By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pali Rx Pharmacy reopened at 900 Via De La Paz on Monday, November 3, following a nearly 10-month closure following the Palisades fire.

“Thank you for your patience as our community is rebuilding,” read the store’s website. “Pali Rx Pharmacy is back open and ready to serve our customers.”

The store, located at the corner of Via De La Paz and Antioch Street, is offering the same services as before the fire. In addition to filling prescriptions, the pharmacy is also offering a selection of snacks, drinks and over-the-counter medicine. Plus, Pharmacy Technician Alaia Maniago said when speaking to the Palisadian-Post on Thursday, November 13, anything can be ordered for customers.

Pali Rx Pharmacy accepts “all insurance” and offers “compound prescription and skincare creams in store.” It is owned and operated by Jasmine Shabbouei, opening in August 2011 in a space previously occupied by McKiernan Pharmacy.

Maniago said they are offering pickup and delivery, with the pharmacy able to ship to customers— “anywhere, really”—who have been displaced following the fire.

Maniago said it is nice to be back, speaking with the pharmacy’s “loyal customers,” though she’s had many “hard conversations” following the fire. She has worked at the pharmacy for about three years. She described being close to the customers, as well as neighboring storefronts, including Juice Crafters and elysewalker.

The store is operating with limited hours: Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, visit palirx911.com or call 310-454-0377.

Chamber CEO Maryam Zar Speaks at Connections Breakfast

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce will host a Recovery Expo on Sunday, November 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outdoors near La Cruz and Alma Real drives.

“The public is invited to attend this free family-friendly Recovery Expo,” the chamber said.

The expo will feature dozens of booths, including insurance adjusters, structural engineers, plan and permit, remediators, expediters, public agencies, architects, mental health specialists, general contractors, and fire-hardening suppliers.

There will also be a bounce house, food trucks and family-friendly activities for those who attend, designed to give the expo a “community street fair” vibe.

“The Palibu Chamber Recovery Expo is all about bringing our community together to rebuild stronger after the Palisades fire,” according to the chamber. “Homeowners and business owners will be connecting directly with a variety of trusted rebuild service providers who can help them move forward.”

The expo was originally planned to take place on November 16, but was delayed one week due to rain. RSVP to attend here.

Recently appointed Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce CEO Maryam Zar addressed dozens of attendees during a Connections Breakfast, which took place Thursday morning, November 13, at Palisades Recovery Coalition’s Sunset Boulevard headquarters.

First to speak was Chamber Connections Director Anthony McDemas, who welcomed those in attendance and explained that he’s been with the chamber for about 10 years—pre-dating the merger between the two chambers.

Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Ramis Sadrieh spoke next, acknowledging the chamber’s “great board.”

Those in attendance dined on food and beverages from Palisades Garden Cafe, as each person in the room was given 30 seconds to introduce themselves and the business they were representing.

When introductions were complete, Sadrieh returned to introduce Zar as the chamber’s new CEO, as of November 1, saying it was a “privilege” and “honor” to welcome her. He said she is an “amazing woman,” noting that she has chaired several area boards, including Pacific Palisades Community Council and Palisades-Malibu YMCA.

Zar spoke on her decade of service in the Palisades, with two terms as PPCC chair, a founding member of pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness, and a member of Pacific Palisades Recreation Center Park Advisory Board and Pacific Palisades Design Review Board.

She also founded and serves as president of Palisades Recovery Coalition, which was launched after the Palisades fire. Its mission is to “create lasting solutions for fire recovery and rebuilding in Pacific Palisades and other affected communities.”

“Quite a network I have built and nurtured,” Zar said of her time serving the community, noting her relationships with officials in both the City and County of Los Angeles.

She said she comes to the position with a “commitment to community,” highlighting the importance of networking events for the chamber, including the breakfasts and ribbon cuttings.

As fire recovery efforts are underway in Malibu and the Palisades, Zar shared plans of being involved: “I want us to be at that table.” She described the recovery as “challenging” and “long,” but that it will be “successful.”

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

This year’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will take place on Monday, November 24, at 7 p.m. at Palisades Lutheran Church.

The theme of this year’s gathering is “Foundations of Faith: A Time to Renew & Reconnect.” The event, which is hosted by Pacific Palisades Ministerial Association, dates back almost 30 years.

“Our faith communities are an integral part of our members’ lives and the broader community,” PLC Pastor Martin Lee told the Palisadian-Post. “Many have been rooted in the Palisades for generations, and we hope to remain a vital part of the heart of this community for generations to come. We are convinced that in affliction and adversity, we are not alone.”

Participating congregations include United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades, Kehillat Israel, Palisades Lutheran Church, The Parish of Saint Matthew, Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Corpus Christi Church.

“The goal of this year’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Service is to reaffirm this reality and assure every member of our community that they are supported,” Lee continued. “We have immense gratitude for these community bonds, and we find much to be thankful for, even in the face of great loss. Our collective challenge is to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.”

Palisades Lutheran Church is located at 15905 Sunset Boulevard. Services resumed at the space on Palm Sunday, April 13, following three months of displacement following the Palisades fire.

“On behalf of Palisades Lutheran Church—and, I believe, all our participating communities of faith—we are deeply moved by the outpouring of support we have received,” Lee said. “We have experienced hope and love from people of all ages, both locally and internationally. The needs for short- and long-term support are abundant, spanning spiritual, relational and monetary requirements.”

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Parish of St. Matthew is hosting its 34th annual Christmas Faire, which is a silent auction and holiday market set to take place on Thursday, November 20, between 6 and 9 p.m.

“Despite the impact of the Palisades fire, The Parish of Saint Matthew has rallied to recreate its annual Christmas Faire,” read a description of the event, “a beloved community event that launches the Christmas season and also earns extremely important funds for St. Matthew’s incredible charity partners in LA—and beyond.”

The theme of this year’s Faire is “Leaves Shall Stay Green,” symbolizing “resilience, renewal and enduring generosity,” read the event website: “Like the branches of a thriving tree, our community flourishes when we nurture one another in love and hope.”

Those who attend will be able to bid on auction items, shop and bid gift, food, and thrift boutiques, buy baked goods, and “share in festivities to launch the holiday season.” Partners will receive “100% of net proceeds.”

Outreach partners that are supported by funds raised include: Angel Interfaith Network, Chrysalis, CLARE/MATRIX, Jubilee Year LA (Episcopal Urban Intern Program), Episcopal Relief and Development, GAIA Global Health, Neighborhood Youth Association, Pacific Clinics – Hollygrove Campus, Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness, PRISM/Restorative Justice, Safe Place for Youth, St. Joseph Center and Bread & Roses Cafe, The People Concern, Westside Food Bank, and Westside Coalition.

A “treasured Christmas Faire tradition” is attending parties hosted by members of the community. This year, tickets to parties available through the Faire will be sold online only.

The Christmas Faire will take place at The Water Garden in Santa Monica, 1601 Cloverfield Boulevard, the current temporary home for St. Matthew’s Parish School, which will return to the Palisades in fall 2026. Worship service resumed in the Palisades in mid-October for the Parish of St. Matthew.

Tickets are available to attend the Christmas Faire for $40, which includes dinner. Kids are free. Registration and dining will take place beginning at 5 p.m.

“We look forward to coming together in generosity,” read the event website, “knowing that with faith and love, our leaves shall stay green.”

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.