The Church Will Also Host a Screening of Palisades Fire Documentary on September 5
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Calvary Palisades is set to resume services at its Highlands campus on Sunday, September 7, at 10 a.m. with Lead Pastor Justin Anderson.
“We back,” read a post shared by the church. “Worship in the gym. Baptisms in the sanctuary. Habit truck in the courtyard. Don’t miss it.”
Following the Palisades fire, “almost the entirety of the campus”—which houses the church as well as Calvary Christian School—was “safe and relatively unharmed.” There was “smoke and water damage,” with the “only area of significant damage was to the sanctuary,” the church wrote at the time.
The school resumed instruction at its Palisades campus following its closure since the fire with its first day of the academic year on Tuesday, September 2.
Ahead of Sunday’s service, Calvary will host a film screening and dessert reception on Friday, September 5, beginning at 7 p.m. for the premiere of “What Endures: The Story of the Palisades Fire,” which was described as “a short documentary-style film about the fires and their impact on our community.”
“Through the voices of our neighbors, teachers and friends, this film tells the story of how our community walked through loss and is clinging to hope together,” read information about the film.
In the trailer, Anderson described preaching his first sermon as the pastor on January 5—two days before the Palisades fire began on January 7.
“After the screening, stay for a dessert reception where we can share memories, reconnect and reflect,” the church wrote. “Admission is free—come and be part of this special night with friends, family and neighbors.”
The screening will take place in the gym. Calvary is located at 701 Palisades Drive.
Eligible organizations, groups, businesses and individuals proposing a community project are now able to apply for a grant/donation from Pacific Palisades Community Council, the group’s Grants Committee announced.
The Grants Committee was formed “to develop rules/guidelines for the process and eligibility for grants/donations from PPCC; to review applications for such grants/donations; and to make recommendations to the PPCC Board for approval of grants/donations from PPCC.”
Committee members for the 2025-26 term include Chair and PPCC Vice President Quentin Fleming, AYSO/Recreation Representative Janet Anderson, Area 2 Representative Steve Cron, Area 6 Representative Lorie Cudzil, At-large Representative Chris Spitz, Area 8 Representative Andrew Wolfberg, Chair Emeritus Maryam Zar and President Sue Kohl (ex officio/non-voting).
“Grant applications have already been received and recommendations for Board approval will be made at the next PPCC meeting on September 11,” read information from PPCC. “Recommendations for grants are expected to continue as additional applications are received and reviewed.”
A Pacific Palisades Book Fair will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283.
The event is geared toward Palisades “fire-impacted students [in kindergarten through second grade] and their families.”
“First 250 students receive a free book,” the flyer read.
The books are being supplied by Malibu Village Bookstore and purchased by the Santa Monica Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Palisades Garden Café will offer 10% off lunch to those who attend, and all books available for purchase will be 10% off.
Post 283 is located at 15247 La Cruz Drive. For additional information about the event, contact Boofie Graham at regentsantamonica@gmail.com.
A previous "Composer Collective" at Theatricum Botanicum Photo courtesy of Theatricum Botanicum
The Evening Will Feature Works by Composers, Performers Affected by the January Fires
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
The “Under the Oaks” salon series at Theatricum Botanicum will continue on Thursday, September 11, at 7:30 p.m. with “Composer Collective.”
“This ‘Composer Collective’ is dedicated to the composers and musicians who lost their homes or were displaced by the Palisades and Eaton fires,” read information from Theatricum Botanicum. “Featuring original music by local composers, this event honors their work—past, present and future—during a year when our community’s support is more vital than ever.”
Composers will include Matthew Ferraro (“Futurama”), Peter Golub (“The Great Debaters”), Daniel Clive McCallum (“The People Before”), Starr Parodi (“Mission Impossible II”), David Schwartz (“The Good Place”) and Duncan Thum (“Chef’s Table”).
“Sixteen-year-old Isolde Fair, who will perform her own work, as will Starr Parodi,” read information from Theatricum Botanicum. “Other musicians bringing the work to life: USC professor An Perry on piano, who will perform ‘Four Preludes for An Perry’ by Brevan Manson; LACO’s Kate Vincent on viola; and Savannah Jo Lack on violin.”
