Palisades Village will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., inviting the community to gather for a “special evening of connection and community.”
“Though the property remains temporarily closed, this year’s gathering honors a heartfelt tradition that continues to bring the Palisades together during the holidays,” read a statement about the event, which will take place on Monument Street.
Santa Claus will light the tree at 5:30 p.m., followed by a “gentle snowfall,” which marks a “meaningful moment that reflects the strength and spirit that define the Palisades.”
From 4 to 7 p.m. there will be live musical entertainment and a variety of “seasonal activities,” including ornament making, kids holiday crafts, face painting and balloon twisting. There will be hot cocoa, coffee, and food from Sunset Smash and King Cone.
The 50-foot white fir was “hand-selected from the Mt. Shasta region” and “thoughtfully adorned with 3,000 lights and over 1,500 ornaments.” The event will also “highlight community partners,” including Steadfast LA.
Parking will be available on site, according to Caruso.
Palisades Village, which has been closed since January, is set to reopen in August 2026.
Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association will host its annual block party—described as an “informal gathering for all residents of Marquez Knolls, as well as their friends, families and friendly pets”—on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community and embrace the occasion to come together and strengthen the bond within our neighborhood,” MKPOA wrote ahead of the event. “Celebrate our LAFD and LAPD first responders, and most of all, enjoy the camaraderie of our marvelous community.”
There will be music, food trucks, drinks, tables and chairs, informational stations, and representatives from Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department and Council District 11.
This year’s block party will take place near the 1300 block of Duende Lane cul-de-sac, off Lachman Lane. Admission is free.
“Residents and guests can look forward to an afternoon filled with good food, engaging company and a true sense of community spirit,” read a statement about the event.
The block party is hosted annually by MKPOA, which is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting and encouraging “the preservation of the beauty and healthful environment of the residential subdivisions located in the Marquez Knolls area of Pacific Palisades by informative, educational, mediational and other lawful activities for the benefit of the residents of the community.”
There will be a “brief program” at 1 p.m. at the party. Reservations can be made at marquezknolls.org.
The Department of Angels and USC CLEAN will host Palisades Community Soil Testing Day on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Will Rogers State Historic Park with “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. “Connect with local health, wellness and recovery resources at information booths.”
The event will include “free refreshments, all-ages activities and more fun for everyone.”
Department of Angels was founded in the aftermath of the January fires and operates with the mission to “provide resources and connection for impacted communities to enable recovery on their terms,” its website read. Its “policy pillars” include housing stability, insurance access and reform, fire-resilient rebuilding, and environmental health and safety.
USC CLEAN—Containment Level Evaluation and Analysis for Neighborhoods—is a USC program funded by FireAid and LA Care, according to its website.
“CLEAN is designed to quickly provide Los Angeles residents with general updates on safety and the potential for exposure,” the website continued. “This testing is rigorous and reliable, but it is not a substitute for in-depth environmental testing or remediation that may be needed in affected areas.”
The event, which was rescheduled from November 15 due to rain, will take place at the Polo Field in Will Rogers State Historic Park, located at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road.
“Gather with fellow survivors to build community and foster healing and togetherness,” the flyer concluded.
House Museum will release “Rebuild Bricks” on the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles fires with two purposes, according to the nonprofit: “practical building materials for reconstruction” and “symbolic collectibles that support community recovery.”
The bricks are available in three editions—Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Malibu—and available as single-unit collectibles or by pallet (450 bricks). Preorder began on December 1, with an official release date of January 7, 2026.
The “Rebuild Bricks” are 8” by 3.75” by 2.25” and weigh about four pounds. They are Grade SW (severe weather rated), fire resistant, and capable for use for exterior walls, patio walkways, outdoor hardscaping, and more, according to House Museum.
“The ‘Rebuild Bricks’ offer homeowners, contractors and architects meaningful construction material that will directly benefit those impacted by the Los Angeles fires,” the organization wrote.
