First Baby of 2019 in Pacific Palisades Arrives

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The first baby of Pacific Palisades has arrived in Via Mesa.

Laura Solomon, her husband Michael and their almost-3-year-old daughter Caroline welcomed Catherine Elisabeth on January 16 around 9:45 p.m.

The family has lived in the Palisades for about three years. They moved from the West Hollywood area because they wanted to raise their kids in the Palisades.

“We really love living here with young kids,” Laura shared. “There are families with young kids who all live around us. Every time we leave the house, we see a friendly face.”

Laura explained that their whole life pretty much revolves within a one- to two-mile radius in the Palisades.

“So it’s just a great community feel,” she said. “We love the new Palisades Village. We love going to dinner in the Village and Pearl Dragon, taking our older daughter to the beach, taking hikes in Temescal.”

Laura explained that the family also likes to travel—although they aren’t doing that as often now.

“Our older daughter loves gardening in our backyard, so we help her with that,” she added.

They love the pace of the Palisades, which Laura, who grew up in Pasadena, described as slower than the heart of Los Angeles.

Because Catherine is the family’s second child, Laura offered advice for first-time parents: “Get organized in advanced because you won’t have time or energy after the baby is here to get your life and nursery organized.”

She also suggested, with a laugh, hiring a night nurse so you can get some sleep the first few weeks.

The first baby has been a tradition in the newspaper since 1954. This year, the family received over $1,500 worth of prizes from local businesses and restaurants—including a handmade quilt from the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club.

The family will dine at Pinocchio, Shutters on the Beach, Juicy Ladies, K Bakery and Starbucks; partake in services from SKINxFIVE, Palisades Barbershop, Michelle International, Goorus and the YMCA; and visit Village Florist, Palisades Pit Stop, Cinépolis, Palisades Music School and Puzzle Zoo. 

Two runners up for the first baby of 2019 were William Oliver McCasline, who was born on the 21st at 10:43 a.m., and Hanley Josephine Pancotta, who was born on January 18 at 4:55 a.m. at St. John’s.