By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

There are a few things that mean it’s fall in Pacific Palisades: cooler weather, festive events—and the arrival of two truckloads of pumpkins to be sold at the annual Palisades-Malibu YMCA Pumpkin Patch at Simon Meadow.

This year’s patch will feature “very cool new things,” Palisades-Malibu YMCA Executive Director Jim Kirtley explained to the Palisadian-Post. The delivery will include pumpkins, corn and more, equating to 275 pallets.

Part of the assortment will be knucklehead pumpkins, warty minion pumpkins, “show stopper” Big Mac pumpkins, and, for the first time, white pie pumpkins. There will be corn stalks, along with ornamental corn.

The patch will officially open with a pumpkin carving ceremony on Sunday, October 1, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with a special guest on hand to help kick off festivities. Resilient Palisades will be there with composting stations and activities for kids, Kirtley said. In 2022, the event was attended by Senator Ben Allen, who helped with the first carving.

The lot will once again be supplied with its fall selection by Van Groningen & Sons, Inc., which, according to its website, is a farming business, based in California, with roots dating back to 1922 that has been passed down through generations of the Von Groningen family.

“For the past 99 years, we have worked to maintain our reputation for producing high-quality produce while operating with integrity, honesty and responsibility,” the website continued.

A select number of pumpkins will be sold that were grown at Simon Meadow: Some of the pumpkins that had rotted last year melted into the ground, Kirtley explained, and because of the rains, the seeds started to grow.

“Summer day campers made it a project where they would water them as part of the camp,” Kirtley continued.

The patch serves as one of YMCA’s biggest annual fundraisers, alongside the tree lot, which will return this year as well. In part, the fundraisers support the day camp.

“This goes to help all kinds of programs,” Kirtley said of the fundraising efforts. “It helps provide financial assistance for [Youth & Government], it goes to senior memberships … everybody and anybody who is in need.”

Funds also help YMCA host events at Simon Meadow for other area organizations throughout the year, like Pacific Palisades Community Council, which will host a Jubilee & Community Celebration on Saturday, September 30, and Council District 11, which previously hosted a safety fair. Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce also hosted a Health & Wellness Day at Simon Meadow in August.

There will also be an annual glass sale, with Santa Monica College, which will take place on October 8 between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and a forthcoming display at Winding Way, which is designed each year by Cindy Simon and Tracey Price.

Before the kick-off event on October 1, the patch will be open on Friday, September 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. For the rest of the season, the patch will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, until the pumpkins are sold out.

“[The patch] allows us to be able to do the impactful programming we have,” Kirtley concluded.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council will commemorate its 50th anniversary alongside dozens of area officials and organizations during a Jubilee & Community Celebration on Saturday, September 30, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Simon Meadow.

“Public officials and elected representatives and Palisades community leaders from almost every local organizations will be present for a wonderful day of community and a celebration of the volunteer spirit that helps make the Palisades wonderful,” read an email from PPCC.

Festivities will include music, food, specialty coffees and desserts, which have been underwritten by members of the community and local organizations. The day will be emceed by Sam Laganà, a longtime Palisadian and stadium voice of the LA Rams.

PPCC will share its anniversary with other community entities, including Palisades Village Green (50 years), Pacific Palisades Historical Society (50 years), Theatre Palisades (60 years), Palisades Fourth of July Parade (75 years) and more.

“It is impressive to see how many organizations are active in this town,” PPCC Chair Maryam Zar said to the Palisadian-Post, “and how together, we make up the tapestry of this wonderful community.”

In addition to entities celebrating anniversaries, dozens of other area organizations will also be participating in the event, including Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness, Palisades Gift Shop, Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Palisades Baseball Association and more.

“It is exciting and infinitely gratifying that what began as plans for a 50th anniversary celebration for PPCC has grown to a Community Jubilee that is truly all encompassing,” Zar said. “As of right now, we have 30 community organizations joining the celebration with booths, and a dozen that will give volunteer awards on this spectacular day of celebrating community.”

The program will begin with a presentation from PPCC, remarks from elected and other area officials, a brief history of the Palisades, and recap of the community council from long-standing members and founders, according to the PPCC website. There will also be a “procession of awards” given out by participating organizations to local volunteers.

Local elected officials who are expected to attend and participate include Councilmember Traci Park, Senator Ben Allen and Congressmember Brad Sherman. Los Angeles Fire and Police department officials also have plans to be at the event.

There will be a display of poems, art, photographs and other writings from students who live or go to school in the Palisades, organized by Palisades Charter High School and Pacific Palisades Library Association, with prizes to be awarded in various categories.

Founded in 1973, PPCC operates with a mission of protecting and improving the quality of life in Pacific Palisades.

“The PPCC is a forum for the consideration of community issues,” according to its mission statement. “[It] is an advocate for Pacific Palisades to government and private agencies upon issues where there is broad community agreement as reflected by two-thirds of the board members voting on any one of those issues at a PPCC meeting, and assists other organizations in Pacific Palisades which want help in accomplishing their objectives or projects, which the PPCC determines to support.”

For more information, or to donate to support PPCC’s efforts, visit pacpalicc.org.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Several years in the making, Ciela—located at 17310 West Vereda De La Montura in the Highlands—will soon welcome residents to begin moving into its “modern resort-style retirement community” starting October 23.

“We believe in providing seniors with an environment that fosters joy and rejuvenation as they age,” Ciela Founder and President Rony Shram said in a statement. “Our location overlooks the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains from every corner of the property, providing a connection to nature that’s vital for residents’ well-being.”

When open, Ciela will offer independent living, assisted living, memory care and short-term stays. Individuals can choose from a studio, or one- or two-bedroom apartment.

