CVS Hosts Ribbon Cutting and Communitywide Block Party

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Additional businesses have reopened in Pacific Palisades this September, including BOCA clothing store and two dental offices.

Patrick C. Park D.D.S.

Dr. Patrick C. Park, a general dentist with a focus on family and cosmetic dentistry, reopened his Monument Street office on Monday, September 15.

After the Palisades fire forced the closure of his office, Park described, like “everyone else,” being “king of stumped”: “I didn’t know what next recourse was.” Then, a friend offered a chair for Park to practice two days per week in Santa Monica on Fridays and Saturdays. He said he was “so grateful,” and that many of his patients were able to come and see him there.

In addition to the office itself being renovated, according to Park, insurance helped replace all of his equipment.

Park explained to the Palisadian-Post that he immigrated to the U.S. from South Korea at the age of 12, growing up in the El Medio Bluffs area, attending Paul Revere Charter Middle School.

“I love this town and that’s why I’m here,” Park said, noting he wants to “help this community come back.”

The office, which is accepting new patients, is located at 984 Monument Street in Suite #208. Its current hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and evenings are available for patients by appointment only.

For more information, visit patrickparkdds.com.

Palisades Wine & Spirits

In the Highlands area, Palisades Wine & Spirits has reopened with a selection of wines, liquors and beers for sale in September.

“After serving the Pacific Palisades community for more than eight years, it was very challenging to have our doors closed for such a long time,” Owner Tabi Ferede said to the Post. “We are happy to share that Palisades Wine & Spirits has officially reopened.”

The store, located at 544 Palisades Drive, is currently open Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“This reopening means so much to us,” Ferede said. “I have been running the store almost every day sometimes seven days a week on my own … I truly believe in this community, and I am committed to serving it again.”

BOCA

Clothing store BOCA—which has multiple-decade roots in the community—reopened on Friday, September 12, following an eight-month closure since the Palisades fire.

“BOCA is more than a store, it’s a family committed to the Palisades,” read its website. “After 31 years in business, we are standing with our community, stronger than ever, to rebuild what was lost. Together, with time, love and loyalty, we will rise again.”

Owned and operated by Denise and Michael Mangimelli, the store has roots in the community dating back to when it originally opened in September 1994. It is located at 970 Monument Street in Suite 106.

BOCA—short for “Boutique of Contemporary Apparel”—features a “thoughtfully curated selection of casual-chic women’s apparel designed to reflect the effortless elegance of the California lifestyle.” The offerings include “clothing that is both modern and timeless.”

Speaking to the Post on Wednesday, September 17, Denise described having “four unbelievable days” after the store reopened. Denise credited Hilary Barrett—who she affectionately referred to as “The Boss”—with helping get the store back up and running.

The store’s current hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Scott A. Warner, D.D.S.

The Monument Street office of Scott A. Warner, D.D.S., reopened on September 5, following its closure since the Palisades fire.

“After months of remediation, reconstruction and remodeling following the fire, our office will officially reopen on Friday, September 5,” Warner said before the reopening. “The building has been fully restored from the ground up, and our office has been completely refreshed and remodeled with new floors, walls, windows and cabinets.”

The “premiere father-son dental practice” was founded in 1989, read its website, with Warner’s son, Dr. Dylan J. Warner, and daughter-in-law, Dr. Arielle E. Jones, joining in 2017.

Following the Palisades fire, Warner had been temporarily caring for patients out of an office in Brentwood since the end of January. They wrapped up care at the site the last week of August.

“We look forward to welcoming you back and continuing to support your oral health and well-being,” Warner concluded. “Thank you for being a part of our dental family. We’re so excited to see you again in our newly restored office.”

The office is located at 984 Monument Street in Suite 207. Its current hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. by appointment.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 310-459-7861 or visit drwarner.net.

CVS Pharmacy

Though the store had a soft reopening on Friday, August 15, CVS Pharmacy celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community block party on Friday, September 19.