The “locally made, commemorative red clay bricks” are produced in collaboration with Pacific Clay. Proceeds will help fund the Palisades Fire Memorial (Project Chimney), as well as “advance House Museum’s mission” to “preserve historically significant landmarks through the integration of site-specific artworks and community engagement.” It has facilitated 10 project sites since 2022, according to its website.
“Each installation—interior, virtual or otherwise—becomes an access point that connects the public to a constellation of citywide programs and exhibits,” according to the organization. “House Museum responds to challenges at the intersection of art, architecture and historic preservation.”
House Museum preserved six “historic chimneys” from houses destroyed in the January fire that were designed by architects Richard Neutra, Ray Kappe and Eric Lloyd Wright.
Project Chimney Concept Rendering courtesy of Milton Lau, AIA/Evan Hall of House Museum
“Chimneys constructed of legacy Higgins Bricks and others built for Hollywood starlets Louise Randall Pierson and Beryl Mercer were also saved,” the statement continued. “The chimney collection ranges in historical significance from associations with global design movements, to local brick-making traditions, to Hollywood’s sprawl up the California coast.”
A Palisades Fire Memorial is projected to be a “commemorative place for community gathering and remembrance,” with an installation of seven “historic chimneys in the Santa Monica Mountains.”
House Museum Director Evan Hall participated in a Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting on May 8 to discuss the initiative. The PPCC Board voted to support the project during its May 22 meeting.
“As soon as the fires broke out, me and my team began thinking … ‘How do we help?’” Hall said during the May 8 meeting. “How do we use our expertise as artists and architects to create something that can produce hope and something that can inspire, not just Palisadians, but also others that have gone through similar disasters or crises?”
As a result, Project Chimney emerged as an initiative to “catalogue, relocate and memorialize a selection of historically significant chimneys in the Pacific Palisades burn zone,” according to a statement.
Over 55 historically significant chimneys were identified, dating back to Palisades’ founding in 1922. The organization then worked with community members to salvage and preserve select chimneys.
The launch of the “Rebuild Bricks” is supported by community organizations, including Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, Palisades Recovery Coalition and PPCC.
Fundraising tiers for a single-unit brick are Student ($55), Adult ($150), Family ($450), Nonprofit ($250) and Corporation ($550). Pallets are available for $1,125.
“Each ‘Rebuild Brick’ is an artifact of Los Angeles history, an extension of the Palisades Fire Memorial that invites nationwide solidarity and a commitment from homeowners to rebuild while honoring what was lost,” House Museum wrote.
Getty and Disney+ have partnered to present the “Percy Jackson Quest” at Getty Villa Museum over two weekends: December 6 and 7, and 13 and 14.
“To celebrate the launch of season two of ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians,’ demigods and ancient world enthusiasts are invited to join a quest through the galleries and gardens of the Getty Villa Museum,” read information about the quest. “Test your knowledge of Greek mythology and the world of Percy Jackson while traversing centuries of Greek and Roman art. Best of all—complete the Quest and receive a prize.”
The drop-in Quest will be available between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the scheduled days. It is expected to take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. There will be a check-in table near the entrance of the museum building, near the outdoor theater, according to Getty.
Tickets for the Quest are free, but required to enter. The event ticket will also serve as entrance reservation to the Villa.
The second season of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” premieres on December 10, with a two-episode debut on Disney+ and Hulu. New episodes will air weekly.
Getty Villa is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades.
The annual Palisadian-Post Football Contest, giving readers a chance to predict upcoming game winners, is back in season.
“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 14 is December 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!
Elizabeth Lamont at the store Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Lamont
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Following an almost 10-month closure since the fire, Palisadian Elizabeth Lamont reopened her eponymous storefront and interior design studio at 15231 Sunset Boulevard.
Lamont described a “long journey of recovering” the store and studio: “The past year has reminded us how special this community truly is. Your support and kindness carried us through, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.”
The store, which reopened on October 30, offers a selection of home decor, tabletop, bedding, bath items and more. There is also a full-service residential and commercial interior design firm.
