By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council announced its 2025 awards honorees on Sunday evening, November 2, including Citizen of the Year, Golden Sparkplugs, Pride of the Palisades and, new for this year, Awesome Advocates.

Jim Cragg has been named Citizen of the Year for his “visionary leadership” in founding the “Palisades Long Term Recovery Group,” as well as providing assistance with emergency relief to provide “critical post-Palisades fire support to vulnerable Palisadians.”

The Palisades LTRG officially launched on August 8 in direct response to ongoing challenges following the Palisades fire. The group, formed by Palisades community members, is dedicated to identifying and connecting local survivors to a network of associated donor relief organizations.

“These major relief organizations have turned to our group to help identify and vet over 10,000 Palisades families in need of money, manpower, materials and information to get their lives back,” Cragg said at the time. “Palisadians are relying on us.”

Pali LTRG’s mission is to provide comprehensive recovery services to individuals and households impacted by the fire, ensuring that every resident—regardless of circumstance—has continued and equitable access to the resources and support needed to rebuild.

Cragg was also selected for “extensive voluntary service” that benefited the community through his work with American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283, both before and after the fire.

“The Citizen of the Year Award honors long-term, steady, reliable and continuing outstanding volunteer service, as well as a recent extraordinary accomplishment by an individual that resulted in a substantial benefit to the Palisades community at large,” according to information from PPCC.

There are two Golden Sparkplug awardees this year: Jessica Rogers and Maryam Zar.

Rogers is receiving the Golden Sparkplug award for her “laser-focus on ensuring critical community security,” which includes “taking action to arrange for installation of Flock license plate reader cameras” at “key entry and exit points” of the Palisades.

Zar is being honored for founding Palisades Recovery Coalition, which hosts programming such as neighborhood “visioning charrettes,” to “share information and build consensus to rebuild a stronger and safer community.”

Golden Sparkplug awards are designed to honor citizens who launch “original ideas and projects into community action that benefit Palisadians throughout the community.”

Each year, PPCC solicits nominations from the community for Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplugs. In some years, PPCC also awards the Pride of the Palisades, a distinction that is discretionary and bestowed from “time to time only in exceptional circumstances,” which is determined by the Awards Selection Committee.

Pride of the Palisades will be given to two honorees “worthy of recognition in this extraordinary year.”

Chuck Hart has been named Pride of the Palisades for “exceptional heroism during the Palisades fire and in its aftermath, through his dedication and tireless work to save properties and help the community, and to secure safety by clearing streets and countless public and private areas.”

The second Pride of the Palisades is Team Palisades, which is a team of neighbors who voluntarily came together across the community to organize the “remarkable” Block Captain System. The group is also being awarded for “consistently providing key information, assistance and collaboration opportunities, as Palisadians embark on rebuilding.”

Team Palisades hosted The Longest Table event along Pampas Ricas Boulevard in the Huntington on October 5, with around 650 people registering to attend.

New this year from PPCC are the Awesome Advocates awards, which will be given to Sue Pascoe and Spencer Pratt.

Pascoe is being honored for “relentlessly pursuing important stories, asking hard questions and informing readers about issues that matter most to the Palisades community, pre- and post-fire.”

Pratt is being honored for “using new media after the Palisades fire to bring nationwide attention to its unimaginable community impact, and for persistence in seeking answers and assistance for disaster recovery.”

Additional details about the award winners and their accomplishments will be announced during the November 13 PPCC meeting.

The awards will be presented to the honorees on Thursday, December 11, at PPCC’s Awards Gala, which will take place at Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar. Tickets, which will be open to the public, were anticipated to be available in mid-November.

In addition to the annual awards, PPCC will give Special Commendations for “notable community contributions” in Youth and News categories during its November 13 meeting.

In the Youth category, William Chapin, as well as Julia and Leo Wolfberg, will be honored.

Chapin is being recognized “for his actions the day after the fire to save homes that were still burning; for obtaining jackets for fellow Eagle Scouts who had lost theirs in the fire, and discount codes from outfitters so that Scouts could replace backpacking and camping gear; and for creating four outdoor chess tables now temporarily used at the Westchester YMCA—to be moved to Simon Meadow when the Lowe Family YMCA is open, for children and the community to learn and play chess,” according to PPCC.