“After months of hard work, we’re thrilled to welcome back customers to our Swarthmore Avenue CVS Pharmacy store,” said Michael Ibrahim, division vice president, CVS Pharmacy. “From the day the wildfires devastated the area, our commitment to the community has been unwavering, and I want to thank the store team for working tirelessly over the last several months to reopen this location. With community rebuilding efforts underway, we’re focused on ensuring hardworking first responders, construction workers and community members have access to the products they need.”

The store has been rebuilt with an “expanded pharmacy,” as well as a “private consultation and vaccination area.” There is also an “improved in-store delivery pickup area” and “updated layout.”

“In addition, the initial product mix has been curated to meet the needs of those currently shopping the store, primarily construction teams working in the area, and features an expanded assortment of grab-and-go foods, snacks and drinks,” according to CVS. “As residents begin to return to the Pacific Palisades over the coming months and years, the store’s offerings will shift to meet the evolving needs of the community.”

Located at 864 Swarthmore Avenue, CVS is currently open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The pharmacy is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

As summer turns to fall, Palisadians can look forward to the return of a beloved tradition that dates back four decades: The annual YMCA Pumpkin Patch is set to open at Simon Meadow on Thursday, October 2, and run through October 30.

“Come enjoy the YMCA Pumpkin Patch, the best pumpkin patch in the Palisades … since the 1980s,” Lowe Family YMCA Executive Director Jim Kirtley said to the Palisadian-Post. “We will have a large array of pumpkins, gourds and ornamental squash for everyone to enjoy.”

Special events set to take place at the patch, which serves as a fundraiser for the YMCA, include the Santa Monica College glass pumpkin sale on October 11. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the SMC Art Department, Lowe Family YMCA (previously named the Palisades-Malibu YMCA) and local artists.

“The SMC Glass Pumpkin Sales are wonderful opportunities to buy handcrafted glass pumpkins,” read information about the event. “Each pumpkin is a truly unique work of art that can enhance fall-season home and office decor, as well as satisfy holiday and year-round gift needs.”

There will also be a Winding Way art installation on display, including “upcycled scarecrows and branch webs,” artist Cindy Simon described.

“Winding Way will have a fun art installation brought to you by Cindy Simon, let the little ones try to make it through the Hay Maze or take a family photo with one of our displays,” Kirtley continued. “Make memories at your YMCA Pumpkin Patch.”

This year, the patch hours will be Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We thought it was of vital importance to have the Y Pumpkin Patch for the kids and families to continue to make memories like we all have made in the past,” Kirtley said.

YMCA will also host a “mini pumpkin patch” at Palisades Charter Elementary School’s Yeehaw Day, which will take place on October 18 at the Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet campus.

The patch will also host school field trips on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for interested programs.

In addition to a truckload of pumpkins, there will be a selection available grown by Palisadian Jessica Rogers with the help of Bruce Schwartz.

“I grew these pumpkins on my burned down lot to bring joy to my land, spark the interest of my neighbors, light up children’s faces as they walked by and help heal my grief,” Rogers said. “It was a tremendous success. Bruce says I am now a farmer.”

Each year, Schwartz partners with local spaces, including Theatre Palisades, to plant a batch of pumpkins to grow for the patch. This year, following the Palisades fire, Rogers volunteered to grow the pumpkins.

“The pumpkins were a huge attraction on my street,” she described. “People more often than not would slow down or stop their cars to look at the pumpkins, which were such a contrast to the dark empty lots. The little pumpkin patch put a smile on everyone’s face and was an incredibly good conversation starter.”

Rogers said the experience allowed her to meet new neighbors. She described spending “many hours listening to survivor stories.”

“The pumpkins proved to be a safe place to make casual conversation while also healing our hearts from the heaviness around us,” she said. “There will be more opportunities to create joy as we rebuild and grow our hearts stronger and more resilient.”

Simon Meadow is located at 15551 W. Sunset Boulevard.