Additional performances in the salon series include “What the Constitution Means to Me” on Thursday, September 4, “When You Speak Love: Kurt Weill in Songs & Letters” on September 18 and “Theatricum Cabaret: Tribute to Joni Mitchell” on September 25.
All performances take place at 7:30 p.m. at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, which is located at 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Tickets are available for the series for $25 to $37—priced at $25 for “Composer Collective.”
Wide receiver Demare Dezeurn makes one of his game-high 12 catches against Harvard-Westlake last Thursday, August 28. Photos by Steve Galluzzo
Receiver’s Four Touchdown Catches Help Palisades Beat Harvard-Westlake
By STEVE GALLUZZO| Sports Editor
The Palisades Charter High School varsity football team’s season debut was delayed one week, but for the blue and white faithful who traveled to Studio City last Thursday, August 28, it was well worth the wait.
Picking up where they left off a year ago when they set program records for points scored in a season (582) and points per game (41.9), the Dolphins racked up 519 all-purpose yards in a 37-34 intersectional victory over Harvard-Westlake School.
All eyes were on receiver Demare Dezeurn, a junior transfer from Bishop Alemany, who is out to prove he is as good on the gridiron as he is on the track. He finished third in the 100-meter dash at the CIF state meet in Clovis in the spring, clocking 10.39 seconds.
Dezeurn’s quickness and speed were on display against the Wolverines, who were out to avenge last year’s 30-13 loss to Palisades. He had 12 catches for 194 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.
“Four [touchdowns] said a lot but there’ll always be doubters,” Dezeurn said. “I’m proud of myself. We’re just getting started.”
Quarterback Jack Thomas threw for 410 yards and five touchdowns in the Dolphins’ 37-34 intersectional victory.
Miscues on Harvard-Westlake’s first two drives gave the Dolphins possession deep in their opponent’s territory and they capitalized both times on Dezeurn scoring grabs of 16 and 20 yards in the first five minutes.
Palisades’ season was supposed to have begun six days earlier at Dymally but the contest was canceled because the Challengers did not have enough players. Athletic Director Rocky Montz did try to find a replacement opponent for Zero Week before a game was ultimately confirmed against El Camino Real on the Dolphins’ bye week.
After Harvard-Westlake scored to cut its deficit to 12-6 midway through the second quarter, Palisades responded with a six-yard touchdown run by Harrison Carter to go up 19-6, but Dylan Fullmer returned the ensuing kickoff 82 yards to pull the Wolverines with 19-13 just before halftime.
Augie Sone’s three-yard run gave Harvard-Westlake a 20-19 lead midway through the third quarter, but King Demethris caught a 55-yard touchdown pass to put Palisades back in front, and Dezeurn added a 44-yard scoring reception to widen the margin to 11 early in the fourth quarter. After Sone’s one-yard run trimmed the Wolverines’ deficit to five, Dezeurn’s 15-yard touchdown catch with five minutes left seemingly put the game out of reach.
However, Sone’s third touchdown run and the subsequent two-point conversion pass pulled Harvard-Westlake to within three points with 1:12 remaining. Only after Palisades recovered the ensuing onside kick was victory secure, as the Dolphins ran out the clock.
Wide receiver King Demethris breaks loose on his way to a 55-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
It was a career night for senior quarterback Jack Thomas, who completed 23 of 34 attempts for 410 yards and five touchdowns and a 148.3 rating. He is on pace to surpass his total of 46 touchdown passes last fall when he earned Western League Player of the Year and City Offensive MVP honors.
Malachi Ross caught five passes for 81 yards, Demethris added three catches for 94 yards and linebacker Skyler Walters led the defense with 12 tackles.
The day before, August 27, the junior varsity squad lost 24-6 to drop to 1-1.
The Dolphins are back in action Friday, September 5, when they host Granada Hills in the schools’ annual Charter Bowl. The JV game kicks off at 4 p.m., followed by varsity at 7 p.m. at Santa Monica College.