Lamont lost her home near Getty Villa in Sunset Mesa in the Palisades fire. Five of the people working at her store also lost their homes.
While living in Malibu, Lamont said she had previously evacuated due to fires. When she left on January 7, she said she took “standard stuff” but left with just a pair of leggings, a top and shoes, not grabbing things like pajamas or a toothbrush.
“I never thought it would turn into what it turned into,” she said.
Lamont had been living in the house for about two years at the time of the fire, she said. She described losing her home, but then also, over time, remembering specific items that were also lost to the fire, including a piece of art she’s had since she was a young girl. She spoke of the grief that arises with each item she recalls.
Photo by Sarah Shmerling
While renting a house in Brentwood, Lamont said she has become a “complete insurance expert” while trying to navigate the post-fire process.
“The worst part is that our entire community is so scattered,” Lamont said. “Everyone is just all over the place.”
Following her own personal loss, Lamont launched a Wildfire Relief Collection to the community just over a week after the fire started.
Lamont offered anybody who had been displaced dishes, glasses, bedding and furniture items at “deeply discounted prices with no shipping costs,” with the hopes of offering some comfort. She expressed gratitude to the manufacturers that she works with, saying they offered to help the community.
Lamont described helping get clients set up in various places, like Manhattan Beach, with items through the collection.
“We were just scrambling,” Lamont said of trying to get everything online that they could. “We were trying to help everybody.”
Between launching the Wildfire Relief Collection, helping clients track down receipts for insurance purposes, hosting a pop-up shop for a Westside Guild event to benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and remediating her storefront, Lamont noted that she is just now processing the fire and its effects. She said her MO is “move forward, move forward fast, fix.”
“I don’t think I processed how devastating this is until just now,” Lamont said.
Lamont noted that she has an “incredible group” of people that work with her, helping to pull off the various phases of their recovery effort.
Since reopening, Lamont said the experience has been similar to the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with people coming in and crying with her.
“It’s so heartwarming, and every day everyone just seems really happy,” Lamont said. “We’re really happy to be there.”
When it comes to interior design services, Lamont is currently working with local residents to design their homes. The studio is located on the second floor of the store. They are taking on new clients, but making sure they are “not over stretched” so that they can take care of clients in the “best way that we can.”
“It feels really nice that people want to do a lot of the same things that they had,” Lamont said, adding that they are often refreshing something like a kitchen or a bathroom. She is also working with people who are doing brand new builds.
“We’re really happy to help anybody who needs help,” Lamont said, noting she is adding new team members to meet demand.
Elizabeth Lamont will host its annual in-store Holiday Party on December 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the community.
The party will include drinks, raffles and “all kinds of fun stuff,” including an artist on hand to personalize gift items, like candles and ornaments. Lamont suggested people come to pre-shop and have items ready to be personalized.
“We’re so grateful for everybody’s support to us over the years,” Lamont said. “We just really feel so grateful for the community’s continual support of us. We encourage people to come in and say hi.”
The store is currently open on a limited schedule. Lamont suggested calling for the most current hours. More information can be found at elizabethlamont.com.
The Lowe Family YMCA will open its annual tree lot at Simon Meadow—with community events planned to take place at the lot this December.
“The holiday season is almost here and we’re excited to share that the Lowe Family YMCA Christmas Tree Lot will be taking place,” Executive Director Jim Kirtley said.
It serves as one of two fundraisers hosted by Lowe Family YMCA (previously Palisades-Malibu YMCA) during the year, following the Halloween-time pumpkin patch.
Kirtley said there are four types of trees this year: Noble, Nordmann and Fraser firs, as well as vintage Nobles.
Kirtley said they hope to have the lot open by Friday, November 28. Updates will be posted online.
The lot will remain open through Friday, December 19. This year’s lot hours are Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m.
Events set to take place this year at the lot include the Santa Monica College Holiday Glass Sale Fundraiser and the 2025 Pacific Palisades Holiday Ho!Ho!Ho!
