January 13
The Sew Chateau—which opened in 2018 as a sewing studio for adults and kids to enjoy, refine and learn the craft of sewing—closed its doors at 833 Via De La Paz after a goodbye event on January 8, owner Shane LaLonde confirmed. On March 26, Palisadian Amanda Rastegar opened Loomey’s Toy Boutique in the space, offering a curated collection of sustainable toys, books, accessories, gifts and more.
January 27
A tradition started by the paper in 1954, parents Mark and Aradhna Kelsey welcomed the first babies born to a Palisadian family in 2022, twins Maria Chiara and Sophia Devi Kelsey, on January 3 at St. John’s. The Post will continue the tradition in 2023—families who welcome babies in the beginning of the year are encouraged to email mypost@palipost.com for consideration.
February 3
Locally founded environmental organization Resilient Palisades launched the first phase of microgrid technology to Pacific Palisades on Monday, January 24, which included the installation of solar and storage islands. According to Ryan Craig, co-lead of the Resilient Palisades Clean Energy Resilience team, the Palisades is one of the most underserved communities in the city by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
March 3
After more than two decades in the Palisades, Puzzle Zoo toy store received an eviction notice on January 31 and later closed. The first store in the Palisades opened on Swarthmore Avenue in 2000, before moving to its Sunset Boulevard location in 2016. It was revealed in November that Kruse + Company, which will sell premium electric bikes and related products, will open in the space, owned and operated by Andrew and Tara Grove.
March 3
Over 40 volunteers gathered early Wednesday morning, February 23, for the annual Homeless Count in Pacific Palisades, organized by Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness. The count reflected that while there was a significant increase of 65% in vehicle dwellers since 2020, there has not been an increase in the number of homeless individuals in the past two years, according to Site Coordinator David Morena.
March 10
Amazon announced at the start of March that it would be closing all of its bookstores and pop-up shops, including Amazon Books in Palisades Village on Swarthmore Avenue, which closed on March 19. As the year came to an end, the space remained empty and it was unclear what tenant would take over. Other changes at Palisades Village throughout 2022 included a Madhappy pop-up, which launched June 18, and, after it ended, Favorite Daughter opening in the space on November 4. See’s Candies closed on July 16, with Officine Générale slated to open soon. Byredo opened on August 12 and Aesop on October 21, while Faherty closed on October 15 and was replaced by Bottega Veneta.
March 24
Cathay Palisades, owned and operated by David and Audrey Leung, announced that it was being forced to close its Antioch Street restaurant after serving Pacific Palisades for 33 years for not being a “tenant mix.” Topa Property Management approached Cathay Palisades in October 2021 and gave the restaurant two months to vacate the property, according to the Leungs. The restaurant’s final date was June 26.
May 12
Community members gathered to celebrate 100 years of Pacific Palisades at a centennial event hosted by Pacific Palisades Historical Society on May 7 at Simon Meadow in Temescal Gateway Park. Originally slated for January 15, closer to the town’s official birthday, the anniversary event was postponed due to COVID-19. The program was emceed by Honorary Mayor Eugene Levy, and featured various speakers and performances.
May 12
The Bay Club in Pacific Palisades—located at 17383 Sunset Boulevard—announced it would be closing after deciding not to renew its lease. The fitness center’s last day of operations was Tuesday, May 31. At the end of 2022, it was not yet known who would be taking over the space.
May 19
The Pacific Palisades Community Council Nominating Committee announced its nominations of officer candidates for the 2022-23 term during a virtual meeting on Thursday evening, May 12. The committee nominated Maryam Zar for chair, Jenny Li for vice-chair, Beth Holden-Garland for secretary and Randy Young for treasurer, who began their term July 1. For area and at-large representatives, beginning October 1 for a two-year term, Area 1 is represented by Murray Levy, Area 2 by Steve Cron, Area 3 by Haldis Toppel, Area 4 by Karen Ridgley, Area 5 by Kimberly Bloom, Area 6 by Cindy Simon, Area 7 by Julie Silliman and Area 8 by Reza Akef. Chris Spitz has been elected the at-large representative.