Palisades holds a 12-5 advantage in a series dating back to 2006. The Dolphins have won 10 of the last 11 meetings, including last year’s 42-28 triumph at Stadium by the Sea.
Joseph W. Landau, M.D., died at the age of 95 on August 16.
Born in Buffalo, New York, to parents Carrie and Fred Landau, on May 23, 1930, Joe had one sister, Judith. The family grew up together in Buffalo.
After graduating high school in 1947, being the learned man he was, he attended and graduated Weil Cornell University undergrad in 1951 (Phi Beta Kappa) and went on to medical school in the same year, in the graduating class of 1955, graduating again at the top of his class.
He moved back to Buffalo for an internship at Buffalo General Hospital in pediatrics (1955-56). From there, he went into the Army, to serve as a medic in the Korean War, stationed in Japan as a Lt. Colonel (1956-58).
After the military, in 1958 he moved to Los Angeles for a residency in pediatrics (1960-61) at Children’s Hospital, eventually getting his Boards in Pediatrics. Then he went on to a residency at UCLA, David Geffen School of Medicine (1962-63) where he met Carole Gainsley, his wife and mother of his children.
He was elected to the Medical Honorary Society as a fellow in pediatrics and dermatology, acquiring an M.S. in pediatrics. Then after a short time in pediatrics, he went on to pursue a specialty in dermatology; getting his boards in dermatology and dermatopathology at UCLA.
He then went on to an illustrious career in private practice in Santa Monica as a leading and renowned pediatric dermatologist, doing much of his own pathology work as well. His patients loved him for his affable and understated, yet confident and often humorous, manner. He was known to many of the next generation of dermatologists in LA as their mentor at UCLA.
He raised his family with his then wife Carole. Joe was in private practice in Santa Monica for almost 50 years, retiring at 88 years old. He was loved and respected by his patients and colleagues of several generations.
He was a mentor for dermatology students for most of his career, and on the medical teaching staff at the UCLA Medical School as associate professor and on staff at St. John’s Hospital. He also gave several days each month to seeing patients at the Jewish Home for the Aged and made weekly rounds at the Wadsworth V.A. Hospital in Westwood.
He ultimately moved to his beloved home in Pacific Palisades in 1990, where he lived over 34 years. He loved to walk to the ocean vistas, hike in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains and spend time with family. Ultimately this home was taken away from him in the 2025 Palisades fire.
Joe was always an avid runner, hiker, mountaineer and outdoorsman. He was, above all, a beloved family man having five children and 12 grandchildren. He was a lover of learning, always on the cutting edge of the science of dermatology and truly, all medical fields, being a vociferous reader of medical journals, to which he contributed as well. He was our family encyclopedia for all things medicine, education, sports and stocks while a patient and accepting listener.
Joe was also a big Bruins football and basketball fan; but with his kids, he loved his camping trips, hikes and runs. He entered and finished the 26-mile San Diego marathon in 1976 in under three-and-a-half hours’ time.
Joe contributed to many Jewish charities, as well as his alma mater, Cornell, and many environmental and wildlife conservation charities.
He was the loving husband of Carole whom he had three children with, and a blended family of five, raising her two daughters as his own, their stepdad, who called him Dad.
Joe was a devoted dad who cherished and adored his kids and grandkids, a grandfather to 12 grandkids and two great-grandkids, Yael and Ronen, and uncle to one niece, Rosalyn, daughter of his sister, Judith Liss.
Services/memorial will take place at Stephen Wise Temple in Bel Air at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9.
Donations may be made to the Jewish Home for the Aged, Los Angeles, Birthright Israel or World Wildlife Fund.
The annual Palisadian-Post Football Contest, giving readers a chance to predict upcoming game winners, starts this weekend.
“Every week, the Palisadian-Post will have a selection of NFL and college football games,” according to the contest rules. “Check the team you think will win each game. The person with the most correct picks wins. In the event there is a tie, the tie-breaker will be used to determine the winner.”
There is an online submission process, making it easier than ever to participate. Contestants can simply download or copy their entry form, fill in their picks, take a photo and email it back to footballcontest@palipost.com by the 5 p.m. Friday deadline. The contest runs through the end of the NFL regular season.