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The offices of Councilmember Traci Park and Mayor Karen Bass co-hosted the Return & Rebuild LA Strong webinar on Wednesday evening, September 17, which included a question and answer period for residents to inquire about rebuild and permitting options in the Palisades.

“We reached a major milestone this month with the completion of the [U.S.] Army Corps of Engineers’ Private Property Debris Removal Program nearly a year ahead of original expectations, and overall the debris removal is 99% complete,” Bass said at the beginning of the 90-minute webinar. “Every week more and more Palisadians are starting the rebuilding process.”

At the time of the meeting, more than 1,400 applications had been submitted, according to Bass, with more than 690 plans approved and 220 homes confirmed to have started construction.

“If you’re having problems at any step along the way in the process, please reach out to us,” Bass said. “I was talking to [Pali Strong Founder] Larry Vein and it was mentioned that people are having problems with the hillsides and slopes, so we want to figure out how to address that. As much as I want to say I want to eliminate all red tape, there will be challenges.”

Bass also spoke on ULA tax, created by the “Measure United to House Los Angeles,” which was approved by voters in the city of Los Angeles in November 2022 to create a real estate transfer tax. The tax applies to the sale of properties valued over a certain threshold (currently 4% for sales over $5.3 million and 5.5% for sales over $10.6 million), to “fund affordable housing projects and provide resources to tenants at risk of homelessness.”

“I don’t want you to lose hope over the ULA issue, as I do believe we’re going to get that done,” Bass said. “I feel passionately that anyone who lost their home or was affected by the fires shouldn’t have to pay the transfer tax.”

Next to speak was Park, who also addressed ULA.

“We await a final report back from the city that will be scheduled in the budget and finance committee before it comes to the full city council for a vote,” Park explained. “ULA reform is a huge issue for many of you, and I’ll continue to work closely with [Bass] on that.”

Park also commented on recovery process, citing the mayor’s support, “particularly on the permit fee waivers.”

The first presentation of the webinar was made by Vince Bertoni, planning director for the city of LA, who said single-family homeowners who want to build back what was lost or explore other zoning compliance design options can do it through a streamlined administrative process “which is less time, less cost and less risk.”

“One of the things we started with is removing planning clearances, any discretionary actions and reviews for like for like rebuilds—what you had before with a little more (up to 110%) in the same location—with no public hearing, no discretionary review and no coastal development permit process,” he explained. “This means all properties that are utilizing Executive Order 1 wouldn’t have any planning clearance. The only ones that would have a planning review would be a new Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit on a bluff. No matter where you are, coastal or non-coastal, there’s no planning review in a like for like, except for that rare situation of the ADU that didn’t exist before.”

Senior City Planner Shannon Ryan, who attended Corpus Christi School and would later get married there, detailed Executive Order 1 (like for like) and Executive Order 8 (zoning compliance). She affirmed that “like for like” applies to all buildings (single-family, multi-family and commercial) with 110% of footprint and height and is exempt from CEQA, Coastal Act and Mello Act reviews, but it excludes development that did not exist before the fire, like pools or retaining walls. LA Department of Building and Safety will determine if a project qualifies for EO 1.

“For those who want to build something larger than what the like for like option would allow, EO 8 could be a good path for you,” Ryan said. “It allows for zoning compliance single-family rebuild in the coastal zone. Under this option any damaged or destroyed house can be rebuilt to the maximum size permitted by the zoning code without coastal or environmental review when meeting the requirements of the order, including adding accessory dwelling units, basements, retaining walls and pools. EO 8 reduces what typically would’ve been an 18- to 24-month long review process to one that might only take a few days or a couple of months.”

Setback requirements are 25 feet for coastal bluffs and 10 feet for canyon bluffs.

LADBS General Manager Osama Younan said the Palisades rebuild is a “top priority” and presented a step-by-step plan for getting a permit. The best way to submit is online at eplanla.lacity.org, he said, but it can also be done in person Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the One-Stop Rebuilding Center (1828 Sawtelle Boulevard).