Julia and Leo Wolfberg are being honored for their initiative, “Cards for Kids,” which involved coordinating donations from local residents and a sports card shop to distribute gift bags with sports memorabilia and Pokémon cards to “scores of Palisades children who had lost homes and all their belongings in the fire.”

“Sarah Shmerling, editor-in-chief, Palisadian Post [will be acknowledged] for many years of consistent, reliable and thorough coverage of PPCC meetings and actions; for efforts to ensure that the Pacific Palisades community was and continues to be informed of all local news; and for ongoing support and devotion to the community in the aftermath of the fire,” PPCC wrote.

This year’s Awards Selection Committee includes Chair Daphne Gronich, Chris Spitz and Cindi Young (past Citizens of the Year), as well as Richard Blumenberg and Karen Ridgley. The Awards Event Committee includes Chair Lorie Cudzil, Kimberly Bloom, Beth Holden-Garland and Lee Anne Sanderson.

“PPCC recognizes and expresses our heartfelt thanks for the countless Palisadians who, during this inconceivably difficult and unprecedented year, have worked to save lives and property, assisted neighbors and businesses, raised funds, disseminated information, formed support groups, organized events, and continue to take important actions to serve, support, renew, uplift, restore and rebuild our beloved Palisades community,” PPCC concluded.

For more information, including updates about tickets for the upcoming gala, visit pacpalicc.org.

Palibu Chamber Will Host Recovery Expo in Pacific Palisades

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce is preparing to host a recovery expo on Sunday, November 23, and has announced that Maryam Zar has been appointed CEO.

The Palibu Chamber Recovery Expo—the second in a series of large-scale events showing over 100 exhibitors, from major companies to local nonprofits and government agencies—will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. near American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283. The event was originally planned for November 16, but was postponed due to the “forecast of heavy rain.”

“Given that our expo is entirely outdoors, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the event,” Zar wrote, confirming the new date of Sunday, November 23.

Organized and hosted by the chamber in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Recovery, the expo will stretch from Alma Real to La Cruz drives and over to Swarthmore Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, designed to create a lively, walkable corridor of recovery resources, demonstration booths and community connection.

Streets will be closed, allowing attendees to walk the expo and engage directly with organizations offering architectural advice, fire-hardening supplies, construction and remediation advice, support, assistance, solutions, mental health services, workforce training, small business recovery tools, and more. There will also be food options available.

“After the devastation of the January fires, people are eager not just for answers, but for tangible support,” Zar said. “The Palibu Expo brings everyone—residents, businesses and agencies—into one space, to make recovery faster, simpler and more connected.”

Malibu and Palisades residents are encouraged to attend, whether they are rebuilding, navigating insurance, repairing homes, or seeking information and support.

At the start of November, the chamber announced the appointment of Zar as new chief executive officer, marking a “pivotal” chapter for Malibu and the Palisades while both communities navigate wildfire recovery, economic revitalization and preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games. Zar takes over the position from outgoing CEO Barbara Bruderlin.

The chamber stated that Zar’s appointment signals a “bold shift” toward “deeper civic engagement, impactful public policy advocacy, and a renewed empowerment of the business community through innovative programs, grants, and recovery resources.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Maryam Zar as our new CEO,” said Ramis Sadrieh, board chair of the chamber. “She brings unmatched experience in civic leadership and community-building. She is exactly the kind of visionary who can guide this chamber through economic recovery and into a future of strength and opportunity.”

A “longtime community advocate,” Zar has built her career around public service, as well as coalition-building and strategic problem-solving.

“She is known for convening government officials, residents, nonprofits and business leaders during times of crisis—most recently through her leadership in wildfire recovery efforts across Pacific Palisades,” the chamber said.

As CEO, Zar will lead initiatives to: both rebuild and strengthen the local economy, support wildfire-impacted businesses and commercial, further advance policy collaboration at the city, county and state levels to accelerate rebuilding, expand civic programming and tourism opportunities ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and create pathways for workforce development and entrepreneurship.

“This is a moment for renewal and reinvention,” Zar said. “Our two coastal communities have endured devastation, but we also have extraordinary determination to recover and potential to thrive. By linking recovery to opportunity, amplifying local business voices and investing in resilience, we can emerge stronger than ever.”