The deadline to enter for Week 1 is September 5, at 5 p.m. The entry form will be posted no later than Thursday each week on the Post website, Facebook and Instagram.
Only one entry per person per contest will be accepted. Winners will receive a $10 gift card by email from our new contest sponsor, The Yogurt Shoppe (located at 11726 Barrington Ct. in Brentwood Village). The Post thanks The Yogurt Shoppe for allowing us to continue this 30-year-old tradition.
Good luck to all participants and happy prognosticating!
PPRA President Jessica Rogers Photos by Steve Galluzzo
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Residents opposing Senate Bill 79 joined elected officials and community leaders on Saturday morning, August 23, for a rally in the U.S. Bank parking lot at the corner of Sunset and Swarthmore.
Headed by Pacific Palisades Residents Association President Jessica Rogers, the protest was one of many that took place statewide to advocate against a bill the California Senate Appropriations Committee narrowly passed June 3: San Francisco Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 79, the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act.
The bill would allow for the construction of multi-family housing near designated transit stops. Buildings up to seven stories high would be allowed near subway stations, and buildings up to six stories would be allowed within one-quarter mile of light rail, Metrolink or Bus Rapid Transit stops.
“This is a big deal,” said Chris LeGras of Our Neighborhood Voices, a coalition that organized rallies in the Palisades, Altadena, San Diego, San Fernando Valley, San Francisco, Marin County, Lakewood, Torrance and Hermosa Beach. “Who gets to decide whose town it’s going to be? They want to build high-density housing in fire severity zones and they call that progress.”
In July, the legislation was moved forward by the Assembly Housing and Local Government committees, though it is still subject to a vote by the full Assembly, which could pass it as is or amend it.
Spencer Pratt
Rogers gave a shout-out to Palisadian celebrity influencer Spencer Pratt, who came to the rally.
“You are fearless,” Rogers said. “We’ve got your back.”
Pratt and his wife, Heidi Montag, lost their Chautauqua home in the Palisades fire and have since been displaced to a rental home in Santa Barbara.
“We want to share our voice,” Rogers said while addressing the crowd of people holding signs reading “Stop SB 79 Now.” “We’re going to end SB 79 today. The PPRA has been around for more decades than I’ve been alive. It’s nonpartisan, and this is a nonpartisan issue.”
Rogers said “we don’t want to recreate what’s behind us,” referring to buildings that had burned across the street. She then introduced Councilmember Traci Park.
“We need housing that people can afford, and we need to have a say in where that housing goes,” Park said. “This reckless build from Sacramento undoes all of the work we’ve done as a community. It hands the keys to corporate developers, and this build is being rammed down our throats by bureaucrats who’ve probably never set foot in your neighborhood … Affordable housing needs to be done thoughtfully. I led the City Council’s vote in opposing SB 79. We’re a community, not a commodity.”
Next to the podium was Larry Vein, CEO of Pali Strong, a foundation established to help rebuild the town and support fire recovery efforts.
“Even though we’ve lost our community, we’re coming back so much stronger,” said Vein, who shared how he was trapped in gridlocked traffic for two hours surrounded by fires as he tried to get out of the hills. “We don’t do politics, we do Palisades. We’re coming back, but we’re going to do it smart. There’s a rational way to do it.”
Additional speakers included entrepreneur and LA native Daphne Bradford, who ran for election to the LA County Board of Supervisors in District 2 (she finished second to incumbent Holly Mitchell in March 2024), Westlake Village Mayor Kelly Honig and Alex Villanueva, who served as the 33rd sheriff of Los Angeles County from 2018-22 and is now a candidate for the position again.
Proponents of the bill argue that increasing the supply of housing in transit-oriented areas will help lower overall housing costs, and that increased housing near transit will encourage greater ridership and promote public transportation, thus supporting the financial stability of transit agencies.
“It’ll make evacuations more complicated,” Villanueva said while explaining why he believes SB 79 would put lives in danger. “We have to go a different way … This is about public safety. You matter. Don’t let Sacramento dictate how you rebuild your community.”