July 7
Pacific Palisades celebrated Fourth of July from morning until night, beginning with the return of the Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10K race and ending with fireworks at Palisades Charter High School, with the theme “Red, White and Blue in 2022.” Jennifer Garner led festivities as grand marshal, with Palisades Barber Shop Owner Joe Almaraz serving as parade marshal. Prizes were also awarded to the Marschall and Hassett families in this year’s Patriotic Home Decorating Contest.
July 21
The Los Angeles rainy season fell just under average, with Pacific Palisades receiving 13.34 inches of rain between July 1, 2021, and June 30. “Our 13.34 inches puts us slightly under the average rainfall for this area of 15 inches per year,” local weather authority Craig Weston, who tracks data each year, explained. “Last season was a La Niña year, which accurately predicted that our rainfall totals would fall short of our yearly average.”
July 21
Several months in the making, the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce has officially merged with Malibu, launching under the banner: Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce. Following two “challenging” years of COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, representatives from the Palisades Chamber reported the organization began working with Malibu to merge in fall 2021.
August 18
Theatre Palisades honored its actors and those who made the four shows of the season possible at its annual awards show on Sunday evening, August 14, at Pierson Playhouse. The in-person event was complete with a gourmet dinner and cocktails, as well as a raffle. When it came time to recognize the talent and effort of theater participants who work tirelessly to create special experiences for Palisadian theatergoers, a variety of familiar faces were called to the stage.
August 25
Kayndaves owners David and Jintana Licht sold their Sunset Boulevard restaurant after 30 years in the Village, with its last open day on August 27. “We’re selling the restaurant, not the building,” David said to the Palisadian-Post. “There were a number of factors. We met a local operator who hinted he loved our location, we made a deal and shook hands in 10 minutes.” Prima Cocina later opened in the space in November, offering an extensive menu of Baja California-inspired dishes.
September 22
While pickleball has been played in makeshift courts around town for at least two years, what has been called the “fastest-growing sport in America” will now have a more permanent home at Palisades Recreation Center. The Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners of the City of Los Angeles voted during its Thursday, September 15, meeting to add hybrid pickleball lines to tennis court #7.
October 6
Seven Arrows Elementary School welcomed scientist and activist Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, to Simon Meadow—along with 500 students from across Los Angeles—to speak on Wednesday, September 29. Attendees included participants from Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots youth program, which is described as a “global youth-powered program of the Jane Goodall Institute, led by millions of compassionate young people (and educators) who want to make a difference in their communities” by offering resources, training, support and leadership development skills to grow changemakers in more than 60 countries around the world.
October 20
Longtime Palisadian Dr. Mike Martini died on Wednesday, October 12, at the age of 97. Community member and Palisadian-Post contributing writer Jimmy Dunne reflected on Martini’s life, speaking with neighbors and loved ones to collect their sentiments as well. “One thing I’m sure of: He’s not a front-page story today in our town paper because of how much money or power he had, or the title on his business card,” Dunne wrote. “He’s a front-page story because of the size of his heart.”
October 27
Over 150 community members took to the streets of Pacific Palisades on Sunday, October 16, in support of Iranian women and women’s rights. Groups gathered worldwide in solidarity with the women of Iran, and the wave of demonstrations was catalyzed by the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in the custody of Iran’s morality police. Tina Bahador organized the Palisades march with her daughters, who helped spread the word to their peers and the community.
November 17
Thirty volunteers from Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club traversed the town to celebrate residents turning 90 years and better with special deliveries on Thursday, November 10—a tradition dating back to 1996. This year, 81 participants, ranging from 90 to 108 years old, were celebrated, according to Kathleen Holland, who is in charge of communications for PPWC.