Zar will speak at the chamber’s next Connections Breakfast, which will take place on Thursday, November 13, at 8 a.m. at Palisades Recovery Coalition headquarters, 15224 Sunset Boulevard.

For additional information, including a link to RSVP to the Palibu Chamber Recovery Expo, visit palibu.org. Zar can be reached through ceo@palibu.org.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Updates regarding the forthcoming Temescal Canyon Dog Park in Pacific Palisades were provided on Thursday evening, November 6, during a virtual meeting hosted by Councilmember Traci Park.

“The Pacific Palisades Dog Park at Temescal Canyon is something that we are all very excited about,” Park said. “I know many, many of you for many, many years—decades, even—have long advocated for this park … It has been just an absolute honor to get to team up with the incredible community members who have led this charge from the very start.”

The history of the dog park dates back decades, with Pacific Palisades Dog Park Working group members Leslie Campbell, Carol Ross and Lynn Miller involved with bringing it to fruition. Parked thanked the trio for their help and advocacy.

The dog park will be located on Temescal Canyon Road near Pacific Coast Highway on the east side of the road, to the north of the playground/bathrooms. It has received $1.5 million of funding from Measure A.

“There are obviously many, many major projects at this point going on in and around the Palisades, but this is one that we had been working on long before January 7,” Park said after touching on the difficulty of the year since the Palisades fire. “There’s something that feels really important to all of us about seeing it though, especially now.”

The meeting was hosted in partnership with City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, where Landscape Architect Zhiya Huang and Manager for the Capital Projects Group Gary Lam provided updates and answered questions.

The overall scope of the work, Huang explained, is to create a new, off-leash dog park, including fencing, an ADA-accessible pathway, dog-friendly surface, landscaping, security, lighting and site amenities.

“This will be Rec and Parks first dog park in the Palisades area,” Huang said, which makes it a “very important project” to the department. Huang shared the concept plan, noting that the design is subject to “minor changes until construction.”

A small dog area is approximately 7,000 square feet, with a large dog area with about 11,500 square feet. The large dog area will have decomposed granite pavement, due to a “relatively big” slope, while the small dog area will have pill gravel because of its “relatively flat topography.” Huang described both materials as “very dog friendly.”

“Each area will include a hydro station, benches, trash receptacles and dog agility equipment,” Huang explained. Both areas will be enclosed with a six-foot chain link fence around the perimeter, as well as an ADA-compliant double gate.

An entrance plaza will feature “elegant benches” and a shade structure, which will create a welcoming “atmosphere for all dog owners and visitors,” Huang continued.

Approximately 15 native trees will be proposed along the dog park to “enhance” its “beauty and comfort.” Later in the meeting, Huang and Lam were asked if more trees could be added to the design, to which Huang explained it is “really hard” to plant trees inside of the dog area, with Lam confirming trees are damaged or killed by dog urine. Huang said the proposed trees along the perimeter, combined with the existing trees, will create a “very good canopy.”

Huang shared reference images, which detail some of the design specifics that have been included, like dog footprints along the path, wave concrete benches to decorate the entrance plaza and dog-friendly drinking fountains.

For community members that have asked about potentially relocating the dog park to Palisades Recreation Center, Park suggested reaching out to Steadfast LA, which is leading the charge on the public/private partnership of its rebuild. The dog park will be proceeding at Temescal Canyon, but she said Steadfast LA is taking suggestions as the rec center design is finalized.

“We are inclined to proceed with our project,” Park said. “It’s already been designed and funded, and it’s ready to go.”

In the question and answer portion of the meeting, Lam responded to a constituent who asked about California Coastal Commission approval, to which he said Rec and Parks is going to work with their environmental lead to “figure out what needs to be submitted for coastal evaluation.”

“Our hope is that this project can be expedited, just like what we did for our other projects in the coast, with the support of the council office,” he said.

For park hours, Lam said Temescal Canyon Park operates from dawn to dusk, which is what Rec and Parks and CD 11 expect the dog park’s hours to be. Signs with rules of the dog park were discussed to be placed at the entrance gate.

When speaking on the timeline, Huang confirmed the construction document was expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with the project going out to bid in early 2026. Construction was anticipated to begin in late spring or early summer, with an estimated date of completion in fall to winter 2026.