Councilmember Park Photo by Steve Galluzzo
Also speaking against SB 79 was Nico Ruderman, who lives in Venice and is campaigning for the State Senate in District 24, a position currently held by Ben Allen.
“It’ll rip communities apart by forcing longtime residents out of neighborhoods it claims to help,” Ruderman said. “We can’t keep building in areas where people need to be able to get out. Nothing in this bill is about affordability. Wiener claims SB 79 won’t affect the Palisades but the Big Blue Bus travels through the Palisades and once it passes Metro gets the zoning. All they have to do is change the routes and it’ll be affecting you.”
Reza Akef, who manages Polaris Homes LLC and launched a petition to waive sales taxes on reconstruction materials for fire victims, also spoke Saturday. He grew up in the Palisades, graduating from Palisades Charter High School in 1998 and, after attending law school, lived in the Palisades for 11 years before relocating to Palms.
“If they have their way in Sacramento there’ll be no backyards,” Akef said. “The American Dream is to be able to buy your own home. I grew up here and in 2022 we left because we wanted to save our money. You work hard to work hard to achieve where you want to live.”
Community activist Susan Collins drove from Sherman Oaks to express her disapproval of the bill, stating that Mayor Karen Bass was asked to sign off on resistance to SB 79—and she did on August 20—clarifying in a post that she opposes SB 79 “unless it is amended to exempt cities with a state-approved and compliant housing element.”
“While I support the intent to accelerate housing development statewide,” Bass wrote, “as written, this bill risks unintended consequences for LA.”
Rally attendees included Larry Goldberg (founder of Palisades Dolphin Strong) and longtime neighborhood safety advocate Mark Ryavec, president of Venice Stakeholders Association, a nonprofit community group founded in 2010.
LeGras delivered closing comments and encouraged everyone to contact their state assemblymember.
“We came within one vote of defeating SB 79 in June,” he said. “If we can flip one or two votes, it’s dead. It’s now in the Assembly so go online, find out who your representative is and call them. It’s amazing how the grassroots works. Ben Allen doesn’t like this bill … he may not oppose it, but he won’t vote for it.”
Allen, who represents Westside communities like the Palisades and Santa Monica, was present June 3, but did not vote, which amounted to an abstention.
In a statement posted on Wiener’s website June 3, the senator is quoted as saying: “Tonight’s vote is a big step toward making California an affordable place for people to live and thrive. California urgently needs to build more homes to bring down costs and building them near transit provides our public transportation systems with an infusion of new riders. This is an idea whose time has come. I thank my Senate colleagues for supporting this legislation and look forward to working with my Assembly colleagues to get the bill across the finish line.”
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Photo by Jude De Pastino
Among the Reopened Spaces Are CVS, Vittorio’s and Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Several additional spaces in Pacific Palisades have reopened following nearly eight-month closures after the Palisades fire, including CVS, Vittorio’s and the meditation gardens at Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine.
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
The meditation gardens on the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine grounds were slated to reopen to the public on Wednesday, August 27.
“The outdoor areas of the lake, known for their lush pathways and beautiful meditation nooks, will open first,” according to a representative. “Other areas of the Lake Shrine, including the Windmill Chapel, Houseboat and hilltop Temple, will open at other times over the coming months, due to ongoing remediation work across the 10-acre spiritual sanctuary.”
During the Palisades fire, a public restroom and “buildings further away from the lake suffered serious damage,” including one of the buildings that housed some of the Lake Shrine monks, which was “completely destroyed.” But, according to the representative, “most areas of the Lake Shrine were spared,” including all of the “legacy structures dating from Paramahansa Yogananda’s time.”
The interiors of the buildings had “significant smoke damage,” so prior to reopening, the buildings and their furnishings “are being restored and cleaned,” with some items, including carpets and drapery, being replaced when necessary. This work is expected to continue through the end of the year, with a full reopening of all Lake Shrine facilities being planned for spring 2026.