November 17
Those walking past may have noticed something different: American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 on West La Cruz Drive recently underwent some major renovations. These changes were presented to members of the American Legion, who were invited to preview the space on Friday evening, November 11, ahead of a grand opening slated for 2023.
November 24
When it comes to local politics in the 2022 General Election, in three of the area races, three women candidates were elected and later sworn in. Karen Bass won the Los Angeles mayoral race over Rick Caruso, making Bass the first woman elected to serve as mayor of LA. In Council District 11, Traci Park won over Erin Darling to take over for Councilmember Mike Bonin, who announced earlier in 2022 he would not seek re-election. Lindsey Horvath beat Bob Hertzberg in the race for District 3 County Supervisor, succeeding Supervisor Sheila Keuhl.
December 1
Rising cases of COVID-19, increased circulation of new Omicron strains and high transmission of respiratory illnesses prompted Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to strongly recommend masking in indoor public spaces. Though many events returned in 2022, some for the first time since the start of the pandemic, the announcement to recommend masking indoors was in line with LA County’s COVID Response Plan.
December 8
The Pacific Palisades Library Association kicked off its new Writers, Artists and Musicians Series on Thursday evening, December 1, with a one-hour conversation with longtime Palisadian Martin Short, an Emmy- and Tony-winning actor, comedian and author. The conversation—moderated by Tim Schneider, president and CEO of Schneider Publishing Company—covered a range of topics, including Short’s life in the Palisades and his time as honorary mayor of the town, his many decades in the industry, and his current projects.
December 15
Community members, local officials and other attendees all gathered in person for the first time since 2019 to celebrate the Pacific Palisades Community Council Holiday Awards Gala and Dinner on December 8 at Cheadle Hall in Temescal Gateway Park. Mike Lanning was named Citizen of the Year; Jim Cragg, Cindy Simon, Tracey Price and Hazel Tate received Golden Sparkplug awards; and the Pacific Palisades Historical Society Centennial Celebration Committee was awarded Pride of the Palisades.
December 15
Several decades—and one rain delay—later, George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon officially opened on Saturday, December 10, with a celebration on the new grass turf attended by local officials, community members and the Wolfberg family. The 46-acre passive park, which provides a pathway from Palisades Recreation Center down to Pacific Coast Highway, was completed by “literally generations of people who worked for the city of Los Angeles and people who have been engaged in the community,” then-Councilmember Mike Bonin said during the grand opening celebration.
December 22
Two beloved holiday traditions were celebrated the weekend of December 17 and 18: the 73rd annual Ho! Ho! Ho!, which took place at Simon Meadow, and the 34th annual Palisades Unity Menorah lighting, hosted by Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades at Palisades Village on the first night of Hanukkah.
Letters to the Editor
Throughout the year, community members shared many sentiments in the paper through Letters to the Editor. For those who are interested in submitting a letter for consideration in a future edition, email mypost@palipost.com.
‘A Tribute to the Palisades’
May 12
I was honored to attend the Pacific Palisades Centennial Celebration and listen to so many Palisadians speak in such warm terms about the Palisades.
From the singular people who were instrumental in bringing us together under a huge tent on a gorgeous spring day at Simon Meadow—a precious property owned by the YMCA—to the organizations I’ve come to know through my time on various community groups, to the Pali Ambassadors which my daughter led in her last year at Pali High, I was thrilled to think that in the years I’ve been here I’ve gotten to know so many of the wonderful people and organizations that preserve and protect this community.
Bill Bruns laid out interesting historic tidbits like the fact that the Clearwater mural on Swarthmore, championed by Stuart Mueller, was named after Clifford and Zola Clearwater who launched the Palisadian-Post. Randy Young gave us a “brief” history of the Palisades during which he mentioned pioneers like Ernie Marquez, whom I know and admire, along with numerous community minded volunteers that have had a hand in building this community we are lucky enough to call home.
