introduction of the city’s "Pre-Approved Standard Plan" library this March has been a game-changer. These code-ready, fire-resilient home designs are cutting permitting times by months, allowing families to move from "planning" to "groundbreaking" faster than any previous recovery in California history.

The "New Normal" for Resilience

We aren't just rebuilding; we’re rebuilding smarter. The 2026 market has a clear preference for:

• Non-Combustible Envelopes: Use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), fire-rated eStucco, and Vulcan Vents are no longer "upgrades"—they are the new gold standard for insurance favorability and resale value.

• The Return of Sunset Blvd: Confidence in the neighborhood is cemented by the news that Gelson’s has officially broken ground to rebuild its iconic Sunset Boulevard flagship, signaling a long-term commitment to the fabric of the Palisades.

The Real Estate Silver Lining

Despite the disruption, Palisades remains one of the most resilient real estate markets in the country. In Q1 of 2026, the average sale price in the Palisades held steady at approximately $3.14M, buoyed by record-breaking sales in the Riviera and Huntington. For savvy buyers and homeowners, the current "Rebuild Era" offers a rare chance to modernize properties to the highest 2026 standards, essentially "future-proofing" equity for the next 30 years.

The Campbell Wellman x Spiegel Wellman Advantage

Navigating a rebuild or a high-stakes transaction in a recovery zone requires more than just a real estate license—it requires a general contractor’s eye and an appraiser’s precision.

Through Campbell Wellman, we provide the strategic market advocacy needed to manage complex sales and land acquisitions in these high-value zones. Simultaneously, our sister company, Spiegel Wellman Construction, is on the ground specializing in custom home builds and fire-resilient renovations.

"We don't just see a lot or a listing; we see the finished product and the path to get there," says Colin Wellman. "Between our brokerage and construction arms, we offer a truly vertical solution—managing the purchase, the design-build, and the long-term investment strategy all under one roof."

If you are looking to navigate the new Palisades landscape, whether you're rebuilding a legacy or finding a fresh start, we can seamlessly bridge the gap between vision and reality.

Friday on the Fairway: Sunset Sessions at The Penmar

If you missed the season opener, don’t worry— Tonight, April 10th marks Session Number 2. For the uninitiated, Sunset Sessions at The Penmar isn't your typical golf course event. It’s a weekly transformation where the back nine becomes a sprawling, family-friendly music festival.

The Vibe: Think picnic blankets, low-profile chairs, and the best golden hour in the zip code. It’s a "shoes-off, dogs-welcome" kind of evening where the local community gathers to toast the weekend as the sun dips behind the Santa Monica Mountains.

What to Expect:

• The Soundtrack: An eclectic mix of local talent. While the specific lineup drops on Instagram a few days prior, you can always count on a soulful blend of Americana, Folk Rock, or Funk.

• The Menu: Ditch the delivery apps. The Penmar serves up a curated festival menu featuring their famous pepperoni pizzas, charcuterie platters, and a full bar (the buckets of Modelo and High Noon are local favorites).

• The Logistics: The music runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Pro tip: Arrive between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to snag a prime spot on the grass before the putting green closes at 4:30 PM.

• TIX / INFO: https://tickets.thepenmar.com/e/sunset-sessions-date-4-10

The Campbell Wellman Take: "The Penmar is the heartbeat of the Venice / Mar Vista border," says Colin. "It’s one of those rare places that perfectly captures the laid-back, inclusive spirit that makes our neighborhood so special."

A New Rhythm for the Coast: The Inaugural Santa Monica International Jazz Festival

For years, jazz enthusiasts have looked to Monterey or Montreux for world-class festivals. But this May, the global spotlight shifts to our own coastline. The inaugural Santa Monica International Jazz Festival (May 1–9, 2026) is set to debut, realizing a long-held vision by four-time Grammy winner and legendary bassist Stanley Clarke.

Born from the desire to celebrate the city’s creative energy, the festival arrives at a poignant moment—coinciding with the 100th anniversaries of jazz titans Miles Davis and John Coltrane (both born in 1926) and the centennial of Route 66, which famously ends at the Santa Monica Pier.

The Lineup: Legends and Next-Gen Giants

The festival is spread across iconic venues, blending high-profile ticketed events with free community access.

• May 1 (The Kickoff): International sensation Hiromi’s Sonicwonder sets the tone at the Orpheum Theatre.

• May 3 (Community Day): A free, all-day celebration on the Third Street Promenade featuring L.A.’s rising stars, including Elijah Fox and Genevieve Artadi, alongside the Santa Monica High (SAMOHI) Jazz Combo.

• May 8 (The Tribute): BroadStage hosts a centennial tribute to John Coltrane, led by saxophonists Lakecia Benjamin and Isaiah Collier, joined by an all-star ensemble including Hubert Laws and Stanley Clarke himself.