Santa Monica College Art Department will host a Holiday Glass Sale Fundraiser on Sunday, December 7, from 12 to 5 p.m. at the tree lot. The sale will include “handcrafted vases, jewelry, platters and other artworks created by SMC glass artists.”
“Each piece is a unique work of art that can add seasonal home and office decor, as well as take care of holiday, anniversary, birthday and other gift needs,” read a description.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit Lowe Family YMCA, SMC Art Department and local artists.
The next weekend—with more than seven decades of history in the community—the annual Ho!Ho!Ho! will take place on Saturday, December 13, from 1 to 4 p.m.
“With the theme Return to Joy, we warmly welcome every family, neighbor, friend and community member—of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs—to share in an afternoon created to lift the spirit, offer comfort and celebrate joy,” read a statement. “Expect moments of wonder, connection and true holiday magic.”
Organizers are planning an “extra-special family celebration for the community,” including food, entertainment and “activities for everyone.” The event will feature visits from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves.
There will be performances by Fancy Feet Dance Studio, Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center and local singers. Palisades Garden Cafe and Cinque Terre West will also be present.
New this year, area schools, organizations and churches are invited to host a table, activity or interactive experience to help “make this a truly community-powered celebration.”
“Also debuting is the heart-centered Gratitude Wish Project, offering a chance to reflect, share blessings and set intentions for the season ahead,” the statement continued. More details were expected to be available soon.
Simon Meadow is located at 15551 Sunset Boulevard.
Troop 223 Eagle Scouts Tucker Rowland, Max Szymanski and Kade Craft Photos by Steve Galluzzo
By STEVE GALLUZZO| Sports Editor
Eleanor and Abigail Yoda with parents, Steve and Kristine
Pacific Palisades Troop 223 hosted its annual Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday afternoon, November 23, in the chapel at the Parish of Saint Matthew—marking the first time the troop has been back at the church since the Palisades fire in January.
Jack Musitano (2023 Eagle Scout 223B) and Carly Crane (2023 Eagle Scout 223G) shared Master of Ceremonies duties, while Teddy Chang (Senior Patrol Leader 223B) led the gathering of current and former scouts and their family members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Then Kim Morera (Senior Patrol Leader 223G) gave the invocation, expressing gratitude for the journey they have all been on and acknowledging the troop’s 25 scouts who earned the highest honor of Eagle Scout—the largest group to Eagle this year.
Based in Pacific Palisades, Troop 223 has a long tradition of scouting, while serving both boys and girls (following the expansion of the Scouts BSA program). More than 1,000 scouts in the troop have advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout under Scoutmaster Mike Lanning’s leadership (the milestone was reached during the 2024 Court of Honor last November).
Scoutmaster Mike Lanning
“The rank of Eagle Scout is a badge of honor that carries a sense of pride and accomplishment that will remain with you the rest of your life,” said Lanning, who is beginning his 73rd year as scoutmaster. “This is a unique club and you should be proud.”
Second-year mothers typically run the Court of Honor, and Molly Read (whose 12-year-old son Braden has been a scout for two years) was gifted a bouquet of flowers, after which Chang and Cleo Badt (Senior Patrol Leader 223G) offered congratulatory citations.
Then it was time for the presentation of Eagle Awards, where each of the 25 candidates was introduced by their own “presenter” who described how they met the candidate and what they achieved.
