Your Two Cents’ Worth

Not Thrilled

I do not know how long 2Cents correspondent “Thrilled” has lived in the Palisades but I have lived here since 1952. I can assure Thrilled that the local community of the past whole-heartedly supported the mom and pop stores. Proof of this is the simple fact that so many stores stayed in business for as long as they did. A good example would be Mort’s Deli, which had been very successful since the early 1950s. For the most part, the reason these places closed was because their rents were raised so high they could not afford to stay in business. In addition, the buildings were not owner maintained and reflected quite badly on the community as a whole. What business owner wants to move into a run down and nearly empty building? The restaurants that replaced Mort’s could not survive because they did not offer what the community wanted. We need places where the little league teams can go after a game for a hot dog or a burger. Places that reflect the everyday needs of a community and shop owners who are willing to take part and support community projects as Mort’s did for so many years. Unless businesses like these are integrated into the Caruso development, I am afraid Pacific Palisades will have what we have had in the past: empty store fronts. Higher end and better maintained but empty.

Going the Distance

Responding to “Tag Time.” How about less time writing to the 2 Cents column and opting instead for studying geography? Since when has Sherman Oaks been 45 miles away from Pacific Palisades?

Baying for Movies

Looking forward to the Bay Theatre to open up again through Caruso’s development. Also looking forward to the possibility of dressing up the streets of this village. However, I hope the décor will also include the Oceanside theme. Because what we are really, is a small village by the sea. I would like to downplay the swank and play up the seaside.

Highlands Senior Care

Although I’m not a Highlands resident, I can understand their concerns, especially the parking issue. Having had a family member in a senior facility for more than three years, I have first-hand experience with inadequate parking. Do not think of the residents not driving. Think instead of the constant flow of visiting family and friends. This developer is barely accommodating his staff. Caruso listened. Maybe Shram will, too, and add additional spaces.

Glittering

Your article about the Palisades being part of the city’s “glittering” towns may have flattered us. There are a lot of older people who may have big homes here but no money to enjoy the lifestyle. They are camping out in these mansions, or even those ordinary middle-class homes now insanely expensive—selling for maybe 10 times the average income, when in the past it used to be maybe three times. And this is a trap, because homes are not firstly financial instruments, and once we forget that we lose the essence of a house—which is family.

Up in Smoke

Is it safe to come out and breathe again?

Got something to say? Call (310) 454-1321 or email 2cents@palipost.com and get those kudos or concerns off your chest. Names will not be used.