• May 9 (The Finale): "A Day in the Park" at Tongva Park. This marks the first full-scale concert at the park, headlined by double 2026 Grammy-winner Kamasi Washington. The day includes a rare set from Stanley Clarke & Friends featuring Stewart Copeland (The Police), plus the Miles Electric Band and KNOWER.

The Campbell Wellman Take

"Whether you're a die-hard jazz fan or just a fan of Santa Monica, an event of this caliber is exactly the kind of energy the city needs right now," says Colin Wellman. "Jazz is about improvisation and resilience—two things this community knows well. Seeing Tongva Park and the Promenade utilized for world-class cultural events isn't just a win for the arts; it’s a win for the city’s overall gravity and prestige. This is the kind of legacy programming that strengthens the neighborhood and makes people proud to call Santa Monica home."

Logistics & Tickets

This is expected to be a high-demand week for Santa Monica.

• Pro-Tip: The May 3rd Promenade event is free and a great way to experience the festival vibe without a ticket. For the May 9th finale at Tongva Park, VIP and Early Bird tiers are already moving fast.

• Official Site: smjazzfest.com

The Olympic Pivot: Reimagining the Windward Gateway

If you’ve spent any time at the intersection of Pacific and Windward, you know the feeling: you’re standing under the world-famous "VENICE" sign, trying to capture that iconic photo, while dodging a constant stream of delivery trucks and through-traffic.

For over three decades, proposals to "pedestrianize" Windward Avenue have sat on city shelves. But as of April 2026, the conversation has shifted from "if" to "how." With the 2028 Olympic Games just two years away, the Venice Neighborhood Council is currently reviewing two major concepts that could permanently change the face of the neighborhood.

The Proposals: "Partial" vs. "Full" Pedestrianization

The current focus is on the two blocks between Speedway and Windward Circle. The goal is to reclaim the street for people, but the methods vary:

• The "Full Plaza" Concept: This would convert the block between Speedway and Pacific into a 100% pedestrian zone. No traffic, no parking—just a raised plaza for outdoor dining, art, and foot traffic.

• The "Hybrid" Concept: The second block (Pacific to Windward Circle) would become a park-like space while retaining a single westbound lane for local alley access.

Why Now? The "Games for All" Initiative

Under Mayor Karen Bass’s "Games for All" framework, the city is aggressively fast-tracking infrastructure projects that improve "Station Experience" and pedestrian safety in high-traffic tourist zones. Windward is the primary artery for the millions of visitors who flock to the Boardwalk annually. Officials view this overhaul as a legacy project—a way to ensure Venice looks its absolute best when the world’s cameras arrive in 2028.

The Local Tension: Progress vs. Practicality

While the renderings of leafy plazas and open-air cafés are compelling, the "Boutique" reality of Venice is always more complex. Local business owners and residents are currently weighing in via an online survey (circulating as of April 7th) to voice concerns about parking loss, delivery logistics, and how a car-free zone affects the "gritty authenticity" that makes Venice, Venice.

The Campbell Wellman Take: From a real estate perspective, high-quality pedestrian infrastructure is a proven value-add. We’ve seen in other global cities that "Placemaking"—turning a street into a destination—typically drives long-term commercial and residential premiums. However, the success of a Windward overhaul depends entirely on the execution of the "last mile" logistics for those who actually live and work here.

What Do You Think?

This is a defining moment for the future of Venice. Is it time to finally get the cars out from under the "VENICE" sign and create a world-class pedestrian plaza? Or will the loss of traffic and parking hurt the local ecosystem more than it helps?

What do you think about the proposed Windward overhaul? Comment below—we want to hear from the locals.

The Selective Rebound: Decoding the 13.7% March Surge

The March 2026 data from the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) is officially in, and the headline is impossible to miss: Southern California home sales jumped 13.7% last month. On the surface, it looks like the floodgates have finally opened. Mortgage rates have stabilized near the 6% mark, and the California median home price has climbed back toward $830,370. But for those of us navigating the Westside and South Bay, that double-digit jump only tells half the story.

Behind the surge in activity is a new, highly disciplined buyer behavior that defines the 2026 spring market.

The "One in Seven" Reality Check

While sales are up, so are cancellations. Nationwide, nearly 1 in 7 home purchase agreements fell through last month—the highest February/March cancellation rate on record. Even in high-demand enclaves like Manhattan Beach and the Palisades, we are seeing a rise in "escort-out" activity.

Why is this happening?

• Negotiating Power: Buyers no longer feel the "panic" of 2021. With more inventory slowly trickling in, they are far more willing to walk away if an inspection reveals deferred maintenance or if the appraisal doesn't align with the "Apex" price.

• Price Sensitivity: Despite the sales jump, buyers are hyper-focused on value. If a property is priced for "perfection" but delivers "average," it’s sitting on the market or failing in escrow.

