(Editor’s note: About 25 percent of people living in Pacific Palisades were seniors. These were people who helped run the town or were integral to the fabric of the community. They were the backbone of leadership, wisdom and a voice from the Palisades to the City. This editor just heard about three of her favorite people, Hester and Murray Levy, who lived in the Castellammare are and whose home was destroyed in the fire. Murray represented that area of town on the Pacific Palisades Community Council and both were active in the Castellammare Homeowners Association. Lee Calvert, perhaps one of the town’s most decorated athlete, lived in Tahitian Terrace and her home was also destroyed. The following letter is from Hester.)
Lee Calvert, Murray and Hester Levy met with friends near Aptos, close to Santa Cruz.
We live in Aptos, seven miles south of Santa Cruz where Lee Calvert lives on her daughter and son-in-law’s property. Lee has a longtime friendship with a friend of mine, Nancy Acuna. They played badminton together (competition) for decades.
Nancy was my boss at my first job as an Occupational Therapist at a rehab center. We have been friends ever since. She and her husband Dave joined Murray and me every summer for picnics/concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.
Nancy and Dave visited because they wanted to see us and Lee. I wanted to see Lee too, so we met them at the Santa Cruz Senior Center where Lee regularly plays table tennis.
Attached are some photos. Lee is teamed with her son Jeff.
She has a live-in caretaker, Alexa, who is a doll. She drove Lee to the center. Lee is now 101, walks with a walker and continues to be remarkable. Everyone adores her, including me.
Lee Calvart and her son Jeff partner to play table tennis.
Hester wished everyone “smooth sailing” with rebuilding.
So much fun to see these folks. When I worked at RAND, I hired Hester to work in my department and once you know Hester, you also know her husband Murray. Lee once lived in the house that I was living in on Erskine Drive, and it did burn, a total loss. I wish the best to Hester, Murray and Lee.
I was just in Santa Cruz and it looks as rundown as the rest of the state.
Met Lee at the First Citizens Bank just after she turned 100 and she was feted at the wonderful birthday party which she happily told me about. She didn’t know me, but I went over and congratulated her on her milestone achievement and she couldn’t have been sweeter. And boy oh boy she definitely does not look 101! She was definitely blessed with great genes!! God bless her and may she have more happy, healthy one to come!
Great article, Sue! I played badminton years ago with a group in our Pali gym, Lee often visited and she IS a peach. I love her shirt, “Never underestimate an old woman who plays table tennis.” So true. Is it possible to get some video of Lee playing ping pong and post it? She is a true inspiration! Thank you for this story and photos.