“We are deeply grateful to be able to welcome back visitors to this sanctuary of peace and tranquility,” Lake Shrine Minister-in-Charge Brother Satyananda said. “As a safe and quiet place full of nature’s beauty, it is our hope that the Lake Shrine can offer comfort and healing during this time of recovery.”
The meditation gardens will be open Wednesday to Sunday. Free reservations are required to visit and can be made at lakeshrine.org for morning (10 to 11:30 a.m.) and afternoon (1 to 3 p.m.) arrival slots. Reservations will open on each Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for the week ahead, according to the website.
Vittorio’s at Canyon Square
Following the destruction of its Marquez Avenue space in the Palisades fire, Vittorio’s reopened Sunday, August 24, in Canyon Square, located at 169 W Channel Road.
“Join us at Canyon Square for the same authentic Italian flavors you love, now in a convenient new location,” read the restaurant’s website. “We can’t wait to serve you.”
The restaurant, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in the community, is offering a full menu of items, including salads, sandwiches, pasta, dessert—and its beloved garlic rolls.
Vittorio’s was built by Mercedes Pellegrini and her daughters, Vanessa and Sabrina, alongside a “loyal team of employees.”
“Sabrina, Vanessa and Mercedes are a gift to the neighborhood,” Canyon Square wrote.
Vittorio’s current hours are Wednesday to Monday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, including a full menu and link to order pick-up ahead, visit vittoriosla.com.
Ruby Nails & Spa
Ruby Nails & Spa is slated to reopen on Friday, August 29, according to store Owner Ruby Hong.
“I really want to see you soon at the totally remodeled Ruby’s nail salon,” Hong said, “to support us as well as support the Palisades getting strong.”
Ruby’s is located at 15228 W Sunset Boulevard. Its new hours, according to Hong, will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days per week.
Photo by Eileen Carry
CVS
CVS in Pacific Palisades—located at 864 Swarthmore Avenue—reopened on Friday, August 15.
“They have a new look inside and are fully staffed, including the pharmacy,” Eileen Carry told the Palisadian-Post. “Kirsten Giannelli, the district performance coordinator for CVS, is on hand to assist in the reopening process for the community. And, the community is coming. I saw several people coming into the store to shop and talk with the staff. The pharmacy team is at the ready and looking forward to serving the community again.”
A representative said the store has “soft opened”: “A grand opening and ribbon-cutting will be held on September 19 at 11 a.m.”
“The Swarthmore Avenue store is your go-to shop for vitamins, groceries, first aid supplies and cosmetics,” read the CVS website. “Its convenient location has made this Pacific Palisades pharmacy a neighborhood staple.”
In-store services include COVID-19 vaccines and testing, flu shots, immunizations, prescription delivery, an ATM, photo (including passport photos), UPS access point, OTC Health Solutions, in-store pickup, pharmacy, and Beauty IRL.
The store’s current hours, according to its website, are daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The pharmacy hours are Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The pharmacy closes for lunch from 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Club Pilates Pacific Palisades
Club Pilates Pacific Palisades reopened on Monday, August 11, currently offering classes Monday through Thursday.
“The reopening has been incredibly heartfelt,” General Manager of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades Allegra Griffin said to the Post. “Many of our members live in the Palisades and were directly impacted by the fire, so being able to return to the studio has provided a sense of normalcy and healing. We’ve felt overwhelming support from both long-time members and new faces, all wanting to be part of rebuilding the community together.”
As of August 25, the class schedule included Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9, 10 and 11 a.m.
“We will continue to expand the schedule to include afternoon and weekend classes as more clients return to the area,” Griffin explained.
Club Pilates Pacific Palisades’ current offerings include Group Reformer-based Pilates classes for all levels, and private and semi-private training sessions. A special welcome for new clients, according to Griffin, is that their first class is free (a “50-minute, full-body Pilates workout”).
The studio is located at 15230 Sunset Boulevard in the back side of the building, directly above the rear entrance of Wells Fargo.
A Community Open House Will Take Place Saturday, September 6
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Palisades Community Renewal Center will open to serve “anyone affected by the Palisades wildfires” with free programming with a community open house on Saturday, September 6.