Requirements for a complete submittal are architectural plans; structural plans and calculations; calculations for energy code compliance; and civil plans/reports, if grading activity is being performed. Younan verified that previously approved plans using 2019 California Building Code or later versions will be accepted.

Archistar CEO Dr. Benjamin Coorey used a visual slideshow presentation to diagram how the AI Pre-Plan Check works.

“There are three checks we’re doing—like for like, zoning and building code—and the benefits include streamlined plan reviews, reduced wait-time, and re-submissions and increased consistency of reviews,” he said.

The website to register for a free account is start.archistar.ai/us/lacity.

Regarding the Self-Certification Pilot Program, Younan stated that eligibility applies to homes up to three stories, including ADUs and recreation rooms (excluding projects in geologically sensitive areas and non-standard swimming pools). The newly established Standard Plan for Single Family Home Pilot Program is a way to speed up the permitting process, and Younan encouraged architects, engineers and builders to get design approval from DBS and to submit designs by September 30 to be part of the first batch release. Benefits of using a Standard Plan for homeowners include lower design costs, code compliance for safety and resilience, and customizable interiors.    

“We’ve received complaints that work is being done without a permit,” Younan said. “If you see something like this go to our website and report it. Once we get that we’ll have an investigator inspect the property and if we find out there’s a code violation for doing work without a permit we’ll send out an inspection case manager to guide them through the permit process. Every complaint we receive will be addressed.”

When asked if temporary structures will be allowed while waiting for rebuild approvals, Younan answered: “Yes, they’ll be allowed for the duration of the project, however long it takes.”

In response to a question about residents being allowed to add ADUs, duplexes or townhomes during rebuilding, Ryan said: “Under EO 1 and EO 8 applicants can apply for new accessory dwelling units to be added to their single-family home lot but they’re not eligible to add units beyond that. The ADU can be built prior to or concurrently with a single-family dwelling but no additional density can be added. The mayor’s Executive Order 9 suspends the use of Senate Bill 9 in the burn area. That would’ve allowed the development of up to four units on a single-family lot and that’s now been suspended.”

A full recording of the webinar is available at youtube.com/watch?v=f_MfVUy3sC8.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting on the evening of Thursday, September 11, included updates and presentations on grants the board has awarded, a temporary library facility, and current and future Palisades infrastructure projects by the Bureau of Engineering.

Following its reception of donations from entities like California Community Foundation, PPCC assembled a Grants Committee, chaired by Quentin Fleming, which recommended its first two grants: $75,000 to Palisades Forestry Committee and $15,000 to Crayon Collection—both of which were unanimously approved by the PPCC board following a presentation and discussion.

Palisades Forestry Committee, which is chaired by David Card, will use the funds to coordinate the watering of street trees (trees in parkways) in the Palisades with water trucks that are operated and managed by Tracey Price of American Growers Company (a 2,000-gallon truck) and Valeria Serna of Resilient Palisades (500-gallon truck).

The two trucks, with accompanying two-person crews, will water street trees in five specific regions (Marquez Knolls, El Medio Bluffs, Via Mesa, Alphabet Streets and the Huntington) between Marquez Avenue and Chautauqua Boulevard weekly from mid-September through the end of November.

“Thank you very much,” Card said. “We appreciate it, and the trees will really appreciate it.”

When asked about additional trees in other areas of the Palisades, Card explained the funds would cover a “limited number of trees” but could potentially be expanded. He also said he would work with Council District 11’s office, which committed to provide water for 304 street trees in the Palisades.

The second grant, which was also unanimously approved by the PPCC board, will support Crayon Collection, a nonprofit founded in 2013 by Highlands resident Sheila Morovati.

The funds will be a “block grant” to commemorate the “Banners of Hope” project where students from 11 Palisades schools created art that was hung from light poles along Sunset and San Vicente boulevards by funding 4’ by 8’ banners to be gifted to each participating school. The grant will also fund art supplies and other needs for student art projects at Palisades schools, which will be determined by Crayon Collection.