“We probably will be looking to host one more virtual meeting like this once everything’s closer to being finalized,” CD 11 District Director Juan Fregoso said. “Toward the end of winter is kind of what we’re anticipating.”

Questions and comments regarding the dog park can be sent to CD 11 Pacific Palisades Field Deputy Arus Grigoryan at arus.grigoryan@lacity.org.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council hosted a special meeting on Thursday evening, October 30, focused on the Gladstones site redevelopment project, which included a presentation by the concessionaire/developer, Tom Tellefsen of PCH Beach Associates.

Also present were representatives from the County of Los Angeles, including Beaches & Harbors and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office.

“The County of Los Angeles, in partnership with California State Parks and PCH Beach Associates, whose partners are Wolfgang Puck and Tom Tellefsen, is moving forward with a redevelopment of the Gladstones site at Will Rogers State Beach,” according to a statement on Beaches & Harbors’ website. “The existing building will be removed and replaced with a new two-story restaurant designed by architect Frank Gehry and operated by Chef Puck.”

California Coastal Commission approved a Coastal Development Permit for the project, which has been in the works since 2018, on October 8. PPCC hosted the special meeting on October 30, citing hearing from “many community members” who were concerned about the process of the project, including it being approved by CCC “without prior community input or sufficient advance notice.”

The project includes a 2,700-square-foot public ocean-view deck with 100 seats and two restrooms, a “widened and lengthened segment” of the Coastal Trail, a snack bar and gift shop, and turnaround and drop-off area to accommodate existing bus lines, designed for “improving safety and access without creating a new transit hub.”

“It’s been a long haul—as you’re all aware—eight years as far as for when we started down this road,” Tellefsen said. “During that time, we’ve had tremendous start and stops, but finally are at a point where we can get moving forward.”

Tellefsen compared the project’s footprint to what currently exists on the site. As proposed, the restaurant will have 450 seats, compared to the 707 seats at Gladstones today. The current restaurant footprint of Gladstones, including the building and patio/deck, is 19,991 square feet, which, in the current project design, will be 9,601 square feet for the building area and 1,850 square feet for a patio/deck.

The current project design has a two-story building, with the first floor at 11,501 square feet and the second floor at 5,741 square feet for a total of 17,242 square feet. The second floor, Tellefsen described, would be used for things like private events.

“We basically have said, the three of us, since the beginning, that we needed to replace an existing memory with a new memory,” Tellefsen described. “There’s tremendous affection for Gladstones, we understand that. We want to honor that, but in doing so, we want to present something new and special.”

Gladstones has 212 total parking spaces, which is a ratio of 3.33 restaurant seats per parking space, with the current project design having 141 total parking spaces, which is 3.19 restaurant seats per space. There will also be electric vehicle spaces, a separate valet drop off and pickup area, and staff parking.

One of the concerns Tellefsen addressed was the subject of AB 178. A trailer bill was added to the budget bill in 2024, PPCC At-Large Representative Chris Spitz explained, which “basically excludes this project, and this project alone,” from city and local regulations and laws, apart from county and CCC approval. Tellefsen said that the site is owned by the State of California, which means the project is owned by the state.

“As a result of that, even though it’s in the city of Los Angeles, because of the concept of sovereign immunity, the city does not have any jurisdiction, as far as the project is concerned,” Tellefsen explained.

Spitz asked who brought the trailer bill to the governor’s office, which, in turn, brought it to the legislature. Tellefsen responded that the inquiry has been made at the state level, and that his understanding was “responses may be coming as far as from the state.”

Tellefsen spoke on the Big Blue Bus and Metro of a turnaround on the site. When the request for proposal was issued, Tellefsen explained, it included a bus turnaround and stop, and a resting place for drivers on site, a request he said came from the community.

“We have no intent of enabling that to trigger SB 79,” Tellefsen said. “We’ve had it clarified from attorneys, we’ve had it clarified from the state itself, from different parties … that this is merely a replacement of an existing bus turnaround and an existing bus stop with a new bus turnaround that’s been … in play for eight years now.”

Pacific Palisades Residents Association President Jessica Rogers spoke during the question and answer portion of the meeting, citing residents who are “dealing with a major disaster” and now “construction at Gladstones at the same time,” without having an “opportunity to have any say in the process.”