“The PCRC is a first-of-its-kind program created by the Picerne Family Foundation,” read information about the center, which has been in the works since late January. “The PCRC’s innovative approach offers trauma-informed resources that help those affected by the fires strengthen and sustain themselves and their sense of community after the devastating losses caused by the wildfires.”
Juliet Curry, who has more than two decades of experience in community-based programming, as well as a “lifelong commitment to arts education and learning,” will serve as director of the center.
Following a nearly four-decade career at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences—the last 13 as head of school—Bob Riddle is the center’s advisor. Riddle worked with and knew “a few thousand” families from Pacific Palisades through the school—many of which were “deeply impacted by the fires.”
For the first six or so months, he said, people were focused on finding things like homes and schools, while dealing with insurance and permitting, but that many studies show that “six to nine months after disaster is when people start to hit rock bottom,” which is when a lot of the “help goes away” and a lot of the “attention goes away.”
“Disaster recovery isn’t just about rebuilding structures—it’s about helping to restore communities by addressing both social and emotional capacity to thrive—and nine months after the wildfires, much of the real work of community rebuilding is just beginning,” Picerne Family Foundation Executive Director Victor Nelson said. “The Picerne Family Foundation’s mission is to empower individuals and communities, and our long-term investment recognizes that recovery goes far beyond the media attention and immediate crisis response and requires ongoing, sustained support.”
Programming that will be available at the 6,200-square-foot PCRC space includes therapy and counseling sessions, art classes, and wellness programs—designed to create “a space for community support, creativity, renewal and connections as people cope with trauma, loss and upheaval.”
“When the fires hit in January, myself, like many of us, we were all grappling for ways to support and help,” Curry, a resident of Santa Monica for “many decades,” said to the Palisadian-Post. “For me, in hard times, darker times, I have really turned to art as a way of healing. It’s been important for me to provide opportunities through the work that I’ve been doing in the nonprofit world … to provide an opportunity for people to express themselves. I see this center as the perfect way to support community healing.”
PCRC Director Juliet Curry
She also touched on the importance of mental health, noting that the center allows people to explore their creativity as well as receive “trauma-informed care and mental health services” under one roof.
PCRC is working with licensed mental health professionals via Maple Counseling, which will offer 12 free counseling sessions to individuals, as well as options for family and group therapy.
“The Briskin I Wilder Welcome Center, staffed on-site, connects individuals to a wide network of mental health providers across LA County and provides immediate help for those in crisis,” according to PCRC. “Continued therapy is available on a sliding fee scale, making ongoing support accessible regardless of financial situation.”
Arts programming at the center, which is slated to launch the week of September 15, will be led by P.S. ARTS teaching artists, who will offer free visual and performing arts classes designed for all ages, including drawing, painting, theater and movement. After school on weekdays four times per week there will be programming for elementary school, middle school, teens and adults, according to Curry, with multigenerational programming available on Saturdays.
“Additional services, such as social activities, guest speakers, and mindfulness and wellness programs, will be added in the coming weeks and months based on community needs and feedback,” according to PCRC. There will also be the option for community groups to use the space to meet or gather.
The resources—whether individual or community oriented—at PCRC will be available to anyone who lived, worked, studied or served in a community affected by the Palisades fire.
“We’re going to be really responsive [to the community’s needs],” Curry described, with the idea to “iterate or change the model as we go, based on what is needed by the people that are coming to the center.” “It’s going to be customizable.”
The center will celebrate its opening with a Community Open House on Saturday, September 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. The event will include “interactive art activities” led by P.S. ARTS, time to speak with counselors and staff, an opportunity to sign up for free art workshops, events, therapy services and more, as well as live entertainment and afternoon snacks.
The open house will include three “micro workshops” that are focused on dealing with stress and coping in difficult times.
Palisades Community Renewal Center, located at 3212 Nebraska Avenue in Santa Monica, will remain operational through at least 2029, or “as long as the need exists.” It will initially operate five days per week, remaining “flexible to expand programming, dates and hours of operation based on community demand and evolving needs.”
Beginning the week of September 8, the center will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., as well as Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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