The Westside & South Bay Micro-Climate

In our local markets, we are seeing a "Two-Speed" acceleration.

• The South Bay: Cities like Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach saw a significant uptick in closed units in March, yet nearly 30% of active listings still required a price adjustment to find their buyer.

• The Westside: Inventory remains the primary pinch point. While the median price per square foot remains resilient, the "Days on Market" metric is stretching slightly as buyers take a more deliberate, "measure twice, cut once" approach to their offers.

The Campbell Wellman Take: Anticipation Over Reaction

The 13.7% jump proves that the demand for the California lifestyle hasn't wavered—it’s just become more sophisticated.

"The market has oxygen again, but buyers are using it to breathe, not to hyperventilate," says Colin Wellman. "Success this spring isn't about just getting an offer; it’s about getting the right offer that actually crosses the finish line. Sellers need to anticipate the scrutiny, and buyers need to stay ready to act when the right value presents itself."

The Discount Trap: Why DIY Real Estate Costs More Than It Saves

Whether you are pulling together a down payment for your first coastal condo or managing the exit of a multi-generational family estate, one truth remains: homeownership is a solid investment. But as the stakes rise, so does the temptation to cut corners to "save" on transaction costs.

Financial expert Dave Ramsey has a stark warning for those considering going it alone: "Just one mistake during the home-buying or home-selling process can cost you tens of thousands of dollars." In the Westside and South Bay markets, where the median price point sits well above the national average, that "mistake" can easily scale into the six-figure range.

The Myth of the "Middleman"

Many believe that bypassing a real estate agent saves money by avoiding commission. However, as Colin Wellman often notes, the expense of an agent is almost always less than the financial risk of navigating a 2026 transaction without an expert advocate.

"This is likely the biggest financial decision of your life," says Colin Wellman. "You wouldn't go to the back of a van to get a tooth pulled. Seeking a discount on professional representation often leads to 'discount' results that cost you significantly more in the long run."

The Buyer’s Edge: Avoiding the Overpay

For a buyer, an agent isn't just a door-opener; they are a shield. In a "Two-Speed Market," knowing the difference between a fair price and an emotional overpayment is critical.

• The Insight: A seasoned agent looks at hundreds of homes annually. They understand the nuance of a specific block in Manhattan Beach versus one three streets over. They catch the "hidden" details in disclosures that an untrained eye—or an algorithm—might miss.

The Seller’s Reality: $55,000 on the Table

The data is clear. Last year, the median selling price for agent-represented homes was $435,000, compared to just $380,000 for "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) listings. That’s a $55,000 difference.

Even after accounting for commissions, the average seller still walked away with nearly $30,000 more by using an agent. In our local market, where the spread between a "good" price and a "great" price can be massive, that gap only widens.

Why 91% of Buyers Return

If the financial argument doesn't convince you, the satisfaction rate should. According to the National Association of Realtors, 91% of buyers stated they would use their agent again.

The Campbell Wellman Take: "An agent is your strategist and your advocate," Colin explains. "Our job is to tackle the friction, the paperwork, and the heavy-duty negotiations day in and day out so you don't have to. When you're in the 'hot seat' of a Westside transaction, you realize very quickly that expert representation is worth its weight in gold."

In a market as complex as ours, strategy always beats a discount. Let's create your strategy...

TODAY! April’s First Friday on Abbot Kinney

Today, Abbot Kinney Boulevard transforms into the world’s best open-air dining room.

If you’ve lived on the Westside long enough, you know the drill for First Friday. It’s chaotic, it’s vibrant, and it is arguably the most authentic way to kick off the spring season. This Friday, April 3rd, the food truck lineup is hitting that sweet spot of global fusion and local staples.

The April Lineup: A Global Hit List

From 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, AK becomes a mix of amazing tastes. Whether you’re a devotee of the Kogi BBQ short rib taco or you’re hunting for the vegan mastery of Man Eating Plant, the variety this month is particularly strong.

A few "insider" picks for this Friday:

• The Comfort Classic: Cousin’s Maine Lobster for that "spring-is-here" roll.

• The Fusion Fix: 8e8 Thai and Sus Arepas for when you can’t decide which hemisphere you want to eat in.

• The Sweet Finish: Sure Good Soft Serve—because you can’t walk the shops without a cone in hand.

Our Strategy

For those of us who call the Westside home, First Friday is an art form. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the flow.

1. Arrive Early (or Late): The 5:00 PM start is perfect for beating the peak crowds, but the "golden hour" around 7:00 PM is when the energy truly peaks.

2. Know the Relief Zones: If you’re navigating the crowds with a group, remember that restrooms are stationed at California Ave and Palms Blvd.

