August Sees Additional Reopenings in Pacific Palisades

Among the Reopened Spaces Are CVS, Vittorio’s and Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Several additional spaces in Pacific Palisades have reopened following nearly eight-month closures after the Palisades fire, including CVS, Vittorio’s and the meditation gardens at Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine.

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

The meditation gardens on the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine grounds were slated to reopen to the public on Wednesday, August 27.

“The outdoor areas of the lake, known for their lush pathways and beautiful meditation nooks, will open first,” according to a representative. “Other areas of the Lake Shrine, including the Windmill Chapel, Houseboat and hilltop Temple, will open at other times over the coming months, due to ongoing remediation work across the 10-acre spiritual sanctuary.”

During the Palisades fire, a public restroom and “buildings further away from the lake suffered serious damage,” including one of the buildings that housed some of the Lake Shrine monks, which was “completely destroyed.” But, according to the representative, “most areas of the Lake Shrine were spared,” including all of the “legacy structures dating from Paramahansa Yogananda’s time.”

The interiors of the buildings had “significant smoke damage,” so prior to reopening, the buildings and their furnishings “are being restored and cleaned,” with some items, including carpets and drapery, being replaced when necessary. This work is expected to continue through the end of the year, with a full reopening of all Lake Shrine facilities being planned for spring 2026.

“We are deeply grateful to be able to welcome back visitors to this sanctuary of peace and tranquility,” Lake Shrine Minister-in-Charge Brother Satyananda said. “As a safe and quiet place full of nature’s beauty, it is our hope that the Lake Shrine can offer comfort and healing during this time of recovery.”

The meditation gardens will be open Wednesday to Sunday. Free reservations are required to visit and can be made at lakeshrine.org for morning (10 to 11:30 a.m.) and afternoon (1 to 3 p.m.) arrival slots. Reservations will open on each Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for the week ahead, according to the website.

Vittorio’s at Canyon Square

Following the destruction of its Marquez Avenue space in the Palisades fire, Vittorio’s reopened Sunday, August 24, in Canyon Square, located at 169 W Channel Road.

“Join us at Canyon Square for the same authentic Italian flavors you love, now in a convenient new location,” read the restaurant’s website. “We can’t wait to serve you.”

The restaurant, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in the community, is offering a full menu of items, including salads, sandwiches, pasta, dessert—and its beloved garlic rolls.

Vittorio’s was built by Mercedes Pellegrini and her daughters, Vanessa and Sabrina, alongside a “loyal team of employees.”

“Sabrina, Vanessa and Mercedes are a gift to the neighborhood,” Canyon Square wrote.

Vittorio’s current hours are Wednesday to Monday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, including a full menu and link to order pick-up ahead, visit
vittoriosla.com.

Ruby Nails & Spa

Ruby Nails & Spa is slated to reopen on Friday, August 29, according to store Owner Ruby Hong.

“I really want to see you soon at the totally remodeled Ruby’s nail salon,” Hong said, “to support us as well as support the Palisades getting strong.”

Ruby’s is located at 15228 W Sunset Boulevard. Its new hours, according to Hong, will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days per week.

CVS

CVS in Pacific Palisades—located at 864 Swarthmore Avenue—reopened on Friday, August 15.

“They have a new look inside and are fully staffed, including the pharmacy,” Eileen Carry told the Palisadian-Post. “Kirsten Giannelli, the district performance coordinator for CVS, is on hand to assist in the reopening process for the community. And, the community is coming. I saw several people coming into the store to shop and talk with the staff. The pharmacy team is at the ready and looking forward to serving the community again.”

A representative said the store has “soft opened”: “A grand opening and ribbon-cutting will be held on September 19 at 11 a.m.”

“The Swarthmore Avenue store is your go-to shop for vitamins, groceries, first aid supplies and cosmetics,” read the CVS website. “Its convenient location has made this Pacific Palisades pharmacy a neighborhood staple.”

In-store services include COVID-19 vaccines and testing, flu shots, immunizations, prescription delivery, an ATM, photo (including passport photos), UPS access point, OTC Health Solutions, in-store pickup, pharmacy, and Beauty IRL.

The store’s current hours, according to its website, are daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The pharmacy hours are Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The pharmacy closes for lunch from 1:30 to 2 p.m.

Club Pilates Pacific Palisades

Club Pilates Pacific Palisades reopened on Monday, August 11, currently offering classes Monday through Thursday.

“The reopening has been incredibly heartfelt,” General Manager of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades Allegra Griffin said to the Post. “Many of our members live in the Palisades and were directly impacted by the fire, so being able to return to the studio has provided a sense of normalcy and healing. We’ve felt overwhelming support from both long-time members and new faces, all wanting to be part of rebuilding the community together.”

As of August 25, the class schedule included Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9, 10 and 11 a.m.

“We will continue to expand the schedule to include afternoon and weekend classes as more clients return to the area,” Griffin explained.

Club Pilates Pacific Palisades’ current offerings include Group Reformer-based Pilates classes for all levels, and private and semi-private training sessions. A special welcome for new clients, according to Griffin, is that their first class is free (a “50-minute, full-body Pilates workout”).

The studio is located at 15230 Sunset Boulevard in the back side of the building, directly above the rear entrance of Wells Fargo.

For more information, including a schedule of classes, visit clubpilates.com/location/pacificpalisades or use the Club Pilates app.