“This is what’s so sad about this,” Rogers said. “We need positive buildings. Wolfgang was so excited, he gave the best speech ever at the Coastal Commission. And sadly, I was so hurt by the fact that you would not give us a voice that I could not participate in that joy. So here we are, unable to participate in your joy, because we’re trying to make sure that we’re looking for the greatest benefit of our community and not just the benefit of your establishment.”

Tellefsen said he “didn’t seek to go around any process,” and that he and Wolfgang responded to the request for proposal with a “very exciting project.”

“As far as the process is concerned … whatever you want to think about AB 178, it did nothing more than clarify what is the law,” Tellefsen said.

Following the Palisades fire, Tellefsen, a resident of the Palisades, has been living outside of the community while his house is redone.

“I greatly appreciate what you are all going through, and going through it myself and understand it,” Tellefsen said.

According to Tellefsen’s presentation during the October 30 PPCC meeting, the project is scheduled to start construction by mid 2026 and commence operations in early 2028.

“I hear you on everything you’re saying,” Tellefsen said toward the end of the meeting. “ … I would feel differently on this call if, basically, I saw that there was some flaw in the project design that wasn’t going to work, and I don’t see that. I instead see just the opposite. I see that we tried to address everything that could be of concern to the community in such a way that this is going to be an inviting place for you all.”

A link to the presentation and a recording of the meeting are available at pacpalicc.org.

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The virtual meeting of Pacific Palisades Community Council on October 23 centered on updates regarding the Potrero Canyon Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge Project.

Sylvia Dhimdis, representing the city of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, joined the meeting to say: “We’re in the very early stages, and our intent is to keep the community informed.”

Project Manager Matt Negrete of Jacobs Engineering and other representatives gave an update on the bridge project, showing slides, answering questions from the board and community members, and indicating that they would return to provide more information as the project advances.

A feasibility study for the long-proposed project to cross over Pacific Coast Highway from Will Rogers State Beach to George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon Park was conducted in August 2016, and Senator Ben Allen secured $11 million in state funding in 2021.

Diagrams of each of the three alignment and bridge options were shown (a Slope from George Wolfberg Park, a corkscrew alternative and third a Paperclip option). A Caltrans Preliminary Environmental Status Report was signed in April 2025, an environmental document is expected in winter 2026 and a project approval report in spring 2027.

PPCC President Sue Kohl asked if it will be for pedestrians only, to which Dhimdis replied: “We’re considering a bike path as well.” As far as the cost, she added: “As of now we have an estimate of $13 to $18 million.”

The $11 million in state funding secured by Allen is on deposit in an account with the Public Works Department and is currently restricted to use only for the bridge. A funding source for the potential shortfall has not been identified at the time of the meeting.

“It’s hard to understand why extra money would go to this when we’ll have access through the pedestrian trail,” Area 6 (Via Bluffs/Huntington) representative Lorie Cudzil said of the lateral trail project, which is being developed concurrently. Dhimdis responded: “Funds have been allocated but we’ll look for additional grant money.”

Lee Anne Sanderson asked what money has been spent so far.

“It has to be patrolled,” she continued. “We’d need 24/7 security or we’re not going to allow this.”

“Funds have to be regulated,” Dhimdis answered. “We want to assure safety is the primary goal. We have an agreement with Caltrans to develop this project.”

“I’ve lived here since 1991 … things have changed,” said Kim Feder of Castellammare Mesa Homeowners Association. “Fire has ruined our town. This is not the time to build a bridge over PCH, it just isn’t.”

Others expressed their support for the project.

“It’s hard to go backwards,” said Anya McCann, daughter of  the late park namesake, George Wolfberg. “We’ve got money secured. Having this bridge was determined to be the best option. It’s the safest path to the beach from the Palisades and provides emergency evacuation.”

“This is the best option for young people,” David Card added. “After the fire, we need more evacuation routes from the Palisades. This could also help in earthquakes. The $11 million is taxpayer money from all over California. PPCC voted to support it in 2004 and in 2023 voted 13-3 to go ahead with the predesign.”

Pacific Palisades Recreation Center Park Advisory Board Member Rob Weber noted that the purpose of the bridge is to provide safety and connectivity.

“Access to the beach from the park was a requirement when it was approved back in the 1980s,” Weber said.