3. The "Walk and Shop" Pivot: Grab your plate and duck into the local shops & spots that stay open for the event.

The Campbell Wellman Take: First Friday isn’t just a food event; it’s a heartbeat check for Venice (which is already pumping steady, thanks to Weezer’s and the Chili Peppers' recent surprise shows!). It reminds us why we live here—the authenticity, its signature culture, and the incredible food. It’s a reminder that real estate in Venice isn't just about the square footage; it's about being steps away from this kind of cultural gravity.

See you at the food trucks!

The Next Gen of Coastal Stewards: Earth Day at Dockweiler

At Campbell Wellman, our focus is usually on the built environment—the homes and structures that define the Westside. But this week, we are looking at the foundation of it all: our coastline.

In honor of Earth Day, LA County Beaches & Harbors is partnering with Heal the Bay and Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell to host the 2026 Kids Beach Cleanup at Dockweiler Beach. This isn't just a day of service; it’s an opportunity to empower the next generation of environmental stewards right here in our backyard.

Event Highlights

Scheduled for Sunday, April 12, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the event at the Dockweiler Youth Center offers a hands-on experience for families to take meaningful action. Beyond the cleanup, participants can explore:

• The Traveling Tidepool: A tactile learning experience with local marine life.

• Coastal Resiliency Education: Insight into how we protect our beaches for the decades to come.

• "Can the Trash!" & Arts Stations: Creative ways to rethink waste and conservation.

The Campbell Wellman Take

We often talk about "Location Equity," and there is no greater asset to the Los Angeles lifestyle than a healthy, vibrant ocean. Seeing our local youth roll up their sleeves to protect the sand and surf is the ultimate long-term investment. It’s about ensuring that the "Coastal Advantage" remains intact for the generations that follow.

Logistics & Participation

The event is free, but registration is required to receive a parking pass and complete the necessary waivers. Reserve a spot here.

• Location: Dockweiler Youth Center, 12505 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey.

• Preparation: While buckets and gloves are provided, families are encouraged to bring their own reusable supplies, hats, and sunscreen.

• Service Hours: For students looking to fulfill volunteer requirements, beach captains will be on-site to sign service hour forms at the conclusion of the cleanup.

Let’s work together to keep our coastline pristine!

Our Boutique Advantage: Why Local is the Ultimate 2026 Hedge

The real estate headlines of early 2026 have been dominated by "mega-mergers." We are seeing giant corporate brokerages forming massive strategic alliances, consolidating power, and shifting their focus toward high-volume platforms and algorithmic "solutions."

In an industry that is rapidly becoming a corporate factory, a fundamental question arises for Westside and South Bay homeowners: Does a bigger brokerage lead to a better result?

At Campbell Wellman, our answer has remained unchanged for over two decades: Boutique is better. Here is why the "Anti-Algorithm" approach is the definitive advantage in today’s coastal market.

1. You Are Not an Algorithm

The "Big Box" brokerages are designed for volume. Their success is measured in thousands of transactions and "agent count." To them, a home is a data point in a vast quarterly report.

To us, a home is a legacy. Because we are a focused, boutique firm, we don't have the luxury—or the desire—to treat you like a number. We provide a "High-Touch" experience where every strategy is bespoke. We don't use a template; we use a deep, localized understanding of how a specific street in the Highlands or a certain block on the Strand is performing this afternoon.

2. The "Triple-Threat" Intellectual Property

The corporate giants often outsource their expertise, passing you from an agent to a transaction coordinator to a third-party appraiser. This creates "The Gap"—a loss of information and nuance at every handoff.

The Campbell Wellman advantage is our integrated 360° View. We bring three distinct, high-level disciplines to every single conversation:

• State-Certified Appraisal: Data-driven accuracy that goes beyond "comparables."

• Licensed Construction: A builder’s eye that identifies hidden value (and hidden risks).

• Brokerage Expertise: Decades of high-stakes negotiation in the most competitive zip codes in California.

3. Deep Roots vs. National Reach

There is a massive difference between "studying" a neighborhood and living in it. As a born-and-raised Palisades local, Colin Wellman’s market knowledge isn't derived from a corporate spreadsheet—it’s built on 40+ years of watching coastal cycles turn.

When the market gets "noisy," as it has in early 2026, you don't need a national brand; you need a neighbor who understands the hyper-local micro-climates of Los Angeles real estate.

4. Small Team, Massive Results

A common misconception is that "Bigger is Stronger." In reality, over $1 Billion in local sales is proof that a personalized, surgical strategy outperforms a high-volume assembly line every time. We’ve chosen to stay boutique because it allows us to remain authentic, agile, and—most importantly—completely focused on the person across the table.

The Campbell Wellman Take: In a world of mega-mergers and automated valuations, the human element has become the rarest luxury of all. We aren't just selling homes; we are protecting your equity with a level of care that a corporate algorithm simply cannot replicate. Let's have a strategic conversation.