I was particularly proud of artist Nicole Nguyen from Paul Revere Charter Middle School for winning the Centennial Art Contest sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.
Many thanks to the Historical Society Chair Barbara Kohn who was an early mentor and the event Chair Donna Vaccarino, and to Cindy Simon who informs the YMCA board that I newly chair for this wonderful event hosted on this precious meadow.
I wrote for the Post not long ago that this community is more diverse than we give it credit for. It’s true—I’m one of many examples of that diversity and the commitment of Palisadians to work together, believe in each other and support one another as we each do our part to preserve and protect the Palisades.
Maryam Zar
Palisades Village Green
October 6
For those of you who aren’t aware of the story behind the Palisades Village Green, here is a reminder.
It all began as a dream really, a beautification project. The idea of a few forward-thinking, civic-minded Palisadians to replace a standard service station with a little privately owned park began in 1972.
A lot of planning, studying and organizing, plus a drive for funding, created a nonprofit corporation, with a board of volunteer directors, land acquisition, landscaping and ultimate dedication of the Village Green in 1973. The Palisades Village Green is privately owned and maintained, but available to the community to enjoy the little park.
It has remained very much a grassroots effort to this day, still largely maintained by a small but dedicated group of folks who gather at intervals to weed, deadhead, water and clean this space to keep it presentable and comfortable for visitors. We are still dependent on donations from donors to keep up this precious park.
Any usage of the park must be authorized by the Village Green board, which includes information re: insurance by the user, and plans for set up and clean up by the user. In order to keep the Village Green viable and usable, we need the community to be aware of these things.
The Village Green is owned and managed by a private group of volunteers. We take care of this little park and share it with those who abide by the rules of behavior. There is no smoking or skateboarding nor alcohol consumed by those using the park.
We love to have the community come and enjoy this space. Please respect it, and if you desire, come help us take care of it. For more information, please check palisadesvillagegreen.org.
The Village Green Committee
Your Two Cents’ Worth
One of the most popular things in the Post year after year is our 2 Cents column. This is a space for readers to share their thoughts and feelings in brief messages that are published without a name attached. Here is a selection that ran throughout 2022.
Cathay Palisades
March 17
So disappointed to hear that Topa will not be renewing Cathay Palisades lease after over 30 years in the Palisades. Such a loss to the community.
Marquez
May 26
The new principal at Marquez Elementary has been such a breath of fresh air after our return to campus. She has been so receptive and open to the students’ needs as we navigate the new normal. She has great ideas and fabulous engagement with the school community! We are lucky to have her in the Palisades!
4th of July
July 7
What a fantastic parade! There were so many participants and the energy was amazing. So many happy families all around me, and community members who treated me like a lifelong friend. Thanks Palisades for another warm and memorable celebration!
Fake Grass
September 1
Please do not use artificial grass. It’s plastic. So much of our city is already covered in asphalt and concrete, let’s not add plastic to the mix. Plants cool the earth, plastic heats it up. There are many low irrigation and drought tolerant choices. We need as much natural space as possible for insects to live, so birds can feed, etc. I can’t remember the last time I saw a ‘rolly-polly’ or a lady bug I didn’t buy from Anawalt.
Motorcycles
November 3
The motorcycle noise pollution on Sunset is just awful. It’s a shame that our quiet coastal community has to put up with this on Wednesday and Sunday nights.
Secede
December 1
Hey Lawyers, what are the chances that we can get the Palisades (and maybe Brentwood) to secede from LA due to that terrible “mansion tax?”
Holiday Stroll
December 22
Caruso’s Palisades Village Holiday Stroll last weekend was truly magical. He perfectly captured the holiday cheer of the Palisades with festive (and free!) fare from local eateries, wonderful entertainment and a great Santa. Our family was delighted by what we hope will be an annual tradition.
Got something to say? Email 2cents@palipost.com or call 310-454-1321 and get those kudos or concerns off your chest. Names will not be used.
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