Included in the monthly rent will be a variety of services, including all food and beverage, housekeeping and laundry, transportation and more. Ciela will also be a pet-friendly community, with residents able to bring their dogs, cats, birds and fish.

Ciela will offer a number of living amenities and programming, according to its website. Residents can expect guest speakers and educators, a calendar of cultural programming, local excursions, arts, and entertainment.

There will also be a spa and Vitality Center, full-service nail and hair salon, physical therapy, fitness classes, and personal training. There will be a rooftop terrace, dedicated walking paths and gardens.

“Our approach to wellness is data-driven and integrative … ” Shram’s statement continued. “We want our residents to enjoy life to the fullest.”

The history of the project includes a legal battle with Pacific Palisades Residents Association, which dates back to 2018. The association fought aspects of the development, trying to appeal exemptions and approvals by the city and California Coastal Commission.

Most recently, on March 8, the Second District Court of Appeal rejected its appeal, with the court affirming its previous decision that the project was consistent with the Los Angeles Zoning Code, CCC and others.

The Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the project’s completion with a Sunset Mixer and Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 3, from 5 to 7 p.m.

“Ciela, a pioneering community dedicated to holistic well-being and luxury, is thrilled to announce the upcoming grand opening of its first location in Pacific Palisades,” according to the event flyer. “Founded by President Rony Shram, Ciela represents a seven-year labor of love, aimed at revolutionizing the way seniors experience their golden years.”

The chamber event will include “sips and bites,” and is free to attend. The Chamber requested attendees RSVP, so the “chef knows how much to prepare.”

“This eagerly awaited event marks a significant milestone in redefining aging and creating an extraordinary lifestyle for seniors,” the flyer concluded

Ciela will also host a “Wellness Journey” event on October 21 at 2 p.m. Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP, as limited spots are available.

To RSVP to the Chamber event, visit palibu.org. For more information on Ciela, visit liveciela.com or call 310-310-8218.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Collections Antiques and Books, located at 15326 Antioch Street, is closing at the end of September, according to signs placed on the storefront.

The original Collections Antiques & Accessories store reopened as Collections Antiques and Books under a new owner.

Originally owned by Martha Strang since 1991, her longtime associate Jeff Ridgway took over the space on December 1, 2021, and introduced a collection of books to the antique shop.

“I met Martha when I would visit her in the store to sell advertising for the local papers,” Ridgway previously told the Palisadian-Post. “A few years ago … she told me she was looking for someone to work part-time, and I promised to find her someone. When I failed to do so, I thought maybe I should just jump in and help out.”

Ridgway said he very quickly realized that an antique store was the perfect venue for also selling books.

“There is a nice harmony between the amazing hand-crafted pieces of all sorts and books in general,” he said, “but especially the classics, which I love.”

From artwork and clocks, to furniture and unique gifts, Ridgway’s store offered an assortment of books, giving the Palisades a new place to purchase classic and contemporary works.

A longtime Palisadian, Ridgway has worked at multiple stores that furthered his knowledge, and love, of vintage items and books. Prior to taking over Collections Antiques, he worked at Crown Books on Sunset Boulevard and acted as manager shortly after. He also helped Katie O’Laughlin open Village Books.

With his own shop, he set out to sell the “best-of-the-best” books from his personal collection over the past 40 years.

“Certainly the book world has changed, and absolutely the retail experience has changed,” Ridgway said. “But there is a unique and enduring value to holding a physical volume and reading and re-reading as a personal act rather than on an impersonal screen showing computer-generated text.

“A bookstore allows someone to actually see the titles of what is available. To touch and browse and explore, and to see the connections, which are all important.”

Signs now placed across the storefront read, “Sadly we are closing this month.” The shop has announced a 50% discount on all books through the month of September.

“Dear friends … I thank you for your wonderful support [these] past two years,” a note signed by Ridgway read. “I will miss you.”

The closure comes about a year and a half after Amazon Books closed at Palisades Village in March 2022. Saint Laurent is anticipated to open soon in the space, which is at Swarthmore Avenue and Sunset Boulevard.

Magnolia Lafleur contributed to this report.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Paul Revere Charter Middle School started the 2023-24 academic year with a new principal: Dr. Shuntell Anthony.

A familiar face, Anthony previously acted as the school’s assistant principal for six years before stepping into the new role. She succeeded Thomas Iannucci, who served as principal since 2015.

“It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new principal of Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center,” Anthony wrote to students, families, teachers and staff in a letter dated August 9. “I bring with me a deep passion for education, a steadfast commitment to student achievement and a collaborative approach to leadership … I am honored and thrilled to join this extraordinary community and embark on a journey of growth, learning and success alongside each and every one of you.”

Anthony told the Palisadian-Post she grew up in South Los Angeles, attending Los Angeles Unified School District schools, including 52nd Street Elementary School, Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies and Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets.

She started her career in education as a high school teacher of special education and taught biology for nearly 16 years. She also worked for the special education charter office as a least restrictive environment—or LRE—specialist.

When asked what drew her to Revere, Anthony said her eldest child graduated from the school and her younger children attend school in the neighboring areas, so she was familiar with the community.

“From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I was captivated by the warm and welcoming atmosphere that permeates every corner of our school,” Anthony wrote in the letter. “The dedication of our exceptional teachers, the boundless potential of our talented students, and the unwavering support from our engaged parents and community are the foundation upon which we will build our collective success.”

So far, Anthony told the Post she has enjoyed working with her parent group and learning about the support provided to the school, as well as talking to students and building a positive rapport.

“Additionally, I enjoy having a collaborative and cohesive team,” Anthony said. “Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center’s wonderful staff—administrators, teachers, clerical, campus aids, cafeteria and custodial—are dedicated to providing a positive educational experience for our students and families. I look forward to working with my staff to improve academic outcomes for our students and providing students with enriching experiences that extend outside of the classroom.”