This year’s candidates were Jackson Baril (Harvard-Westlake High, 28 merit badges), William Chapin (Viewpoint School, 32 merit badges), Kade Craft (Mira Costa High, 27 merit badges), Ethan Davis (Pali High, 28 merit badges), Benjamin Davis (St. Monica Prep, 22 merit badges), Finian Fox (Loyola High, 30 merit badges), Haakon Knapp (Mira Costa High, 24 merit badges), Matthew Krieger (Loyola High, 27 merit badges), Dominic Longo (Mira Costa High, 24 badges), Henry Mauch (Pali High, 33 merit badges), Conor Merges (Loyola High, 24 merit badges), Jackson Itaya (Newton North High, 27 merit badges), Tucker Rowland (Loyola High, 30 merit badges), Ryan Ruud (Loyola High, 31 merit badges), Max Szymanski (Pali High, 24 merit badges), Cammie Lovett (Marymount High, 26 merit badges), Eloise McCarthy (Geffen Academy, 27 merit badges), Olivia Macdonald (Pali High, 25 badges), Sienna Nocas (Glenbrook South High, 29 merit badges), Aleah Plume (Pali High, 29 merit badges), Gemma Rahill (Santa Monica High, 25 merit badges), Presley Travail (Pali High, 30 merit badges), Avenali Weaver (Marlborough School, 27 merit badges), Abigail Yoda (Pali High, 27 merit badges) and Eleanor Yoda (Pali High, 28 merit badges).
“I’ve never seen a group that took to leadership more quickly,” Assistant Scoutmaster for Seniors 223G Sean Whiteley said.
Regular meetings and activities include monthly camp-outs, adventure treks to Yosemite, Montana, Idaho, Catalina Island and Philmont, and community service. The organization’s mission emphasizes leadership, outdoor skills, personal growth and service with a “Scouts Leading Scouts” philosophy.
Troop 223 focuses on giving local youth experiences in the outdoors through activities like hiking, backpacking and camp-outs that build confidence and resilience. The community and service dimension is strong, as many Eagle Scout projects involve local schools, nonprofit organizations and municipal improvement.
“These guys have been through an awful lot and the diversity of these young men’s activities—football, baseball, basketball, swimming, music, robotics, photography, sculpture, lacrosse, performing arts, lifeguarding, film and theater—is remarkable,” said Andy Hubsch, assistant scoutmaster for Seniors 223B. “This is something that’ll stick with you … You started as Tiger and Cub Scouts, and now you stand at the top of the mountain as Eagle Scouts and you are an Eagle Scout forever.”
Troop 223 meets at St. Matthew’s but recently, due to the Palisades fire, at St. Paul the Apostle in Westwood. New Scouts typically join in fifth or sixth grade and do not necessarily need previous Cub Scout experience.
“What you’ve all shown is the true heart of scouting—resourcefulness, commitment and courage,” Scoutmaster 223G Larry Kirven said. “This is just the beginning. You head into the future bringing integrity, service and perseverance.”
Last to speak was Lanning, who imparted this year’s candidates with his words of wisdom: “I’ve been here before and I pray to my God that I’ll be here again.”
Lanning referred to a lifelong resource he calls “The Force.”
“It’s something in you that you built—it’s not some Star Wars thing, but you can call on it the rest of your life,” Lanning continued. “You may have physical challenges or financial challenges or personal challenges, but you have to recognize this force is there and it’s characterized by three things: first, it’s unique to you; second, it’s indefatigable; and third, it’s placed in you by God and therefore it’s the best. When the going gets tough, it’s the force that will get you going.”
Finally, Senior Patrol Leader 223B Bryce Young read the benediction.
“May the values of scouting guide us in our daily lives,” he said.
Each scout received a medal and framed picture, and a reception in the courtyard was held after the ceremony.
Palisades Village will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 6, beginning at 4 p.m. The tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. with “seasonal activities” between 4 and 7 p.m.
“Though the property remains temporarily closed, this year’s gathering honors a heartfelt tradition that continues to bring the Palisades together during the holidays,” a statement read.
The tree is a “50-foot white fir, hand-selected from the Mt. Shasta region and thoughtfully adorned with 3,000 lights and over 1,500 ornaments.”
The event is set to include a visit from Santa Claus, who will light the tree, followed by “gentle snowfall”—a “meaningful moment that reflects the strength and spirit that define the Palisades.”
There will be live musical entertainment, ornament making, kids holiday crafts, face painting, balloon twisting, and food and drink options, including Sunset Smash.