Later in the meeting, Friends of the Palisades Library Board President Cameron Pfizenmaier spoke on a temporary 60’ by 60’ facility for Palisades Branch Library, which will open at Palisades Recreation Center.

Originally planned to be placed on a grassy area near the entrance of the park, the “Book Bungalow,” which will offer a “small browsing collection, holds pickup, Wi-Fi and community meeting space,” is now on track to be placed on tennis courts 7 and 8, with the city of Los Angeles Department of Recreation Parks citing during an August 28 Pacific Palisades Recreation Center Park Advisory Board meeting that the department heard feedback from the community regarding preserving green space, prompting the change.

The building will also offer a space for Rec and Parks staff to work and take breaks, while ongoing reconstruction work is being completed at Palisades Recreation Center.

The library will likely be open five days per week, probably Tuesday to Saturday with limited hours, Pfizenmaier explained.

“We’re really excited to come back and have a space,” Pfizenmaier said.

At the time of the PPCC meeting, Pfizenmaier did not have an estimated timeline for when the forthcoming permanent Palisades Branch Library would be constructed or completed, adding the Friends of the Palisades Library has been “extremely vocal” about the engineering team soliciting community input prior to rebuilding.

The final presentation of the evening was delivered by Los Angeles City Bureau of Engineering Program Manager for Hillside Slope Stability Kristen Wong regarding current and future infrastructure projects in the Palisades as part of the city’s fire response.

Wong reported that 21 bulkheads/sites have been evaluated in January and February by city staff following the start of the Palisades fire. They determined that eight city-owned bulkhead or retaining wall sites (located in the public right of way, not private property) were in need of repairs.

A site near 17632 Castellammare Drive was listed as “completed,” with sites near 17470 Revello Drive, Stretto Way at Castellammare Drive and 711 Enchanted Way “substantially completed.”

“Before … there was a timber wall that suffered a lot of fire damage,” Wong said of the site that has been completed, noting repairs had been done with concrete and steel to be more fire resistant.

A site near 505 Bienveneda Avenue and 17432 Posetano Road were listed as “in construction,” with sites near 17537 Tramonto Drive and 559 Bienveneda Avenue “under further investigation.”

The next PPCC meeting is scheduled to take place on September 25. More information, including an agenda and a link to attend, can be found at pacpalicc.org.

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce will host a Rebuild Expo on Sunday, September 28—a dedicated event designed to provide comprehensive support for residents of Pacific Palisades and Malibu affected by the Palisades fire in January.

There will be a selection of architects, contractors, designers, insurance adjusters, expediters and essential service providers on hand.

“This event is a vital resource for homeowners seeking guidance on rebuilding their homes and lives,” according to the chamber. “The Rebuild Expo brings together all the necessary resources under one roof, simplifying a process that can often feel overwhelming. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to speak directly with a variety of experts.”

There is no cost to attend but because of the focused nature of the expo, attendees must register for an entrance badge to be admitted. Eventbrite tickets can be obtained at shorturl.at/VaBqO.

“We created this expo to directly address the needs of our community members who are facing the daunting task of rebuilding and restoring their properties,” Chamber Chair Ramis Sadrieh said. “By bringing all of these professionals together, we aim to provide a streamlined, supportive environment in the form of a one-stop shop where residents can get the answers they need to begin the next chapter for their homes and families. The PaliBu Chamber is dedicated to cultivating a strong and resilient community and this event plays a crucial role in achieving that goal.”

The expo—which is presented by SunPoint Public Adjusters—will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, located at 1210 4th Street. Parking is available at Public Parking Structure 1, located next door to the Woman’s Club.