Following the discussion, later in the meeting, PPCC Vice President Quentin Fleming addressed three grant proposals: $71,000 to PPRA for 10 Flock Safety license plate reader cameras, $30,000 to Palisades Charter High School to go toward picnic benches in the cafeteria and $3,000 to make seed bombs for wildfires to residents. All three were approved.

Anne Wirth Schoenberg, president of Palisades Friends and Newcomers, followed with a presentation about the social organization founded in the 1960s. Meetings are once per month and membership dues are $25 per year. For more information, visit pacificpalisadesnewcomers.com.

For more information, including a link to the recording of the Potrero Canyon Pedestrian Bridge portion of the PPCC meeting, visit pacpalicc.org.

Palisades Branch Library began providing services on Thursdays from 12 to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the site on November 6.

“We were thrilled to restart library services today,” Friends of the Palisades Library Board President Cameron Pfizenmaier said to the Palisadian-Post. “Services will include: issuance of library cards, children’s activities and book check out.”

In January 2026, a temporary bungalow space is slated to open in the library site’s parking lot with “expanded amenities and hours,” Pfizenmaier described.

Its hours, at the start, would be Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m., Los Angeles Public Library Public Relations Specialist Megan Ignacio confirmed on Wednesday, November 12. The days and hours of operation will “remain flexible” as LAPL assesses the “community’s needs.”

“We understand how much this library means to the Palisades community,” Ignacio wrote. “It’s more than just a building; it’s a space for learning, connection and community. While work on the permanent rebuild continues, our priority is restoring in-person access now so residents can once again enjoy essential library services close to home. We also look forward to hearing from the community to help inform the branch’s redesign. We appreciate the community’s patience and look forward to welcoming patrons into the temporary space in early 2026.”

The plan to place the temporary facility in the parking lot came after “extensive community feedback over several months,” Mayor Karen Bass described in a Palisades update on October 31. Sites that were previously considered, but ultimately not selected, included tennis courts and the grassy area near Alma Real Drive at Palisades Recreation Center.

“We understand from [Los Angeles Public Library] that the bungalow will include a small browsing collection, holds pickup, Wi-Fi, public computers, scanners, and printers for public use, as well as study spaces and a community meeting space,” Pfizenmaier said. “We are incredibly excited to get back to the community.”

—SARAH SHMERLING

Community members are invited to participate in a Mural Bubblebath at the Temescal Canyon Mural (located at Temescal Canyon Road and Bowdoin Street across from Palisades Charter High School) on Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16, between 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The mural, created by students Kat Kozik, David Strauch, Jennifer Wilsey and Cathy Salser in 1983, will be restored and revitalized by summer 2026.

“We are about to kick off the restoration of the historic mural,” Salser wrote. “The journey begins with a Mural Bubblebath event where community members of all ages can come help wash the wall and remove the old coating.”

To volunteer, visit bit.ly/MuralBubblebath. Contact Salser and Kozik at tcmp.pali@gmail.com.

—STEVE GALLUZZO

The Department of Angels and USC CLEAN have postponed their Palisades Community Soil Testing Day to a future date to be determined. It was originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 16, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Polo Field, but was delayed due to the rain.

The event will include free soil testing and education: “Learn how to collect soil samples and submit them for free lead testing, plus connect with trusted experts ready to answer questions about soil health,” read a flyer for the event.

There will be free refreshments, as well as all-ages activities and “more fun for everyone.” Attendees will be invited to “connect with local health, wellness and recovery resources at information booths.”

Will Rogers State Historic Park is located at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road. RSVP for the event at palisades-soil-testing.eventbrite.com.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with information about the event’s postponement due to rain. 

Level UP LA will host “Shop For a Cause” at BOCA on Saturday, November 15, from 12 to 3 p.m.

“This event is especially significant as it is our first one back to the Palisades with our longtime local partner, BOCA,” Level UP LA shared ahead of the event. “Attendees will be able to shop for BOCA’s products as well as the various vendors who will be attending, all to support our partnered under-resourced schools in Los Angeles.”

BOCA is located at 970 Monument Street. Participating vendors include Lisa Smith Jewels, Robin Terman Jewelry, La Pizzeria Co and more.

—SARAH SHMERLING