The list of exhibitors for the Expo includes A.R.M.; Anawalt Hardware & Supply; Archicraft; Arri Lecron Architects; Casa Blanc Windows and Doors; Catalina Paints; Champion Builders; City of LA/Pali TC; 4Creeks; David Van Arsdell Architects PC; F2F Sevan Palisades Home Builders; Floorish; Frame It; Frantz Construction; G. Row; Haro Kasunich and Associates, Inc.; Interwall Steel; Karamia Designs Inc.; LPI Construction; Laura Evans Living Interior Design; Luxe Homecare; Malibu Glass & Mirror;  Malibu Nursery & Landscaping; MC Builder; Milestones Ranch; Olympia Designs; Perfect Block Shelter Safety; Reiko Architecture; Rigid Design & Construction,  Inc.; RLB Architecture; StackWall MFG.; Studio Bracket; SunPoint Public Adjusters; T&S Structural; Technology for You; Top Tier Contractors Inc.; Trade Construction Services, Inc.; Twin Oaks, Inc.; and VITOLI Landscaping.

“The PaliBu Chamber of Commerce serves the business and resident communities of Pacific Palisades and Malibu,” according to a statement. “We are committed to promoting local commerce, supporting our members and fostering community growth.”

For more information,
contact PaliBu Chamber Connections Director Anthony McDemas at connections@malibu.org or visit palibu.org.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin will host “Palibu Day of Service” on Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to support “the essential work local nonprofits do to support” Pacific Palisades and Malibu.

“Spend the day giving back through meaningful, hands-on projects that support our community,” read information about the event, which will take place at various sites, as well as Pepperdine University at Alumni Park, located at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Volunteer opportunities include a beach cleanup with Heal the Bay at Malibu Lagoon, oak tree care at Nicholas Flat Trailhead with Resource Conservation District of Santa Monica Mountains, packing lunches with Malibu C.A.R.T., a drive with Westside Food Bank and donating blood with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

“Many more volunteer opportunities will be available at Pepperdine University, from art projects to CPR trainings,” the description continued. “Fee-waived pet adoptions with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care will also be available, including fee-waived feline adoptions at the Agoura shelter.”

For more information or to sign up for available volunteer opportunities, visit a42.asmdc.org/events.

Palisades Beautiful will host a tree planting event on Saturday, September 27, beginning at 9 a.m.

“We need your help planting four new trees on Swarthmore [Avenue] in front of the CVS parking lot,” according to the organization. “There were palm trees here cut down after the fire, and we’ll be replacing them with new trees in nearly the same location. Each tree is in a 24” box, we’ll split into groups working on each of the four tree wells.”

Gloves and shovels will be provided, but attendees are requested to bring their own if they have them. Long pants and sleeves, as well as closed-toe shoes, are recommended.

The group will meet at American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 (15247 La Cruz Drive), and after the event, they will have lunch at Palisades Garden Cafe. For more information or to RSVP, visit palisadesbeautiful.org/plant.

Pacific Palisades Democratic Club will host its annual garden party on Sunday, September 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at a home in The Riviera.

“Hear from and ask questions of your elected officials face to face,” read an event description.

Invitations from PPDC have been accepted by Congressmember Brad Sherman, Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, Councilmember Traci Park and Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Nick Melvoin. PPDC has extended an invitation to U.S. Senator Adam Schiff.

The event will include a silent auction, as well as “delicious food and drink.” Doors will open at 1:30 p.m., with the program slated to begin at 2:10 p.m. There will also be a link to attend virtually via Zoom.

Tickets begin at $75 for in person or $35 for virtual. Students can attend in person for $50 or $25 for virtual. For more information, including a link to purchase tickets, visit palidems.org.

Chamber Music Palisades will begin its 29th season with a free community afternoon concert on Saturday, September 27, at 3 p.m.

“This program features the artistry of flutist Susan Greenberg alongside the acclaimed and award-winning Zelter String Quartet,” according to information shared by CMP. “The program includes beloved masterpieces by [Wolfgang Amadeus] Mozart, [Ludwig van] Beethoven, [Felix] Mendelssohn and [Maurice] Ravel, and a vivacious modern piece, ‘City of Angels,’ by Los Angeles composer Todd Mason.”

The concert will take place at Brentwood Presbyterian Church, located at 12000 San Vicente Boulevard. For additional information on the season, visit cmpalisades.org.